This novel appears to begin simply enough by painting an idealistic picture of a happy and peaceful couple enjoying the life down on their Georgia farm. Su Lin is half a world away from her birthplace and old life. She had created an unbreakable code that, cashed in on a new world of "bitcoin" technology or crypto-currency, could have global repercussions. Her old world now wants that code. All of it. And they crash the sanctity of the farm looking to kidnap and take her back.

This is the first of the series I've read, but this multi-layered, intelligently plotted narrative stays solidly on focus and can function as a standalone. There is a co-protagonist group comprising a crack computer team, heavily backed by ICABOD, their AI (artificial intelligence) supercomputer. ICABOD has a vast store of detailed information and technology. He's also stretching his personality into occasional humorous asides that both amuse and disarm his originating designers. The team experts include Jacob, whose betrothed is Petra. Among other characters involved are Quip and EZ, Andy's daughter, Julie and Juan, and Otto and Haddy. There are several antagonists as well, including Guano (aptly named), and Mathias and Dutch.

Wolfgang, Jacob's grandfather, suffers both a heart attack and stroke and slammed into the hospital in a coma becomes Jacob's major focus. He finds what appears to be journals or books by Wolfgang and begins to read to Wolfgang the story of he and his two buddies as they relate the discovery of the Enigma code. As he monitors the old boy and between reading from the book, he creates a genius code of his own to employ in gaining the freedom of Su Lin.

The plan for the safe return of Su Lin was brilliant as was making sure Guano was never going to be a problem again in the future. The scenarios of all that a global crypto-currency would entail in the darknet had my head spinning. The obvious knowledge of the digital technology was staggering and if you are looking for a little education, this is where it's at, along with a fascinating tale of intrigue and rescue that'll leave you scratching your head in disbelief. I was given this ebook download by the publisher and NetGalley and thoroughly enjoyed the read. Recommended to all readers who enjoy technology with their thrillers.