The Cipher

The Cipher by John C. Ford

Robert Smiley, Jr., is the son of encription-king, Robert Smiley, Sr. Forever in his dad's large shadow, "Smiles" shows fits and starts of initiative and intelligence but always seems to sink back into young adult slacker mode: video games, fast food... even his girl friend, Melanie, is a childhood friend grown up. Smiles is between jobs and between lives, having been kicked out of a prestigious prep school. He lives in an apartment near MIT where his only real friend is his brilliant but naive neighbor, Ben.

When Ben confesses to Smiles that he believes he has found the solution to a centuries-old math puzzle, the Riemann Hypothesis which is the basis for all modern encryption services, including Smiles' Dad's company, Smiles sees his chance to win fame and glory. He leads Ben into a clandestine meeting with the NSA. But things do not go as planned and things are not as they seem. The plot includes a kidnapping, hot tubs, a hot blonde, and $7 million dollars. The author manages to tie up all of the loose ends and bring the mystery to a satisfying conclusion.

There is nothing objectionable beyond a few make-out scenes, threats of violence, and an opening death that happens 'off screen.' While not a character study, Smiles, his father, and Melanie all evolve in small ways that are believable and worthy of some discussion. The plot is tightly-woven with enough twists and turns to keep this reader up into the night.

Review from Amazon