π»π½ “Fatal Code” (The SNAP Agency #2) (2022) π½π»– Book Review
MY REVIEW
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800739795
ISBN-13: 978-0800739799
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.
SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.
As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews & Reviews, as well as Revell Reads. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
On the author’s “Book Battalion” page, one of the questions asked her readers was “when/where did you learn about my books”.
The answer? JustRead Publicity Tours for Living Lies, book #1 in the HARBORED SECRETS, as well as the author’s debut. From there, I was on the launch team for Deadly Deceit (book #2) and Silent Shadows (book #3). I was also on the launch team for the first book of THE SNAP AGENCY series – Lights Out.
It is in Silent Shadows where readers are initially introduced to Kekoa Young, the HawaiΚ»ian former Navy cryptologist.
With many books of a series, some can work as a standalone read. While this one could, I strongly recommend reading the first book, Lights Out (Brynn and Jack’s story). Although not published by Revell, I also STRONGLY suggest reading the author’s self-published prequel novella Initium. The novella introduces the characters and is an origin story for the SNAP Agency.
In addition to Kekoa, other characters from Lights Out will return and have slightly significant roles in this story:
Director Tom Walsh
Jack Hudson
Brynn Taylor
Lyla Fox
NicolΓ‘s Garcia
Along with Elinor Mitchell, there are various employees of Lepley Dynamics (Elinor’s employer) and multiple bad guys. Two of the bad guys have a short POV in this book while the majority is told from Elinor and Kekoa’s POV. There can be, for some readers, too many characters to keep track of. I did have some issues and pushed them to the side.
While classified as a romantic suspense, and there are some elements of romance (Brynn and Jack planning their wedding; Lyla and Garcia’s “will-they-won’t-they tug”), this is going to lean more heavily on the suspense. Walters doesn’t shy away from the action or the body count either. This also serves as Kekoa’s backstory too.
Purple covers are ALWAYS a draw for me due to the fact that it is my favorite color. I had definitely wanted to read this as soon as the author announced it, even more so since it was Kekoa’s story.
That said, the cover definitely embodies the story, and is in line with the first book. Though, the title really doesn’t get explained, it is more in reference to one of her grandfather Arthur’s pseudo codes and how it caused some unintended results.
There are some technical computer and coding terms that potential readers might not understand. These are not too frequent though, and not enough to cause a disruption in reading. This story can tend towards the nerdy side. There are also some cute science jokes though, mainly from Elinor.
In addition, Walters keeps this read authentic to Kekoa’s heritage with descriptions of food as well as the language (referred to as just “pidgin” – HawaiΚ»ian slang; description and some definitions below ⬇️).
There are references to the Space Force (created under the 45th president’s administration). As a result, some readers might have an issue with it given the contentiousness of that presidency. There is a more serious reference to Alzheimer’s disease though. One of those methods involves sexual assault. It is a mention; but might be triggering for some readers.
This begins with Elinor at the funeral of Arthur Conway, her grandfather, as well as a mystery man. The first line stands out:
“Death has no sting”
With that, Walters introduces the readers to Kekoa and his HawaiΚ»ian heritage with the loco moco courtesy of Brynn. Yes, it really is white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a sunny side up egg, and smothered with gravy (https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/the-best-loco-moco-in-hawaii-in-2022/). It looks far more appetizing than it sounds (see image).
This early scene also sets up Lyla and Garcia’s story for book #3. But, it is also the start of the action with an investigation for the SNAP Agency – Lepley Dynamics, which happens to be Elinor’s employer. Information isn’t being hacked, but leaked from one of the employees. Elinor and others in her division are set to present a project by the name of Van Gogh. And, most of the leak is from Elinor’s station.
Elinor and Kekoa live in the same building and meet through a chance encounter outside of his work.
What none of the SNAP team or Elinor realize – there is a sinister plot lurking on not one, but two different angles. Kekoa is tasked to watch Elinor for a reason – she’s believed to be involved in leaking information. He isn’t sure he can do that. He’s already fallen for her. He also knows he can’t protect her. This goes back to something that happened 14 years ago in HawaiΚ»i that involved his younger brother.
Elinor discovers a pseudo code from her grandfather and tries to solve it, even going so far as to put it out on a forum for amateurs to solve. Kekoa detects a pigpen cipher which leads to an Ian Fleming James Bond novel, Dr. No. I absolutely loved how Walters worked that in as a fan of the James Bond movies.
In addition to the Elinor/Lepley Dynamics case, there is a minor case involving Lyla that causes tension between her, Garcia, and Kekoa.
Elinor gets a warning about the pseudo code from Wonderboy64 – very dangerous to continue looking into it. She needs to stop. Of course, she isn’t going to. But, she is curious as to why Wonderboy64 is warning her.
Kekoa gets closer to Elinor and introduces her to the 808 club as part of their friendship. 808 refers to HawaiΚ»i’s area code. One fun incident involves rain and skim surfing. Kekoa’s “battle cry” is cheehoo – like yahoo, only more fun.
The Elinor he gets close to isn’t the same one that SNAP and other agencies think is leaking secrets. Something is wrong and he is determined to prove it – he has to for her safety. But, Kekoa is also trying to ignore an important anniversary which is affecting his judgment.
In addition to a fascinating and complex suspense tale that has two different angles with multiple dead bodies, Walters gives readers an authentic look inside the HawaiΚ»ian culture.
Like Kekoa, my mother LOVES banana lumpias so I immediately knew what they were, despite not having had them for 6-7 years.
Walters gives readers insight into Kekoa’s background and who he really is (he’s my FAVORITE character of the series), the importance and danger of the research at LANL, and what Κ»ohana really is. Movie reference aside, Κ»ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind, or forgotten. Κ»Ohana isn’t strictly blood-related, and can be used to describe a close group of friends, or employees of the same company. It is a theme that is conveyed not only in Kekoa’s personal life, but his work life as well.
I also had to laugh at Kekoa’s dad’s “flight” from HawaiΚ»i – along with his “slippahs” reference. Like them, I too LOVE my slippahs. For those who don’t know – those are sandals or flip-flops.
Another funny Kekoa moment is when he is getting fitted for a suit. As the term “brah” can be used for just about anyone, it is the tailor who misunderstands what Kekoa is trying to say. He thinks Kekoa is asking if he needs to wear a bra with the suit which creates an uproariously funny scene.
I could related to Elinor with the P.E grade. I usually averaged a C/D. I most other subjects I averaged an A/B grade.
As far as the suspense, there was a scene in chapter 23 that shocked me and after reading it three times, I had to admit it was clever. I didn’t really expect that turn of events, but it was SO good!! There were some angles I saw coming or had figured, some definitely took me by surprise. I was not disappointed by this book.
The short chapters kept this fast-paced, action filled read moving to the point I felt like I was on a runaway train that seemed intent on derailing at any moment. If I hadn’t been in the middle of a major move and packing (I still am) – I’d definitely have finished this inside of 1-2 days.
With regard to Pidgin, there were some words I understood without having to look them up, but a glossary in either the front or the back might’ve been a good idea. That said, Walters does a fantastic job of explaining it though. For those new to her books, she and her husband lived in HawaiΚ»i for several years before being “transferred” to Texas.
This could be categorized as “Christian”, however some readers might have an issue with a minor character’s reference to a fling and “casual” intimacy, as well as some of the non-secular references. Some reviewers took issue with the mention of Grey’s Anatomy and Gilmore Girls, these did not bother me as I don’t watch those shows. I will state I don’t really like hearing my neighbor’s TV though and I try to keep mine low as a result.
That part out of the way, the author does use a LOT of pop culture references from music to TV shows. Some I truly enjoyed and even had knowledge of, such as the Don Johnson MIAMI VICE reference, along with the 1970’s Starsky & Hutch T.V series reference. Like Lyla, I have seen every episode. In June 2014, I actually met both the original actors who portrayed Starsky and Hutch, so that was quite relevant to me.
Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy” was mentioned. I loved some of his music (I was living in Texas when I first heard it), particular that song. The day I read that, I ended up hearing the song on a SiriusXM radio station while running an errand. Anyone seeing me laugh in my car would’ve probably wondered what was wrong with me.
Since Revell is a predominantly Christian/faith-themed publisher, this does has some major themes of faith in it. These are demonstrated by Elinor’s grandfather’s favorite hymn (His Eye is on the Sparrow), Arthur’s faith, as well as Kekoa’s father’s beliefs. They are partially relevant to the story, but not done in a way that feels like proselytizing.
Fans of the genre, author, and especially those who’ve read Initium and Lights Out, will definitely want to add this one to their library. I’m anxiously looking forward to book #3 as well as anything new that the author has on the horizon.
In my review I chose to use the HawaiΚ»i spelling versus the regular Hawaii out of respect for the island and culture. Native HawaiΚ»ians pronounce it: Hawai-Ee or Havai-Ee (which is what I use).
About the language ⬇️
HawaiΚ»ian language is one of the two official languages of the state of HawaiΚ»i. HawaiΚ»ian Pidgin or Pidgin, also called HawaiΚ»i Creole English (HCE), developed from the mix of Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, HawaiΚ»ian, and English languages spoken by the diverse workers on HawaiΚ»i's sugar plantations.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
I also have to give this 5 SOLID Cheehoos as well!! π€π» π€π» π€π» π€π» π€π»
Other books in the series:
Series: The SNAP Agency (Book #0.5)
Paperback: 148 Pages
Publisher: Independently Published (November 3, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 979-8758901823
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“When an explosion rattled the cobblestone streets of Ireland in 1998, it left the CIA questioning one of their own, but Intel officer Tom Walsh refuses to believe his friend Sean is guilty. Tom is certain Sean wasn’t behind the misdirection of information that led to the deaths of dozens, but he’s missing and the CIA won’t go back to find him or the truth.
Unwilling to let Sean become a scapegoat for a botched mission, Tom quits the CIA and takes an unsanctioned contract job with the hopes of finding his friend and those responsible for the deadly attack. But when the new mission goes awry, Tom finds himself in a battle against an Irish dissident paramilitary group determined to strike again.
With only a hunch to go on and a red-headed bartender’s help, Tom puts himself in the path of danger and discovers his own passion for stepping in where the government can’t.
Get ready for Lights Out with this glimpse into the life of the man behind the SNAP Agency and what pushed him to find a better way to strategically protect and neutralize threats against America and her citizens. In this fast-paced novella you’ll meet Director Walsh as he assembles his team: Jack Hudson, Lyla Fox, NicolΓ‘s Garcia, and Kekoa Young.”
Series: The SNAP Agency (Book #1)
Paperback: 320 Pages
Publisher: Revell (November 2, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800739787
ISBN-13: 978-0800739782
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.
Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.
Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.
Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Walters is the author Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.
You can find her on the following social media accounts:
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