Review: The Cryptographer's Dilemma

The Cryptographer's Dilemma book cover on blue background

I've been seeing The Cryptographer's Dilemma appear on Bookstagram ever since it launched and I'm glad that I finally had the opportunity to read it. I admit that it also moved up my TBR pile a little after discovering that Jillian Lancour is Johnnie Alexander's daughter. Since I've really enjoyed Jillian's content, I knew I would be in for a treat (especially since I'm such a fan of espionage books!).

Book Synopsis

A Code Developer Uncovers a Japanese Spy Ring

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes―the heroines of WWII. FBI cryptographer Eloise Marshall is grieving the death of her brother, who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor, when she is assigned to investigate a seemingly innocent letter about dolls.

Agent Phillip Clayton is ready to enlist and head oversees when asked to work one more FBI job. A case of coded defense coordinates related to dolls should be easy, but not so when the Japanese Consulate gets involved, hearts get entangled, and Phillip goes missing.

Can Eloise risk loving and losing again?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This book had such an intriguing premise around a real-life spy during the Second World War who lived in the United States. I appreciated this glimpse into American history following the events of Pearl Harbour, along with the intricate workings of the FBI. Since I don't want to give too much of the plot away and reveal some of the mysteries to be solved, I'll share how much I enjoyed the characters of Eloise and Philip. I loved that both of them were skilled in their vocations and brought a lot to the table, professionally and personally. Not only did their skills complement each other, their personalities helped them to act as a real team, unified in mission and looking out for one another.

The multiple perspectives added interest and depth to the story, and the adventures across the United States made for an action-packed read. It was lovely to see both characters attribute the workings of their lives to God, and though the themes of faith are subtle, they reinforce God's sovereignty and timing. For anyone who enjoys reading about code breaking and espionage as much as I do, this is a thrilling tale around a true war story and one that remains memorable after the book is finished.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

All the Cheese

I've been coming across content within the past several weeks that has stereotyped Christian books (and other mediums) as being cheesy on Christian accounts. While this isn't a new label or even a new topic, what has surprised me somewhat has been seeing more Christian authors jump into this conversation who wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Although some authors will name others whom they believe are writing non-cheesy fiction, I feel as though the damage has been done by repeating this blanket statement. While readers have freely been engaging in this type of commentary for some time, it's been interesting to see authors chime in, where in some cases, there seems to be an emphasis on self-promotion over reflection. I'm not stereotyping and saying that all authors or even the authors I'm connected to respond with this tactic (because I really don't think they do!), but there are a few out there from my limited experience who seem to respond to this disc...

Fallen

This is a post that I wish I didn't have to write. Please understand that I recognize that we are all fallen; therefore, everything that we create is marred, imperfect, and tainted due to sin. What I'm exploring is what happens when there are authors or other creators who have acted in a way that harms others and there is little-to-no news of repentance or reparations being made. I'm not writing anything investigative as many skilled and brilliant Christians are already doing so. I'm more writing as a bystander who is grieved at some of the news that has come up and attempting to process it all. The first news that really impacted me was learning about the passing of Jennifer Lyell, former Lifeway Vice President, whom headlines have also called a Southern Baptist Convention abuse survivor . This hit close to home for a multitude of reasons even though prior to yesterday, I hadn't heard of her story. One of the reasons it affected me was because the professor who was...

Diverse Stories

One of the things I've been challenging myself to do this year has been to read more Christian books written by authors from other countries. I love that the body of Christ spans the four corners of the world and that we get to benefit from hearing so many different perspectives. I've also appreciated getting to know some amazing authors and readers online from other nations and continents as it's enriched my understanding of how Christians experience life. It helps me realize that the views I take for granted may only be limited to where I am situated, geographically and culturally. I haven't read all of the authors below yet, but here are a few Christian fiction authors who write from outside of North America if you're interested in reading more: Africa Ivy Emerson Enewerome Anna Jensen Tope Omotosho Asia Joanna Alonzo Joy Crain Australasia Narelle Atkins Liz Chapman Iola Goulton Jessica Kate Bessie Le Couteur Carolyn Miller Jennifer Mistmorgan Honey Stone Jessica...

Christian Shelves

Search This Blog