'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 Bletchley Riddle
Ruta Sepetys Steve SheinkinA 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
Reviews
'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
‘A thrilling middle-grade adventure by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin… cleverly written and structured… it would make an excellent companion to any study of this incredible chapter of British history.’ Just Imagine
‘Marvellous… Well-rounded supporting characters (I was pleased to see the role of women celebrated in Beryl, Jakob's colleague!), codes and riddles to solve sprinkled throughout the text, and a warm-hearted sense of humour make this a riveting read.’ School Librarian
'Historical adventure at its most exciting.' Daunt Books BOOK OF THE YEAR!
'Original, suspenseful... With entertaining glimpses of real historic figures and mind-stretching explanations of Enigma and other codes, The Bletchley Riddle is an intelligent page-turner.' Jewish Chronicle
'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
'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
