Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Salem's Cipher by Jess Lourey Narrator: Samara Naeymi
Series: Salem's Cipher Mystery #1
Published by Brilliance Audio on August 12, 2025
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 10 hours, 58 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
Salem Wiley is a genius cryptanalyst, courted by the world's top security agencies ever since making a breakthrough discovery in her field of quantum computing. She's also an agoraphobe, shackled to a narrow routine by her fear of public places. When her mother's disappearance is linked to a plot to assassinate the country's first viable female presidential candidate, Salem finds herself both target and detective in a modern-day witch hunt. Drawn into a labyrinth of messages encrypted by Emily Dickinson and centuries-old codes tucked inside the Beale Cipher, Salem begins to uncover the truth: an ancient and ruthless group is hell-bent on ruling the world, and only a select group of women stands in its way.
Salem’s Cipher series is a re-release. I didn’t know about the older release but I enjoy this author and there is a lot of puzzle solving and treasure-hunting which appeal to me. There is also a distinct focus for women, especially those who have had their scientific discoveries usurped by men. The story begins in Minnesota, where I lived for many year..
Salem is a cryptanalyst which means she solves puzzles. She is writing what is basically an AI to help her gather information to solve codes or to actually solve codes. She has a gift beyond computer work though. Belle, her best friend, is a cop in Chicago. They were both encouraged by their families in their careers. They definitely need these skills when their mothers are kidnapped.
It is extremely dangerous for them as they follow clues to information, also wanted by those who abducted their mothers. They meet new people on their journey but who can they trust?
The pacing was fast and the danger constant. I enjoyed the science and the hunt. Aspects seemed unrealistic to me but it was in areas I am not highly knowledgeable so I could just go with the story. So exciting! I was happy to move forward with the next book to see where they go next.
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Mercy's Chase by Jess Lourey Narrator: Samara Naeymi
Series: Salem's Cipher Mystery #2
Published by Brilliance Audio on August 19, 2025
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 9 hours, 54 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
When agoraphobic genius Salem Wiley lands her dream job as an FBI cryptanalyst, she vows never to return to the witch hunt underworld, where ancient secrets encrypted by hunted women have the power to rewrite history. Her resolve disappears when sweet Mercy Mayfair, the child she is pledged to protect, is kidnapped. With the help of the enigmatic Agent Lucan Stone, Salem is forced to code hunt in Ireland, England, and Scotland to keep the girl alive. As the clock ticks, she must face the terrible truth that there is only one way to free Mercy: crack the unbreakable code of Stonehenge.
I’m trying hard in this set of reviews not to spoil parts so you can enjoy and feel their weight as they happen. In Mercy’s Chase, Salem has gone to work in the FBI. They had told her it would give her time to work on her AI program but haven’t really given her any time, so she has to work at it in her off work hours. The FBI has given her new skills in weapons and self defense which she needs being who she is.
Things go wild, when Mercy, an orphan from the last book, is abducted. The villains from the previous book are holding her hostage so that Salem will track down another piece of long hidden messages and treasure. It is much harder for Salem because she is working on her own, and not with Belle. She sometimes doubts herself and her instincts. The inability of not knowing who to trust is even worse than the previous adventure without Belle. But the answer both times is no one.
Salem recognizes the face changing man who abducted her mother and is following her. Then there’s Charlie from MI5 is he trustworthy? Lucan Stone the attractive agent, is he safe? A new character is Alafair; a researcher also looking for the hidden knowledge from women pioneers in science.
She travels from clue to clue with dead and mutilated bodies following her journey. She gets her own scrapes and bruises in some remote locations. Slowly but surely Salem deciphers the truth, against all odds. It’s a fast paced and dangerous hunt. All the while worrying about Mercy in the clutches of her abductors.
Mercy’s Chase kept me on edge but enjoying the puzzles and strategy of them, as well as the promise for women. To succeed, the women had to work harder, be smarter and endure much more than the men, including the small girl child.
Narration:
This series was previously recorded with a different narrator. When I got behind on the first book, I checked out the audio at the library and discovered it was Christina Delaine, who is a familiar narrator to me. I got shades of a different character while listening. The new version is narrated by Samara Naeymi. I prefer the newer version after listening to both, although the story seems identical. And nobody knows how to pronounce Edina (city in Minnesota). I find the new version to be a clearer, somehow crisper voice. I listened at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Jess Lourey
Jess Lourey writes about secrets. She is the bestselling Agatha, Anthony, and Lefty-nominated author of the critically-acclaimed Mira James mysteries, which have earned multiple starred reviews from Library Journal and Booklist, the latter calling her writing “a splendid mix of humor and suspense.”
Jess also writes nonfiction, edge-of-your-seat YA adventure, magical realism, suspense novels, and thrillers. She is a tenured professor of creative writing and sociology, a recipient of The Loft’s Excellence in Teaching fellowship, a Psychology Today blogger, and a TEDx presenter (check out her TEDx Talk for the surprising inspiration behind her first published novel). When not teaching, reading, or dorking out with her family in Minneapolis, you can find her dreaming of her next story.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-Audio
- 25-COYER
I’m not familiar with this series, but I love the idea of a smart female character who solves puzzles for a living. Excellent reviews!
Thank you Tammy. I think it was interesting and an original take.
Did I make a mistake letting these two get by me? Great reviews, Anne💜
Well I liked them. The Minnesota and science connections made it better for me.
Interesting that this is a new release with a different narrator. I like the sound of this series it’s just finding the time to fit it in! Great review, Anne!
Thank you Rachel. I enjoyed these. I didn’t hear about the earlier version, oddly. But I like the new narrator better for what it is worth.
This sounds like the kind of fast suspense I really enjoy. It looks like a lot of fun.
Thanks Katherine. I enjoyed the fast pace, the math/puzzle aspects, and it was very like a treasure hunt. I liked the stand of women being competent and recognized for their achievements.
The cover is cool! Disorientating but cool.
I liked the cohesion of the covers.
Sounds like a couple of good listens right up your alley! Great reviews!
Thanks Lisa. I enjoy the MN setting and the science aspects.