Close Quarters: A Michael Vaughn Novel (Alias) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Emma Harrison (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Keeping tabs on Marianna, the daughter of Italy’s president, isn’t the type of assignment Michael Vaughn was expecting. He’s a newly minted CIA officer—not a babysitter.

Never mind that there’s a plot to assassinate Marianna’s father. Or that she’s incredibly beautiful. Or that ditching her security detail makes her laugh.

Political assassins are no laughing matter.

And neither are gorgeous girls undercover.

From the Inside Flap
Keeping tabs on Marianna, the daughter of Italy?s president, isn?t the type of assignment Michael Vaughn was expecting. He?s a newly minted CIA officer?not a babysitter.

Never mind that there?s a plot to assassinate Marianna?s father. Or that she?s incredibly beautiful. Or that ditching her security detail makes her laugh.

Political assassins are no laughing matter.

And neither are gorgeous girls undercover.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Bantam Books for Young Readers (September 9, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553494031
• ISBN-13: 978-0553494037
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #403,314 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Dangerous Babysitting Job, October 1, 2003

By	Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Vaughn is shocked at his new assignment for the CIA. Instead of another important, high profile case, he's told to guard Italy's first daughter while she's in New York for a few days. Meeting the spoiled young woman doen't make him think any less of his job as "babysitter." But things begin to happen that makes him think there might be more to this assignment then he first thought. And when he begins to fall for her, things really get complicated.

I loved this book. We got to understand Vaughn a little more in a story that holds together much better then his last prequel did. It has a fun surprise for series fans in it. And the plot was the most original of the prequel novels so far.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun, quick book to read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good read for all "Alias" fans, July 14, 2004

By	Lauren (USA) - See all my reviews

As a fan of the show, I found myself addicted to all of the prequel novels, but I especially enjoyed reading about Vaughn and learning about his past. This, like all the prequel novels, is far less elaborate than the show but I found myself enjoying it nonetheless. There are a few interesting tie-ins with Sydney Bristow to keep you wanting more. Overall, this is an interesting one to read with a good plot.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Vaughn is the Best!, April 21, 2004

By	butterfly (wisconsin) - See all my reviews

However, that being said, i have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books i have read so far. i think i enjoyed this one the best because while Vaughn tries to uncover who wants the Italian president dead (when he's really only responsible for entertaining/babysitting the president's gorgeous and sassy adult daughter) his path actually crosses with someone we all love!

Mystery novels normally follow a certain formula and the antagonist is supposed to be the person you least likely suspect. a good writer will make this surprise believable and as we look back see with excellent hindsight all the clues we missed. for me, this book followed the formula; however, when the antagonist was finally unveiled i wasn't all that surprised. the antagonist was understandable but it also kind of seemed like, "oh, this is the person no one will suspect so here!" and for that reason, i only give 4 stars.

i love the tv series and have enjoyed reading the books because it allows me to see these characters develop from the young adults they were when first recruited, the maturity and experience they seem to be gaining as each mission is completed with ultimate success (amid their own human folly) and seeing how it relates to the characters that i wait to watch sunday night.