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Camp X #6
Enigma
Having successfully foiled a Nazi plot to kidnap one of the British Royal Family, brothers Jack and George are on the move again— this time to England. The brothers end up in Bletchley Park, the hub of the British spy network. True to form, Jack and George soon discover a plan to strike at the heart of the British war effort by sabotaging British intelligence. Will they be able to thwart another deadly Nazi plot?
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2013
7 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
160 books911 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 23, 2025
Last Camp X! This one felt super rushed and I thought it was going to be more focused on the Enigma machine. It kills me how much trouble these kids find themselves in.
October 1, 2024
Four Stars.
Quick Review:
Language/Profanity: One use of 'bloody' and it is mentioned once that one of the character's nickname is 'God'... I don't know why that had to be put in... the nickname is never used in the book... *Sigh*
Faith: None
Romance/Sex: There is a kiss. Jack and a princess are intrested in each other but they only kiss once.
Action/Adventure: There is a heafty amount. Ships being torpedoed, having bad guys holding you...talk of how many people were being killed by the bombs over London.There is a guy who is killed right in front of Jack and George. (Their reactions to that were a bit off to me...they mostly acted like it was normal to see a guy killed right by you.)
Other: There is lying, and seeking around doing things that the parents (George's mother mostly) don't want them to do.
Quick Review:
Language/Profanity: One use of 'bloody' and it is mentioned once that one of the character's nickname is 'God'... I don't know why that had to be put in... the nickname is never used in the book... *Sigh*
Faith: None
Romance/Sex: There is a kiss. Jack and a princess are intrested in each other but they only kiss once.
Action/Adventure: There is a heafty amount. Ships being torpedoed, having bad guys holding you...talk of how many people were being killed by the bombs over London.There is a guy who is killed right in front of Jack and George. (Their reactions to that were a bit off to me...they mostly acted like it was normal to see a guy killed right by you.)
Other: There is lying, and seeking around doing things that the parents (George's mother mostly) don't want them to do.
July 22, 2018
What a shock to read this book. I have read one other novel by this author and he has a talent of bringing history to life. In this book it deals with World War II and code breaking which was very entertaining. I haven't read the balance of these books and this is the 6th book in Camp X but after reading what he has written so far I am definitely going to go back and read this author and all of his books.
While target is for young adults I must say that this is a book that I really enjoyed and I think that it shows a lot about how kids could potentially be used during war time but in ways that many would not expect.
Wonderful read
While target is for young adults I must say that this is a book that I really enjoyed and I think that it shows a lot about how kids could potentially be used during war time but in ways that many would not expect.
Wonderful read
April 27, 2024
My son loves this Camp X series by Eric Walters. I am grading the book as a pre-teen reader would see it and therefore gave it 4 stars. It is not great literature but it has all the elements that most young male readers like. Any of them interested in WWII are likely to enjoy this book and the whole series.
December 23, 2024
Another entertaining book by Eric Walters who has a great talent of bringing history to life.
This story is set in Bletchley Park, the centre of decoding and encryption for the Allies during World War 11. Five of the characters are based on real people, including the King and Ian Fleming (the creator of James Bond).
This story is set in Bletchley Park, the centre of decoding and encryption for the Allies during World War 11. Five of the characters are based on real people, including the King and Ian Fleming (the creator of James Bond).
April 30, 2021
The final book in the Camp X series. My boys and I have now read all of them. I really enjoyed this one- Walters finished the series off well.
July 19, 2021
it wasn't as good as the other ones
August 2, 2021
A look at code breaking & the role code breakers played during their time at Bletchley Park. References
to the spy Intrepid & the camp in Ontario.
to the spy Intrepid & the camp in Ontario.
November 14, 2021
It did not have the perfect ending. I thought that WW2 would be over but they kind of left it in a weird spot. Had some history on WW2 about it. Was a very fun and easier book to read.
December 30, 2021
Felt like this one was rushed to an abrupt conclusion but still enjoyed reading it, even if George was a bit more annoying! 6/10
March 10, 2025
Awesome. Sad that the series is over
November 1, 2013
It is not possible to say that I am not biased in these books.
I love Eric Walter's work. I love this series. I love the time periods and issues that are discussed. I love the characters in this series so much. I can't imagine that any of these factors would affect my enjoyment of this novel.
It's the simple things that make this so great. The fact that when I open the book, I know that these are the characters that are in the rest of the series. They feel so familiar as if I never left them. I know them so well. The first page opens with George being seasick and the others already adjusting to the sea, and it's such a George thing to happen.
I love the characters for who they are. I love the genuine feeling between the characters. The antics, the reactions, and everything. It's so much better that I already know these characters and their reaction mean so much more to me.
These are hugely character driven novels. It is amazing. I can read facts about spies, WWII, and all that stuff and that's all it is to me. Facts. Numbers and words. But when you have a brilliant author like Eric Walters, it's not just figures. These are real people. This is important to them. They do not have the same ability as you do to crack open a text book and say 'so and so won this battle, so and so won the war, because of this action these chain of events was set into motion, there were x amount of casualties in this battle.' Why? Because they've got hopes and feelings and dreams for one side. Because the figures within that x are friends, family, aqquantinces, friend's friends. They are real people.
And yes the humour and realness between characters is great. Part of this realness is the inclusion of George's PTSD, which hurt my soul. A lot.
One thing that sort of bothered me was the dynamics in the book. Mr and Mrs Braun play a bigger part. It's not just Jack and George, they are other people too. Not that I don't mind the inclusion of other characters, it's just not the same. Jack's lack of involvement, while real, isn't the same. Yes the characters grow and mature, but still…
However that's not what these books are about. These books are about the people back then. It's not for the action. It's to remember that those facts in history class affected people.
Before Reading:
Okay, so I believe it was 1942 in the first book. (After Reading: I wad wrong. It must be 1941. Camp X closed in 1943, and it sounds as if the Dieppe raid hasn't happened yet) We've spent maybe more than a year with George and Jack. That would bring us to 1943. What major battle have happened? If we keep on moving forward, what will happen at the end of the series? We want the war to end, but that also means no spy work for George and Jack. They were 'killed' in the two books ago, how can they get back to their farm? People weren't comfortable speaking about their experiences until the 70's, how do you return two 'dead' boys to their farm? Will they have to leave their farm? The horrific things they saw will not get better if they can't talk about it.
I'm so afraid for the boys.
I love Eric Walter's work. I love this series. I love the time periods and issues that are discussed. I love the characters in this series so much. I can't imagine that any of these factors would affect my enjoyment of this novel.
It's the simple things that make this so great. The fact that when I open the book, I know that these are the characters that are in the rest of the series. They feel so familiar as if I never left them. I know them so well. The first page opens with George being seasick and the others already adjusting to the sea, and it's such a George thing to happen.
I love the characters for who they are. I love the genuine feeling between the characters. The antics, the reactions, and everything. It's so much better that I already know these characters and their reaction mean so much more to me.
These are hugely character driven novels. It is amazing. I can read facts about spies, WWII, and all that stuff and that's all it is to me. Facts. Numbers and words. But when you have a brilliant author like Eric Walters, it's not just figures. These are real people. This is important to them. They do not have the same ability as you do to crack open a text book and say 'so and so won this battle, so and so won the war, because of this action these chain of events was set into motion, there were x amount of casualties in this battle.' Why? Because they've got hopes and feelings and dreams for one side. Because the figures within that x are friends, family, aqquantinces, friend's friends. They are real people.
And yes the humour and realness between characters is great. Part of this realness is the inclusion of George's PTSD, which hurt my soul. A lot.
One thing that sort of bothered me was the dynamics in the book. Mr and Mrs Braun play a bigger part. It's not just Jack and George, they are other people too. Not that I don't mind the inclusion of other characters, it's just not the same. Jack's lack of involvement, while real, isn't the same. Yes the characters grow and mature, but still…
However that's not what these books are about. These books are about the people back then. It's not for the action. It's to remember that those facts in history class affected people.
Before Reading:
Okay, so I believe it was 1942 in the first book. (After Reading: I wad wrong. It must be 1941. Camp X closed in 1943, and it sounds as if the Dieppe raid hasn't happened yet) We've spent maybe more than a year with George and Jack. That would bring us to 1943. What major battle have happened? If we keep on moving forward, what will happen at the end of the series? We want the war to end, but that also means no spy work for George and Jack. They were 'killed' in the two books ago, how can they get back to their farm? People weren't comfortable speaking about their experiences until the 70's, how do you return two 'dead' boys to their farm? Will they have to leave their farm? The horrific things they saw will not get better if they can't talk about it.
I'm so afraid for the boys.
March 25, 2015
If you have never heard of Canadian author Eric Walters, you must live in a cave and have never been a child.
Enigma is the sixth, and presently the most recent, installment of the Camp X series. It follows two teenage brothers, George and Jack, and their exploits helping Allied powers during the Second World War. The first several books take place in Canada, the fifth in Bermuda, and Enigma, in the UK.
The style of the book changes slightly, in that George and Jack really don’t seek out trouble this time around. In fact, 70% of the way through the book, lots has happened but there are no suspicious characters to be found. Hopefully there will be one more book to tie the series off, but I enjoyed Enigma, and it certainly redirected the series after the previous book flopped. You can see the progression of time, the boys are older and becoming more independent. The elder brother Jack is barely in this book, spending most of it at work or with his girlfriend, instead of with George and the reader.
If you are a fan of Eric Walters or the series itself, definitely make some time to read this one. I am always impressed with the level of research Walters does, and his attempts to write a fictional tale within a historical framework. Not many authors take the time to do this when writing for youth and it matters.
Enigma is the sixth, and presently the most recent, installment of the Camp X series. It follows two teenage brothers, George and Jack, and their exploits helping Allied powers during the Second World War. The first several books take place in Canada, the fifth in Bermuda, and Enigma, in the UK.
The style of the book changes slightly, in that George and Jack really don’t seek out trouble this time around. In fact, 70% of the way through the book, lots has happened but there are no suspicious characters to be found. Hopefully there will be one more book to tie the series off, but I enjoyed Enigma, and it certainly redirected the series after the previous book flopped. You can see the progression of time, the boys are older and becoming more independent. The elder brother Jack is barely in this book, spending most of it at work or with his girlfriend, instead of with George and the reader.
If you are a fan of Eric Walters or the series itself, definitely make some time to read this one. I am always impressed with the level of research Walters does, and his attempts to write a fictional tale within a historical framework. Not many authors take the time to do this when writing for youth and it matters.
March 9, 2015
The suspense in this story makes for an exciting read about the adventures of Jack and George as they attempt to foil a Nazi plot in WWII. Through many dangers on the sea, at Bletchley Park, and with shady characters, the boys and their parents manage to do their duty in some frightening circumstances. This is a well written, historical novel that follows actual events that occurred during the war, and manages to present them in an an exciting and adventurous way. I highly recommend this book, because I like historical fiction, and I like the mystery of suspense. It would be nice to read the other novels in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2015
I thought this book was very slow and quite boring. I really didn't like the punctuation that the author used it was totally unnecessary. I found this really hard to read because nothing really happened in the book and it just got slow. I think if I read the whole series of the X Camp I think I would understand everything a bit better than I do now. Overall this book was ok, but not the greatest.
August 16, 2016
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. An excellent continuation of the Camp X series. What an adventure for George and Jack! Walters ties together so many famous WWII stories and puts his own twist on them. Great stories. I wonder if there will be another in the series.
December 31, 2013
Deserves 3.5 stars.
November 21, 2014
I have read all the Camp X books and I thought they were amazing, and I really liked this book too, but it didn't have as much action as I would have liked.
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August 1, 2016weak
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews