I am a Ruta Sepetys completist so had no qualms requesting this title from NetGalley. I have not read any more of Steve Sheinkin before but that will change soon.

The Bletchley Riddle is a great middle grade novel about two siblings who find themselves trying the crack the enigma code during the beginning of WWII. Jacob is a young college student who has been recruited from his university. Lizzie is his little sister who is mourning the loss of her mother while refusing to believe she is dead.

The mystery is told in alternating point of view chapters. All of the chapters are short and leave you with the desire to keep going. Both of the siblings jump off the page.

While this is a middle grade novel, adults too will find the book intriguing. Thank you to NetGalley and Viking books, an imprint of Penguin books for the free Advanced Readers Copy. This would make a great gift to a young reader in your life.

A wonderfully told story of a brother and sister left parentless during WW2. One is on the search for their mother who she refuses to believe is dead and the other a code breaker.
The audiobook narrator is one of the best I have heard and really brings the characters to life. Lizzie is definitely my favorite and made me chuckle a few times.
Highly recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read it in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This is a solid title from Sepetys and Sheinkin! I have a soft spot for historical fiction, and this was no exception. I was a little intimidated by the length, as my attention span is short these days, and I usually listen to audiobooks. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was able to move through this book! The short chapters and alternating points of view made it easier for me to digest. Due to the ages of the characters, this one will probably be going in our YA section, not the Juv section (even though it's middle grade). I honestly had no idea about the Bletchley Park code breakers, and I studied WWII a lot as a history major. Sepetys does her research, and having Sheinkin on board made for a fascinating story. It made me want to do more research!

A very enjoyable and believable YA take on Bletchley. The authors clearly did their research and created a story that fits into the canon of Bletchley works. Jakob and Lizzie are strong characters, each with their own personalities and motivations, and I loved the way they slotted so easily into what we know of Bletchley. Great supporting characters and side plots, with an overarching sense of danger and why what they're doing matters.

This is quite possibly my favorite historical fiction! The two authors did an incredible job working together to weave this family mystery amidst the history of WWII. The alternating viewpoints flowed really well and complimented each other wonderfully. The story was fast paced, intriguing, and intense!

Most adults either via movies like “The Imitation Game” or “Enigma” or dozens of books, know about the group of code breakers holed up in Bletchley, England who worked round the clock to break the Nazi code machine. Here’s a great book for middle-grade readers to introduce them to this amazing group of adults and even children who played such a crucial part in defeating the Nazis.
It's 1940 and 14 yo Lizzie’s mom disappeared while working in Poland when the Nazi’s invaded. Lizzie is supposed to be bound for her grandmother’s in Cleveland but decides instead to stay in London to learn where her mother is. She moves to Bletchley Park where her brother Jakob is working. After a series of events, Lizzie is recruited to work at the facility, and like her brother, she too must sign the Official Secrets Act which means what she learns there, she cannot repeat in order to find out if her mother is still alive.
I thought some of the details on how the Enigma machine worked and how they cracked the code with it were a bit hard to visualize, but the story is still page turning even without my fully understanding that part. This is an excellent read for kids who are interested in history (or are smarter than am I in figuring out how the machine worked.)

Ruta Sepetys knows how to weave a compelling story that brings history to life for young readers...but also for me! After reading other historical fiction about Bletchey Park, I knew I was going to pick this one up!I loved the stories and the characters, and my only complaint is that it ended a bit too abruptly for me. I wanted more! More story, more closure, more info! But if that's the worst thing I can say about a book, you know it's pretty good.

The Bletchley Riddle is an engaging middle-grade/young adult histfic story with sides of intrigue, mystery, and adventure.

Nineteen-year-old Jakob and his fourteen-year-old sister Lizzie are on their own since their mother’s death. Both of them share a love for riddles and puzzles. Jakob’s teacher recommends him to Bletchley Park, the highly secret center near London for WWII codebreakers. While Jakob works with the codebreakers, his quirky, stubborn, and highly inquisitive sister is determined to solve the mystery of their mother’s death.

“I am Elizabeth “Lizzie” Novis. Despite my good intentions, I often blunder, misstep, and stumble. And to be perfectly straightforward, let’s state the obvious: I am the candidate most likely to violate the Official Secrets Act. And I will be convicted of treason when I do.”

It seems that The Bletchley Riddle is marketed for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12). However, with protagonists that are 19 and 14, it might be more suited for young YA readers. I believe there is a need for more books for readers who have aged out of middle-grade reads but are not quite ready for the more mature content of YA. This book fits that “inbetweeners” reading category perfectly. For now though, I will say that this book might appeal to mature MG or young YA. If you are a parent of readers who are transitioning from MG to YA, do you (or your child/children) have difficulty finding appropriate reads? You can trust these two authors!

Young readers who appreciate mystery and adventure will find lots to love here as we solve riddles and follow clues alongside Lizzie. She’s impulsive, and this lands her in some precarious situations. I think that the conclusion feels more appropriate for YA than MG.

Some background knowledge of Bletchley Park might enhance the reading experience for young readers. I’ve read enough books set there that I have a good idea of the significant and vital work conducted, but the story doesn’t provide many details for readers. An explanatory prelude might have helped build understanding and context. Students interested in puzzles and codebreaking will find the history of Bletchley Park fascinating. (see author notes)

Jakob has heavy responsibilities working at Bletchley Park and caring for his sister. I think chapters from his perspective might be interesting. However, the story is from Lizzie’s perspective because it’s geared towards MG. The brother/sister relationship is endearing and complicated as Jakob works full time in a pressure-filled environment and (reluctantly) supports Lizzie’s quest to discover the truth about their mother’s death. The story includes friendships as well. Lizzie’s friendship with Colin has gentle and sweet romantic overtones (which will appeal to a YA).

Content Consideration: abandonment, absent parents

Fans of Ruta Sepetys will enjoy this new venture with writing partner, Steve Sheinkin. Mature MG and younger YA readers who are interested in WWII, riddles, puzzles, and mysteries might find The Bletchley Riddle appealing. It’s perfect for the “inbetweeners”!

Thanks #NetGalley @PenguinKids for a complimentary e ARC of #TheBletchleyRiddle upon my request. All opinions are my own.

The Bletchley Riddle is an engaging historical fiction perfect for middle grade readers and adults alike. Set in WWII, the story follows siblings Jakob and Lizzie as they navigate the mysteries of Bletchley Park while trying to uncover the truth behind their mother’s disappearance. I loved Lizzie’s quirky, determined character, especially her tenacity to solve riddles and codes. The book balances real historical events with an exciting mystery, making it both educational and thrilling. The sibling dynamic is heartwarming, and the fast-paced plot kept me hooked throughout. It’s a delightful read, full of adventure, puzzles, and history!

Lizzie is on her way to America to escape the impending war when she runs away, determined to find her mission mom and brother who won't respond to her letters. She is determined to find answers and finds herself working for the war effort as a bit of a spy. She and her brother Jakob work together to decode messages in order to help the war, but also find their mom.

Most MG Historical Fiction is set around WWII, and that can get old, but this book is still fun and provides a new perspective that is solid in facts of the war, but still enjoyable! I think my HF readers will love this one!

Thank you, Netgalley, for this advanced reading copy.

The story interweaves between Jakob's and Elizabeth's (Lizzie's) point of view. They are siblings and teenagers during the time of war. The book starts with Lizzie evading her chaperone, Fleetwood, as they journey to the United States for safety from the incoming threats of Hilter bombing London. Lizzie is concerned for her brother Jakob since he has not responded to her letters. Not only that, but they just received news that their mother was killed in action after traveling to the United States Embassy in Warsaw to help pack. From each sibling's point of view, the reader will discover maturity level but also how they think and move when trying to solve their mother's disappearance. Jakob is fine with the final word that their mother has passed; he wants to work on deciphering codes since it is essential for the impending war but Lizzie will not let it go. She is determined to find out what happened to her mother.

Throughout the book, we are teased with the adventures of mystery, thrill, and adventure as the siblings find clues and look for answers regarding their mother, humor (mostly Lizzie but some others throughout the book), and lessons in code and deciphering.

The read was a delight! I love a good history lesson, so if you are looking for a historical fiction book based on actual events, this book is for you. One thing I loved about this book was the author's notes at the end detailing the inspiration behind the book. The book was based on/inspired by the events of Bletchley Park, Great Britain's World War II team of codebreaker centers, Polish codebreakers, and spies (Tyler Kent). Not only that, but some of the involved individuals continued their vow of silence even to their resting day, the Official Secrets Act.

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley and Bookish First, all opinions are my own.

This was such a wonderful adventure. This is perfect for middle grade and YA readers, but as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed it. This follows brother and sister Jakob and Lizzie, who find themselves at the secretive Bletchley Park during WWII. Jakob is 19 and as a math student has been recruited to the code breaking division at the park. Lizzie and Jakob's mother worked for British Embassy, and disappeared while on assignment. Their grandmother who lives in Ohio has sent for Lizzie to move to Cleveland, as Lizzie is only 14. Lizzie is a firecracker and is determined to prove that their mother is still alive and thwarts all attempts to move to America. She tracks down her brother and gets her own job at Bletchley. The Secrets Act prevents the siblings from talking too much about their work and what is really going on. When strange messages show up at their boarding house and an inspector is trying to suggest that their mother was a spy for the wrong side things, the siblings must use their unique talents for puzzles to solve the mystery of their mother's work.

This was so entertaining! I've read other fictional books about Bletchley and this is another great one and perfect for readers of all ages. I loved Lizzie and her determination and Jakob's struggle to keep his sister safe while also trying to do his job. I was so invested in the characters and their quest to find their mother as well as break the Enigma code. It is crazy to think that while Jakob and Lizzie are fictional characters young, brilliant minds such as theirs were breaking codes and deciphering messages during that time. I also love how the authors worked non-fiction elements into the story. I hope to see this author duo write more in the future, this was such a wonderful read!

The Bletchley Riddle is a historical fiction set in London during world war 2. Two siblings, Lizzie and Jakob, having recently lost both parents, find themselves in an adventure as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of their mother. As they solve one mystery, they also navigate their new jobs working for a secret group of codebreakers for the war effort. They meet new friends who help in their search for answers.

This book was so good! I did not get to enjoy this one with my young kids yet but I’m excited to re-experience it with them again in a few years!

Excellent historical fiction book written by two incredible authors. The two siblings have distinct voices as they navigate the secret world of codebreaking in WWII, while also working out the mystery of where their mother has disappeared to.

Reading Lizzie and Jakob's story helped me understand how people like them deciphered and cracked the code to be able to intercept enemy messages at Bletchley Park during WW2. I enjoyed the sibling relationship between them and the side story of trying to figure out what happened to their mother. Anyone interested in WW2 stories would enjoy this book by two popular and dynamic authors.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this title. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fourteen year old Lizzie and her older brother Jakob have found themselves behind the walls of the secret code breaking facilities of Bletchley Park at the beginning of WW2. Both sworn to TheSecrets Act, they are working to break the enigma codes of the Germans as well as understand the secrets around their mother’s disappearance.

Being both young adult and historical fiction, this was a great historical read about Bletchley Park and the Battle of Britain that is accessible to adults and kids alike. The characters were well developed and I loved the quirky Lizzie and the brother sister relationship. The pacing was fast with short easily digestible chapters. I am quickly becoming a fan of Ruta Sepetys!

The Bletchley Riddle is a fabulously accessible middle grade peek into WWII in England. Loved the mystery aspect and the depth of concern for others displayed by all the characters, particularly from Lizzie.

In some ways Lizzie reminded me a bit of Enola Holmes, but I think Lizzie is far superior of character. Really enjoyed the codes inside of riddles and the perspectives of the 'real-deal' code breakers who helped Lizzie and Jakob sort things out.

Highly recommended!

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

I was quite surprised how much I enjoyed a middle grade book that masterfully blends fiction with history!

Big thanks to @netgalley and @prhinternational for providing me with an e-copy of this newly released book!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 by @rutasepetysauthor and @stevesheinkin is a middle grade historical fiction set during World War II. It brings us to a time when Britain's greatest mathematicians, chess champions, and puzzle solvers were brought to a top-secret facility (The Bletchley Park), where they became codebreakers tasked with intercepting German messages and uncovering their plans.

The story centers on siblings Jakob, 19, and Lizzie Novis, 14. Jakob is part of a team at Bletchley Park, tasked with deciphering German army and air force plans. Meanwhile, Lizzie, who was supposed to travel to America to live with her grandmother, ditched her steward at the last minute and set out to find Jakob and is determined to uncover the truth behind their mother's disappearance.

Told in alternate POVs of Jakob and Lizzie, we follow their separate journeys while finding themselves involved with Bletchley Park. As they navigate their individual quests, they soon realize how closely connected their missions are. I am in awe every time they try to uncover hidden messages, and solve riddles and puzzles.

What I truly appreciate about this book is how it not only entertained me with its engaging story but also taught me about the lives of the codebreakers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to give Britain a fighting chance against the Germans. And how real names of important figures and significant discoveries have been injected in the story.

It was indeed a fun learning experience wrapped in a gripping story! Thus, a 5⭐ read!

I am a huge fan of Ruta Sepetys, and I have enjoyed Steve Sheinkin's books that I've read as well. This is a historical fiction dream team!

The Bletchley Riddle is the story of teenage Lizzie, who is trying to solve the mysteries around her mother's disappearance. It leads her to find her older brother, Jakob, who is working as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park.

The historical facts are woven into the story beautifully, and the characters are just delightful. The book does a wonderful job of showing how much pressure and stress the codebreakers felt as they desperately worked around the clock to break Germany's codes.

This is a story that will delight young readers and anyone who loves history!

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers, and Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

This book read more like a young adult than a middle great, but overall I feel like it was well written historical fiction. I really liked the dual perspectives and felt like the authors came together to write a good story each with well developed characters. I’ve read a lot of fiction set during World War II, but this one took a new perspective/new part of the war and I love that. This book focuses on Park, a secret code breaking outpost in Bletchley with such people as Turing. It was very cool to see a bit of this part of history. Lizzie is determined not to be evacuated to America, despite her gran’s instance she will be. England is becoming more and more unsafe and with Lizzie’s mother missing and presumed dead and her father dying several years before she has no one except a brother who has been ignoring her letters. After planning and enacting her escape she tracks her brother down and while the Secrecy Act she ends up signing prevents her from getting all the answers from him she is determined to find out what happened to their mother whether he supports her or not.