The Codebreaker's Secret

By: Sara Ackerman

Narrated by: Jennifer Robideau

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

A brilliant female codebreaker. An “unbreakable” Japanese naval code. A pilot on a top-secret mission that could change the course of WWII. The Codebreaker's Secret is a dazzling story of love and intrigue set during America’s darkest hour.

1943. As war in the Pacific rages on, Isabel Cooper and her codebreaker colleagues huddle in “the dungeon” at Station HYPO in Pearl Harbor, deciphering secrets plucked from the airwaves in a race to bring down the enemy. Isabel has only one wish: to avenge her brother’s death. But she soon finds life has other plans when she meets his best friend, a hotshot pilot with secrets of his own.

1965. Fledgling journalist Lu Freitas comes home to Hawai'i to cover the grand opening of the glamorous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Rockefeller's newest and grandest project. When a high-profile guest goes missing, Lu forms an unlikely alliance with an intimidating veteran photographer to unravel the mystery. The two make a shocking discovery that stirs up memories and uncovers an explosive secret from the war days. A secret that only a codebreaker can crack.

"Sara Ackerman never disappoints!" ­—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

"Brilliantly written with a mystery that will keep you reading late into the night. . . . A fabulous read that makes me want to drop everything and travel to Hawaii!" —Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London

"Beautifully structured and well-told with authentic historical detail . . . another top historical novel by Ackerman." —Booklist (starred)

"Thoughtful, romantic and ultimately hopeful, The Codebreaker's Secret is a riveting story of intrigue and love in wartime"—Shelf Awareness

©2022 Sara Ackerman (P)2022 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Another compelling story by this excellent author

Having loved previous stories by Sarah Ackerman, this story met my high expectations. The lovely and vivid descriptions of Hawaii combined with the depth of each character draw the reader in and hold your attention from beginning to end. The description of events related to WWII honors those who worked and fought for the American victory while unfolding an unforgettable experience of the strong women characters for the reader. The magical way the author ties the characters together and adds unexpected plot twists always leaves me waiting for her next novel.
Great read!

Loved this book!

This was my favorite book to read in a long time! I loved the connected story and characters across dual timelines. The setting in Hawaii made it even more magical. I’m looking forward to reading other books by this author!

Great WW2 historical fiction

Audiobook

WW2 historical fiction set from a vantage point I had not read before-Hawaii, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. A brilliant codebreaker, Isabelle, earns her way to the coveted “dungeon” assignment in Pearl Harbor to decider Japan’s unbreakable codes. While she’s there, she meets her brother’s friend who knew him before he was short down the day of Japan’s attack.

The other time line is twenty years in the future where a very young and green journalist is invited to Hawaii to cover the opening of a luxury hotel. She meets a veteran photographer, who has connections of his own to the past in Hawaii.

Well done. Enjoyable. Nice WW2 perspective.

Not so good sad to say

The overall plot and characters were likable but somewhat shallow. I would have liked to know more about each one.
The real problem with this audible book was the dry, somewhat monotone voice of the narrator. Some narrators can enhance a mediocre book to become more than just words. Sadly this one did the opposite.

The code breaker’s Secret

Loved this book as I did with the last one “Code Girls”
Great stories by two different Authors.

Great read

I loved this book. Great story. So much description that truly draws you in. Loved the twists

Very predictable

I was expecting the emphasis to be on the female code breakers. This was primarily a romance that became repetitive and predictable.

Universal Appeal

Good couples book or solo for either sex. I always keep an eye out for authors that write for "boys and girls" and Miss Ackerman has that talent.

Plot wraps around real events of the early forties and sixties. Despite "mostly disavowing" connections to real characters, those of us who grew up in the sixties will certainly recognize an uncanny (at least in name, style and ethnicity) parallel between one character in the book and a popular folk singer from back in the day.

Slight spoiler follows:

Some authors have the ability to throw humor into a dramatic plot but this isn't in Miss Ackerman's repertoire apparently. There certainly were many light times but can't remember chuckling to myself (and I'm easy to laugh). That said, I couldn't wait to laud the book but decided to see if our budding author sought approval from the ancient Greek critics (who seemed to only like tragedies). She did not. There are tragic events to be sure but we don't have to fall in love with our protagonists only to watch them needlessly killed in the closing chapters.

The story does have its "Rocky" moments. Remember Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum and throwing his hands up in conquest? Miss Ackerman is all over it.

Really Enjoyed

As a WW2 history buff, I was expecting f more of a fluff story. I was happily surprised, the story was engaging and enjoyable. It kind of made you feel like you were in their Hawaii.

Truly Enjoyed

Loved this book! It’s one of the best I’ve read by Sara Ackerman. It has a little bit of everything.