The Electronic Mind Reader, the 12th Rick Brant novel, was published in 1957 and is another JANIG-based adventure with government spook Steve Ames as one of the main characters. The story involves foreign espionage against a secret government missile project based in Washington. Steve Ames comes for help from the Spindrift Foundation after several project scientists are struck down by a mysterious neural malady that seems to cause severe aphasia and inability to communicate. Steve suspects foul play and decides that isolating the remaining members of the research group on Spindrift Island for security purposes might save them from further attacks, but as the whole Brant family discovers the enemy does not give up that easily. One great thing about the book, for female readers, is that Barby once again plays a major role in the adventure, along with Jan Miller, a new character who is Barby's age. Both of the girls are strong female characters, although the focus remains on the adventures of the boys. Another great thing about this book is that you again meet a number of the old gang from the previous novels: Cap'n Mike, Jerry Webster, Duke Barrows, State Trooper Captain Douglas, and others. We hope that you enjoy this thrilling YA spy novel.
