What do you think?
Rate this book
Deadly #7
Deadly Cypher
Could a murder at Bletchley Park cost Britain the war?
November, 1939. The British government has assembled a small group of intellectuals at an estate north of London as part of a top-secret codebreaking effort. When one of the young female linguists is murdered, Britain’s counterintelligence spymaster tasks Olivia Redmond to take her place and investigate the motive.
Did the woman uncover a mole? Could Britain’s program to break German Enigma cyphers be compromised?
Olivia is sent in alone, without clues or suspects, to find the killer. If she fails, it could mean the destruction of Britain. Will she outwit the culprit or become the next victim?
Deadly Cypher will be on sale until August 30, 2021 when it will be sold at full price.
November, 1939. The British government has assembled a small group of intellectuals at an estate north of London as part of a top-secret codebreaking effort. When one of the young female linguists is murdered, Britain’s counterintelligence spymaster tasks Olivia Redmond to take her place and investigate the motive.
Did the woman uncover a mole? Could Britain’s program to break German Enigma cyphers be compromised?
Olivia is sent in alone, without clues or suspects, to find the killer. If she fails, it could mean the destruction of Britain. Will she outwit the culprit or become the next victim?
Deadly Cypher will be on sale until August 30, 2021 when it will be sold at full price.
314 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2021
195 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Kate Parker
29 books748 followersKate began reading Agatha Christie mysteries and the Nancy Drew books while her classmates were reading Dick and Jane. She particularly likes historical mysteries and the feeling of time travel a good historical book can give the reader. Combined with her love of late Victorian to World War II architecture and fashions, she found an outlet for the stories and characters that fill her head by writing The Victorian Bookshop Mysteries, The Milliner Mysteries, and The Deadly series, as well as taking part in the Christmas Revels anthologies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 10, 2023
Review to follow.
September 4, 2021
3.5 stars
Before starting Deadly Cypher, I’d never read a book by Kate Parker, nor by default had I read another book in the Deadly series. That said, I didn’t have any problem catching on to the main characters or the past events that led to Olivia’s going undercover at Bletchley Park, though I did think the story started a bit abruptly (which briefly made me think I was missing something, even though I really wasn’t).
One of my favorite things about this book is the insight into the WW2 codebreakers at Bletchley Park. From not being able to tell anyone what they were doing, to both the working & lodging accommodations, to the whole set-up in general, I found this glimpse to be fascinating and it made me want to read more about them. It’s into this world that Olivia goes undercover to solve the mysterious murder of a young woman, in fact takes her place as a linguist and stays in her room. I liked how the author uses this to make Olivia’s questions about her death feel like a natural curiosity, as a means to avoid a similar fate. I also liked how many possibilities there were for motive – was it a jilted lover or something related to the codebreaking or something else altogether? This created an atmosphere of not being sure who to trust, even as I began to genuinely like some of the side characters.
Bottom Line: British historical cozies have a slightly different feel than a regular cozy, but I find them both delightful. Deadly Cipher fits the bill very well with intriguing characters and a congenial narrative voice. The mystery has several layers and readers will enjoy unpacking them with Olivia as the story progresses. I did feel it was a bit longer than necessary, and I had a difficult time staying invested, at times, during the middle of the story. However, the last quarter of the book picked up again and held my attention until the end. Grab your favorite hot beverage, put on your Agatha Christie house slippers, and cozy up to this read that’s full of intrigue and clues!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Before starting Deadly Cypher, I’d never read a book by Kate Parker, nor by default had I read another book in the Deadly series. That said, I didn’t have any problem catching on to the main characters or the past events that led to Olivia’s going undercover at Bletchley Park, though I did think the story started a bit abruptly (which briefly made me think I was missing something, even though I really wasn’t).
One of my favorite things about this book is the insight into the WW2 codebreakers at Bletchley Park. From not being able to tell anyone what they were doing, to both the working & lodging accommodations, to the whole set-up in general, I found this glimpse to be fascinating and it made me want to read more about them. It’s into this world that Olivia goes undercover to solve the mysterious murder of a young woman, in fact takes her place as a linguist and stays in her room. I liked how the author uses this to make Olivia’s questions about her death feel like a natural curiosity, as a means to avoid a similar fate. I also liked how many possibilities there were for motive – was it a jilted lover or something related to the codebreaking or something else altogether? This created an atmosphere of not being sure who to trust, even as I began to genuinely like some of the side characters.
Bottom Line: British historical cozies have a slightly different feel than a regular cozy, but I find them both delightful. Deadly Cipher fits the bill very well with intriguing characters and a congenial narrative voice. The mystery has several layers and readers will enjoy unpacking them with Olivia as the story progresses. I did feel it was a bit longer than necessary, and I had a difficult time staying invested, at times, during the middle of the story. However, the last quarter of the book picked up again and held my attention until the end. Grab your favorite hot beverage, put on your Agatha Christie house slippers, and cozy up to this read that’s full of intrigue and clues!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 25, 2021
Deadly Cypher is the third book I've read in the Deadly series by Kate Parker. It's book 7 in the series, but when I started in on book 5, I had no trouble catching on to the plot or figuring out the characters personalities. I enjoy these books tremendously! Of course you've figured out that I love cozy mystery books, but historical cozy mysteries are in my top two sub-genres of cozies. My other favorite sub-genre is English (or Irish, Scottish) cozy mystery books. Deadly Cypher fits into both!
If you know much about WWII and code-breaking, I'm sure you've heard of Bletchley Park. The men and women who worked there couldn't share anything about their jobs with anyone. In Deadly Cypher, Olivia is perfect for the job. She's already working undercover operations and has signed the secrecy act, and Sir Malcolm seems to enjoy taking her away from her "day job" of writing for the newspaper. Thankfully, she's got a great boss (you'll love him too). This time Olivia has to find out why one of the young women working at Bletchley Park was murdered. Was it because of something to do with her job or was by a jilted lover?
I adore Olivia! She's got so much personality, and she's so good at fitting into all of the situations she's thrown into because of the war. The author does a wonderful job of fleshing out the secondary characters as well. I never really thought about where the code-breakers would have lived as they worked at Bletchley Park. If you were one of these women, you'd most likely have to share lodgings with other women unless you lived nearby. I liked the cozy feeling of being surrounded by friends while knitting or reading, but I am sure they missed their families. The code-breakers, translators, and others working there really made a huge difference in the war.
Deadly Cypher has such an exciting plot, and the pacing is just right. I didn't want to put it down! Following the clues, getting to know the characters, learning a little about the code-breaking efforts, and solving the mystery made this a truly delightful book to read. I highly recommend it as well as the others I've read in the series.
If you know much about WWII and code-breaking, I'm sure you've heard of Bletchley Park. The men and women who worked there couldn't share anything about their jobs with anyone. In Deadly Cypher, Olivia is perfect for the job. She's already working undercover operations and has signed the secrecy act, and Sir Malcolm seems to enjoy taking her away from her "day job" of writing for the newspaper. Thankfully, she's got a great boss (you'll love him too). This time Olivia has to find out why one of the young women working at Bletchley Park was murdered. Was it because of something to do with her job or was by a jilted lover?
I adore Olivia! She's got so much personality, and she's so good at fitting into all of the situations she's thrown into because of the war. The author does a wonderful job of fleshing out the secondary characters as well. I never really thought about where the code-breakers would have lived as they worked at Bletchley Park. If you were one of these women, you'd most likely have to share lodgings with other women unless you lived nearby. I liked the cozy feeling of being surrounded by friends while knitting or reading, but I am sure they missed their families. The code-breakers, translators, and others working there really made a huge difference in the war.
Deadly Cypher has such an exciting plot, and the pacing is just right. I didn't want to put it down! Following the clues, getting to know the characters, learning a little about the code-breaking efforts, and solving the mystery made this a truly delightful book to read. I highly recommend it as well as the others I've read in the series.
August 29, 2021
DEADLY CYPHER by Kate Parker
The Seventh Deadly Mystery
It's November 1939 and although fighting hasn't truly begun, England is at war. With her new husband working in parts unknown for the army, Olivia Redmond is once again conscripted to work for Sir Malcolm. A young woman working as a codebreaker has been murdered. Livvy replaces her, taking on her work to help the country as she tries to solve the woman's murder. Was it a jealous beau or is there a traitor in the mix?
The start of the war is as cold as the winter temperatures around Bletchley Park. Gone are the carefree parties of summer, now a chill has taken hold of the country and it's up to Olivia Redmond to find a traitor working right beside her.
DEADLY CYPHER had me absolutely captivated. To me World War II started on September 1, 1939, I was unaware that the start of the war was considered a "phony war" in England. That's one of the things I love best about the DEADLY Mystery series, I'm always learning something new. It was fascinating to read about about Bletchley Park, the women working the TypeX machines, knitting projects, and the way civilians lived at the start of World War II.
I've always liked Livvy and I love how she's grown and is able to stand her ground. Continually put down by her father, she's able to know when she's right and is not afraid to speak her mind, in defiance of men in authority. The mystery here was ingenious. Fully fleshed out characters inhabit the pages and I didn't know who to trust. The ultimate clue was brilliant and I caught on just as Livvy got an inkling that she couldn't quite grasp.
DEADLY CYPHER is a richly developed mystery filled with historical details, tough women, and good people giving up life as they know it in order to help their country no matter the cost.
The Seventh Deadly Mystery
It's November 1939 and although fighting hasn't truly begun, England is at war. With her new husband working in parts unknown for the army, Olivia Redmond is once again conscripted to work for Sir Malcolm. A young woman working as a codebreaker has been murdered. Livvy replaces her, taking on her work to help the country as she tries to solve the woman's murder. Was it a jealous beau or is there a traitor in the mix?
The start of the war is as cold as the winter temperatures around Bletchley Park. Gone are the carefree parties of summer, now a chill has taken hold of the country and it's up to Olivia Redmond to find a traitor working right beside her.
DEADLY CYPHER had me absolutely captivated. To me World War II started on September 1, 1939, I was unaware that the start of the war was considered a "phony war" in England. That's one of the things I love best about the DEADLY Mystery series, I'm always learning something new. It was fascinating to read about about Bletchley Park, the women working the TypeX machines, knitting projects, and the way civilians lived at the start of World War II.
I've always liked Livvy and I love how she's grown and is able to stand her ground. Continually put down by her father, she's able to know when she's right and is not afraid to speak her mind, in defiance of men in authority. The mystery here was ingenious. Fully fleshed out characters inhabit the pages and I didn't know who to trust. The ultimate clue was brilliant and I caught on just as Livvy got an inkling that she couldn't quite grasp.
DEADLY CYPHER is a richly developed mystery filled with historical details, tough women, and good people giving up life as they know it in order to help their country no matter the cost.
September 16, 2021
Who knew that knitting could solve mystery?
As a somewhat experienced knitter, I found that I picked up the hint about mid way through the novel, but was very interested to see how it was figured out. And once again, the danger at the end. Fun read.
As a somewhat experienced knitter, I found that I picked up the hint about mid way through the novel, but was very interested to see how it was figured out. And once again, the danger at the end. Fun read.
January 13, 2022
Deadly Cypher by Kate Parker is book 7 of the "Deadly series". I have enjoyed all the books in these historical “cozy” mysteries but this one, set in Bletchley Park, probably the most. I have always been interested in World War I and II history and in particular, the work of the codebreakers. I have also been lucky enough to visit Bletchley Park twice, so I could easily picture the world in which Olivia Redmond (Livvy) finds herself.
It is November 1939 and WWII has started in Europe. In Deadly Cypher, tensions in England are high and trusting anyone is becoming harder. There is the presumption that there are spies everywhere so when one of the women working at one of the most secret facilities in Britain, Bletchley Park, is murdered and Livvy is perfect for the job of finding out who was responsible and more importantly, why. It is vital to stop any information about the work there, from reaching the Nazis and Livvy has already been working on undercover operations and has signed the secrecy act. As always, Sir Malcolm seems to take pleasure in pulling her away from her newspaper work and dropping her “in the deep end” without too much information to cloud her views.
In this story, Livvy is on her own, without some of the other characters from the earlier stories. As the main character, she has a great personality, and she is good at fitting into the situations she gets thrown into as the war with Germany develops. The author has also done a good job creating the secondary characters and their lives. If you were one of the women working at Bletchley Park (BP), you lived in shared lodgings with other women from many varied walks of life. The codebreakers, translators, cryptanalysts and many other women (and men) working at BP made a huge contribution to the Allied efforts in the war.
Deadly Cypher has an exciting plot, and the pacing is good. Although I did work out the mystery by the time I was halfway through the book, I still enjoyed the story. If you are a fan of WWII era spy thrillers and classical cozy mysteries, you will enjoy the narrative and you do not need to have read any of the other books in the series to appreciate it.
It is November 1939 and WWII has started in Europe. In Deadly Cypher, tensions in England are high and trusting anyone is becoming harder. There is the presumption that there are spies everywhere so when one of the women working at one of the most secret facilities in Britain, Bletchley Park, is murdered and Livvy is perfect for the job of finding out who was responsible and more importantly, why. It is vital to stop any information about the work there, from reaching the Nazis and Livvy has already been working on undercover operations and has signed the secrecy act. As always, Sir Malcolm seems to take pleasure in pulling her away from her newspaper work and dropping her “in the deep end” without too much information to cloud her views.
In this story, Livvy is on her own, without some of the other characters from the earlier stories. As the main character, she has a great personality, and she is good at fitting into the situations she gets thrown into as the war with Germany develops. The author has also done a good job creating the secondary characters and their lives. If you were one of the women working at Bletchley Park (BP), you lived in shared lodgings with other women from many varied walks of life. The codebreakers, translators, cryptanalysts and many other women (and men) working at BP made a huge contribution to the Allied efforts in the war.
Deadly Cypher has an exciting plot, and the pacing is good. Although I did work out the mystery by the time I was halfway through the book, I still enjoyed the story. If you are a fan of WWII era spy thrillers and classical cozy mysteries, you will enjoy the narrative and you do not need to have read any of the other books in the series to appreciate it.
May 25, 2022
3.5 November 1939 and the British Government has assembled a small group of intelligent individuals on a small estate north of London as part of a top secret code breaking facility - Bletchley Park. Olivia Redmond is a reporter on a newspaper but has helped the government in the past and she is summoned to find out who and why a young woman was murdered and who is trying to give away state secrets to the enemy. Livvy is billeted with a group of young women and is trying to uncover the murderer when another young woman is murdered. Code breaking is hard work and hush hush but somehow there is a leak and she needs to find it before a disaster occurs.
July 3, 2022
Another great ‘Deadly’ mystery
Livvy has her work cut out for her when she is assigned to go undercover at Bletchley Park in 1939. One girl is dead already, a second goes missing and Livvy is almost run down on a dark lane. Apparently, her questions are hitting a little close to home for someone.
Livvy is a very likeable heroine. She’s smart, determined to fulfill her duty and a little too brave for her own good at times, which lands her in trouble more often than not. The mysteries in this series are all well-formed, with enough twists and turns to keep a reader turning the pages to find out ‘whodunit!’
Livvy has her work cut out for her when she is assigned to go undercover at Bletchley Park in 1939. One girl is dead already, a second goes missing and Livvy is almost run down on a dark lane. Apparently, her questions are hitting a little close to home for someone.
Livvy is a very likeable heroine. She’s smart, determined to fulfill her duty and a little too brave for her own good at times, which lands her in trouble more often than not. The mysteries in this series are all well-formed, with enough twists and turns to keep a reader turning the pages to find out ‘whodunit!’
October 2, 2021
Intriguing story
It's 1939 and WW 2 has started in Europe. In England tensions are high, trusting anyone is becoming harder and spies are everywhere, so when a murder is committed at one of the most secret facilities in Britain, Olivia is brought in to find the murderer and stop any and all information from landing into the hands of the Nazis. This who done it is great, will keep you entertained to the end.
It's 1939 and WW 2 has started in Europe. In England tensions are high, trusting anyone is becoming harder and spies are everywhere, so when a murder is committed at one of the most secret facilities in Britain, Olivia is brought in to find the murderer and stop any and all information from landing into the hands of the Nazis. This who done it is great, will keep you entertained to the end.
October 3, 2021
"Deadly Cypher, book seven of the Deadly Series, is for fans of World War II era spy thrillers and classical cozy mysteries, of intrepid lady sleuths with spunk and smarts."
That pretty much sums it up.
A well done presentation of early WWII and infamous Bletchley.
The details of housing and work are very interesting. As is the variety of people there.
All in all, an engaging and satisfying read. A very good series.
That pretty much sums it up.
A well done presentation of early WWII and infamous Bletchley.
The details of housing and work are very interesting. As is the variety of people there.
All in all, an engaging and satisfying read. A very good series.
February 2, 2024
I have been reading this series in order but this book could work as a stand alone. This is one of my favorites in the series so far. It was fast paced and kept my interest. I liked that most of the characters were new and the author made them interesting. The story revolved around a mystery involving Bletchley Park and the efforts to decode messages to the Nazis. I love the flavor of the time that is woven throughout and I hope some of the new characters show up again in future stories.
May 25, 2024
I just finished listening to this audiobook and am pleased to say that the series, Deadly”, remains one of my favorites. The writing and the narration of “DeadlyCypher” go hand in glove to provide another fast paced, engaging story with plenty of twists as well as interesting characters and situations. I appreciate and recommend the audio version narrated by Henrietta Meire and published by Findaway Voices.
August 12, 2025
a good story spoiled
This was shaping up to be a good tale but unfortunately it was ruined for me by the irritation of the author using American words which would have NEVER been used in 1939 England. Auto was particularly annoying, English people would say car or probably in that era motor car or just motor. Bathing room? Assume she meant bathroom. A few other words like that grated on me so much I had a job to finish reading the story.
This was shaping up to be a good tale but unfortunately it was ruined for me by the irritation of the author using American words which would have NEVER been used in 1939 England. Auto was particularly annoying, English people would say car or probably in that era motor car or just motor. Bathing room? Assume she meant bathroom. A few other words like that grated on me so much I had a job to finish reading the story.
August 27, 2021
3 1/2 stars. Decent story has Livvy being sent to Bletchley Park to determine if a young woman’s death is personal or related to her employment at BP.
The mystery is good, although I was actually able to figure most of it out pretty early on. I like Livvy. She’s smart and determined. The book was a bit too long though and needed a bit of editing.
The mystery is good, although I was actually able to figure most of it out pretty early on. I like Livvy. She’s smart and determined. The book was a bit too long though and needed a bit of editing.
August 28, 2021
Good book
I love this series I surely hope there will be more books in this series after all....the war has a ling way to go. Livvy is getting really good now at her craft, start at the beginning to see how much she has progressed. For great spy stories and on the job training this is the books for you.
I love this series I surely hope there will be more books in this series after all....the war has a ling way to go. Livvy is getting really good now at her craft, start at the beginning to see how much she has progressed. For great spy stories and on the job training this is the books for you.
October 6, 2023
I enjoy Kate's writing, even though in the last two books I've known "whodunnit" So, if you're looking for a convoluted plot that you will never unravel, these might not be for you. But the books are engaging and well written and I take pleasure in the reading even if I'm wondering why they're missing the obvious.
August 28, 2021
So Interesting
I love this book and the whole series. If you are as fascinated with this time in our world as I am, these are the books for you. Olivia lives an incredible life and you just want to read more and more.
I love this book and the whole series. If you are as fascinated with this time in our world as I am, these are the books for you. Olivia lives an incredible life and you just want to read more and more.
September 8, 2021
Really enjoyed this book! I learned quite a bit about the codes used and how important it was to keep everything extremely confidential. The characters were interesting and unpredictable, and kept me guessing. I definitely recommend Deadly Cypher!
September 18, 2021
Excellent
Wonderful novels with the background of the beginning of WII. Really get the impression that you are there with all the intrigue. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Wonderful novels with the background of the beginning of WII. Really get the impression that you are there with all the intrigue. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
October 8, 2021
Enjoyable as always
I've read all of these and have enjoyed them all. This is the last for now and I hope for more. This was excellent, especially the work at Bletchley Park breaking codes. I enjoy reading about this time period.
I've read all of these and have enjoyed them all. This is the last for now and I hope for more. This was excellent, especially the work at Bletchley Park breaking codes. I enjoy reading about this time period.
January 16, 2023
Another excellent book in the Deadly series. This one took me a bit of time to get into, but as always the mystery was excellent. It'd be nice to see more of Adam in these books. He's become my favorite character in the series. Another excellent read by Kate Parker.
January 20, 2024
This book in the series contained knitting, so that pleased me. I was able to figure out the problem character quicker due to vague hints pertaining to the craft, but it didn’t detract from the pleasure of following Livy on her journey.
December 22, 2024
Another excellent book in the Deadly series. This is a series I was lucky enough to start at the beginning of. You don’t have to read them in order, and I didn’t as it turned out. I look forward to each release. Then wait patiently for the audio book. The reader, Henrietta Meire, is perfect.
August 24, 2021
Breaking a code could save a country or cost one one's life.
Another dark and decidedly complex mystery from amazing author Kate Parker.
Based on actual historical events, this mystery draws the reader into a fascinating era.
Who can one trust? Who is to be believed?
Investigative reporter Olivia Redmond is once again charged with the task of finding the truth about a murder. Was it love gone wrong, being in the wrong place at a deadly time? Or is it connected to spies and Great War activity? Can Olivia discover who the killer is and their motive before she becomes the next victim?
A real page turner.
Another dark and decidedly complex mystery from amazing author Kate Parker.
Based on actual historical events, this mystery draws the reader into a fascinating era.
Who can one trust? Who is to be believed?
Investigative reporter Olivia Redmond is once again charged with the task of finding the truth about a murder. Was it love gone wrong, being in the wrong place at a deadly time? Or is it connected to spies and Great War activity? Can Olivia discover who the killer is and their motive before she becomes the next victim?
A real page turner.
August 25, 2021
Exciting, suspenseful, well written
I would recommend this book to any woman or girl looking at a future, non-traditional career. Captures the era well.
I would recommend this book to any woman or girl looking at a future, non-traditional career. Captures the era well.
August 29, 2021
Really enjoyed
Wonderful story suspenseful a good mystery
Could not put the book down and read within a day
Will read the other books in series
Wonderful story suspenseful a good mystery
Could not put the book down and read within a day
Will read the other books in series
August 30, 2021
Great Series
Highly recommend this series. Well developed characters and story lines. If you love pre-WWII Britain, you will enjoy these books.
Highly recommend this series. Well developed characters and story lines. If you love pre-WWII Britain, you will enjoy these books.
August 30, 2021
Enjoyed this book.
Once again the story is easy to follow while being fast paced and true to the characters. I recommend this series.
Once again the story is easy to follow while being fast paced and true to the characters. I recommend this series.
September 4, 2021
Intriguing story but I felt as if Livy was too obvious in her position atBlechley House. She wasn’t very subtle. The whole story seemed rushed .
September 6, 2021
Good historical novel
Good plot and interesting characters
Good description of the war era and the trials placed on the English people
Enjoyi
Good plot and interesting characters
Good description of the war era and the trials placed on the English people
Enjoyi
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews