Description

A thrilling middle grade historical adventure from bestselling authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

**Shortlisted for the Young Quills Award for Historical Fiction 2025**

Remember, you are bound by the official secrets act…

It is the summer of 1940. The world is at war. These days, you don’t know who you can trust or who might be a secret spy…

Maths whizz Jakob Novis has been recruited to the secret codebreaking centre at Bletchley Park. As Jakob works to crack the Nazi’s Enigma cipher, his younger sister Lizzie is busy on an undercover mission of her own: to find their mother.

Filled with codes to decipher and mysteries to unravel, this is the unputdownable historical adventure that will have you on the edge of your seats.

‘A thrilling World War II code-breaking adventure filled with ciphers, secrets, and spies.’ Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee

‘Exquisite historical storytelling! I only wish I could read it again for the very first time.’ Jennifer A. Nielsen, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Iceberg

Publisher Review

'Brilliant! A seamless collaboration produces a genius tale with incredible historical twists! I loved reading this book.' Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, author of The Night War 'I loved every single page of this book. The Bletchley Riddle is exquisite historical storytelling! I only wish I could read it again for the very first time.' Jennifer A. Nielsen, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Iceberg 'Two of the absolute best writers in kid lit have come together to craft an amazing work of historical fiction. This book has adventure, excitement, humour, heroism and heat set against a backdrop with the highest stakes imaginable.' James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies 'An impressive joint effort between Sepetys and Sheinkin. With broad appeal to both WWII and mystery enthusiasts, this highly recommended title is a first purchase for all libraries serving tweens and teens.' School Library Journal 'The authors introduce and carefully explain a variety of decoding methodologies, inspiring readers to attempt their own. A rich, enthralling historical mystery that engages and educates.' Kirkus 'Part mystery, part history, this book by two award-winning authors is a page-turner.' Washington Post