I’m an unabashed fan of classic “choose your own adventure” style gamebooks. Sure, most of my fondness for the genre has its roots in nostalgia, but I still collect them (there are treasures to be found at used bookstores), and I’m continually amazed at just how many different series there were.

From the OG Choose Your Own Adventure books to Time Machine, Twistaplot, Find Your Fate, Endless Quest, Lone Wolf, Fighting Fantasy, and so many more, the 80s were the absolute heyday for immersive gamebooks.

But they’re still around, and there are a number of series putting out new books that deserve more attention. In this series, we’ll highlight a few of the books and series that require you to read closely, make decisions, and hopefully avoid a gruesome end.

We recently highlighted Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s The Oregon Trail series of “Choose Your Own Trail” books. And if those books scratch your nostalgia itch for 80s (somewhat educational) video gaming, then you’re in luck! HMH brought the same sensibility to a series of “Chase Your Own Caper” books based on the Carmen Sandiego animated series on Netflix.

It may not be the classic Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? (and its many spinoff games), but the new show is most excellent. And if you’re not watching it, shame on you!

There are a number of different books available that tie into the show, but whereas the graphic novels (The Fishy Treasure Caper and The Sticky Rice Caper) are based on episodes of the show, the two (as of now) Chase Your Own Caper books – Jetpack Attack and Endangered Operation – are original stories with oodles of choices to make and 20 possible endings.

Both books are written by Sam Nisson (whose sole credit is in 8-point font on the copyright page; for shame!) and feature illustrations that mimic the look and feel of the show (but are uncredited to any artist; for double shame!).

Also, I should point out that you don’t actually play AS Carmen in these books. In Jetpack Attack, you’re an engineer working on a personal jetpack when Carmen swoops in to steal it (it was commissioned by VILE). In Endangered Operation, you’re a junior zookeeper responsible for a tiger cub that gets stolen by VILE.

In both books, though, you have the choice to team up with Carmen or go your own way. There aren’t a ton of violent, deadly endings, but some of them imply that you don’t make it out alive. And depending on your choices, you can end up with the “good guys” and help Carmen. Or you can end up a full-fledged member of VILE.

Both are a ton of fun for fans of “choose your own adventure” style books or Carmen Sandiego… or both!