LADY CODEBREAKER by K.D. Alden is a work of historical fiction based on a real codebreaker named Elizabeth Smith Friedman. She was a remarkable woman who had a remarkable career. In this novel, the protagonist is named Grace Smith. Raised in a Quaker home, she left her stifling life in a small town. Perhaps it was chance or maybe fate when she met a millionaire who recognized her capabilities and tasked her with learning codebreaking-something she knew nothing about.   With sheer determination, she developed the necessary skills and went on to become a cryptanalyst who helped the government form its unit.
Impeccably researched and detailed, the author has crafted a powerful story. Grace is a protagonist with strong moral fiber, sharp intellect and mind-blowing skills. Determined and fearless, she takes on gangsters, Nazis and even J. Edgar Hoover all the while dealing with male chauvinism and remaining fiercely loyal to her family. The narrative spans four decades and two wars. Her accomplishments were epic.
LADY CODEBREAKER is so well crafted that I found it to be totally believable. However, the author does provide a Fact vs. Fiction section in LADY CODEBREAKER after the conclusion of the story and I recommend reading it. Told in Grace's voice by using wit and candor, this story is well worth reading. Highly recommended.