The Cryptographer

Second Sons #1

by Alice Wallis-Eton

A series about Second Sons. Those men who are the spares to the heirs and searching for their place in the world.

The captain of a cavalry unit finds love in an unexpected place.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Regency, Chick Lit

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Carol, She's so Novel ꧁꧂ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"What did you think?" is written just over the top of my review space & that is indeed a very good question. What did I think about this book? If I may, I will use a decidedly un-Regency expression, it's a hot mess!

Since this book is self published (so not subject to the whims of publishing houses) the author must take responsibility for the cover, which is pretty, but makes you think this is going to be your usual sweet Regency debutante romance. This does the book no favours as this book's main strength are it's twists. Aster is not an aristocrat & her financial circumstances are desperate. She must work for a living. Wallis-Eton imaginatively gives our heroine a very unusual profession for any age, let alone Regency times & makes it believable. Iain is a second son who has unexpectedly inherited the family title.

Another thing, since I'm being picky, there is no scene where the heroine is in a white dress & Iain is dressed for a ball - the only evening function they both attend, Aster is in green & Iain is in uniform

While there are some very interesting things that the author got right - Regency women did wear stays (an early form of corset)

I was surprised they could get anything under those diaphanous gowns! Regency men however, did not wear bowler hats. According to wikipedia the first known example of this headgear was 1849.

I don't believe a respectable woman would have frequented a tavern, especially on her own.

The pacing is very uneven, slowing down to glacial at the midway point. When it picks up it really picks up. There is some explicit violence that we don't usually get in this genre. After being intelligent,brave & resourceful after sex Aster turns into a wetgoose - & apparently thinks Iain is a mindreader. These scenes take the edge off what could have been a very satisfying conclusion.

Part of a series. & gives the heroine an even more surprising profession. I may be intrigued enough to read it.

[Li'l Owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cryptographer is set in England, the year is 1813.

Aster Tanner has no family since the death of her mother when she was only 15 years old. Now she must work to keep a room at a boarding house, food on the table, and clothes on her back. Her only companion is her little Scottish terrier, Dougal. Sir John Warrington has given her a job as a secretary in the the Records Office. Few people would employ a woman in such a responsible position but Sir John hired her based on her mind and her ability, not her gender. Aster and Sir John share a love of puzzles and crosswords and Aster is given a list of encrypted names, this time it's not just a game, the solution is a matter of life and death.

Scotsman Iain McIntyre, Captain of the Second Dragoons cavalry unit, and three handpicked men gather confidential intelligence to assist Europe in the battle against Napoleon. Now they undertake a confidential assignment - find a list that is rumoured to be the names of traitorous spies that has fallen into the hands of Sir John.

Aster must decipher the list of traitors but when she finally breaks the code who in command can she trust with the solution? Can she trust Iain or is he one of the names on the list his?

Iain knows that Aster can decode the encrypted list. If Iain's guess is correct, that she's not a spy, then she is in grave danger from the people who will stop and nothing to get a hold of the list. He must find her and time is running out.....

I would classify The Cryptographer by Alice Wallis-Eton as a combination of historical mystery, and romantic suspense. Despite it being out of my usually preferred genres I found myself immersed in the story from cover to cover. I loved the characters and the mystery of what the encrypted list would reveal and the mystery of what would happen next kept me reading at a quick pace. The romance was ever present but it wasn't overpowering and mixed in nicely with suspence of the underlying mystery. Definitely Recommended.

[kris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Aster Tanner, bastard orphan, works for the Records Office. Iain McIntyre, Scottish military, is sent to keep an eye on the Records Office. SPARKS FLY. Then people die, secrets come out, and allegedly there's a spy ring encoded in a book.

In summary: the only true puzzle is how this book is so poorly edited.

1. Aster's early chapters show her struggling to survive, living hand to mouth in a boarding house on the edge of starvation. By the end of the book, the curtain of ~authorial mischief~ is pulled aside as it's revealed that Aster's boss, Sir John, was actually HER FATHER??? And somehow she has enough money to travel across England to his secret cottage in order to ~hide out and await further instructions. It would have made more sense if the author had added 'PSYCH' to her margin notes because I DID NOT FOLLOW.

2. ANOTHER THING: the early chapters have Astrid clearly not engaging with the truth of Sir John's profession, which, no spoilers, IS A CRYPTOGRAPHER!!! THE VERY THING I TUNED IN FOR!!! So I gave her the benefit of the doubt because maybe she would stumble upon it mid-book, right? And realize her knack? And fulfill her destiny? Except, no, psych again: SHE KNEW THE WHOLE TIME!!!

I don't get it: why hide it from your audience? What does that accomplish? Every time another piece of information was ~revealed (that was either a) obvious from the beginning or, b) already known by the characters and then hidden from the audience, I wanted to scream.

3. All those complaints above aside, it was still minorly entertaining, although it did go off the rails in a big way near the end. Once the sex has happened, it becomes the central conflict: WHEN WILL HIS AROUSAL VISIT MY BED AGAIN? DO I ASK HIM? DOES HE ASK ME? I DIDN'T STUDY THIS SUBJECT IN BOARDING SCHOOL.

Once they finally OPEN THEIR DAMNED MOUTHS and TALK TO EACH OTHER, things fall into place so quickly I'm surprised I didn't get whiplash.

[Elizabeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was initially very interested in the book, because of cryptography (that's something I know about, wink, wink). It is a nice story, but there were some things that were annoying:

-The book needs editing.
-For a smart girl, Aster is really dumb ("I will act as I'm not interested, but I'll be confused and upset when he thinks I am not interested" Oh, please...).
-There is no logic in the story (Why was she so afraid of losing her job and living on the street, if she had a living and loving father? Why was she even struggling for a living? When they were alone, why were they acting as they weren't father and daughter? )

[Celestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book and I would read others in the series, but I cannot locate them (or this one) on Amazon. Unique heroine in a unique job. The story faltered at times, but it kept my interest. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Book source: Amazon freebie.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aster Tanner works as secretary to Sir John at the Royal Arsenal. At first glance people think she's a maid. A second glance reveals she is a clerk filing away paperwork and orders for new supplies for the army. What no one outside the office knows is Sir John is a renowned cryptographer. With Napoleon on the loose, Sir John has his work cut out for him cracking secret codes so Wellington and his men can intercept and stop Napoleon. What no one besides Sir John knows is Aster often helps him with his work. She loves to exercise her mind and make order of the codes. When Sir John hints at the existence of a list of names of traitors, Aster is intrigued but knows such a code can never be cracked without a key. Major Lord Iain MacIntyre of the Scots Greys is given a mission. Find the French spy and find the list. Bored kicking his heels in Scotland, Iain ignores his father's orders to return home and take up estate management, Iain and his closest mates head to a sleepy village outside London to ferret out a traitor. He is shocked to discover Aster working in a cryptographer's office. Why is a lady working at all? What business has she there? Could she be the French spy? His physical senses say no but his brain says nothing about her makes sense. There's only one way to make her tell all-charm her into submission!

3 stars dropped from 4 because this turned out to be a Regency Historical and not Traditional Regency. There is too much feeling and lusting going on here and way way too much graphic content. The story was going great for a long time except for the hero's constant longing for Aster but quickly when downhill. There's one scene where the heroine explores her sexuality, a lot of violence and a love scene. I wouldn't have minded a fade to black love scene. In this instance it felt right EXCEPT FOR the usual misunderstanding that follows. That drives me crazy! I really don't need to be in the characters' heads. In fact I skipped over it and didn't miss it.

I really liked the concept of the novel. A female cryptographer? That's something new. It sounds plausible since Aster signs her name A. Tanner. I got caught up in the mystery of the list. I had to stay up late and finish this novel to find out, though the villain was obvious. Iain figured it out but needed confirmation. I was vastly disappointed that the story didn't conclude satisfactorily. I don't really want to read the next two books in the series to find out what happens to the villain. (More points taken away).

Aster is a really neat heroine. She's brilliant, she's tough, resilient, strong and best of all, a terrier lover. Her brilliant mind was so intriguing and I would have liked to try to solve some of the codes she breaks. She's intelligent enough to crack codes faster than most men. Aster enjoys her job but she also longs for love and family. She's a bit vulnerable in that respect and Iain's constant attentions discomfit her. I disliked her frequent blushing. I much preferred her relationship with Quinn. Aster's dog Macdougal, is my favorite character in the whole novel. Scottish terriers were my first love and the author nailed their personality. He's a fierce rodent hunter but will work for bribes; he's fiercely protective of his owner yet can be bought with food and attention. He has all the humans wrapped around his paw just like a certain fierce vermin hunting, people food loving terrier I knew and loved (and miss very very much).

I hate to say it but I really didn't like Iain. He has issues. He claims he never expected to inherit, he may not inherit for a long time- his father is hale and healthy- yet in a time period when anything could kill you, spare heirs shouldn't count their freedom before his older brother has a son or two or three. He refuses to see where his father is coming from and won't even acknowledge his duties and responsibilities. All he cares about is the army. He's kind of a brat at first. He kept wondering why a lady would work when the answer was obvious in the way she dresses. Why does he assume she is a lady anyway? Why WOULD a lady work? For the same reasons a man would, of course! This thought apparently never crosses his mind. Obviously everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth with no need to work. Yet, he needs to work because he has been a second son until a few months ago! I also really didn't like the way he set out to charm Aster. He deliberately dallied with her and oh well if she turns out to be an actress or a spy, at least he had some fun and can bed her without conscience. Quinn has more luck drawing her out simply by being a friend. Iain doesn't undergo significant character growth soon enough to please me.

My favorite male human character is Quinn. He's very sweet and acts just like a brother. I grew to love him as Aster did. I was hoping he would get his own chance at love in another novel and see he is the hero of the second book. I also loved Sir John. His OCD would drive me crazy but he's very kind to Aster, very amiable and above all - loyal. I loved him for all his good qualities. His plot takes an unexpected turn.

While I liked the concept of the novel, a lot of the execution left a lot to be desired. I'm glad this was a Kindle freebie. It would make a far better Traditional Regency where the hero and heroine work together to solve a mystery and the romance blossoms as a secondary plot.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed The Cryptographer and it was free on Amazon. What an amazing find. You don't read many HR about 2nd sons unless it is a series about titled brothers.

I loved the plot the characters. The storyline is fast moving with a believable story. Aster Tanner can decipher codes. She has been employed by Sir John. For a while there you don't know if Sir John is a spy working in the Records office at the Royal Arsenal or just a devoted old man a bit eccentric. But after a bit you began to figure out why he employed a women to decode secret messages for the Crown.

Iain McIntryre is a Capt. in the Second Dragoons referred to as the Scottish Greys. Its seem they have never actually been sent to the battlefield to fight in the war against Napoleon. But used as spies. He and several of his men are sent to spy on Sir John at the Records Office. Iain meets his unlikely secretary Aster and believes she must be a spy and why would Sir John hire a female. It looks suspicious.

I figured out the plot but the story is so well crafted you are not sure, and there aren't really a lot of clues as to who the real spy and betrayers are. As Iain tries to figure what is truly going on and he and his man spend more and more time with Aster, as they believe she is the key to truth of the matter. Iain finds himself falling in love with her and wanting to protect her.

Oh I felt so sorry for Aster she was alone and lonely never included in anything. She was so poor and barley had enough to eat. But she was kind and Dougal her best friend was jus awesome. He was a well written character and added flavor to the story LOL!! At times I hurt inside for Aster. The way the poor girl lived is why I never could get a real grip on Sir John. This is at times a sad story but has its HEA!! I am not sure the name of the book is right. Its misleading. I wouldn't have paid it any thought if it weren't a Freebie. But I am glad I did!! I Highly Recommend The Cryptographer!! I read the blurps for the next books and they are about courtesans and abused women. I don't read about Courtesans and I defiantly don't read about Women being physically abused. So I won't continue the Second Sons series. But I will look for other HR books in the future by Alice Wallis-Eton!! She has great potential in the HR genre!

[Carolien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded a free copy from Story Cartel and enjoyed this debut novel very much.

Unlike your average Regency romance, the author explores the limited options that would have been available to an intelligent girl with no family connections and very little money during the period. She also focuses on the second sons who were not in line to inherit the family title and fortune and had to forge their own careers, often in the army.

The series focuses on four soldiers tasked to uncover a plot by the French to undermine the British war against Napoleon. In the first series, an encoded list of the names of the traitors must be found and decipher and Aster Tanners, as assistant to the main government cryptographer, plays a central part in the process. Inevitably, she falls in love with Captain Iain McIntyre of the Scots Greys who are in charge of the operation. The book is written to reflect both Iain and Aster's view points of the events as they unfold which provides insight into the state of mind of both parties.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something so fun about a bit of historical romance that also has the best spying and code breaking intertwined. The Cryptographer is just that. The story of an intelligent, gifted woman, Aster Tanner, that works for a living in the war department. She loves puzzles and her boss, Sir John, keeps providing codes for her to break that are more than just fun and games to stimulate her mind.

When Iain comes to the small town where she works she finds herself attracted to him. Iain also struggles with his desire to know more about this simple woman. The romance is sweet and hopeful. The spying details are in depth and altogether it makes for a lovely read.

Iain and his three friends are personable and basically adorable scotsmen. They are part of the Dragoons. I liked the side characters Aibme, Seamus and Quinn. Each have a unique personality that makes them a pleasure to read about. Aunt Margaret is great too. She is an over the top feisty aunt and she is a wonderful addition.

I loved Iain and his desire to protect and get to know more about Aster. This is a book I can recommend if you like historical Romances. This is the first of four Second Sons series. Each one of these adorable men get their own story. I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that. I really liked all four of these men. They deserve their own story.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an intriguing look at a young working lady's life, in a time period, when ladies were expected to be uneducated and under the protection of a man. Our heroine is not only educated but also works in a career which was a male domain. During the course of the mystery, which has been set forth very well, she is seduced by the very masculine hero who had formed an attachment to her. The intrigue is satisfactorily resolved and both parties happy with the blissful results.

I have rated this book 4 stars and look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.
Thank you Frank for your review.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Absorbing Flawed

The cryptographer presents an unusual heroine with secrets on many levels. Aster drew me in page one. I loved her work and the unraveling of those secrets. The hero is a bit more standard romance figure but I liked him enormously. What didn't work is sex. When it came it felt abrupt, out of character, and flat-no sizzle, probably because there was inadequate build up.

[Judi Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review:
First response: What a great story! Love the concept of this book. Full review to follow!

The first time I saw the cover of this book, I wanted to read it. I bought it immediately. The artwork on the cover is rich and three dimensional. It drew my eye immediately. The mixed media is wonderful. The dark, threatening clouds used in the background. The handsome young couple on top. Then the torn and worn handwriting. The wonderful fonts used for the title and the author's name. Then the red wax seal with white pen writing on it. Marvelous! But it was the story that held me engaged.

I'm hoping the rest of this series is as well done and that I get an opportunity to read it. This story is based in a series about second sons. Iain McKintyre is a Captain in the Second Dragoons, Scotts Greys. This is a division that has been held back and used for various covert assignments, but are generally laughed at for not being in the battle. Iain's older brother has recently died, so now he is the heir to the Earl of Kinloch, but not very happy about it.

Aster Tanner, along with her dog Dougal, work in the Records office for Sir John Warrington. He has a reputation for being impossible to work for because of his quirks. He likes everything just so and gets quite irate if things aren't the way he likes them. Sir John has severe OCD. Something which really wasn't recognized at the time. But since Aster has a form of it herself, she understands it and can work with it in Sir John. But it's this OCD that enables them to work the codes as they do. They presently have a coded list that isn't cooperating for Sir John. When Sir John disappears, the list comes to Aster and she doesn't know who to trust until she can get that list decoded. And one of the names could be Iain McKintyre.

Ms. Wallis-Eton has created a really interesting situation inside the intelligence community of the time with fairly well-developed characters. Iain isn't as well-drawn as Aster, I felt. But this is a good solid story line and there are really interesting quirks in the characters. It makes for a good read. I recommend this for those who like the brainy heroines, because this one thinks circles around the guys!

I acquired this book from Amazon and this is an honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

England, 1813. Aster Tanner is employed in the Records Office and is content with her non-descript life until Captain Iain McIntyre, of the Second Dragoons, appears on a confidential mission.
Very enjoyable, well-written, and with lovely characters.
Would love to read the rest of the series but I can't find them anywhere

[pmatch1104 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Cryptographer. The plot was intriguing and the pace of the story flows well for most of the book. However, the ending felt a little rushed and ended on a cliffhanger that compels the reader to purchase the next book in the series. The next two books in the series were only $2.99 on B&N.com so it wasn’t that big of a deal. The scene towards the end of the book to draw out the traitor was fast-paced and very thrilling. I just wished the author had wrapped up the first installment in the series a little better. The characters are well developed and likable (expect for the bad guy). I have to also confess that the “I don’t expect anything from you/why doesn’t he want more” dithering was a little drawn out and got old. Made me want to say, "For pity's sake, just talk to each other!" Aster’s little dog, Dougal, was a great addition to the story. I loved how he continued to play a role throughout the story. The cover art is nicely done and attractive and this book is well worth the read.

[P. Wish · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cryptographer is a good debut novel. I love the cover. Aster Tanner's feminist character is refreshing. The romance is good and pans out well.
However, the book has too many lapses of logic even for a historical romance. A lot of the dialogue seemed very '21st century' for a historical novel. The characters are too progressive for their era. Eg: It didn't make a lot of sense to be celebrating and making love soon after somebody'd death. Aster's character also becomes inconsistent towards the end. The book begins slowly but picks up. It felt like a historical version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith at some point.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. Lovers of historical romance with elements of thriller and suspense will like this book.

(Note: I received a copy of the book from Story Cartel. This has not affected my opinion in any way.).

[Margaret Pinard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really great points and some really easy pitfalls in this work. I definitely enjoyed it as a romance and a spy novel mixed with Austenian manners, but I was miffed with the maneuvering needed for some of the plot elements. Also, it devolved at points near the end into the thing I can't abide: the heroine thinks the hero can't possibly love her and so willfully misinterprets his tongue-tied attempts to talk to her... in order to play out the tension. But overall, a neatly worked out mystery plot.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The stereotypes of the day were well created, but not enforced. The characters were able to develop and accept change. Iain's shock at finding out that Aster was a secretary in a male-dominated world was cause for a giggle. He however, was able to overcome the stereotype and see her for the woman she was. The storyline was good and the characters well-developed.

I look forward to reading more by the author.

I received a copy of the book from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the cryptographer story line, though I was a bit annoyed with the self doubt in both main characters. I found myself looking up what articles of clothing were. While using authentic names may at first glance appear to be more correct than using modern language and descriptions, it's distracting...which is also annoying. That said, having read some of the WWII true stories about code breakers, I liked this aspect of the story. Makes me wonder how codes are made today and what code breakers are at work. I received an advance reader copy for my review.

[Denise Kearney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle- Free. An interesting premise. The first half was good,the second half not so much

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this book from the following reading prompt: a book related to your line of work. First off, this only vaguely relates to my line of work, in the fact that the main character, Aster Tanner, works as a secretary, which is what I've enjoyed doing the most in previous jobs. And because this is a historical fiction novel set in the early 1800s in England, it was unusual for a woman to be working as a secretary. Hence my use of the word vaguely.

This was a delightful little read about an unlikely couple falling in love, yet keeping the walls around their hearts tightly in place. Their lack of communication towards the end of the book was frustrating, until they finally decided to resolve their issues by declaring exactly how they felt about each other. Though it was still sweetly written and I enjoyed the moment where they finally reach that same page, metaphorically speaking. Among their budding romance is a mysterious "list" that names traitors to England, which Aster realizes she has in her possession, putting her life in danger. She successfully decodes the puzzle and flees to a 'safe house' until Iain and her faithful terrier find her.

I liked the character development and backstory of Iain and Aster, further implicating their unlikely pairing. I also ended up growing quite fond of all four of the Scotsmen and their humorous banter with each other. Enough so that I will probably be purchasing the next three books in the series, which revolves around each of them finding their own version of love, as well as dealing with the traitors that have been revealed.

[Ronnae Stately · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aster is a young woman in the 19th century who has work for a living to keep a roof over her head. She works in a war office which is not common for any woman of the times, but not as the maid. People believe she’s the maid but unbeknownst to them she is actually learning how to by a cryptologist. Iain is a young man who is the second son of a Duke but now has become the heir apparent since his brothers death. He is a soldier from Scotland sent to England to protect Sir John in his endeavor of sniffing out the names on a list that are traitors to the crown. Iain comes across Aster and things become quite the quandary when he finds out that she is Sir John’s secretary and is not a man. Iain pursues Aster questioning her own her intent cause he suspects her of being a spy but there are secrets that lie in the relationship between Aster and Sir John and you will just have to read the book to find them out.

[Michelle Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unconventional regency romance

Oh my goodness this book was a joy. Set not amidst the ton or ballrooms, but in shabby boarding houses and military offices, this story is filled with suspense, secrets, and wonderful romance.

I loved Aster, a smart woman who found an unconventional way for making her way in the world. Her love of puzzles and independence were great and unexpected. Iain was everything a hero should be and I never disliked him.

The only thing that makes me sad is that I can't read the rest of the series since the author pulled her books.

The book can stand on its own, but I would have loved to read the rest of the stories. Especially Quinn's.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a romance novel, I found this pretty entertaining. There is no instant love and no sex scenes all the way through, which leaves plenty of room for a plot to unfold.

The side characters were unique in personality, the main characters, however... not so much, but more so than a typical romance (in my experience in dealing with the Amazon freebies).

I did enjoy that the heroine was not part of the ton, and neither was she a street urchin that had some wealthy connection or any such nonsense of that nature. She is as she is described; what is essentially a lower class working girl - not impoverished, mind you.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lightly suspenseful Regency romance featuring a heroine who can decipher codes. This was unheard of in Regency Britain which makes Aster's character unique. There are a few sexual scenes and some violence towards the second half of the book. The mystery that starts in this book, is only partially resolved and sets the stage for book two. The three star rating is for the unbelievable notion that lust quickly leads to love and the assassin getting away but everyone thinking that Aster and the Scots Greys were all safe and sound. However, I did like the characters and the story's basis and it was a light diversion which is what I was looking for.

[Angela Whitmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geographically challenged?

I loved the idea behind this historical romance. It was all about spying and code-breaking in the Napoleonic war. The characters were engaging and it soon became clear that there was a little band of men who will end up getting their own stories in the future.
It could do with editing to get rid of all the random words that were splashed about in all the wrong places, and the author needs to look at a map of the UK and Europe, to understand that there is no way on earth that her heroine could look out to sea from Lowestoft, and gaze at France.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, light reading. Nice Regency romance. Was nice to read a book where the female was not just an entirely helpless heroine. Loved the dog, Dougal. Some parts were not so well written, like disconnect between the two main characters after their special night. Some of the things that they were both thinking just seemed contrived to create suspense, but it wasn’t very suspenseful at all. And a little too abruptly, but clearly it is meant to be picked up in the next month. Not sure that liked it enough to go on to the rest of the series for the secondary characters.

[Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cryptographer (Second Sons Book 1)

The love story of Iain and Aster. Aster is a cryptographer for the war office and she help her father decode message. When Iain come to her father office she tell him that she is Sir John's secretary. Now someone want the information that Sir John has. Can Iain save her or will the French agents kill her. Great story but the other stories are not in eBook.

[Joann Maggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cryptographer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️by Alice Wallis-Eton

This book was definitely my cup of tea. The author’s ability to combine mystery, suspense and romance was commendable.

I found the story intriguing from cover to cover. The personal reveals were quite hidden in layers of deception. The two main characters seems palatable in their attraction but never too over board. The minutia in decoding messages has always fascinated me. I hoped to continue to follow this author and her Second Son series.

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!

I loved this book! The characters were well thought out and quite likeable. Although, i did get a little annoyed with Aster towards the middle/end. The beginning seemed to start off slow but once I got a few chapters in i couldn't put it down! I would love to read the other books but they are no longer available. I am a little disappointed in that.

[Frau Ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, I read this while waiting for Rick's tests to be finished. This was a nice read about one who solves puzzles and riddles with codes during the French and England war. I especially liked it because the main character was a woman --- not the role normally assumed by women during war.