Book Review: Salem's Cipher by Jess Lourey

Salem's Cipher
Author: Jess Lourey
Series: Salem's Cipher (Book 2)
Publication: Thomas & Mercer (March 26, 2024)

Description: A brilliant code breaker shatters a centuries-old conspiracy and unravels her own family secrets in an addictive and heart-pounding thriller by Edgar Award–nominated author Jess Lourey.

Salem Wiley is a genius cryptanalyst. She’s also a loner who prefers a safe and familiar path. Until her mother disappears in the wake of a brutal murder, leaving behind a cryptic warning of threats to come. Forced out of her safe zone, Salem embarks with her best friend, Bel, on a dangerous quest that reaches back centuries into America’s hidden history.

Drawn into a labyrinth of messages encrypted by Emily Dickinson and hidden in the legendary Beale Cipher, Salem discovers her mother’s double life—and the truth. An ancient and ruthless society is hell-bent on ruling the world, and only a select group of hunted women stands in its way.

Now Salem must follow a cross-country trail of clues in a desperate bid to unravel the conspiracy, which threatens not only the present but the very course of history.

My Thoughts: Salem Wiley and her best friend Bel Odegaard are pulled out of their normal lives when their mothers are attacked and kidnapped. Salem is a genius cryptanalyst, and Bel works for the Chicago Police Department. 

They find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy which has been going on for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years. The Hermitage has as its goal the subjugation of women and the Underground is fighting them at every opportunity. 

With the strong possibility that Senator Gina Hayes will be elected the female United States President, the Hermitage is upping it game by trying to kill leaders in the Underground. They have set two different assassins on the case and have plans to assassinate Hayes before the election. 

Salem, who hasn't left the Twin Cities and is agoraphobic, has to put aside her fears is she's going to solve the ciphers, save whichever of their mothers is still alive, and bring down the Hermitage before they can complete their plans. 

This was a fascinating story with lots of codebreaking. Salem and Bel visit many historical sites on their way to solving a 200-year-old mystery. I liked the flashbacks to Salem's past which help explain her behaviors. 

Fans of The DaVinci Code and other sories about codebreaking wrapped around a fast-paced thriller will enjoy this story. 

Favorite Quote:

"No one is safe if one woman is unsafe. No one. You young kids. You think you don't have to fight for anything. You think it's always been this way. But we fight, us old ladies."

I bought this one May 6, 2024. You can buy your copy here.