Maximum Security

Maximum Security is the third novel in the CHERUB series of books, written by Robert Muchamore. In this novel CHERUB agents James Adams and Dave Moss infiltrate a maximum security prison in Arizona to get to the son of an international arms dealer.

Plot summary
James is joined on a new mission by Dave Moss and his sister Lauren Adams. The mission focuses on Jane Oxford, an international arms dealer who has been untraceable for as long as she has been on the CIA's most wanted list. But then they come across a breakthrough: Jane's 14-year-old son Curtis Oxford has been jailed for murdering three innocent people. He is being held at Arizona Maximum Security Prison. The Americans ask a favour from CHERUB, an organisation with one essential advantage: even experienced criminals do not expect kids to be spying on them. The plan is for James and Dave to be sent into the prison undercover, then to bust Curtis out, hoping that Curtis will lead them to his mother. However, after a prison fight Dave is injured and taken to hospital, leaving James alone behind bars. Soon James and Curtis escape with the help of Lauren. Later, they meet up with Jane Oxford. Jane wants James dead, so she sends her men to execute him but he beats them. Soon, the FBI arrive to arrest Jane. Lauren gets her navy shirt for her performance.

Main Characters

 * James Adams: The main protagonist, James travels to Arizona to break out Curtis Oxford in an attempt to arrest his mother. This is James's third mission and his first time on a mission with his sister.
 * Dave Moss: An experienced agent who James looks up to, Dave is one of the most popular agents on CHERUB Campus.
 * Lauren Adams: On her first mission, Lauren does not infiltrate the prison with the boys, she instead drives the getaway vehicle and stays with Mission Controller John Jones during part of the mission.

Critical reception
Maximum Security received better reviews than its predecessor, Class A and received four awards.[1]

Sequel
Main article: The Killing (novel)The novel is followed by The Killing, released in October 2005. The title came from one of Robert Muchamore's favourite movies.[2] James and Dave go to London to uncover just why a small-time crime boss has suddenly made it big.