LIAR & SPY by Rebecca Stead

When Georges's father lost his job and the family had to leave their house and move into an apartment, Georges is sure he won't make any new friends, but things get interesting on their first trip to the basement to put the packing paper in the recycling.  Georges sees a sign posted on a door that reads, "Spy Club Meeting - TODAY." 

At the Spy Club Meeting Georges meets Safer and Candy, a brother and sister who live in the apartment building.  According to Safer, a mysterious Mr. X, another building resident, always dresses in black and carries suitcases to and from his apartment.  Safer is convinced that the suitcases probably hold the chopped up bodies of his victims.  He says with Georges's help they can spy on Mr. X and prevent any further crimes.

Georges enjoys his time with Safer and is happy to have found a friend.  At school his former best friend has started eating with the cool kids at lunch and barely even glances at Georges in the hall.  Picked on by the class bullies, Georges time at school is pretty miserable, but he doesn't want to bother his father with his problems since his dad is busy trying to find new clients for his business and keeping things together at home while Georges's mother works long shifts at the hospital. 

Author Rebecca Stead combines quirky characters, suspense, and humor to entertain middle grade readers in LIAR & SPY.  There are just enough twists and turns to keep the plot exciting and the pages turning.