The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Fiction
2024
Narrated by Georgina Jane and Louis Hill
Finished on 4/21/2026
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
This middle grade historical adventure follows two siblings at Bletchley Park, the home of WWII codebreakers, as they try to unravel a mystery surrounding their mother’s death.
Remember, you are bound by the Official Secrets Act…
Summer, 1940. Nineteen-year-old Jakob Novis and his quirky younger sister Lizzie share a love of riddles and puzzles. And now they’re living inside of one. The quarrelsome siblings find themselves amidst one of the greatest secrets of World War II—Britain’s eccentric codebreaking factory at Bletchley Park. As Jakob joins Bletchley’s top minds to crack the Nazi's Enigma cipher, fourteen-year-old Lizzie embarks on a mission to solve the mysterious disappearance of their mother.
The Battle of Britain rages and Hitler’s invasion creeps closer. And at the same time, baffling messages and codes arrive on their doorstep while a menacing inspector lurks outside the gates of the Bletchley mansion. Are the messages truly for them, or are they a trap? Could the riddles of Enigma and their mother's disappearance be somehow connected? Jakob and Lizzie must find a way to work together as they race to decipher clues which unravel a shocking puzzle that presents the ultimate challenge: How long must a secret be kept?
Having recently read The Eights (Joanna Miller) and The Rose Code (Kate Quinn), I decided to give The Bletchley Riddle a try after hearing good things about the book from others who have enjoyed novels about Bletchley Park. The narration of the audio edition is very well done, alternating readers between each of the two main characters. In spite of the fact that this is a YA novel, the storyline is neither childish or simplistic, and I was entertained from start to finish. I've read a couple of Sepetys books (Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray) and this one doesn't disappoint.
I've enjoyed her past books and have this one on my TBR list. It does sound like a fun one. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. :D
ReplyDeleteLark, I plan to read more by Sepetys. I enjoy her stories.
DeleteSepetys is a master at YA historial novels. I also liked this one and thought she handled the topic well. Bletchley and the work done there is so interesting!
ReplyDeleteHelen, it is such an interesting subject. I hope/plan to read Code Girls (nonfiction) sometime this year. Maybe in November.
DeleteI love reading about Bletchley Park, but I was put off of this one by the YA label. So good to hear that it is neither childish nor simplistic. It goes back on the list!
ReplyDeleteJane, I enjoy this subject matter, as well. I hope you enjoy this book. Part of my enjoyment was the audio narration. Not sure how the print edition will be for you, should you go that route.
DeleteI have not read Sepetys yet ... but I'm curious about her historical tales. It seems she is a good storyteller. Thx for the review of this one. The Bletchley era is quite fascinating.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I've enjoyed the few books I've tried by Sepetys. She handles the historical aspects quite well, I feel. Yes, the Bletchley era is very interesting. I'm eager to re-watch The Imitation Game (with Cumberbatch).
DeleteI know Joy who hosts British Isles Friday would love this one. She likes the Bletchly coding aspect as well, and I do too. Wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina. I'm looking forward to reading Code Girls, which JoAnn read and recommended several months ago.
DeleteRuta Sepetys has certainly been a popular author in the YA realm. I haven't read any of her books as yet, but I have shelved many of them at the library over and over. Love the fact that this one includes Bletchley. May see if it's available at my library. :-)
ReplyDeleteKay, she has done well with her YA books, hasn't she? This is a quick read/listen, and I think you'd enjoy it.
DeleteGood to know! That was on my list for a while but got dropped. I think I'll add it back now that my list is at a manageable size.
ReplyDeleteJoy, I think it's one you'd enjoy! The pacing is even, the characters engaging, and the historical aspect fascinating. I loved the audio narration of the story!
DeleteI have enjoyed every Ruta Sepetys book I've read. Thank you for sharing this one with us, Les!
ReplyDeleteDeb, I'm hoping to read more by Sepetys. She does a nice job with historical fiction, doesn't she?
DeleteMy favorite Ruta Sepetys book so far is the first I read, Shades of Gray (I think that was the title). I remember because the librarian looked at me twice when she was checking it out for me. I think she thought it was that other book!
DeleteDeb, Between Shades of Gray was the first book of Sepetys that I read, too.
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