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Codebreaker
This original, interactive thriller from debut author Jay Martel follows a brilliant teenage girl as she races across D.C. to decode the clues her father left behind, which may just be the key to saving the country from a devastating tragedy.
Mia Hayes has peaceful plans for the summer—find a part-time job at a coffee shop and work on her application for Harvard. Those plans are shattered one night when government agents arrive unannounced at her home seeking something they believe her father has taken. When the dust settles, her mother is dead and her father is gone, a fugitive on the run.
Three weeks later, and still reeling from her father’s betrayal, Mia spends her seventeenth birthday at a protest in the heart of D.C., where she meets Logan, a rebellious and charming hacker. Just as she’s enjoying her first happy moment since the night her world exploded, a voicemail from her father arrives to upend everything she believed about her family, her past, and what really happened that night three weeks ago. Even more, the voicemail hides another encoded message inside which, once Mia solves it, sets her and Logan off on a mission from her sleepy suburb straight into the heart of the federal government.
With the same agents now hot on their trail, Mia and Logan must navigate their way through American history’s most iconic sites and uncover its most well-hidden secrets to reveal the truth about her family and stop a deadly attack.
In this non-stop thrill ride, the reader has the chance to test their own codebreaking skills alongside Mia, lending an exciting interactive element to this page-turning thriller packed with action, romance, and life-changing revelations.
Mia Hayes has peaceful plans for the summer—find a part-time job at a coffee shop and work on her application for Harvard. Those plans are shattered one night when government agents arrive unannounced at her home seeking something they believe her father has taken. When the dust settles, her mother is dead and her father is gone, a fugitive on the run.
Three weeks later, and still reeling from her father’s betrayal, Mia spends her seventeenth birthday at a protest in the heart of D.C., where she meets Logan, a rebellious and charming hacker. Just as she’s enjoying her first happy moment since the night her world exploded, a voicemail from her father arrives to upend everything she believed about her family, her past, and what really happened that night three weeks ago. Even more, the voicemail hides another encoded message inside which, once Mia solves it, sets her and Logan off on a mission from her sleepy suburb straight into the heart of the federal government.
With the same agents now hot on their trail, Mia and Logan must navigate their way through American history’s most iconic sites and uncover its most well-hidden secrets to reveal the truth about her family and stop a deadly attack.
In this non-stop thrill ride, the reader has the chance to test their own codebreaking skills alongside Mia, lending an exciting interactive element to this page-turning thriller packed with action, romance, and life-changing revelations.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2025
63 people are currently reading
14839 people want to read
About the author
Jay Martel
1 book75 followersJay Martel is the pen name of husband and wife writing team Andy Bennett and Katy Helbacka.
They’ve spent the past twenty years collaborating on everything from theatrical productions to escape rooms to their son, Theo. They live in northern Minnesota where the winters are cold, long, and the perfect excuse to stay inside and write novels together.
They’ve spent the past twenty years collaborating on everything from theatrical productions to escape rooms to their son, Theo. They live in northern Minnesota where the winters are cold, long, and the perfect excuse to stay inside and write novels together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
August 11, 2025
Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books, for sending me this ARC. I was surprised by how much I loved this! This story had so much depth, and I enjoyed watching it unfold. The code-breaking added layers and really engaged me as a reader. I especially loved the MMC and FMC, their background stories, and how their present day stories developed. There's a splash of sadness, but it just adds to the plot. I devoured this story, and honestly, even though it wrapped up perfectly, I crave more. This book would be amazing as a series, though I'm unsure how the *code cracking* would continue. I'd love to see more from these characters. Overall, a fun and addicting read. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an interactive, puzzle-solving read.
Pub Date Jul 22 2025
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨
Pub Date Jul 22 2025
As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨
September 11, 2025
This book was so bingeable and different than my normal read. The action starts right from the jump and has you invested immediately. I felt for Mia and the tragedy she endured, but loved her journey. Logan was such a fun character and he added a nice layer to the story. I am not a history buff, but I loved the history that was highlighted and interwoven into the plot. I’ve never quite read anything like this before and that is so refreshing to say. Didn’t know this was a pen name for a husband and wife duo, but definitely look forward to more from them! This is a great read for somebody who loves codes/cyphers, government, history, conspiracy theories, or even if you love a good mystery!
📖 Huge thank you to @stmartinspress @wednesdaybooks and @netgalley for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review 📖
📖 Huge thank you to @stmartinspress @wednesdaybooks and @netgalley for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review 📖
August 24, 2025
I picked up Codebreaker because I was instantly hooked by the idea of solving a mystery through real codes - and I loved that the author actually invites you to try cracking them yourself before the story moves on. It made the whole experience so much more immersive and fun, like I was part of the mission alongside Mia and Logan.
The codebreaking element was definitely a highlight for me, and I really appreciated how seamlessly the book wove real historical references into the adventure. It gave the story more weight and made the stakes feel higher - like National Treasure but with more danger and depth.
Mia is such a smart and determined character, and Logan is a total scene-stealer! He’s a mix of sarcastic rebel and loyal partner-in-crime, and their banter was genuinely funny and charming. Their dynamic brought some much-needed lightness to a pretty intense storyline, and I loved watching their relationship develop under all that pressure.
There were plenty of twists that caught me off guard, and the final stretch of the book had me racing through the pages. The ending was so incredible! Probably my favorite part - tense, emotional, and a great payoff to everything that came before.
My only reason for holding back a star is that some parts felt a tiny bit rushed, especially early on when the plot first kicks off. But once it found its rhythm, I was completely in.
If you’re into puzzles, secret government plots, or just love a good high-stakes treasure hunt with a dash of romance, this one’s worth checking out. This book is smart, engaging, and seriously hard to put down!
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Wednesday Books for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The codebreaking element was definitely a highlight for me, and I really appreciated how seamlessly the book wove real historical references into the adventure. It gave the story more weight and made the stakes feel higher - like National Treasure but with more danger and depth.
Mia is such a smart and determined character, and Logan is a total scene-stealer! He’s a mix of sarcastic rebel and loyal partner-in-crime, and their banter was genuinely funny and charming. Their dynamic brought some much-needed lightness to a pretty intense storyline, and I loved watching their relationship develop under all that pressure.
There were plenty of twists that caught me off guard, and the final stretch of the book had me racing through the pages. The ending was so incredible! Probably my favorite part - tense, emotional, and a great payoff to everything that came before.
My only reason for holding back a star is that some parts felt a tiny bit rushed, especially early on when the plot first kicks off. But once it found its rhythm, I was completely in.
If you’re into puzzles, secret government plots, or just love a good high-stakes treasure hunt with a dash of romance, this one’s worth checking out. This book is smart, engaging, and seriously hard to put down!
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Wednesday Books for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 7, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 22, 2025
“Codebreaker” is the debut novel by a husband-and-wife duo writing under the pseudonym Jay Martel. Fast-paced and interactive, “Codebreaker” is perfect for fans of “The Puzzle Master” by Danielle Trussoni or “A Most Puzzling Murder” by Bianca Marais, who like to solve puzzles right alongside the protagonist.
Mia Hayes is about to become a high school senior and plans to follow in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a journalist. But her future plans are shattered the night a group of people claiming to be secret agents invade her home, leaving both of her parents dead and Mia on the run. Three weeks later, Mia listens to a voicemail sent by her father the day he died and realizes that she inadvertently stepped into a government conspiracy plot, and her father has sent her clues in the form of puzzles, which Mia knows will give her the answers about who her parents really were- and who Mia is. With the help of teenage hacker, Logan, she finds herself running through the streets of D.C desperate to solve the clues before it’s too late.
“Codebreaker” is a YA novel, but it is not simply for the young adult audience. The novel has pulse-pounding action, along with clever puzzles and a wide range of political conspiracy theories that will appeal to just about everyone. As Mia uses her knowledge to solve the codes and puzzles she discovers throughout the book, readers can choose to pause and try and solve for themselves, or they can continue on Mia’s journey without slowing down. Martel has allowed readers to read at their own pace, and to solve puzzles when (and if) they choose, which provides a deeply immersive experience that flows well from beginning to end.
Mia is a teenager whose life is completely turned upside down within the first few pages so it isn’t difficult for readers to sympathize with and root for her. Although her partner-in-crime, Logan, fills the romantic component of the novel, there’s a surprising twist with his character that I didn’t expect.
“Codebreaker” is smart and sharp, and Martel’s novel serves double duty as an entertaining read and a mind-puzzler. This has all the elements to become a movie, or a T.V series at the very least, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Netflix jumps on this. This is an impressive debut novel, and the relationship between the co-authors is just as interesting as the “Codebreaker” storyline itself, so I hope to see more from them in the future.
Expected publication date: July 22, 2025
“Codebreaker” is the debut novel by a husband-and-wife duo writing under the pseudonym Jay Martel. Fast-paced and interactive, “Codebreaker” is perfect for fans of “The Puzzle Master” by Danielle Trussoni or “A Most Puzzling Murder” by Bianca Marais, who like to solve puzzles right alongside the protagonist.
Mia Hayes is about to become a high school senior and plans to follow in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a journalist. But her future plans are shattered the night a group of people claiming to be secret agents invade her home, leaving both of her parents dead and Mia on the run. Three weeks later, Mia listens to a voicemail sent by her father the day he died and realizes that she inadvertently stepped into a government conspiracy plot, and her father has sent her clues in the form of puzzles, which Mia knows will give her the answers about who her parents really were- and who Mia is. With the help of teenage hacker, Logan, she finds herself running through the streets of D.C desperate to solve the clues before it’s too late.
“Codebreaker” is a YA novel, but it is not simply for the young adult audience. The novel has pulse-pounding action, along with clever puzzles and a wide range of political conspiracy theories that will appeal to just about everyone. As Mia uses her knowledge to solve the codes and puzzles she discovers throughout the book, readers can choose to pause and try and solve for themselves, or they can continue on Mia’s journey without slowing down. Martel has allowed readers to read at their own pace, and to solve puzzles when (and if) they choose, which provides a deeply immersive experience that flows well from beginning to end.
Mia is a teenager whose life is completely turned upside down within the first few pages so it isn’t difficult for readers to sympathize with and root for her. Although her partner-in-crime, Logan, fills the romantic component of the novel, there’s a surprising twist with his character that I didn’t expect.
“Codebreaker” is smart and sharp, and Martel’s novel serves double duty as an entertaining read and a mind-puzzler. This has all the elements to become a movie, or a T.V series at the very least, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Netflix jumps on this. This is an impressive debut novel, and the relationship between the co-authors is just as interesting as the “Codebreaker” storyline itself, so I hope to see more from them in the future.
March 24, 2025
ARC for review. To be published July 22, 2025.
3 stars
Mia Hayes is preparing for a quiet summer of maybe working in a D.C. area coffee shop and trying to make a college decision (Harvard or Boston University?) when her home is invaded by what might be government agents. They kill her mother; her dad goes on the run and she has no idea what is happening. Then, a few weeks later, on her 17th birthday, she receives a cryptic message from her father pointing toward a puzzle box he had given her; puzzles, codes and scavenger hunts were a birthday tradition tradition in her family and now she has the most important one ever. With her new friend Logan by her side can she figure out the clues her dad left for her and outwit the agents chasing her?
Oh, puzzles and codes are fun and this s nice because this YA book gives kids a good look at some famous codes and gives them a chance to solve to puzzles on their own first. Even though Mia is 17 I would say the book skews a bit younger than that; I would feel comfortable giving it to any kid who isn’t going to freak out over parent death. It’s way too YA for adults, what with two teenagers successfully going against two agents over and over again, but young people may enjoy this thrilling debut.
3 stars
Mia Hayes is preparing for a quiet summer of maybe working in a D.C. area coffee shop and trying to make a college decision (Harvard or Boston University?) when her home is invaded by what might be government agents. They kill her mother; her dad goes on the run and she has no idea what is happening. Then, a few weeks later, on her 17th birthday, she receives a cryptic message from her father pointing toward a puzzle box he had given her; puzzles, codes and scavenger hunts were a birthday tradition tradition in her family and now she has the most important one ever. With her new friend Logan by her side can she figure out the clues her dad left for her and outwit the agents chasing her?
Oh, puzzles and codes are fun and this s nice because this YA book gives kids a good look at some famous codes and gives them a chance to solve to puzzles on their own first. Even though Mia is 17 I would say the book skews a bit younger than that; I would feel comfortable giving it to any kid who isn’t going to freak out over parent death. It’s way too YA for adults, what with two teenagers successfully going against two agents over and over again, but young people may enjoy this thrilling debut.
July 22, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Wednesday Books for the pre-release copy of Codebreaker by Jay Martel. Below is my honest review.
If you loved National Treasure (I did), this book is for you. If you love secret codes and treasure hunts (I do), this book is for you. If you're a fan of YA (I am), this book is for you.
What's the fuss? This one is an absolute thrill ride of fun. Secret codes galore, danger around every corner, twists and turns and plot twists, a road trip of museums and libraries and monuments, and so much more are mixed into the pot for Codebreaker and I loved it!
Highly recommended (with the caveat that it does include parents dying, so trigger warning!).
If you loved National Treasure (I did), this book is for you. If you love secret codes and treasure hunts (I do), this book is for you. If you're a fan of YA (I am), this book is for you.
What's the fuss? This one is an absolute thrill ride of fun. Secret codes galore, danger around every corner, twists and turns and plot twists, a road trip of museums and libraries and monuments, and so much more are mixed into the pot for Codebreaker and I loved it!
Highly recommended (with the caveat that it does include parents dying, so trigger warning!).
April 3, 2025
ARC Review! - Releases July 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was definitely National Treasure x The Da Vinci Code for YA readers! If you are a fan of either of these, definitely put this on your TBR.
The story follows Mia as she follows a scavenger hunt of codes from her father who was a famous code breaker. But she’s also on the run from a shady government group looking for something her father stole. After a travesty, she knows she holds the key to finding out what it was…
Such an interesting story - I devoured this one up rather quickly. While it is a YA read - there’s enough action and twists that even adults can enjoy it.
I loved the whole code breaking concept and the history the authors wove through this tale. I actually noticed most of my highlights were things I wanted to research further. But it was done in an interesting way that doesn’t take you out of the story or make you feel like you are reading a history book.
Also bonus points for the ability to stop and decode everything yourself! I definitely took advantage of this and solved the codes before moving on. It added such a fun element to the book I think a lot of people will love.
Now I will say I caught the main 2 twists right off the bat in the story due to just how many clues there were leading up. This did take me out of the story a little bit but if you don’t figure it out - you will be in for some big surprises. But personally, it felt a little too easy to figure out.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read and think a lot of other people will too! Such a great debut that I was shocked to discover it was a debut. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for further works from this couple.
❤️ Big thanks to Wednesday Books, Jay Martel and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was definitely National Treasure x The Da Vinci Code for YA readers! If you are a fan of either of these, definitely put this on your TBR.
The story follows Mia as she follows a scavenger hunt of codes from her father who was a famous code breaker. But she’s also on the run from a shady government group looking for something her father stole. After a travesty, she knows she holds the key to finding out what it was…
Such an interesting story - I devoured this one up rather quickly. While it is a YA read - there’s enough action and twists that even adults can enjoy it.
I loved the whole code breaking concept and the history the authors wove through this tale. I actually noticed most of my highlights were things I wanted to research further. But it was done in an interesting way that doesn’t take you out of the story or make you feel like you are reading a history book.
Also bonus points for the ability to stop and decode everything yourself! I definitely took advantage of this and solved the codes before moving on. It added such a fun element to the book I think a lot of people will love.
Now I will say I caught the main 2 twists right off the bat in the story due to just how many clues there were leading up. This did take me out of the story a little bit but if you don’t figure it out - you will be in for some big surprises. But personally, it felt a little too easy to figure out.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read and think a lot of other people will too! Such a great debut that I was shocked to discover it was a debut. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for further works from this couple.
❤️ Big thanks to Wednesday Books, Jay Martel and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
July 10, 2025
I won an ARC of this book through a Goodreads giveaway, and I’m so glad I did! It was a thrilling, fast-paced read, very much in the vein of National Treasure.
I enjoyed the “interactive” element, even if I did wish that the solution wasn’t always right there on the same page. The twists and turns were definitely keeping me on my toes, and the climax of the book was so well-written that I couldn’t stop reading!
I was a little surprised at how political the story was, but I didn’t mind it. Just keep that in mind when going into it. Sometimes the dialogue between Mia and Logan was a little cringe-worthy, but not in a way that turned me off of the book. Just a little eye roll every now and then.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and it’s another easy recommendation for me!
I enjoyed the “interactive” element, even if I did wish that the solution wasn’t always right there on the same page. The twists and turns were definitely keeping me on my toes, and the climax of the book was so well-written that I couldn’t stop reading!
I was a little surprised at how political the story was, but I didn’t mind it. Just keep that in mind when going into it. Sometimes the dialogue between Mia and Logan was a little cringe-worthy, but not in a way that turned me off of the book. Just a little eye roll every now and then.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and it’s another easy recommendation for me!
July 22, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for the arc! Really enjoyed! Cool concept & liked the characters. Also enjoyed the setting. Will read more from this author.
December 3, 2025
I had high expectations for this book and I had no idea how much it would exceed them. This book is filled with action and fun codes to solve!! My favorite part? You get to solve them yourself! Not only is there a simple romance subplot in this book, but there are lots of family love type themes in this book as well. I just really enjoyed the ride that this book took me on and it was just a perfect book to read!!
July 17, 2025
ARC Review
The way I ATE this book up in mere days should say enough but I really loved this book!! It’s worth mentioning I tend to read on the slower side and mostly read fantasy which was why I decided to pick this one up— as a nice buffer between all of the fantasy stories I’ve been read and phew, did it not disappoint in the least!
For fans of National Treasure meets YA characters full of coding, action, twists and a dash of romance. If any of these elements speak to your soul, I really feel like you’d love this one! The premise of the book is what pulled me in but what really sold me on picking this one up was the fact that the author’s give you a chance to solve the code first before adventuring on to the rest of the story. It was such a fun and simple way to really include you into the story and made you feel like you were right there exploring and decoding with the MC’s!
Overall, an epic debut (surprisingly) by author duo (how cool) that wrote a story truly escaped into with heart stopping moments, laughs and tender scenes!
The way I ATE this book up in mere days should say enough but I really loved this book!! It’s worth mentioning I tend to read on the slower side and mostly read fantasy which was why I decided to pick this one up— as a nice buffer between all of the fantasy stories I’ve been read and phew, did it not disappoint in the least!
For fans of National Treasure meets YA characters full of coding, action, twists and a dash of romance. If any of these elements speak to your soul, I really feel like you’d love this one! The premise of the book is what pulled me in but what really sold me on picking this one up was the fact that the author’s give you a chance to solve the code first before adventuring on to the rest of the story. It was such a fun and simple way to really include you into the story and made you feel like you were right there exploring and decoding with the MC’s!
Overall, an epic debut (surprisingly) by author duo (how cool) that wrote a story truly escaped into with heart stopping moments, laughs and tender scenes!
March 31, 2025
An impressive debut novel! While this is billed as a YA novel, there was plenty of propulsive action for adults to enjoy it as well. I especially enjoyed the interactive element of the code solving, and the pace and plotting were very well done.
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 6, 2025
3.5 I'm not sure how I feel about this. I had such high hopes after reading the premise - codes and secrets and spies and adventure are right up my alley. While I loved the codes and having the chance to solve them along with Mia, I felt like the characters were at a distance and the plot was not quite developed enough. I wanted to really like Mia and Logan, but I never really felt a connection with them even when it seemed like I should. The twists and turns of the plot were interesting, but I wanted more depth and explanation, and then the ending wrapped up a little too quickly for me. Overall it was entertaining and I wanted to know how everything fit together, but it took me way too long to read it and I was underwhelmed.
July 19, 2025
Despite an unappealing cover, Codebreaker by Jay Martel is a thrilling surprise. The story, centered on cryptography, is packed with clever plot twists and engaging puzzles that let readers solve alongside the characters, making it a fun interactive read.
I enjoyed the main characters’ snarky banter. And it is their interactions that brought forth humor and charm. While the finale could’ve been more epic, the novel remains a page-turner until the end. Highly recommend for fans of witty, puzzle-driven thrillers! Five stars.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my thoughts and opinions.
I enjoyed the main characters’ snarky banter. And it is their interactions that brought forth humor and charm. While the finale could’ve been more epic, the novel remains a page-turner until the end. Highly recommend for fans of witty, puzzle-driven thrillers! Five stars.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my thoughts and opinions.
July 28, 2025
Thank you to Wednesday Books for the eARC.
I never realized how interesting codes and cyphers can be.
But let’s be real—Codebreaker isn’t just a thrill-seeking story, where you uncover the clues the same time as Mia. It’s also a heavy and heartbreaking story, where Mia is struggling with the loss of her parents while simultaneously running from the bad guys.
I enjoyed the historical and political aspects of the story, and I was hooked on the puzzle solving bits. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next.
Overall, this was a quick and interesting read and I loved the concept of solving the puzzles with the main characters.
I never realized how interesting codes and cyphers can be.
But let’s be real—Codebreaker isn’t just a thrill-seeking story, where you uncover the clues the same time as Mia. It’s also a heavy and heartbreaking story, where Mia is struggling with the loss of her parents while simultaneously running from the bad guys.
I enjoyed the historical and political aspects of the story, and I was hooked on the puzzle solving bits. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next.
Overall, this was a quick and interesting read and I loved the concept of solving the puzzles with the main characters.
October 6, 2025
This was a fun book to read! I love how interactive it is with allowing the reader to pause to see if they can figure out how to solve the riddle/code. I was not expecting the twists and I'm still kicking myself over it.
August 7, 2025
This was a fast-paced and action-packed teen mystery/soy/thriller! Honestly I picked it up thinking that it would have a big main character since a girl wasn’t on the cover, and while the main character is a 17-year-old girl, there is an 18-year-old boy that plays a large role and this a great read for teen boys too.
Reminiscent of National Treasure meets The Borne Identity, this book is filled with code and cyphers that the reader can actually solve (think Chasing Vermeer, but for teens). This book doesn’t shy away from hard topics of grief and pain plus global and American politics and history, and I think that it does an incredible job of addressing modern day tensions while incorporating historical facts.
I’m so thrilled this is a debut from husband/wife writing duo Jay Martel and I look forward to more from them in the future!
Reminiscent of National Treasure meets The Borne Identity, this book is filled with code and cyphers that the reader can actually solve (think Chasing Vermeer, but for teens). This book doesn’t shy away from hard topics of grief and pain plus global and American politics and history, and I think that it does an incredible job of addressing modern day tensions while incorporating historical facts.
I’m so thrilled this is a debut from husband/wife writing duo Jay Martel and I look forward to more from them in the future!
July 24, 2025
Jay Martel—the collaborative pen name of husband-and-wife writing team Andy Bennett and Katy Helbacka—delivers a stunning debut with Codebreaker, a novel that successfully bridges the gap between intellectual puzzles and heart-pounding action. This interactive thriller transforms what could have been a simple YA adventure into a sophisticated exploration of trust, family secrets, and the dangerous intersection of technology and terrorism.
The Foundation: A Life Built on Lies
The story centers on seventeen-year-old Mia Hayes, whose carefully planned summer—complete with college prep and a coffee shop job—shatters when government agents storm her home one fateful night. The aftermath leaves her mother dead, her father a fugitive, and Mia grappling with the devastating realization that her entire life has been built on lies. Her father, whom she believed to be a university professor, was actually a CIA cryptanalyst specializing in encrypted communications.
Martel excels at capturing the psychological whiplash of Mia's discovery. The authors understand that the most devastating betrayals aren't just about what happened, but about questioning everything you thought you knew. Mia's internal struggle—torn between anger at her father's deception and the desperate need to understand why her family was destroyed—drives the emotional core of the narrative with remarkable authenticity.
The Hunt: Codes, Conspiracies, and Character Development
When Mia receives a cryptic voicemail from her father three weeks after his disappearance, she's thrust into an elaborate scavenger hunt that takes her across Washington D.C.'s most iconic landmarks. Joined by Logan, a charismatic hacker she meets at a protest, Mia must decode a series of increasingly complex ciphers while being pursued by the same agents who destroyed her family.
The interactive element—where readers can attempt to solve the codes alongside Mia—is implemented with remarkable skill. Rather than feeling gimmicky, these puzzles become integral to understanding both the plot and Mia's character. Her facility with cryptography isn't just a convenient plot device; it's a window into her analytical mind and her deep connection to her father's work.
Strengths in Character Chemistry
The relationship between Mia and Logan provides the story's romantic subplot without overwhelming the central mystery. Logan's character—equal parts charming troublemaker and genuine ally—offers the perfect balance of support and challenge for Mia's journey. Their partnership feels organic, built on mutual respect for each other's skills rather than forced romantic tension.
The Conspiracy Unveiled: The Iron Hand
The novel's central antagonist emerges as "The Iron Hand," a domestic terrorist organization operating within the CIA itself. Named after Herman Melville's poem about Lincoln's assassination, this group represents a chilling evolution of conspiracy theories into actual conspiracy. Martel demonstrates impressive research skills in weaving historical elements—from the Knights Templar to Lincoln assassination theories—into a contemporary threat.
The authors' background shines through here: Andy Bennett's cybersecurity expertise and Katy Helbacka's theatrical sensibilities combine to create a conspiracy that feels both technologically plausible and dramatically compelling. The group's use of encrypted classified ads to coordinate attacks showcases a sophisticated understanding of how modern terrorism might evolve.
Technical Mastery: Where Cryptography Meets Storytelling
One of the novel's greatest achievements is making complex cryptographic concepts accessible without dumbing them down. From the Ave Maria cipher to pigpen encryption, each code serves multiple narrative functions: advancing the plot, revealing character history, and providing genuine intellectual challenges for engaged readers.
The Washington D.C. setting becomes almost a character itself, with each landmark—the Cryptologic Museum, Ford's Theatre, the Lincoln Memorial—serving as both a puzzle piece and a thematic element. The authors' research into these locations is meticulous, transforming tourist destinations into stages for high-stakes revelations.
Areas for Improvement: Pacing and Emotional Depth
While Codebreaker succeeds on multiple levels, it occasionally struggles with pacing issues in its middle act. Some of the cipher-solving sequences, while intellectually engaging, can slow the narrative momentum when tension should be building toward the climax. The balance between puzzle-solving and action sometimes tips too heavily toward the former.
Additionally, while Mia's grief over her mother's death is well-handled, some emotional beats feel rushed. The devastating revelation about her mother's true role in the conspiracy could have benefited from more psychological exploration, particularly given its impact on Mia's entire worldview.
The Climax: High Stakes at the Washington Monument
The novel's crescendo—a potential assassination attempt during a presidential candidate's rally—brings together all the story's threads with impressive precision. The shift from intellectual puzzle-solving to physical danger creates genuine tension, though the resolution feels somewhat hurried. Logan's infiltration of the Washington Monument provides thrilling action sequences, but the final confrontation with The Iron Hand could have been more emotionally satisfying.
The twist regarding Mia's mother serves as both the story's emotional climax and its most problematic element. While the revelation recontextualizes everything readers thought they knew, it risks undermining the very foundation of sympathy the authors built for Mia's situation.
Writing Style: Accessibility Meets Sophistication
Martel's prose strikes an effective balance between young adult accessibility and adult sophistication. The authors avoid talking down to their readers while maintaining clarity in complex technical explanations. Dialogue feels natural and age-appropriate, with each character maintaining a distinct voice throughout the narrative.
The interactive elements are seamlessly integrated, never feeling like arbitrary additions to the story. When readers are invited to solve codes alongside Mia, it enhances rather than interrupts the reading experience.
Interactive Innovation: A New Model for Engagement
The book's interactive elements represent a genuine innovation in thriller publishing. Rather than simple puzzles thrown in for novelty, each code serves the story's emotional and plot needs. Readers who engage with the cryptographic challenges will find themselves more invested in Mia's journey, while those who prefer to read straight through won't feel excluded.
This approach could influence how future thrillers incorporate reader participation, suggesting new possibilities for interactive storytelling that go beyond simple gimmicks.
Final Verdict: A Promising Start with Room for Growth
Codebreaker succeeds as both an engaging thriller and a showcase for its authors' unique collaborative strengths. While it occasionally falters in pacing and emotional depth, the novel's innovative approach to interactive storytelling and sophisticated understanding of cryptography mark it as a noteworthy debut.
The book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy intellectual challenges alongside their action sequences, and those who appreciate thrillers that take their historical research seriously. Young adult readers looking for stories that don't insult their intelligence will find much to appreciate, while adult thriller fans will enjoy the sophisticated plotting and contemporary relevance.
The Foundation: A Life Built on Lies
The story centers on seventeen-year-old Mia Hayes, whose carefully planned summer—complete with college prep and a coffee shop job—shatters when government agents storm her home one fateful night. The aftermath leaves her mother dead, her father a fugitive, and Mia grappling with the devastating realization that her entire life has been built on lies. Her father, whom she believed to be a university professor, was actually a CIA cryptanalyst specializing in encrypted communications.
Martel excels at capturing the psychological whiplash of Mia's discovery. The authors understand that the most devastating betrayals aren't just about what happened, but about questioning everything you thought you knew. Mia's internal struggle—torn between anger at her father's deception and the desperate need to understand why her family was destroyed—drives the emotional core of the narrative with remarkable authenticity.
The Hunt: Codes, Conspiracies, and Character Development
When Mia receives a cryptic voicemail from her father three weeks after his disappearance, she's thrust into an elaborate scavenger hunt that takes her across Washington D.C.'s most iconic landmarks. Joined by Logan, a charismatic hacker she meets at a protest, Mia must decode a series of increasingly complex ciphers while being pursued by the same agents who destroyed her family.
The interactive element—where readers can attempt to solve the codes alongside Mia—is implemented with remarkable skill. Rather than feeling gimmicky, these puzzles become integral to understanding both the plot and Mia's character. Her facility with cryptography isn't just a convenient plot device; it's a window into her analytical mind and her deep connection to her father's work.
Strengths in Character Chemistry
The relationship between Mia and Logan provides the story's romantic subplot without overwhelming the central mystery. Logan's character—equal parts charming troublemaker and genuine ally—offers the perfect balance of support and challenge for Mia's journey. Their partnership feels organic, built on mutual respect for each other's skills rather than forced romantic tension.
The Conspiracy Unveiled: The Iron Hand
The novel's central antagonist emerges as "The Iron Hand," a domestic terrorist organization operating within the CIA itself. Named after Herman Melville's poem about Lincoln's assassination, this group represents a chilling evolution of conspiracy theories into actual conspiracy. Martel demonstrates impressive research skills in weaving historical elements—from the Knights Templar to Lincoln assassination theories—into a contemporary threat.
The authors' background shines through here: Andy Bennett's cybersecurity expertise and Katy Helbacka's theatrical sensibilities combine to create a conspiracy that feels both technologically plausible and dramatically compelling. The group's use of encrypted classified ads to coordinate attacks showcases a sophisticated understanding of how modern terrorism might evolve.
Technical Mastery: Where Cryptography Meets Storytelling
One of the novel's greatest achievements is making complex cryptographic concepts accessible without dumbing them down. From the Ave Maria cipher to pigpen encryption, each code serves multiple narrative functions: advancing the plot, revealing character history, and providing genuine intellectual challenges for engaged readers.
The Washington D.C. setting becomes almost a character itself, with each landmark—the Cryptologic Museum, Ford's Theatre, the Lincoln Memorial—serving as both a puzzle piece and a thematic element. The authors' research into these locations is meticulous, transforming tourist destinations into stages for high-stakes revelations.
Areas for Improvement: Pacing and Emotional Depth
While Codebreaker succeeds on multiple levels, it occasionally struggles with pacing issues in its middle act. Some of the cipher-solving sequences, while intellectually engaging, can slow the narrative momentum when tension should be building toward the climax. The balance between puzzle-solving and action sometimes tips too heavily toward the former.
Additionally, while Mia's grief over her mother's death is well-handled, some emotional beats feel rushed. The devastating revelation about her mother's true role in the conspiracy could have benefited from more psychological exploration, particularly given its impact on Mia's entire worldview.
The Climax: High Stakes at the Washington Monument
The novel's crescendo—a potential assassination attempt during a presidential candidate's rally—brings together all the story's threads with impressive precision. The shift from intellectual puzzle-solving to physical danger creates genuine tension, though the resolution feels somewhat hurried. Logan's infiltration of the Washington Monument provides thrilling action sequences, but the final confrontation with The Iron Hand could have been more emotionally satisfying.
The twist regarding Mia's mother serves as both the story's emotional climax and its most problematic element. While the revelation recontextualizes everything readers thought they knew, it risks undermining the very foundation of sympathy the authors built for Mia's situation.
Writing Style: Accessibility Meets Sophistication
Martel's prose strikes an effective balance between young adult accessibility and adult sophistication. The authors avoid talking down to their readers while maintaining clarity in complex technical explanations. Dialogue feels natural and age-appropriate, with each character maintaining a distinct voice throughout the narrative.
The interactive elements are seamlessly integrated, never feeling like arbitrary additions to the story. When readers are invited to solve codes alongside Mia, it enhances rather than interrupts the reading experience.
Interactive Innovation: A New Model for Engagement
The book's interactive elements represent a genuine innovation in thriller publishing. Rather than simple puzzles thrown in for novelty, each code serves the story's emotional and plot needs. Readers who engage with the cryptographic challenges will find themselves more invested in Mia's journey, while those who prefer to read straight through won't feel excluded.
This approach could influence how future thrillers incorporate reader participation, suggesting new possibilities for interactive storytelling that go beyond simple gimmicks.
Final Verdict: A Promising Start with Room for Growth
Codebreaker succeeds as both an engaging thriller and a showcase for its authors' unique collaborative strengths. While it occasionally falters in pacing and emotional depth, the novel's innovative approach to interactive storytelling and sophisticated understanding of cryptography mark it as a noteworthy debut.
The book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy intellectual challenges alongside their action sequences, and those who appreciate thrillers that take their historical research seriously. Young adult readers looking for stories that don't insult their intelligence will find much to appreciate, while adult thriller fans will enjoy the sophisticated plotting and contemporary relevance.
Read
July 16, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
Codebreaker by Jay Martel is a third person-POV YA political thriller with puzzles for the reader to solve. On Mia���s seventeenth birthday, she thinks she has it all: two loving parents who support her intellectual pursuits and a bright future in front of her. But when her mother is murdered and all signs point to her father being the one who did it, Mia has to solve the codes he left behind to learn the truth.
All of the information needed to solve the puzzles is given within a chapter before the puzzle is revealed. For readers who are not into solving puzzles, the answers are given but for readers who do want to solve them, there is a little star mark to let the reader know to stop before the answer is given. I thought this was a very clever way that wouldn’t break immersion for readers just reading through the book while also respecting that some puzzle lovers will really want to solve it themselves. This makes the book a great gift for fans of puzzle video games who are struggling to get back into reading.
Mia starts a relationship with Logan, a recent high school graduate who aspires to be a white hat hacker and is willing to help Mia solve her father’s codes. They’d never met before the book starts, but they have a fairly easy relationship that is full of banter and vulnerability very quickly. Because this is a political thriller, the romance does move at a very fast pace and it does involve the two falling in love in a very short span of time. It also involves Mia forgiving Logan pretty fast for something that some readers might struggle to forgive Logan for themselves.
Most of the chapters are short and from Mia’s POV. We get three chapters from other POV’s (Mia’s mother, her father, and Logan) that reveal a lot of backstory and information and are much longer. Because of this, the plot moves fairly swiftly until we get to those backstory chapters and they help flush out what is happening in the wider world and the political landscape, which has some parallels to the world we have now.
I would recommend this to fans of YA thrillers looking for something more political and readers of YA who like puzzles
Codebreaker by Jay Martel is a third person-POV YA political thriller with puzzles for the reader to solve. On Mia���s seventeenth birthday, she thinks she has it all: two loving parents who support her intellectual pursuits and a bright future in front of her. But when her mother is murdered and all signs point to her father being the one who did it, Mia has to solve the codes he left behind to learn the truth.
All of the information needed to solve the puzzles is given within a chapter before the puzzle is revealed. For readers who are not into solving puzzles, the answers are given but for readers who do want to solve them, there is a little star mark to let the reader know to stop before the answer is given. I thought this was a very clever way that wouldn’t break immersion for readers just reading through the book while also respecting that some puzzle lovers will really want to solve it themselves. This makes the book a great gift for fans of puzzle video games who are struggling to get back into reading.
Mia starts a relationship with Logan, a recent high school graduate who aspires to be a white hat hacker and is willing to help Mia solve her father’s codes. They’d never met before the book starts, but they have a fairly easy relationship that is full of banter and vulnerability very quickly. Because this is a political thriller, the romance does move at a very fast pace and it does involve the two falling in love in a very short span of time. It also involves Mia forgiving Logan pretty fast for something that some readers might struggle to forgive Logan for themselves.
Most of the chapters are short and from Mia’s POV. We get three chapters from other POV’s (Mia’s mother, her father, and Logan) that reveal a lot of backstory and information and are much longer. Because of this, the plot moves fairly swiftly until we get to those backstory chapters and they help flush out what is happening in the wider world and the political landscape, which has some parallels to the world we have now.
I would recommend this to fans of YA thrillers looking for something more political and readers of YA who like puzzles
July 21, 2025
Thanks to Wednesday Books and St Martin's Press for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
Mia's got a tradition with her father, every year on her birthday he sets her on a scavenger hunt with clues that are all complex codes from history. As she is about to turn 17, he hands her the first clue and then the authorities arrive and question her father about something that has gone missing. In the aftermath, her father goes on the run, her mother is dead and the reality Mia knew is shattered. As she tries to put her life back together she continues her scavenger hunt with a new friend in pursuit of the truth.
I like a story that attempts to educate as it entertains. I feel like this YA novel is secretly educating its readers about history as you follow Mia through her journey. It's non-stop action but there is real substance along the way and you can work to solve the codes along with Mia as she flashes back to moments where she learned about each code. There is definitely some implausibility that two teens would be able to escape the CIA and their relationship after just a few moments was a little unrealistic (although that does get explained so don't let it put you off). But it's a solid popcorn thriller that reminded me of The Night Agent meets National Treasure with teen protagonists.
Mia's got a tradition with her father, every year on her birthday he sets her on a scavenger hunt with clues that are all complex codes from history. As she is about to turn 17, he hands her the first clue and then the authorities arrive and question her father about something that has gone missing. In the aftermath, her father goes on the run, her mother is dead and the reality Mia knew is shattered. As she tries to put her life back together she continues her scavenger hunt with a new friend in pursuit of the truth.
I like a story that attempts to educate as it entertains. I feel like this YA novel is secretly educating its readers about history as you follow Mia through her journey. It's non-stop action but there is real substance along the way and you can work to solve the codes along with Mia as she flashes back to moments where she learned about each code. There is definitely some implausibility that two teens would be able to escape the CIA and their relationship after just a few moments was a little unrealistic (although that does get explained so don't let it put you off). But it's a solid popcorn thriller that reminded me of The Night Agent meets National Treasure with teen protagonists.
October 7, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Pub Date: 7/22
•
I honestly had no idea how much I was going to love this book. Think like Davinci Code meets National Treasure. This was awesome, fun and everything that I needed when I picked this book up.
•
Alright friends, this book is listed as a YA, however, not much of this reads as YA except for the fact the main character is a teenager. Right off the start there is a bunch of chaos and murder. The story focuses on Mia and newly found friend Logan are attempting to follow a set of clues left by Mia's father in order to stop domestic terrorists. The entire story is immersive; you, as the reader, are able to try to decipher all of the different codes that Mia and Logan are trying to solve. I would definitely recommend having a physical copy of the book available in order to follow along with the different ciphers (you can choose to not decipher the codes and continue reading and the answer is given). This book is intense, its action packed, it's fun and is so fast paced that you will fly through it. I loved how rich in history this story was. It was information packed but was not so overloaded that you become disinterested. I enjoyed the twists that were placed within the book. There was one major twist that I was able to figure out on my own, but the other one was a bit shocking. The ending was great, and I think Martel wrapped this one up perfectly.
•
Overall, this is a great adventure / mystery / thriller. This is one of those books that I know will be sticking in my head for a while. I know that people who are puzzle fans will love this one a lot! This is without a doubt a must read! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Jay Martel and Wednesday Books for the ARC and eARC in exchange for my honest review! I loved this book!
Pub Date: 7/22
•
I honestly had no idea how much I was going to love this book. Think like Davinci Code meets National Treasure. This was awesome, fun and everything that I needed when I picked this book up.
•
Alright friends, this book is listed as a YA, however, not much of this reads as YA except for the fact the main character is a teenager. Right off the start there is a bunch of chaos and murder. The story focuses on Mia and newly found friend Logan are attempting to follow a set of clues left by Mia's father in order to stop domestic terrorists. The entire story is immersive; you, as the reader, are able to try to decipher all of the different codes that Mia and Logan are trying to solve. I would definitely recommend having a physical copy of the book available in order to follow along with the different ciphers (you can choose to not decipher the codes and continue reading and the answer is given). This book is intense, its action packed, it's fun and is so fast paced that you will fly through it. I loved how rich in history this story was. It was information packed but was not so overloaded that you become disinterested. I enjoyed the twists that were placed within the book. There was one major twist that I was able to figure out on my own, but the other one was a bit shocking. The ending was great, and I think Martel wrapped this one up perfectly.
•
Overall, this is a great adventure / mystery / thriller. This is one of those books that I know will be sticking in my head for a while. I know that people who are puzzle fans will love this one a lot! This is without a doubt a must read! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Jay Martel and Wednesday Books for the ARC and eARC in exchange for my honest review! I loved this book!
July 19, 2025
3.5
Codebreaker was a captivating YA novel about a girl Mia who is trying to crack codes to find out why her father is on the run. This was really fun. I really enjoyed following Mia and Logan and learning the different codes and attempting to solve them along side them. I was shocked at how many different codes were brought up.
Mia is so intelligent with how many different codes she has memorized and her ability to solve them efficiently. I liked that the reader had the ability to follow along and break the codes too. I will say the amount of different clues her father left for her as well as the history behind them did slow this book down for me. It just felt like repetition of the same few things until the twists at the end.
The ending was really amazing. It was one of the best parts of the book for me. There was so many twists and turns and it once again showcased how smart Mia was. I really liked Logan too. He brought a sense of humor to the story that I really enjoyed and I really like how taken he was with Mia.
Overall, this was a thrilling story. I liked the two main characters a lot. I enjoyed the code breaking. I did feel like the plot was a little repetitive which did slow down the middle of this book for me, but this was fun!
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday books for an earc. All opinions are my own.
Codebreaker was a captivating YA novel about a girl Mia who is trying to crack codes to find out why her father is on the run. This was really fun. I really enjoyed following Mia and Logan and learning the different codes and attempting to solve them along side them. I was shocked at how many different codes were brought up.
Mia is so intelligent with how many different codes she has memorized and her ability to solve them efficiently. I liked that the reader had the ability to follow along and break the codes too. I will say the amount of different clues her father left for her as well as the history behind them did slow this book down for me. It just felt like repetition of the same few things until the twists at the end.
The ending was really amazing. It was one of the best parts of the book for me. There was so many twists and turns and it once again showcased how smart Mia was. I really liked Logan too. He brought a sense of humor to the story that I really enjoyed and I really like how taken he was with Mia.
Overall, this was a thrilling story. I liked the two main characters a lot. I enjoyed the code breaking. I did feel like the plot was a little repetitive which did slow down the middle of this book for me, but this was fun!
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday books for an earc. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2025
This book was exactly what I was craving.
Growing up, Mia Hayes traveled the world, learning about history and solving riddles. Her professor father was always teaching her about the past, while her reporter mother taught her about the present. Every birthday, her father prepares a sequence of riddles and codes Mia has to break in order to find her present- a tradition which lasted throughout the years. As Mia’s birthday rolls around once again, she’s brimming with excitement to solve the code her father’s written, but everything changes when government agents come knocking down her door. Mia finds out that instead of the professor she always thought her father to be, he’s secretly a CIA agent, and he’s taken something the government wants back. When her dad runs, the CIA close on his tail, Mia finds herself hunting down clues her father’s left her, but instead of them leading to her birthday present, they lead to the truth of what her father’s really gotten himself into.
First of all, this was SO refreshing. I love stories about codes and riddles so much, and the way it surrounded history was just the cherry on top. My favorite thing about this story was that it provided you with all the information you needed to solve the clues with Mia, and I had so much fun doing just that. The use of historical events in the codes was so exciting to read about. I’ve been chasing the high National Treasure first gave me when I was 8, and I think this finally gave me that same feeling. I will always fall in love with stories about history and codes, and I’m glad to have fallen in love with this book.
Growing up, Mia Hayes traveled the world, learning about history and solving riddles. Her professor father was always teaching her about the past, while her reporter mother taught her about the present. Every birthday, her father prepares a sequence of riddles and codes Mia has to break in order to find her present- a tradition which lasted throughout the years. As Mia’s birthday rolls around once again, she’s brimming with excitement to solve the code her father’s written, but everything changes when government agents come knocking down her door. Mia finds out that instead of the professor she always thought her father to be, he’s secretly a CIA agent, and he’s taken something the government wants back. When her dad runs, the CIA close on his tail, Mia finds herself hunting down clues her father’s left her, but instead of them leading to her birthday present, they lead to the truth of what her father’s really gotten himself into.
First of all, this was SO refreshing. I love stories about codes and riddles so much, and the way it surrounded history was just the cherry on top. My favorite thing about this story was that it provided you with all the information you needed to solve the clues with Mia, and I had so much fun doing just that. The use of historical events in the codes was so exciting to read about. I’ve been chasing the high National Treasure first gave me when I was 8, and I think this finally gave me that same feeling. I will always fall in love with stories about history and codes, and I’m glad to have fallen in love with this book.
July 19, 2025
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one because (as you can tell by the title) the focus is all about codebreaking. I didn’t think I’d really have much of an interest, but this book was so much fun!
First of all, the authors give you the opportunity to solve each code before continuing to read, which I thought was so fun. Every time I solved one, I felt like the smartest person who ever lived.
Also, the humour was top quality. There are many YA novels that make me cringe a little bit with the dialogue, but the banter between Logan and Mia was excellent. They were both very likeable young people (who ended up saving the world too, so that’s cool).
I also liked the political plot in the story. It’s a great discussion to introduce to younger people to help them be more aware of what’s happening around them.
Overall, this was a winner for me.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for my gifted copy!
First of all, the authors give you the opportunity to solve each code before continuing to read, which I thought was so fun. Every time I solved one, I felt like the smartest person who ever lived.
Also, the humour was top quality. There are many YA novels that make me cringe a little bit with the dialogue, but the banter between Logan and Mia was excellent. They were both very likeable young people (who ended up saving the world too, so that’s cool).
I also liked the political plot in the story. It’s a great discussion to introduce to younger people to help them be more aware of what’s happening around them.
Overall, this was a winner for me.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for my gifted copy!
August 26, 2025
Mia’s summer plans to chill and prep for college get thrown out the window when government agents show up at her house, leaving her mom dead and her dad on the run. Weeks later, she’s pulled into a wild mystery with a hacker named Logan. They are left decoding secret messages and dodging agents across D.C. whilst trying to reveal the truth about her family.
I really liked the characters of Codebreaker—Mia and Logan made such a fun duo. Mia’s super smart and determined, and Logan’s the sarcastic hacker who keeps things interesting. Their back-and-forth added a nice dose of humor to all the intense action and mystery, and it was cool seeing them race around D.C. solving puzzles and dodging agents.
The story moves fast, with lots of twists and turns, and the ending totally delivered—super emotional and satisfying. I was especially into the hidden messages and the way Mia’s family secrets slowly came to light. The beginning of the book dives right in with a lot of information, but once it got going, I couldn’t stop reading. If you’re into thrillers with a little romance, I highly recommend this one!
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 1/5
Tropes:
Secret Agents
Hidden Messages
Family Drama/Secrets
Political Upheaval
National Treasure Vibes
Thank you St Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, Jay Martel and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC. All thoughts are my own.
I really liked the characters of Codebreaker—Mia and Logan made such a fun duo. Mia’s super smart and determined, and Logan’s the sarcastic hacker who keeps things interesting. Their back-and-forth added a nice dose of humor to all the intense action and mystery, and it was cool seeing them race around D.C. solving puzzles and dodging agents.
The story moves fast, with lots of twists and turns, and the ending totally delivered—super emotional and satisfying. I was especially into the hidden messages and the way Mia’s family secrets slowly came to light. The beginning of the book dives right in with a lot of information, but once it got going, I couldn’t stop reading. If you’re into thrillers with a little romance, I highly recommend this one!
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 1/5
Tropes:
Secret Agents
Hidden Messages
Family Drama/Secrets
Political Upheaval
National Treasure Vibes
Thank you St Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, Jay Martel and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC. All thoughts are my own.
July 24, 2025
Ok, before I even started reading this, I knew I was in for a treat. There is an interactive option as a reader - try and solve the code yourself or you just continue reading and enjoying the story. I thought that was such a unique option as a reader.
If you’re someone who really likes to solve puzzles or codes, I think this is the book for you!
This story has a little but of everything - action and adventure, mystery and suspense and a touch of romance too. There were hidden dark secrets and history woven into the story that definitely gave me National Treasure/Da Vinci Code vibes!
I was immediately rooting for Mia. She had been through so much and was on the run and it was so much fun solving the clues along the way! There are also good twists too!
If you’re someone who really likes to solve puzzles or codes, I think this is the book for you!
This story has a little but of everything - action and adventure, mystery and suspense and a touch of romance too. There were hidden dark secrets and history woven into the story that definitely gave me National Treasure/Da Vinci Code vibes!
I was immediately rooting for Mia. She had been through so much and was on the run and it was so much fun solving the clues along the way! There are also good twists too!
October 16, 2025
Maybe 3.5 stars
If you like codes and history, this will likely be a hit for you. There are a ton of puzzles, some rooted in historical events, and it gave National Treasure vibes. Conspiracy theories can be fun and I liked the way the plot challenged readers to think about what's true and what might be covering up something.
Some parts of the story were a bit boring for me, I can only handle so much nonstop fighting and running before I want character development to balance it out. I think this could have been a bit shorter as well, with less flashbacks. Still an exciting read for YA readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the copy.
If you like codes and history, this will likely be a hit for you. There are a ton of puzzles, some rooted in historical events, and it gave National Treasure vibes. Conspiracy theories can be fun and I liked the way the plot challenged readers to think about what's true and what might be covering up something.
Some parts of the story were a bit boring for me, I can only handle so much nonstop fighting and running before I want character development to balance it out. I think this could have been a bit shorter as well, with less flashbacks. Still an exciting read for YA readers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the copy.
September 2, 2025
Reading Journal Details
Book: Codebreaker by Jay Martel
Format Read: Audiobook (~10 hours, 18 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Quick Take
Clever, emotionally engaging, and highly compelling despite a less developed antagonist, this YA thriller delivers a satisfying ride.
Full Review
Codebreaker blends brainy puzzles with heartfelt stakes to create a YA thriller that's hard to put down. Following Mia as she uncovers her parents secrets was thrilling, with consistent pacing and reveals that hit just right, all building to a conclusion that surprised me in the best way.
The emotional layers here really shine, adding depth to the puzzle-solving and making the story feel bigger than your typical YA thriller. While the audiobook wasn't my favorite, and sadly, couldn't be saved even at double speed, and the villain could have been fleshed out more, those hiccups didn't dim my overall enjoyment.
What truly stands out is how the story balances its clever puzzle elements with a strong emotional core, making it well worth the listen or read. For YA thriller fans craving tension, family drama, and clever clues, this one is absolutely worth cracking.
Mia cracked codes. I had my Monster Ultra. We both made it out in one piece. 😂
Features & Vibes
🧩 Code-cracking chaos
📱 Cryptic clues and emotional stakes
💔 Family secrets unraveling
🚨 Tension that keeps you hooked
🎧 Best paired with caffeine
Book: Codebreaker by Jay Martel
Format Read: Audiobook (~10 hours, 18 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Quick Take
Clever, emotionally engaging, and highly compelling despite a less developed antagonist, this YA thriller delivers a satisfying ride.
Full Review
Codebreaker blends brainy puzzles with heartfelt stakes to create a YA thriller that's hard to put down. Following Mia as she uncovers her parents secrets was thrilling, with consistent pacing and reveals that hit just right, all building to a conclusion that surprised me in the best way.
The emotional layers here really shine, adding depth to the puzzle-solving and making the story feel bigger than your typical YA thriller. While the audiobook wasn't my favorite, and sadly, couldn't be saved even at double speed, and the villain could have been fleshed out more, those hiccups didn't dim my overall enjoyment.
What truly stands out is how the story balances its clever puzzle elements with a strong emotional core, making it well worth the listen or read. For YA thriller fans craving tension, family drama, and clever clues, this one is absolutely worth cracking.
Mia cracked codes. I had my Monster Ultra. We both made it out in one piece. 😂
Features & Vibes
🧩 Code-cracking chaos
📱 Cryptic clues and emotional stakes
💔 Family secrets unraveling
🚨 Tension that keeps you hooked
🎧 Best paired with caffeine
April 3, 2025
As an avid fan of The DaVinci Code and someone who wishes they had the brain power to solve even the simplest of cyphers, this book was so much fun!
I love reading a co-authored book where you can’t tell when the pen changes hands…this is one of those.
——-
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Netgalley!
I love reading a co-authored book where you can’t tell when the pen changes hands…this is one of those.
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Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Netgalley!
September 14, 2025
This book felt like a bunch of Jennifer Lynn Barnes books in one with all the puzzles and codes that had to be broken and it was interactive. It gave you all the information you need to solve the codes yourself. It was pretty cool! Now to the story... There were so many twists, a few I saw coming but some of them were pretty shocking! Mia and Logan worked so well together! I would say overall the book was pretty good!
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