The Language of the Birds

A Novel

By: K.A. Merson

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie

A gifted but idiosyncratic teenager must unlock fiendish puzzles, pore through occult texts, and unearth buried clues—all while reckoning with the outside world in ways she never has before—as she pursues an ancient secret in this brainteasing, YA/adult conspiracy thriller.

When Arizona learns her mother’s been kidnapped and finds a cryptic test accompanying the ransom note, she has no idea that she’s just been enlisted in a treasure hunt, on the trail of an occult, centuries-old secret her father supposedly took to his grave. And if the prize at the end is real, it could shake the world.

Following a trail of cryptic clues across the remote American West, Arizona must use her unique skills and confront her greatest fears, all while staying one step ahead of those working against her as she races toward the dark and dangerous secret that is The Language of the Birds.

“A wondrous unstoppable read, knitted with bookish ciphers and puzzles, alchemy and poetics, all starring a brave, funny, unfiltered young woman whose differences are her greatest gifts—and the keys to deciphering some very dark secrets.”—Matthew Sullivan, bestselling author of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore

“A high-stakes treasure hunt and an intricate puzzle box of a novel filled with hope, history, and all kinds of heart.”—Ernest Cline, bestselling author of Ready Player One

Critic reviews

“A thrilling page-turner full of heart and unforgettable characters . . . The Language of the Birds is a must-read for fans of puzzle books and intelligent suspense.”—Meg Shaffer, bestselling author of The Wishing Game and The Lost Story

“A high-stakes treasure hunt and an intricate puzzle box of a novel filled with hope, history, and all kinds of heart . . . a delight for readers who enjoy sifting through clues and poring over evidence alongside the hero, racing to see which of you can crack the mystery first.”—Ernest Cline, bestselling author of Ready Player One

“K. A. Merson has created a wondrous mystery that unlocks the mind and the heart. . . . A refreshing, unstoppable read, knitted with bookish ciphers and puzzles, alchemy and poetics, all starring a brave, funny, unfiltered young woman whose differences are her greatest gifts—and the keys to deciphering some very dark secrets.”—Matthew Sullivan, bestselling author of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore

“A mind-bending dive into the power of the puzzle . . . Sweeping across the American West, the story takes in ancient mythologies, classic literature, and sinister conspiracy theories to weave its own shade of magic. . . . A mystery, crime, adventure, and coming-of-age tale all wrapped up in a treasure of a book.”—Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Twyford Code and The Appeal

“This taut, engaging thriller has charm to burn, thanks to its literature-obsessed teenage codebreaker, Arizona, and her faithful hound, Mojo. . . . A puzzle box of delights.”—Simon Wroe, author of Chop Chop

“Merson debuts with a fun, code-filled mystery . . . with a crackerjack ending. Dan Brown fans will enjoy themselves.”—Publishers Weekly