Codebreaker    by Jay Martel Order:  USA  Can St. Martin's, 2026 (2026) Softcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Sixteen-year-old Mia Hayes' life is about to get upended as Jay Martel's YA spy thriller Codebreaker opens. But before this, readers are shown someone playing spy, putting his 'life on the line over a cypher written in ink more than 150 years ago.' Next, we see Mia returning home, musing about summer plans and college applications. Something seems off with her parents and her dad Hamilton (a Georgetown prof) gives her a gift, a puzzle box. The same evening, government agents show up, looking for something they believe her dad has. There's a struggle. Her mother dies in her arms and her father flees, claiming he will make it right. A few weeks later, after Mia joins a White House protest (something her journalist mom would have covered), young hacker Logan hands her the wallet she dropped and asks her out. Before they meet, she's kidnapped, questioned, and told that her father's dead. A voice email from him urges her to open up the box. Logan shows up in time to help her and - the game is on. They follow Hamilton's clues in a scavenger hunt across Washington. They uncover shocking aspects of both Mia's parents' backgrounds; about government traitors; and about Iron Hand terrorists, who have another attack planned imminently. Can they stop it? The action is fast and fierce. Logan's conclusion - 'Hell of a first date', which it certainly was! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews