It follows the exploits of eleven-year-old Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life, a day that begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by one calamity after another. But when Alexander tells his upbeat family about the misadventures of his disastrous day, he finds little sympathy and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him.

Alex Rider has been trained since birth for a career as a spy. It's not until his beloved uncle, Ian Rider, dies that Alex learns of his intended purpose in life. At just 14, Alex is not sure he can do all that is required of a super spy. Without much choice he is taken under the wing of Britain's secret intelligence service. The Special Operations Division of the MI6 sends Alex on a mission which could save or cost millions their lives. As Alex embarks...