Review: S.I.G.M.A. 1: Web of Spies

Kids as heroes, solving mysteries and crimes under the noses of adults, goes way back – well before the likes of that ‘Famous Five’, the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. And it never gets old.

S.I.G.M.A. 1: Web of Spies is bestselling adult thriller author, Tim Ayliffe’s first foray into middle grade fiction territory and this book will hit with a bang – particularly for fans of Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider series.

Meet Year 9 student, Oliver (Ollie) Speed – your everyday hero whose primary goal is to come back from his disastrous performance in the previous year’s cross-country event to beat his arch-rival, Tank. He trains every day, reluctantly accompanied by his friend George’s drone, and is feeling confident he can redeem himself this year. 

Then he stumbles over a body in the park.

This gruesome discovery sets off a chain of events that quickly unravel Ollie’s life and everything he thought was the truth – particularly about his father, who has been missing for the last ten months.

Together with George, and wannabe journalist friend, Ella, Ollie sets out to find answers to his questions. Who was the man in the park? How was he connected to his father? And – who can he really trust to tell him the truth?

If you’re the type of reader who enjoys non-stop rising tension, likes working out which clues are false alarms and wants to feel like you’re right there with the protagonist in the middle of the action, then the S.I.G.M.A. series may be just what you’re looking for.

Even though the premise unfolds around political power plays, which are often top secret classified and certainly not for pre-adult readers, Tim Ayliffe can not be accused of watering down events or patronising his younger readers. The action is there and completely believable.

With relatable characters who could be you, your friends or even the adults in your life, you’ll be cheering Oliver Speed on as he works to uncover the secrets adults don’t want him to discover.

Fair warning though – all the questions you have as you read may not be answered at the end. While this is somewhat frustrating, it pays to remember that S.I.G.M.A. 1: Web of Spies is only book 1 in this new thriller series from Tim Ayliffe. Here’s to many more because I thoroughly enjoyed it and am already looking forward to book 2.

Title: S.I.G.M.A. 1: Web of Spies
Author: Tim Ayliffe
Publisher: Affirm Kids, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761636615
For ages: 10 – 14
Type: Middle Grade Fiction