The Codebreaker's Secret - by Sara Ackerman (Paperback)

About the Book

"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"--Back cover.

Book Synopsis

"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

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.

Don't miss THE GUEST IN ROOM 120, Sara Ackerman's enthralling new novel with dual-timelines intertwining a 1905 mystery surrounding Jane Stanford's mysterious death in Honolulu and a 2005 writer's quest to uncover the truth at the same historic hotel...

More captivating stories from Sara Ackerman:

• The Maui Effect
• The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West
• Radar Girls
• Red Sky Over Hawaii
• The Lieutenant's Nurse
• Island of Sweet Pies & Soldiers

Review Quotes

"Beautifully structured and well-told with authentic historical detail, interesting relationships, and the mystery of two young women who go missing from the same spot 22 years apart, this is 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

"In this enthralling World War II saga, we first meet the brilliant Isabel Cooper and her fellow codebreaker colleagues as they decipher secretes from the Pearl Harbor airwaves. . . . A thrilling, heartfelt read." --Woman's World

"Intense, suspenseful, and filled with mystery, flora, and fauna of Hawaii, the climate, the vernacular, and the total beauty of the location adds great setting. The in-depth knowledge of a codebreaker's duties adds to the intrigue. What is most surprising is the unexpected and consoling ending that brings peace and understanding to 20 years of heartbreak and pain." --New York Journal of Books

"Brilliantly written . . . Ackerman's settings blossom with stunning imagery as she brings to life characters that will stay with you long after you've finished the book. 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

"In this clever dual-timeline novel, Ackerman writes about two smart, adventurous women solving a captivating historical mystery, all set against the tropical beauty of Hawai'i during World War II and the 1960s. When I finished this book, I was more than ready to book a one-way ticket to the Big Island." --Elise Hooper, author of Angels of the Pacific

"Once again Sara Ackerman delivers with a riveting novel of WWII-era Hawai'i. Her vivid storytelling makes the island come alive around you. A plucky heroine, a decades-old mystery, and a stirring romance make this book positively unputdownable!" --Amanda Skenadore, author of The Second Life of Mirielle West

"Meticulously researched, rich and immersive, The Codebreaker's Secret will have you enthralled. A must-read for all fans of the genre. I absolutely loved it." --Andie Newton, USA Today bestselling author of The Girls from the Beach

"With likable, authentic characters; lush, vivid settings; and secrets galore, the two timelines in The Codebreaker's Secret collide in spectacular fashion. Throughout, the book will tug on your heartstrings with its heartfelt depictions of grief, longing, hope, and resilience." --Addison Armstrong, author of The Light of Luna Park

"The Codebreaker's Secret did not disappoint! Ackerman weaves together the worlds of World War II and 1960s Hawaii with intrepid, smart female characters who must uncover a decades-old mystery that is sure to keep readers guessing to the end. This book is a triumph!" --Julia Kelly, international bestselling author of The Last Dance of the Debutante

Praise for the novels of USA TODAY bestselling author Sara Ackerman

"A fascinating exploration of yet another group of amazing women that history elected to ignore and then forget. Fans of World War II historical fiction will definitely want to pick this one up." --Hypable on Radar Girls

"Enthralling... A great addition to the current trend of tales illuminating little-known aspects of women's lives during WWII." --Booklist on Radar Girls

"This historical fiction novel is empowering... Deliciously visceral, readers will be transported into the dreamy Hawaiian backdrop." --Bookriot on Radar Girls

"Radar Girls is a fresh, delightful romp of a novel featuring the little-known women of Hawaii recruited after Pearl Harbor to staff the islands' radar stations. Heroine Daisy is thrown into the deep end guiding in wounded Air Force pilots and listening for Japanese attacks, while juggling family troubles and a budding romance, but she and her radar-girl gang of irrepressible friends live up to their work, their duty, and their code name Rascal in sparkling fashion. Sara Ackerman never disappoints!" --Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

"Once again Ackerman delivers a powerful story about a little-known piece of women's history with compassion and an unforgettable cast of characters. Daisy is a heroine to cheer for as she gives all she has for her country, the man she loves and, most importantly, herself." --Noelle Salazar, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Flight Girls, on Radar Girls

"Radar Girls is a transporting, evocative novel with a unique slant on Hawaii in the immediate aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Ackerman skillfully tells an absorbing story while also crafting an ode to friendship and the strength of women faced with crisis, giving unsung heroes a triumphant and resonant voice." --Kaui Hart Hemmings, New York Times bestselling author of The Descendants

"Radar Girls is a wow of a book! I loved Daisy Wilder and her friends and this engaging look into a fascinating, little known slice of WW2 history, the creation of the Women's Air Raid Defense (WARD). The lush tropical paradise of Hawaii, left reeling in the aftermath of the horrifying attack on Pearl Harbor, provides the perfect setting for this captivating story of friendship, heartbreak and true love. Highly recommend!" --Karen Robards, New York Times bestselling author of The Black Swan of Paris