Review: Threat of the Spider
Threat of the Spider (The Web of the Spider series)
by Michael P. Spradlin
Margaret K. McElderry Books (imprint of Simon & Schuster), 2025
Category: Middle Grade
Reviewer: Judith S. Greenblatt
Germany, 1930. Twelve year old Ansel’s father has gone missing. No help will be had from the police, as his father was fighting for a free press in Germany. It’s up to Ansel and his friends. Ansel applies what he has learned from reading his favorite books, the “Dirk Goodly, Boy Detective” novels. First considering possible kidnappers, Ansel focuses on Hans and his friends in his town’s Hitler Youth chapter. Ansel, who is quick to speak up against what he sees as wrong, and who is smart and funny, has been Hans’s enemy for a long time. Enmity between the two boys grew as Hans became more arrogant and even more of a bully. Can Ansel be right? Threat of the Spider is a fast paced and compelling story: readers will want to know what happened to Ansel’s father, and will be rooting for Ansel to solve the mystery.
Michael P. Spradlin is a New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author who has published short stories in Boy’s Life Magazine. Threat of the Spider is the second in the Web of the Spider series. Ansel, the main character, is an engaging, wise-cracking kid who leads his friends into adventures. He is also horrified at what is happening in Germany. Mr. Spradlin clearly knows, and writes satisfying mysteries that will please his audience.
The book contains general references to the situation of Jews in Germany, and specific reference to vandalism against Jewish neighbors. It makes clear the easy road to tyranny, specifically dealing with the rise of Hitler. However, it has no Jewish characters, and only a brief reference to vandalism against Jews.
Michael P. Spradlin is a New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author who has published short stories in Boy’s Life Magazine. Threat of the Spider is the second in the Web of the Spider series. Ansel, the main character, is an engaging, wise-cracking kid who leads his friends into adventures. He is also horrified at what is happening in Germany. Mr. Spradlin clearly knows, and writes satisfying mysteries that will please his audience.
The book contains general references to the situation of Jews in Germany, and specific reference to vandalism against Jewish neighbors. It makes clear the easy road to tyranny, specifically dealing with the rise of Hitler. However, it has no Jewish characters, and only a brief reference to vandalism against Jews.
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Reviewer Judith S. Greenblatt says: I hold a Master of Library Service from Rutgers-The State University, and a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies from Hebrew College, Newton, Ma. I started my career as a Judaic Librarian as Librarian at the Michael Lichtenstein Memorial Library, Temple B'nai Israel, Toledo, Ohio. as Director of Library Services at the Bureau of Jewish Education of Rhode Island, served as Vice President and President of the School, Synagogue and Center Division of AJL. Publications include: 1985-86 Book lists; for young children, for 3rd to 6th graders, for young adults, 100 Plus Books For The Children's Library: A Basic Collection. Weine Classification Scheme for Judaica Libraries. Revised by Judith S. Greenblatt, Chairman. 8th edition. Association of Jewish Libraries, Synagogue, School and Center Division, 1994.
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