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Latter-Day Cipher
When rebellious Utah socialite Kirsten Young is found murdered in Provo Canyon with strange markings carved into her flesh and a note written in a 19th Century code, questions arise about the old laws of the Mormon Church. Journalist Selonnah Zee is assigned the story, which quickly takes on a life of its own. Even before the first murder is solved, several more victims appear, each one more mysterious than the last. Meanwhile, Sedonnah is distracted by her mother's onset of Alzheimer's and her sudden attraction to the mysterious Salt Lake City police chief who is investigating the murder.
Adding to a slew of other distractions, Selonnah’s cousin, Roger, has recently converted and is now a public spokesperson for the Mormon faith. But paradoxically, Roger's wife, Eliza, is struggling to hold onto the Mormon beliefs of her childhood. If something is really from God, she wonders, why does it need to be constantly revised? Could the murderer be asking the same questions? And most importantly, will they be able to stop him before he commits his biggest crime, taking out a Mormon landmark and dozens of sightseers?
Adding to a slew of other distractions, Selonnah’s cousin, Roger, has recently converted and is now a public spokesperson for the Mormon faith. But paradoxically, Roger's wife, Eliza, is struggling to hold onto the Mormon beliefs of her childhood. If something is really from God, she wonders, why does it need to be constantly revised? Could the murderer be asking the same questions? And most importantly, will they be able to stop him before he commits his biggest crime, taking out a Mormon landmark and dozens of sightseers?
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2009
1 person is currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Latayne C. Scott
27 books37 followersAuthor of about two dozen books, most published by major publishers such as Zondervan/Harper Collins, Howard/Simon & Schuster, Moody, Word Kregel and others. Over 150,000 copies sold. Now writing, in a patron-based ministry, books published by TSU Press (Albuquerque, NM): Passion, Power, Proxy, Release; Just You, Me and God; The Heart's Door; The Parables of Jesus; Time, Talents, Things.
New books: What Will Be Made Plain: An Amish Ghost Story (TSU Press, 2019), and (with co-author Beth Robinson) Protecting Your Child From Predators: How to Recognize and Respond to Sexual Danger (Bethany, 2019.)
Award-winning fiction: A Conspiracy of Breath; historical literary fiction based on the premise that a woman wrote the biblical Epistle to the Hebrews (TSU Press, 2017.)
If you'd like to read additional reviews of my books, you can access them on my Goodreads reader page here: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
New books: What Will Be Made Plain: An Amish Ghost Story (TSU Press, 2019), and (with co-author Beth Robinson) Protecting Your Child From Predators: How to Recognize and Respond to Sexual Danger (Bethany, 2019.)
Award-winning fiction: A Conspiracy of Breath; historical literary fiction based on the premise that a woman wrote the biblical Epistle to the Hebrews (TSU Press, 2017.)
If you'd like to read additional reviews of my books, you can access them on my Goodreads reader page here: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 12, 2017
Really good mystery. Some great twists and turns. The author writes in a style that paints a very vivid picture of the scenes and actions the characters are taking -- there were any number of times I stopped reading to close my eyes and based on her words could easily visualize what she was describing. I did feel that at least one character dying was a big mistake because this book had/has the makings of a really good series. I'd love to see, I guess a Bobby Ewing moment, for that one character to come back, easily explained that that character was in protective custody. It would work and wouldn't be a cheesy moment, but would add some good elements to another book. Despite the fact the book came out several years ago doesn't mean it's too late to launch into a series. I want to know what Selonaah and Roger did next.
The ending was kind of a fizzle out....could have been a little stronger.
The ending was kind of a fizzle out....could have been a little stronger.
December 31, 2009
having been a mormon before, i found this book to be very interesting. it gets into the fundamentalist beliefs of joseph smith and brigham young which are not practiced today by the main mormon church, but some of the smaller branch off churches do.
this is a fiction serial killer novel. i highly recommend it if you like mysteries.
this is a fiction serial killer novel. i highly recommend it if you like mysteries.
May 24, 2012
one of the worse written books I have read.
June 11, 2009
Very good book. It had a surprising ending and held my interest all the way through.
July 29, 2019
Primarily a treatise on Mormonism vs. Christianity. Informative, but heavily overshadowing characters and plot.
March 31, 2024
Interesting mystery. Learned a lot about the Mormon beliefs. A lot more vocabulary than I was usually familiar with in my regular reading.
January 13, 2013
Although the logic fails towards the end, the murder mystery in this book generally works; crimes, investigation, clues, and conclusion. The introduction of the three men from a particular town in Utah was very cleaver and made me laugh out loud while reading. In reality, the book is simply a vehicle for the author, Latayne C. Scott, to expose her feelings toward Mormonism delineating the reasons for her departure from the religion and this she does very well.
Her convictions towards the Mormon Church are portrayed as being so strongly negative, that there is little, if any room left of anything positive about the church, nor its members. Kind of the flip side of what one would expect from reading about any religion, Mormonism included, from an active member of it.
After I had read approximately a third of Latter-Day Cipher, I decided to see if there were other titles by this author. I found 12. Two other books regarding her departure from Mormonism, the remaining nine on other religious topics, but one in particular, “To Love Each Other: A Woman's Workshop on 1 Corinthians 13: With Helps for Leaders” caught my attention. 1 Corinthians 13 is my favorite scripture and any student of the bible will recognize this reference as a wonderful chapter of instruction on love. Included in that instruction is the following, “4) Love is patient, love is kind…5) It does not dishonor others…”
I returned to and completed reading Latter-Day Cipher, thinking of those verses in 1 Corinthians as I read the author’s words as they exposed certain symbolic concepts of the Mormon Church, concepts that she most likely learned in association with a promise not to reveal them to others. I wondered if her including those concepts in her book was consistent with her book on 1 Corinthians 13. Those inclusions did not smack of kindness and appeared to be nothing less than an effort to dishonor.
My tangent was spurred by a general dislike of books, programs whose focus is to trash others who do not see things as they do. It is okay to be a republican, Laker fan, Mormon or to drive a Ford truck or to prefer Delta over United. Anyone who has read to this point of my critique is invited to check out the book shelf I have placed this book on – “Muddy Water.” When checking that out, please note that there are not many books on that shelf; my ratings indicate that I don’t have much tolerance for those who wear only white hats while those who oppose their views wear only black.
Her convictions towards the Mormon Church are portrayed as being so strongly negative, that there is little, if any room left of anything positive about the church, nor its members. Kind of the flip side of what one would expect from reading about any religion, Mormonism included, from an active member of it.
After I had read approximately a third of Latter-Day Cipher, I decided to see if there were other titles by this author. I found 12. Two other books regarding her departure from Mormonism, the remaining nine on other religious topics, but one in particular, “To Love Each Other: A Woman's Workshop on 1 Corinthians 13: With Helps for Leaders” caught my attention. 1 Corinthians 13 is my favorite scripture and any student of the bible will recognize this reference as a wonderful chapter of instruction on love. Included in that instruction is the following, “4) Love is patient, love is kind…5) It does not dishonor others…”
I returned to and completed reading Latter-Day Cipher, thinking of those verses in 1 Corinthians as I read the author’s words as they exposed certain symbolic concepts of the Mormon Church, concepts that she most likely learned in association with a promise not to reveal them to others. I wondered if her including those concepts in her book was consistent with her book on 1 Corinthians 13. Those inclusions did not smack of kindness and appeared to be nothing less than an effort to dishonor.
My tangent was spurred by a general dislike of books, programs whose focus is to trash others who do not see things as they do. It is okay to be a republican, Laker fan, Mormon or to drive a Ford truck or to prefer Delta over United. Anyone who has read to this point of my critique is invited to check out the book shelf I have placed this book on – “Muddy Water.” When checking that out, please note that there are not many books on that shelf; my ratings indicate that I don’t have much tolerance for those who wear only white hats while those who oppose their views wear only black.
August 10, 2009
Latter-Day Cipher is a well-written, intriguing mystery/suspense novel. The world-building details about Utah, Mormon culture, and the character's jobs were all excellent and brought the world alive in my mind.
The author used a lot of figurative language. It was well-done, though I was occasionally confused about what was being described until the end of the description. I also found that the frequent use of figurative language (mainly used in Selonnah's point-of-view) gave a dreamy, distant feel to her character--which fit but also sometimes diluted the tension in her scenes. (Thus, I considered this a mystery novel until the suspense built in last third of the novel.)
The pacing was excellent, and the tension built when Selonnah began to suspect who the murder was. The varied, complex characters dealt with realistic struggles which I sympathized with. One character's fate at the end could have been made clearer (though my questions disappeared the more I thought about it), but the author does clearly indicate the future courses of the main characters.
Information about Mormon beliefs as well as bits about Hispanic Catholic culture, Protestant Christianity, and even Islam were woven skillfully into the story as information necessary to deciphering the clues left by the murderer. Events were seen through the eyes of an atheist, Selonnah, and several Mormon characters. The Mormon side of things was handled in a sympathetic manner. The novel was never preachy; the characters were just living out their beliefs. I think most non-Christians would enjoy this novel.
I don't recall any bad language, and there was no sex. The murder scene was graphic (how the body was laid out and what done to it), but I didn't really find it gory. Overall, I'd highly recommend this "good, clean read" to anyone interested in learning more about Mormon beliefs or who enjoys an interesting mystery.
The author used a lot of figurative language. It was well-done, though I was occasionally confused about what was being described until the end of the description. I also found that the frequent use of figurative language (mainly used in Selonnah's point-of-view) gave a dreamy, distant feel to her character--which fit but also sometimes diluted the tension in her scenes. (Thus, I considered this a mystery novel until the suspense built in last third of the novel.)
The pacing was excellent, and the tension built when Selonnah began to suspect who the murder was. The varied, complex characters dealt with realistic struggles which I sympathized with. One character's fate at the end could have been made clearer (though my questions disappeared the more I thought about it), but the author does clearly indicate the future courses of the main characters.
Information about Mormon beliefs as well as bits about Hispanic Catholic culture, Protestant Christianity, and even Islam were woven skillfully into the story as information necessary to deciphering the clues left by the murderer. Events were seen through the eyes of an atheist, Selonnah, and several Mormon characters. The Mormon side of things was handled in a sympathetic manner. The novel was never preachy; the characters were just living out their beliefs. I think most non-Christians would enjoy this novel.
I don't recall any bad language, and there was no sex. The murder scene was graphic (how the body was laid out and what done to it), but I didn't really find it gory. Overall, I'd highly recommend this "good, clean read" to anyone interested in learning more about Mormon beliefs or who enjoys an interesting mystery.
June 15, 2024
I read this to learn something about Mormonism and have an interesting read at the same time...and that's what I got. The beginning was quite gory--not a book for children.
I learned several things about Mormonism, both its history and some of their present day beliefs, including:
Proxy baptisms for non-Mormon dead people
God was once a man (sins and all), and man can become as gods
God is not three-in-one, but three separate gods
Many of their beliefs have changed over time and contradicted one another, even within quite a short period of time.
As for the way the book was written, at first I wasn't sure how well I liked it, but after a while, I found it refreshingly honest and real (though there were a few scenes that were perhaps a little too real). The descriptions are not the run-of-the-mill type. Sometimes they're rather abstract and metaphorical, but interesting to try to figure out. The romance is very limited. There are no perfect-looking characters here, just ordinary people searching for truth--or not wanting to find it. I came away being thankful that I have a holy, unchanging God, whose written Word is beautiful and truthful.
I learned several things about Mormonism, both its history and some of their present day beliefs, including:
Proxy baptisms for non-Mormon dead people
God was once a man (sins and all), and man can become as gods
God is not three-in-one, but three separate gods
Many of their beliefs have changed over time and contradicted one another, even within quite a short period of time.
As for the way the book was written, at first I wasn't sure how well I liked it, but after a while, I found it refreshingly honest and real (though there were a few scenes that were perhaps a little too real). The descriptions are not the run-of-the-mill type. Sometimes they're rather abstract and metaphorical, but interesting to try to figure out. The romance is very limited. There are no perfect-looking characters here, just ordinary people searching for truth--or not wanting to find it. I came away being thankful that I have a holy, unchanging God, whose written Word is beautiful and truthful.
January 22, 2011
This is the first fictional approach I've read attempting to describe the historic claims and practices of Mormonism while highlighting the archeological and doctirnal conflicts that modern truth seekers have to wrestle through when approaching that religion. This book drives home the question: What is truth? Is truth absolute? Can truth change (and even reverse positions over time)? While navigating a serial-murder mystery, the author (now Christian, formerly Mormon) illustrates LDS practices, claims and problems: lack of archeological evidence, reversal of positions on plural marriage, reversal of position on people of color, changing doctrine, secret rituals that share commonality with Masonic rights, etc.
It was an interesting read. The material seemed honest. Overall Mormonism struck me a bit like Roman Catholicism. As one who grew up Catholic, I was Catholic because my ancestry was Catholic. None of it seemed incongruent until I was able to gain some distance and view Catholocism from a new perspective. Then the problems became glaring. I'm guessing it's somewhat the same with Mormonism....while you're steeped within it, truth looks like what's around you.
It was an interesting read. The material seemed honest. Overall Mormonism struck me a bit like Roman Catholicism. As one who grew up Catholic, I was Catholic because my ancestry was Catholic. None of it seemed incongruent until I was able to gain some distance and view Catholocism from a new perspective. Then the problems became glaring. I'm guessing it's somewhat the same with Mormonism....while you're steeped within it, truth looks like what's around you.
January 3, 2015
I knew very little about Mormonism as a religion when I started the book (although I did grow up relatively close to the Hill Cumorah and saw annual tv ads for the Pageant); I did know about the history from Palmyra to Salt Lake City and beyond. Having read it, I'm not sure that I know that much more. At times the author is explicit about what the symbols and the rituals, vows, promises, oaths, etc. are, while at other times there's still a veil over the topics.
The mystery of who the serial killer is and the reason why is telegraphed from several chapters away. Almost every character loses their faith, which makes sense given the author's background but is a pity from the standpoint of the reader who wants to learn a little more and have a more balanced view of the religion.
This has spurred me to learn more about the practices and some of the history. I suspect it won't be easy to find dispassionate accounts.
The mystery of who the serial killer is and the reason why is telegraphed from several chapters away. Almost every character loses their faith, which makes sense given the author's background but is a pity from the standpoint of the reader who wants to learn a little more and have a more balanced view of the religion.
This has spurred me to learn more about the practices and some of the history. I suspect it won't be easy to find dispassionate accounts.
June 6, 2014
Well-rounded characters who do not conform to facile stereotypes in this Mormon murder mystery. This delighted me, personally. Selonnah is a good reporter, but you wouldn't think of calling her hard-bitten or driven. Her cousin, Roger, while fitting the stereotypical image of a news anchor (but don't they all?) has a lot of complex undercurrents going on, particularly in the relationship with his wife. The only woman described as beautiful is nonetheless big-boned and convinced of her own lack of charm. The delightfully named and supremely annoying Lugosi has more in common with Dwight from The Office than Count Dracula, and the man with the over-charged sex appeal is no womanizer. None of them can be summed up in one cute sentence.
Complete review here
Complete review here
September 15, 2013
I finished 80 pages, then gave up.
Plot: great hook, interesting opening chapter. We then get a strong Mormons-are-strange theme coming through at the expense of moving the plot forward. It's supposed to be suspense, so should be focusing on the bodies or the code, not the fact that the protagonist's mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Characters: The guy who found the murder victim had potential. The main character? Not so much. Her LDS cousin? Shallow. He's a TV presenter so that could be intentional, but still.
Christian themes: none.
Writing: Bad. Distant POV, which doesn't endear me to the characters.
The author has commented on some of the critical reviews on Amazon, which is 'off' IMO.
Plot: great hook, interesting opening chapter. We then get a strong Mormons-are-strange theme coming through at the expense of moving the plot forward. It's supposed to be suspense, so should be focusing on the bodies or the code, not the fact that the protagonist's mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Characters: The guy who found the murder victim had potential. The main character? Not so much. Her LDS cousin? Shallow. He's a TV presenter so that could be intentional, but still.
Christian themes: none.
Writing: Bad. Distant POV, which doesn't endear me to the characters.
The author has commented on some of the critical reviews on Amazon, which is 'off' IMO.
April 19, 2009
Latayne C. Scott’s prose is engrossing and detailed. Not only does her deep knowledge of Mormon doctrine shine through, but also her studies in representational research add a welcome intellectual element to the story. Selonnah Zee and the killer are authentic, absorbing characters from their first paragraphs.
Scott also avoids the traps of making her story too violent, or too preachy. Not as dark and aggressive as a Ted Dekker novel, nor as light and easy as one of Lori Wick’s stories, Scott has found a comfortable middle ground that most readers will enjoy.
An excellent first novel for a long-time non-fiction writer. I look forward to more from Scott.
Scott also avoids the traps of making her story too violent, or too preachy. Not as dark and aggressive as a Ted Dekker novel, nor as light and easy as one of Lori Wick’s stories, Scott has found a comfortable middle ground that most readers will enjoy.
An excellent first novel for a long-time non-fiction writer. I look forward to more from Scott.
June 7, 2009
I liked the book on a whole, but was disappointed in the ending. I'm told there could be a sequel coming out, which is why the ending kind of fades.
However, It is an excellent book in engaging old Mormon doctrines and for someone to learn something about the religion. LDS today would say they no longer believe many things this book brings up, however, it doesn't negate the fact that the doctrines we taught, and believed, and even practiced at one point in time and by Fundamentalist Mormons today. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants to learn more about Mormonism is a very intriguing way.
However, It is an excellent book in engaging old Mormon doctrines and for someone to learn something about the religion. LDS today would say they no longer believe many things this book brings up, however, it doesn't negate the fact that the doctrines we taught, and believed, and even practiced at one point in time and by Fundamentalist Mormons today. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants to learn more about Mormonism is a very intriguing way.
September 23, 2013
I thought I was going to really like this book. The mystery of who was committing the murders, the interaction and the relationship that was building between Selonnah and Luke. A good book was happening. Then suddenly there was no interaction between Luke and Selonnah, we switched to Roger and Anne. OK, so what's going on there? And then we were suddenly away from the murders and were on a religious rant against the Mormon Church. Now I am not Mormon, but I do practice tolerance in all things, so this ranting in the book made me sad. I had the mystery figured out way early and it just wasn't very compelling to find out the reason this man was killing.
November 7, 2010
Interesting story about Mormons/ Latter Day Saints. It's told from the perspective of both outsiders (also known as "English") and insider point of views. Personally, I just don't get this religion, and this book shed some further insight on their thought process and beliefs. (I still think it feels more like a cult than a religion, just like I said in the 8th grade!) The tone was very emotionally distant the whole time, really because many of these characters were shut off from their emotions. I wouldn't go out and buy it, but a library borrow would be worth the time put into the read.
January 12, 2013
Brilliant. Covering all of the main topics and beliefs of the LDS faith through the perspective of a murder mystery that takes place in Utah, the mormon capital of the world. I was a little disappointed that the ending kind of faded but hope that there is a sequel as someone else mentioned. The writing was very good and really draws in the reader.
Not for the faint of heart, however, with detailed and graphic murder scenes as well as describing many "untouchable" mormon beliefs and temple rituals. Highly recommend for those who like a good mystery.
Not for the faint of heart, however, with detailed and graphic murder scenes as well as describing many "untouchable" mormon beliefs and temple rituals. Highly recommend for those who like a good mystery.
September 15, 2012
This is a rather amazing book that sets out to cover the faith/mental challenges of Mormonism and Christianity. Without preaching or pedantic lectures, the characters learn about the beliefs and challenges of Mormonism while a series of Mormon-tied murders occur. The book will hold your interest as the story weaves its complexities, and you will definitely learn a few things.
Overall well written and highly recommended.
Overall well written and highly recommended.
January 29, 2013
While I enjoyed the clearly deep background knowledge of the inner workings of the LDS faith, I felt that the end of the novel came unraveled and felt fractured. The mystery was solid, with a definite "keep me reading" feel. The details of the crimes and the secret LDS ceremonies were clearly spelled out and overall, the book was a good read, especially as I understand this is the author's first fiction piece after writing non-ficiton.
January 12, 2013
This book thoroughly disgusted me and fascinated me at the same time. it is brilliantly written and woven religious and crime novel. if you are a fan of either you will like this book. Depicting the early Mormon teachings in a "what would happen in today's society" setting. Factual in its history, a crime story of passion and love, discovery and disillusionment. Latayne C. Scott did well with her first fiction novel.
February 16, 2016
Latter-Day Cipher had me turning the pages right up to its surprising ending. The author is a former Mormon, and I wondered how much of the pain of her own loss of faith is reflected in the struggles of the various characters. Their sincerity is sympathetically portrayed. She manages to convey both present and historical information about the religion in a way that is highly relevant to the plot and doesnt feel like a text-book.
January 15, 2013
Ugh, this book is horrible. I barely finished it, the writing style was horrible and the characters were flat. The only reason why I kept reading was for the Mormon history and author's point of view about Mormonism.
August 29, 2015
This book started off great. Then, it got all bogged down on over the head description of Mormonism. Half way through the book I gave it. Too bad, because it could have been a good book if there had been a lot less preaching. I won't waste any more time on works of this author.
Want to read
May 1, 2009sounds like an intriguing mystery!
November 10, 2009
This book was very informative regarding the Mormon religion, but I found it difficult to read. Maybe it was just me. I did learn a lot about the fundamentalist Mormon faith though.
March 22, 2012
Awful. If I'd known this was Christian propaganda I wouldn't have bothered! I gave up halfway through.
January 27, 2012
7/10.
Intriguing in its revelations and ways of plot and character.
Intriguing in its revelations and ways of plot and character.
Want to read
August 26, 2009827
780
7/
780
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July 2, 2014
Very interesting. Learned plenty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews