THE LANGUAGE OF THE BIRDS by K.A. Merson

4 stars

This engaging mystery thriller takes you on a Da Vinci Code solving chase focused on the secret to long life sought after for centuries by the Alchemists.

Arizona, a brilliant, neurodivergent seventeen-year-old who prefers solitude and hanging with her dog Mojo, finds herself unexpectedly plunged into a relentless puzzle-solving chase. Arizona has to continually solve difficult ciphers and clues – all of which appear on the pages of the book- which may be tied to her Dad who recently died in a motorcycle accident and her kidnapped Mom. Arizona had been being home-schooled by them, as she struggles with interpersonal peer dynamics, any loud noises, trusting others, filtering what she says, and reading other’s emotions.

Arizona hurtles on her motorcycle with Mojo in a sidecar through America’s west in the Sierra Nevada chasing clues across desert canyons, ghost towns, abandoned coal mines, and the Hoover Dam. Not only does she prove a genius at problem-solving, but also an intrepid foe to innumerable foes with guns shooting at her. She even manages to make her first true friendship along the way. Best of all, she has to turn to innumerable works of classic literature, poems and ancient texts to crack the codes. Arizona’s bravery and resilience have you wildly cheering her on.

Of particular fascination is the blending in of the history of the study of alchemy and real-life historical conspiracy theories about the Alchemists actually finding the elusive elixir for long life, but ultimately deciding to hide it as they deemed humankind not yet worthy of such a powerful gift.

An intricately plotted puzzle box of a novel!

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine, and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.