Historian Trina Piper is summoned to the British Library to authenticate a coded manuscript believed to be authored by none other than Isaac Newton himself. At the same time, London finds itself in the grip of a series of ghastly murders. When a malicious Russian scholar appears and demands the manuscript, Trina becomes the target of his wrath. She soon realizes that Newton’s papers and the terrible murders are connected, and both hint at something far more a secretive Order dedicated to reviving alchemy for sinister purposes. Caught between ancient magic and a shadowy cabal, Trina must find a way to save not only herself, but all of London. With the help of Ulrik Stander, a handsome and resourceful agent from Interpol’s Art and Artifacts Division, she rushes from Westminster’s fog-filled alleyways to the hallowed halls of Cambridge University in a race to prevent a forgotten seventeenth-century plague from being unleashed on modern London. As Big Ben ticks down, she discovers that Isaac Newton carried a secret so dark he buried it beneath layers of stone and forbidden magic. But now the secret is out and people are dying. Will Trina have enough time to solve the mystery before disaster strikes?
I read this book based on a recommendation from Nick Thacker. I am glad I did, I was not disappointed.
This story starts with Trina Piper teaching as seminar at Notre Dame in South Bend. At the end of her class, she runs into her mentor who just got back from Italy. He explained to her about an opportunity in London for her to identify whether or not papers that have been discovered were really by Isaac Newton. After her discussion with the Professor, she arrived home and advised her boyfriend of this. He did not want her to do it, but instead go with him to New York. A fight ensued and she decided to let her Professor know. When she arrived there, she found that he had been beaten and got help. After leaving the Professor's home, she went and packed and then drove to the airport in Chicago for her flight to London.
All of her arrangements had been made by her student Sammy earlier. Once she arrived in London she went to her room to get ready to start her investigation. The next day she went to the Library and began reviewing documents in question. She went back the next day and was told that she would not be able to continue because the task had been given to a Russian team. Alfie, who she had worked with earier did not trust the Russians and left her alone for a short time where she was able to take a picture of one of the documents so she could work on it at the same time. As part of her investigation, she wanted to go to Trinity College to view some of the documents that were there to see if the signature on the manuscript matched what other works had been verified. While there, she met with Professor McFee a friend of her mentor.
The trip to Cambridge was not what she expected, and she wound up jailed. She ultimately was handed over to Interpol to be brought back to London.
Without giving out too much information, her return to London was in response to the Tube killings that were taking place. If you want to find out what the reason for the Russians, what documents that were being examined, and what gift her Professor gave her and how Professor McFee came to her rescue, then you must read this book. I recommend it highly.
I too read this book on recommendation of Nick Thacker. Thanks Nick for pointing me to a great WRITER/AUTHOR. The Prologue to The Newton Cipher by master Author Steve Ruskin certainly laid out the things that were to come in the book,, and defined so well Isaac Newton’s part(s) that he would play in those “mysterious things to come”. in the book through the great characters Author Steve Ruskin developed SO well. Beautiful Heroic Prose which serves “notice to”, and snares the reader in the “Exciting Reading To Come FOLKS!” NET. AND WOW! was there EVER exciting reading, and what a TALE, told so VERY well by accomplished AUTHOR Steve Rushkin, ergo I am “IN THE NET” CAPTURED NOW FOREVER! NO SPOILERS. This first book in series speaks VOLUMES as to not only Author Steve Ruskin’s talents are which simply put is OUTSTANDING writing skills, but also to what a wonderful series this is going to turn out to be. The Newton Cipher is A MUST READ by AUTHOR Steve Ruskin!! DO.NOT.MISS.THE.NEWTON.CIPHER! ~GO STEVE RUSKIN!~ I HIGHLY recommend The Newton Cipher! (Allot time because you will want to do non stop reading.)
Prepare for a page-turning romp through the forgotten world of Newton's alchemy research. With the historical suspense of a Dan Brown novel and the lovable magic of J.K. Rowling, Steve Ruskin draws on history and imagination alike to weave a delightful tale linking a forensic writing expert to a newly discovered manuscript written in the hand of Isaac Newton, and encrypted in the language of the angels.
Ruskin deftly brings Isaac Newton to the center of some of the great tragedies of the 17th century and exposes his lesser-known dabblings in the occult. But Newton's magic reaches far into the future and into the hands of those bent on using it for evil.
Ruskin's writing will transport you to London and Cambridge and take you on a trip into the past.
I LOVE historical mysteries – especially ones regarding famous people. This one went back and forth between modern times and those of Sir Isaac Newton. I even downloaded his ‘Optiks’ for future reading. And I walked along Google Streets in both London and Cambridge (would have finished reading sooner, if I hadn’t).
The author through in some great wit, which isn’t merely entertaining, it helps distinguish characters from each other. Great quotes: ‘I am a merchant, Isaac, a man of the world, not just Britain. I have clients, not loyalties.’ ‘So keep playing Punch like a good puppet, and I promise to go gentle on the strings.’ Ouch! I love me a good sting.
The reader is even treated throughout the book to some art, science, London sites, and a wee bit of the occult…
Soon, it’ll be time to start the next book - Scepter of the Sun King!
On rare occasions one comes across a book with all the bells and whistles that makes you tingle from the very first page. “The Newton Cipher” is one such book. The book starts out in the year 1666 when Isaac Newton was a student. His past hides a dark secret and in his later years he wants to make amends - but how? Skip a few centuries ahead and you find yourself in Adjunct Professor Trina Piper’s classroom trying to teach to a bunch of “collateral students” medieval history. It is only a part-time job, but she is passionate about the subject and it gives her access to the library archives. Trina makes her living as a forensic document analyst – someone who authenticates document for the provenance, signatures, etc., for attorneys. Her old professor offers her an once-in-a-lifetime assignment at the British Library to authenticate what are believed to be Isaac Newton’s papers and they appear to be written in code. Trina’s boyfriend has other plans. He has an opportunity to work in New York and expects Trina to join him. Trina declines his offer and heads to London. “The Newton Cipher” is brilliantly written, filled with excitement, thrills, on the edge of your seat adventure. The characters have unique personalities and strengths that add much to the story line. There is a bit of humor, drama, a great deal of excitement and twists and turns such that you cannot stop turning the pages. I am praying that Mr. Ruskin is planning on a sequel soon.
I met Steve a few years ago at Superstars Writing Seminars, but really got to know him more in the last year or so when we both had stories in the Cursed Collectibles Anthology. When Steve told me about his new book coming out and I read the description, I knew this was something I wanted to read because it was right up my alley.
But when I sat down to start the book, I didn’t predict how much I would love it straight off the bat. It reminded me a lot of when I first sat down to read The DaVinci Code, which was my first introduction to adult thrillers in general and more specifically to thrillers with a historical angle to them. I fell instantly love with this subgenre and all these years later, The Newton Cipher delivers the same captivating reading experience.
I read almost the first half of the book in one evening and then finished up the rest the following weekend. The book gets quickly underway, delivering a smart, fresh story that, unlike some others I can think of in the genre, is as well-written as it is entertaining. I enjoyed the historical angle Ruskin covers in this story and think it is a fantastic introduction to a new series. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment. Actually I need about ten more of these books, stat!
I particularly loved the meticulous research that went into the story and those that have previously visited London and Cambridge will enjoy journeying back to England in The Newton Cipher. Since it is 2020, I’ll note that the book does contain mention of a plague which is about as eerie and unsettling as you’d imagine it would be to read about while experiencing a global pandemic. Of course, I have to give credit where credit is due and Ruskin gets all those details exactly right as well. I just wish we weren’t actually having to live through it to fact-check that part.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced and fun new read this fall, definitely pick up a copy of The Newton Cipher on Amazon!
An academic unraveling an historical mystery with a few fantasy touches and some bad guy fight scenes? Yes! Every time! I fell in love with Trina almost immediately. I was rooting hard for her to be recognized as a scholar with a “real” job and a good guy at her side. I won’t spoil it and tell you if that happens. The side characters, Fiona, Ulrich, and Alastair, are wonderful. And the bad guys are really bad people.
A few other things I liked: Trina isn’t the answer to all the problems. She just helps some and needs help from others. We don’t have all the answers to the magic elements. We can make a few assumptions, but there is no info dump. Trina has low moments and rash decisions sometimes, but she also has high moments and determination. There is growth in her as as a person.
This was a fun fast paced read that had me headed into some historical rabbit holes. I can’t wait to read what happens next to Trina and her cohorts! Thanks to Nick Thacker for the recommendation.
I received a copy of the book and this is my review.
I feel so privileged to have found this new to me author. I literally finished this book and went to his author page and bought everything else he had available! I would describe this book as historical fantasy.
The scope of this book is awesome covering the modern time as well as the time of Newton. In the modern world, a college teacher and document expert becomes embroiled in a centuries old mystery.
In Newton’s time we follow his scientific and alchemical career in both reality and fantasy, exploring the world of science and magic. With a page turning plot and memorable characters, you can’t go wrong with this book.
Like so many others, I found this great book on recommendation from Nick Thacker. I was a little leery as I don't usually like historical books but this book was the perfect combination of history and mystery/thriller. Definitely worth your time. I will be looking for more of this author's work.
I received a free advanced copy but this review is my own honest opinion.
I thought that the research on Isaac Newton and the England in the 1600's was excellent. The author brought out many interesting and unique bits of information about someone who most people only associate with some of the basic laws of physics. The story flowed pretty well, except for the supernatural / zombie element, which I feel detracted from the overall story.
Gosh, that was fun!!!! A combination of history, magic, romance, and modern police practices that just pulls you along. The heroine, Trina, and her professor and her friends are likable. The historical aspects are interesting to read and add to the story. I will definitely continue reading this series!
If you like books that are mystery thrillers with a bit of comedy thrown in this book is for you. But for me after starting based on an academic theme the book began to degenerated into a "Scooby-Doo" episode as you closer to the end. Trina Piper is a grad student in "The Medieval Institute" studying for a PhD in "Forensic Document Analysis".
SDA is the study of manuscripts to determine their authenticity. They learn to determine the age of the materials, the inks used, the wording used and the ink, deolect of the writer. An ideolect are the words most of us used in our speech and writing. Words are like fingerprints in that what you use are in many ways specific to each person. We all have friends who have idioms in their speech that immediately bring them to mind.
Trina is sent to England to authenticate two papers that have been found that are purported to have been written by Isaac Newton. If they are "real" they could open up a whole new study about "Newton" related to his involvement in "Alchemy".
This is where the book begins to get away from reality and take on the background of a "cartoon" for me. Most of the reviews I've read find this to be the best part of the story, but for me it begins to lose the feeling of a mystery/thriller and either a parody or satire. I'm sorry folks, but it just doesn't work for me.
The Newton Cipher was a fascinating combination of dual-timeline, history/fantasy, and thriller/light romance. I really enjoyed the story, even if one of the aspects of it is not a genre I usually read (undead beings). The combination of both timeline with historical fact blending with fantastical interpretation of some events was very well done. The elements of magic that are included were fantastical yet believable within the context of the overarching story.
This was a fabulous ride! While there were a couple of editing things that caught my eye, it was not enough to derail this fantastic romp through history and through London and Cambridge. Okay, I did not want to consider that Newton may have made some of the choices he made in this novel, but I did appreciate that he redeemed himself (mostly) by the end. As an Anglophile, a lover of fantasy, and a history buff, this one is really written pretty much just for me! I recommend this one highly. It took guts to publish this one in the midst of Covid and that makes me love it even more!
How does an adjunct professor from Notre Dame get mixed up with Interpol and a diabolical plot to release a form of plague on London? Trina Piper went to London at the suggestion of her mentor to authenticate some recently discovered documents thought to have been written by Sir Isaac Newton. She could never have imagined what that would lead to. An interesting premise and well developed story make this well worth a read. I look forward to the next book about Trina Piper.
Steve, you are a genius writer. Before reading this book, I thought Sir Isaac Newton sat under a tree and an apple fell on his head, leading him to discover the scientific theory of gravity. How little I knew or had any idea of about the true genius of the man. With Trina Piper, I learned more about ciphers, codes, and the importance of blank lines. Wonderful read, full of magic and mystery. I can't wait to get through this series and learn so much more about what I don't know about this world. Thank you for this fascinating heroine.
This book will leave you turning the pages even after you think you should stop for the night. This book was well thought out and had twists and turns all throughout. It was a brilliant piece of writing and it will make you question the world around you. While some of the things in the book dealing with alchemy seem far-fetched underlying it there seems to be a little bit of truth to it all. Fantastic read!
While new to this author, I am looking forward to seeing how this storyline develops (if it does!). If you like the Da Vinci Code where there is some historical content blended in with a twist, then this is something you should try. I had hoped for a little more depth to a few things and the ending, but maybe that is soon to come?! Overall a good read if you are looking for a new author. Full disclosure, I was provided a review copy to read this book.
While new to this author, I am looking forward to seeing how this storyline develops (if it does!). If you like the Da Vinci Code where there is some historical content blended in with a twist, then this is something you should try. I had hoped for a little more depth to a few things and the ending, but maybe that is soon to come?! Overall a good read if you are looking for a new author. Full disclosure, I was provided a review copy to read this book.
A fascinating story with Isaac Newton whose work on alchemy leads Trina Piper on a deadly quest to decipher one of Newton's powerful endeavors. As we find ourselves traversing the path of Newton, mages appear sometimes thwarting Piper. At other times helping her as she risks all to discover Newton's hidden recipe of alchemy . Does she discover the truth or is she destroyed by the rages of alchemical magic? That's what you must find out!
Loved the premise and enjoyed the (for the most part) smart FMC. Wasn't a big fan of the back and forth with flashbacks, it just gets tiresome. Really wish Trina had kept it together a little better in places and used her head for something besides holding her hair on. I hate when conveniently stupid things happen just to drive a plot forward, it's just lazy writing. On to the next one, and hopefully, Trina leaves her babbling, bumbling, tendencies behind.
A well-crafted tale that hides its deeper purpose for quite a while, until the right time to reveal it. Trina Piper is a historian with a dim future when she’s given the surprise opportunity to authenticate newly-found documents by Isaac Newton. Good authorial research informs the story both in the present and in the 1500s. Characters with depth, a plot that moves along (with surprises), and excellent writing all make this a book worth reading.
What you like to read will depend on if this one is for you
This book was a fun read. I liked the main characters. Yes, it’s got unbelievable elements with magic and science intertwined. It also has history, intrigue and mystery with a bit of romance tossed in. Do you like to solve cyphers and cryptic message mysteries? Then you will probably like this book. I enjoyed it and will be reading book two. It reminded me of Dan Brown’s books.
I absolutely loved The Newton Cipher! It has a wonderful and mysterious plot, a tiny touch of romance, lots of action, and, of course, Newtonian history. The characters are fully realized and heart warming except for the villains who are NOT heart warming. (Read the book and you’ll get the pun.) Great story. Five stars all the way!
History and fiction unite in this wonderful read. So interesting to read about the bubonic plague during this current pandemic!
Trina is an historian who has been recommended to verify some works by Newton. Strange and startling things happen to her and those around her during this epic read.
This book had me from the first page! Ionly put it down for emergencies and even then scooped it back up as fast as i could. There was a lot of research put into the tale and it flows wonderfully from beginning to end. I will be watching for more in this series and by this author.
This is one of the best historical fiction books that I have ever read. This kept me turning pages it's a whole new way of looking at what could have happened. I will definitely be looking at more of Steve's work
I had to think about this one for a bit. It is a great scavenger hunt/ mystery combination. It has great bad guys, a lot of action and set in a period of time which I did not know much about. I would would read it again.
Really cool story. A coded manuscript, a Russian bad guy, and a torian caught in the middle. Really great story and characters. Also has great locations. Perfect for fans of history and suspence. Highly recommended.
I absolutely loved this story. It is chocked full of history that is blended well I to a great story of mystery and danger. I couldn't put this book down it is that good. Highly recommend.