Chester Keene Cracks the Code by Kekla Magoon
Published by Wendy Lamb Books on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 1524715999
Pages: 293
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Chester has never known his father but is convinced his father is a spy because his father sends him occasional gifts like binoculars, books on espionage, and spy kits. When Chester discovers an email address in one of the packages, he begins corresponding with his father. When a mysterious clue appears on his front door, Chester believes his father is in trouble and he must solve the puzzle to save his dad. At school a classmate named Skye appears at his lunch table with another mysterious clue and they realize that they must work together to solve the mystery. Spending their afternoons at the local bowling alley, Chester and Skye stumble upon a criminal conspiracy and mistakenly think this is the crime they must solve.

Chester is a loner so it is a challenge for him to work with Skye. He is anxious and compulsively cleans his apartment and regiments his schedule because he hopes this will please his father. His relationship with his mother becomes strained as she grows closer to her boyfriend. Chester is also being bullied. Middle school is certainly stressful for Chester!

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham