Fatal Code

Written by Natalie Walters

Narrated by Morgan Hallett

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those scientists, aerospace
engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession—and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she’s his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because … well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. And with danger closing in on all sides, Elinor will have to trust the man who has been spying on her to ensure her
discoveries stay out of enemy hands—and she stays alive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705064870

Reviews for Fatal Code

[jaymewill-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have not read Natalie Walters before, but I found the teaser plot interesting. I loved the book! I guess I missed reading book one. I could tell there was history with some of the characters, but I didn't feel like it impacted the story too much. The main character, Elinor, has lost her beloved grandfather. She finds solace in his journals and notebooks. Her neighbor, Kekoa, is a SNAP agent who is sent to monitor her for illegal activity. Kekoa doesn't believe she is doing anything nefarious, but the evidence is overwhelming. When dangerous things begin happening to Elinor, its up to her and Kekoa to solve the mystery her grandfather left behind before the enemy gets what they want.I thought Fatal Code was a great read! It has great characters, an exciting plot line, and lots of twists and turns. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes Christian suspense without blood and gore.

[sarahrichards · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I won an ARC from a giveaway on LibraryThing in exchange for a review.I had no qualms with any of the characters. The results of the mystery were believable. The only real downfall I experienced was this book was very slow-paced. I was expecting something fast-paced and tense. Therefore, based on Goodreads rating fashion this novel was okay. In other words, I didn't hate it but I didn't love it.

[tealadytoo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

[Fatal Code] by Natalie Walters is the second book in her “SNAP” series, which focuses on a team of investigators in a fictional government agency, the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency. I have not read the first book in the series [Lights Out], and I suspect that is the source of most of my issues with this book. I felt as if I was coming into the theatre in the middle of the movie. It was not clear to me exactly what the SNAP agency was formed to accomplish, and how they fit in with the FBI and CIA. The team members’ personalities were sketched in only the broadest terms, which presumably would not have been an issue if I was familiar with them from the first book.The relationship between Elinor and Kekoa is sweet, and I enjoyed reading about it, although at times it seemed to develop a bit too fast for believability on Kekoa’s side. He barely knows her initially, has been given reason by his agency to be suspicious of her, but he almost instantly concludes that she can’t be guilty of what she is suspected of because . . . she’s too nice? I also enjoyed learning about Kekoa’s Hawaiian heritage, though the author laid that on a bit too thickly at times. As something of a math/science nerd myself, I thought the science nerd jokes were epic. The action was exciting, but there were two threats to US security, one from the past, and one from the present, and they never really seemed to converge. The only common thread was that poor Elinor was inadvertently caught up in both at the same time. It could get confusing at times as to which set of villains was acting in any given crisis.Overall, I would rate this as a fairly good read, but nothing outstanding. I suspect that if I had read the books in order, I would raise my rating.I receive a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Melanie McGibbon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this continuation to this series. Great characters, a lot of action, and a great ending that ties everything together very well. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

At first I thought this book was going to be a difficult one to finish. There is a Hawaiian character which led the author to use the word brah, slang for brother, thirty-eight times. Annoying, the repetition, not the character. There were also references to a popular television show that some, perhaps many, readers of Christian fiction would likely opt not to watch due to its content, thus the references lack any positive impact. It also made me wonder about the author's choice to basically promote the show. However, since the plot was interesting and well played, I did finish the book. It involved espionage, murder, and cyber-security, so the author hadn't gone completely wrong. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Fatal Code from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[amkee-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Received as an Early Reviewer. So slow moving that I took forever to read it. It wasn't the worst book I have ever read, but I struggled with getting to the end. I definitely expected a more fast paced read.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Warning! Do not read this book after a manicure! Fatal Code is an intense heart-pounding suspense story that kept me biting my nails!! It's also the faith-infused tale of two people who need to learn how to trust as they work together to protect clues relating to a secret nuclear energy project that was abruptly canceled in 1964. Best of all, there is a sweet but thrilling romance between two self-proclaimed nerds! Who wouldn't enjoy this book?The SNAP Agency in Washington, DC has some great employees, and we're given a chance to see them in action once again, but former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is the main focus of this story. Can he crack the secret code, and keep it, and Elinor Mitchell, safe from the people trying to find it? Will this big 'teddy bear of a man', who believes that he is a nerd, prove that he can woo a lady with the best of them?This second book of The SNAP Agency series is captivating, and I'm anxious to see where author Natalie Walters takes us next. I recommend Fatal Code to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense!I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[kimpotter-309059 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fatal Code by Natalie Walters is the Second book in her SNAP Agency series. Elinor Mitchell finds some hidden codes in her grandfather’s journals. Now her life is in danger because someone wants them. Kekoa Young, a former Navy cryptologist and a SNAP agent, steps in to try to protect Elinor and solve the mysterious code. The suspense was pretty intense. The only thing that I didn’t like was all the Hawaiian slang thrown in throughout the story. Elinor was the perfect balance for Kekoa. They complemented each other so well. I enjoyed learning more about the SNAP team.I received this book from the author for my honest review.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you are looking for a story filled with scientific data that could change the world then grab a copy of this book. It has a great suspense element along with danger, secrets codes and fascinating characters. The author delivers a heart pounding adventure that has underlying ties to other countries. I couldn’t wait to start this book which is the second in the series.Kekoa is hands down the star of this story. His intelligence is intimidating as well as his size. He doesn’t realize how commanding he is but to others he is someone you would want as your protector, I loved everything about him but mostly how honest and fair he is to everyone. Even though the company he works for suspects Elinor as passing information, he doesn’t. Now he has to prove her innocence and keep her safe. Elinor is brilliant in her own right and has been on a secret project for at least two years. She is hoping that all the hard work she has put in will pay off. When her grandfather passes away it hits her hard and she tries to cope with her loss. A journal of his finds it’s way to her and inside is cryptic codes that she doesn’t understand. I won’t get into how Kekoa and Elinor get together so I’ll move on with what their plan is. Someone is after Elinor because they think she knows something or has something in her possession that is valuable. I loved getting to know Kekoa better and understanding why he didn’t want to go home to see his family. The guilt he has carried has overwhelmed him. His father comes to see him in hopes of helping Kekoa see that what happened was not his fault. I loved this statement from the book; “Only in our weakness will we see God come through for us. It requires us to stake everything …..on our faith in God.” Elinor and Kekoa will both need to trust God as the danger gets closer to them. The book is a very high voltage ride as Elinor becomes too close to figuring out the code. Her life is hanging by a thread as Kekoa races to save her. I was very surprised at who was behind everything which made the story more exciting for me. The author illustrates how we need to trust God in every situation. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogging Program. The review is my own opinion.

[Berly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Never was really much for mystery / suspense type books, although I do watch those type of shows. Natalie Walters has opened up a new genre of reading for me. Really enjoyed this one.

[tcjrogers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fatal Code is the second book in the SNAP Agency series. In Fatal Code, Kekoa Young must try to uncover who might be selling nuclear weapon plans to the Russians, and his lead suspect is Elinor Mitchell. Elinor Mitchell is grieving the death of her grandfather, a brilliant nuclear physicist and the most important person in Elinor’s life. When Elinor discovers cyphers in the journals her grandfather left her, she is left confused until she receives help from her neighbor, Kekoa, who happens to be a cryptologist. But when she finds out she is the subject of his investigation, will she be able to forgive his deception? And will Kekoa be able to uncover the truth about who is selling secrets to the Russians in time to save Elinor’s life?I enjoyed reading Fatal Code. I struggled to get into it at the beginning, but I soon became more interested. Kekoa and Elinor have good chemistry. I like the two characters, but I never felt a real connection with them. I was a little distracted by the frequent Hawaiian lingo. (Although I did look up Loco Moco and made it for dinner one night. It was delicious.) All in all, the plot was interesting and there was a lot of action. I guess some people connect with some stories and characters and don’t connect with others. I just didn’t really connect with this one. Regardless, I have enjoyed this author’s work in the past, and I look forward to the next story in this series. *I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[melissa_o-399736 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fatal Code is the latest installment in the SNAP Agency series by Natalie Walters. I fell in love with Kekoa's character in Lights Out so I was stoked when I found out his story would be book 2 in the series. I was there for it and was not disappointed! Kekoa's smart, loyal, protective, food-loving teddy bear self made him such a great hero in this story. The science nerd in me absolutely adored Elinor as well with all her science jokes and tshirts. Even though all the computer stuff was over my head, I really enjoyed the page turning suspense and to finally find out what was really going on and who was behind everything! I have always loved when suspense authors incorporate a team aspect into their series which has just added to my enjoyment of these books.This book quickly became my favorite in the series and will be tough to beat! However, I am so excited for Lyla and Garcia's story to try to top this one!Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’m always amazed at Natalie Walters’ ability to write fast-paced action-filled fiction but also to take time to develop characters with realistic depth. I loved Elinor and Kekoa’s story! Their interactions and relationship develop with the perfect timing and circumstances that make you root for them the whole time. The faith themes are woven in seamlessly and are relatable without being preachy. And the suspense! I could not put this book down! The twists and turns are so unexpected and the plot is so intriguing! I do recommend reading the first book in the series so that you can understand all parts of the SNAP agency. I cannot wait for book three! Highly recommended!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Fatal Code (the SNAP Agency #2)Author: Natalie WaltersPages: 320Year: 2022Publisher: RevellMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.In the novel that starts the series, audiences meet the team of characters that make up the SNAP agency. The story focuses on Jack who works on the SNAP team and Brynn who is a CIA analyst. Their working together is strained by their past relationship with each other. SNAP stands for Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency. The team also includes Lyla, Garcia, and Kekoa.In her newest tale, Kekoa is the lead character who is a cryptologist extraordinaire! Kekoa feels he is best suited behind a slew of computers and screens, working his magic, not in the field. When the FBI asks for assistance from SNAP, the team must try and help stop the sale of secret weapons from getting into antagonists’ possession. Kekoa is tasked with trying to discover if his neighbor, Elinor, who is working a project of nuclear proportions, is selling her work to foreign nations.While he is learning more about his neighbor, he finds himself also attracted to her. That sets off a battle of the heart within Kekoa. Elinor is still grieving the recent loss of her grandfather, and her relationship with her parents is distant and broken. Elinor finds that she and Kekoa have much in common. As he draws her out from her introvert life, she finds him to be a man she can love.As I read the tale, I couldn’t help but be touched by the possible romance blossoming between the two main characters, Elinor and Kekoa. They both have unresolved issues of the heart, and both learn that faith can transform their future. I enjoyed the Hawaiian food dishes and culture discussed in the story, though I haven’t ever been to Hawaii. The suspense in the plot runs throughout the whole story and the ending is epic! While it isn’t necessary to read Lights Out to enjoy Fatal Code, I highly recommend the books as they are well written and action packed from the first word to the last!Grab a copy and enjoy the latest high octane story and look forward to the next one coming from Natalie Walters I hope sometime this fall!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Your courage comes not from a name, but by the way you live the life God sets before you. It requires us to stake everything we believe, to surrender our lives, on our faith in God."The SNAP Agency is fast becoming one of my favorite group of crime-fighting geniuses. I fell in love with Natalie Walters' writing with the first book in the series and this follow up confirms her placement in my favorite suspense author category. Nail-biting suspense is perfectly paired with an unlikely romance between two fascinating characters. The solid faith thread creates a deeper layer to the awesome plot that has twists and turns and possible villains around every corner. If you enjoy romantic suspense, you don't want to miss this book by Natalie Walters.I loved Kekoa's big teddy bear self with easy-going personality but also loved that his past regrets and grief came to light in this book to show us the real Kekoa. His snarky banter with Lyla, one of his colleagues, is always fun and witty. His cute, sweet, and often awkward interaction with Elinor was heart-warming and lovely. Elinor is different from Kekoa but shares the same grief of losing a dearly loved one and is inexplicably drawn to him. In the midst of betrayals, confusion, and attacks from multiple angles, Elinor works with Kekoa and SNAP to solve the riddle that's connected to long-buried secrets.I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All comments are my own.

[dtchantel-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Fatal Code" was nearly impossible to put down once I started. Not only are the characters completely endearing, but the story itself was fast-paced, pulse-pounding and thoroughly believable. I think I read the last third of the book in one sitting at breakneck speed. I can't recall when I liked the leading romantic couple in a story more than this one. Their back histories were interesting and very emotional, and their stories of faith added just the right touch of inspiration. I was new to this author, but based on this book, and the fact that it's part of a series, I'll definitely be reading more.

[veragodley · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story takes place in the Washington, DC, area and involves an alphabet soup of governmental agencies. Foremost for this story is the SNAP agency. A key figure of the SNAP agency is its technology agent, Kekoa, who is from Hawaii. Key also to the story is Elinor, whose grandfather was a role player in early nuclear projects in the US. Also key, is an old notebook of the grandfather's that Elinor possesses but of which she doesn't know its significance.Global interest in Elinor and her current work and potential knowledge of key information - i.e. formulas or codes - pertinent to nuclear energy looms threateningly. Elinor encounters frightening and deadly danger before she learns that the project she is presenting as a developer has global interest and potential weaponization.An exciting and interesting read.I received a copy as an LibraryThing Early Reviewer winner. Opinions are mine, alone and freely given.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the second book in this series, and it can be read alone! I loved how the author puts the two main characters as neighbors, and how a relationship is formed.A read that is full of suspense, and you will wonder whom to trust, and for me it was full of surprises! The author did a great job of pulling me in and not letting go until the last page is turned.We are given a story that is rich in suspense, danger at many turns, some sweet romance, and a real page turner looking for answers.I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fatal Code is the second book in Natalie Walters’ SNAP Agency series. I really like that the author has created an ensemble cast of characters who work tirelessly to ensure the security of American interests, yet are not part of a governmental agency. Walters’ creativity is on full display as her books feature high tech and complex scenarios. In Fatal Code SNAP is brought into examine corporate espionage and nuclear weapons development. I felt challenged in a good way as I read about things way out of my pay grade. LOL! The characters are great, and I was very pleased that this novel features Kekoa, a charming, yet imposing cryptologist. Fatal Code explores just what makes him tick, including past regrets and guilt. His next-door neighbor, Elinor is the focus of his investigation, and the immediate attraction between the two causes tension between Kekoa’s personal and professional lives. I loved it! Elinor is also a great character. Her feelings of childhood abandonment shaped her as well. But a beloved grandfather’s love and faith provided an even stronger influence. The plot is twisting with bad guys popping up everywhere. This certainly kept the characters and the reader on their toes. The reader gets a good helping of suspense.I read Fatal Code in record time — I just could not put it down! I can’t wait for another installment.Highly Recommended.Audience: Adults.(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[croknot1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

As I started this book, I fell in love with it. As I continued it, though, I lost interest. I will pick it up again, on my next long trip.I received a copy of this novel through LT for my honest review.

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Elinor realizes that she had top secret information that her grandfather hid a long time ago. He was part of a group of scientists working on a nuclear energy project. She has to figure out what to do with it and how to keep safe as well. Her neighbor Kekoa is tasked with keeping her safe as she follows the clues her grandfather left behind. They soon connect and find there is more to the story than it seems. A real page turner and a great series. I received a copy to read, the review is mine.

[macygma · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What if, deep in the recesses of your mind, you knew something important. Something someone would kill you for but first you had to figure it out? Enter Elinor Mitchell. Her grandfather was a master of codes and had taught Elinor to love them as well. Even left her some “code” puzzles: to work on.Kekoa, the Hawaiian member of the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency is happy with this job, good at it, even. He has no plans to go back to the Island where bitter memories await him.When the two meet his job is to figure out what her grandfather knew. He belonged to a group of scientists and cryptologists who were working on an advanced nuclear project which was disbanded with no reason. Not only is Kekoa’s group interested in Elinor, but several “bad guys” are as well. A great action novek, I did it in one night.Out May 3, this is one to get.