Code of Silence: A Ben Reese Mystery

by: Sally Wright

Published by: Severn House Publishers

Reviewed by Barbara L. Fielder

This mystery’s storyline is, in part, based on actual historical events and characters from World War II–and the years that follow. Espionage, intrigue, relationships, murder and treachery are brought together skillfully in this fast-paced mystery.

For those of you who are Ben Reese fans, and have invested time in reading the previous novels featuring this rugged man’s man character, you’re in for a treat.

The story spans a decade from 1947 to 1957; a decade without the benefit of CSI (Crime Scene Investigators), DNA evidence, cell phones, GPS and high-tech investigative tools. Yet, you’ll find the thorough and well-timed plot allows for all of the forensic discoveries of the day to be in play.

The story begins with photographic evidence uncovered by Miriam who works as a book breaker in the Verona code breaking and decryption unit at Arlington Hall. The Verona code proved to be very important to the United States; the code was used by the Russians in the 1940s as it communicated its war strategies and post-war espionage. Naturally, the United States believed the information to be of extreme value in fighting the war and then the communists in the post-war era.

Because of what she knows Miriam’s life is taken, but not before she was able to covertly leave the evidence in the right hands. The man who takes Miriam’s life also follows the trail to discover the man to whom Miriam leaves the evidence–Carl Walker. What he knows and attempts to do with the information takes him on a journey in which he is tracked by the same man who killed Miriam and ultimately involves Ben Reese.

This book is a page-turner and will keep you awake long hours into the night.

Armchair Interviews says: Ben Reese delivers–and so does Edgar award winner Sally Wright.

Author’s Web site: http://www.SallyWright.net