The Brightwood Code

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A Los Angeles Public Library Best Book of the Year A CCBC Children’s Choice Book Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly, BCCB, The Horn Book, and SLJ

“The Brightwood Code has everything I love in a book, an overlooked history woven into a fascinating narrative, and a strong heroine forging her own path forward.” –Stacey Lee, New York Times bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club pick The Downstairs Girl

* “An evocative novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, history, and psychology, this is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking puzzle that explores the lasting impacts of war. Highly recommended.” –SLJ, starred review* “Hesse maintains steady suspense…Red herrings abound as the chapters race toward a climax.” –The Horn Book, starred review* “Hesse yet again proves herself to be a master in matching a compelling mystery with a vividly detailed historical setting [in] a book that is an absolute page-turner…This easily deserves a spot next to Wein’s Code Name Verity as an exemplar of the wartime drama.” –BCCB, starred review* “[A] gripping historical thriller.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review“Engaging writing will have readers racing to discover the secret. A well-researched work that stands out for its explorations of guilt and trauma.”–Kirkus“I finished this book in one sitting, and I still can’t stop thinking about Monica Hesse’s stunning exploration of women’s trauma (and their undervalued roles!) in the First World War. The Brightwood Code is a gripping historical mystery, with powerful feminist themes and a perfectly complex resolution that feel as relevant today as ever.” –Jordyn Taylor, award-winning author of The Paper Girl of Paris, Don’t Breathe a Word, and The Revenge Game “Readers biting their nails over Edda’s fictional journey will come up for air amazed by the real heroism of the Hello Girls. Monica Hesse has a genius for illuminating the darker corners of history with a kaleidoscope of heartbreaking characters and astonishing plot twists.” –Elizabeth Wein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Code Name Verity and Stateless “This page-turning narrative, with its flashbacks to Edda’s time overseas, its solid sense of wartime D.C. and the strong characterization of the protagonist, will resonate with readers.”–The Washington Post