Cover Image: Fatal Code

Fatal Code

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Fatal Code is the latest installment in the SNAP Agency series by Natalie Walters. I fell in love with Kekoa's character in Lights Out so I was stoked when I found out his story would be book 2 in the series. I was there for it and was not disappointed! Kekoa's smart, loyal, protective, food-loving teddy bear self made him such a great hero in this story. The science nerd in me absolutely adored Elinor as well with all her science jokes and tshirts. Even though all the computer stuff was over my head, I really enjoyed the page turning suspense and to finally find out what was really going on and who was behind everything! I have always loved when suspense authors incorporate a team aspect into their series which has just added to my enjoyment of these books.

This book quickly became my favorite in the series and will be tough to beat! However, I am so excited for Lyla and Garcia's story to try to top this one!

Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second novel in the SNAP series but reads well on its own. I have mixed emotions on this novel. There is a good deal of suspense and there is a suitable romance. I liked learning about codes and ciphers.

The plot is a bit complex and perhaps not as focused as I'd like. Someone wants secret plans or is it codes? Is it from a generation ago or is it from a project today? In the end, the villain structure was just as unfocused and complex. A pet peeve of mine is suspense because of lack of astute action on the part of the good guys. That happens in this novel when Elinor goes to a restroom unaccompanied. I knew suspense would ensue and, of course, it did.

It seemed to me the behavior of the team members toward each other was odd. A great deal of teasing goes on and there is sassy talk. It did not seem very professional to me. Another odd part of the SNAP operation is that the leader gave Kekoa responsibility to investigate and subsequently protect Elinor. The latter was totally out of his ability and it showed. And one other problem concerned Kekoa's belief Elinor was not responsible even though her computer was used. No one thought to ask her if her login identity card had gone missing recently?

While I have some issues with the plot and the behavior of some of the characters, this was generally an enjoyable romantic suspense.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Fatal Code is a very well written romantic suspense. I loved the plot and the well developed characters. This is one I couldn’t put down. I recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

I loved it! This story has two plot lines intertwining, Elinor Mitchell is an aerospace engineer working on a top secret project called Van Gogh and is being monitored for possible espionage. In the mean time her grandfather passes away and she discovers in his journal a secret code and that he was one of the Los Alamos Five who were close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States back in 1964. Kekoa Young is a cryptologist who works for the SNAP agency and has been tasked with keeping an eye on Elinor. This story if full of intrigue, a touch of romance, humor (I liked the science jokes), suspense, code breaking, and it's inspirational. Elinor and Kekoa have issues in their pasts that they have to overcome to beat the evil fighting against them.

Was this review helpful?

I have read each of Natalie Walters books, so I can say with confidence that this one is her best yet! I loved the characters and returning to the SNAP agency. I recommend reading the books in order.

Was this review helpful?

Second book in the SNAP Agency series. Agent Kekoa is moved into a new apartment, but has no idea in the beginning it was so he could 'spy' on his neighbor, Elinor. Kekoa has met her on a couple occasions, likes her and is understandably upset with the agency when he finally learns the details of the new mission.
Elinor is suspected of selling secrets to Russia and a traitor to our country. Kekoa just cannot believe that of the sweet woman he has met.
You will love Kekoa. He is native Hawaiian who has a big appetite, so everyone in the agency knows something is upsetting Kekoa when he isn't eating! Loved seeing the agents back in the story!
Elinor is a very intelligent engineer who is discovering things left behind by her deceased grandfather. It soon becomes apparent that there are those who want these things.
It appears that there are emails coming from Elinor's work computer indicating she is a traitor. Who is setting her up to take the fall?
High action, suspense story with romance thrown in. What more could you ask for?
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Revell through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

The second book in the SNAP agency series is full of action, adventure, and plenty of tension to keep the pages turning. Fans of romantic suspense will not want to miss Fatal Code!

Elinor Mitchell is an aerospace engineer that finds herself with a target on her back after her grandfather passes away and she ends up with some of his work from decades ago that have to do with a nuclear energy project. The project she is working on has connections to the work her grandfather did and it is very sensitive. SNAP agent and cryptologist Kekoa Young is assigned to help keep Elinor safe. Elinor is Kekoa’s neighbor, and he is tasked with using his close status to spy on her. The more they work together, the closer they become. When she finds out he has been spying on her, she is more hurt than when she found out someone was trying to kill her to get her grandfather’s work. Even after he betrayed her, she must trust him in order to keep her safe and her work away from the enemy.

This book was good but not quite as good as the first in my opinion. I enjoyed the interaction between Elinor and Kekoa, but some of the other minor characters just didn’t sit well with me. The only other thing that bothered me was some of the dialogue with Kekoa; with him being from Hawaii it got into that a little much for my taste. There was some good humor at times and the story flowed well making it a quick read, which was enjoyable. The book sets a pretty steady pace but does speed up at the end with a powerful conclusion that was satisfying and leaving me wanting more from the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series. I recommend this book and series to those that love romantic suspense and have enjoyed the first in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Fatal Code
The SNAP Agency #2
By Natalie Walters

Her grandfather's death has rocked her world, making her feel abandoned, but at least Elinor Mitchell has her work and her grandfather's notebooks. And when she survives a near accident thanks to her neighbor, one of her grandfather's notebooks is almost lost in a muddy puddle.

In the six months he's been living in his apartment, Kekoa Young hasn't really communicated with his next-door neighbor, but an inattentive bicyclist changes all of that when he nearly runs her down. Preventing a fall is the most interaction he has had with her to date, and then his less than stellar rescue of her notebook brings her to tears. Ouch!

When Kekoa learns that he is suppose to keep an eye on Elinor because his previous investigations skills (cryptography) have cast doubts on Elinor and her loyalties. There is just one problem Kekoa doesn't believe Elinor is guilty of selling company secrets to competitors or foreign governments even though his work that pointed SNAP in Elinor's direction isn't wrong.

As Kekoa deals with proving Elinor's innocence she discovers that she needs Kekoa's skills in helping her understand the hidden message in her grandfather's notebooks. But soon the two mysteries seem to be overlapping as danger seems to be lurking around the corner. Are the two related even though nearly six decades separate them?

Fatal Code gives one an insight into Kekoa by sharing parts of his history. An incident in his past caused Kekoa to leave home and family behind. Kekoa is an interesting person - caring, intense, focused, and loyal. Elinor is a fairly private person who seems to trust people but only so far due to her relationship with her parents.

Fatal Code doesn't ignore the other members of SNAP and I have to admit I love Lyla's character. She is sassy, intelligent, capable, and caring. Her relationship with the other SNAP team members is interesting.

If you haven't read the previous book or novella in the series you can read this book and still follow along with no major problems. But I really think you will enjoy this book more fully if you read Lights Out (book one) and Intitium (series prequel novella) first.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

"Your courage comes not from a name, Kekoa, but by the way you live the life God sets before you. You reveal your courage the same way your mom and sisters do everyday - by getting up, living life even when it's hard, even when it's scary, especially when we face challenges we cannot control."

In book one, we get to meet this easygoing, hilarious Hawaiian. Kekoa is a fun- loving computer expert. But underneath the surface, he has a troubled heart. And we finally get to find out why.

Then we also meet Elinor. She is a genius working on a secretive project with the hopes of earning her company a government contract. The SNAP team is asked to get involved when it seems like she might not be guarding the plans very carefully. Add a long held family secret from the Cold War era to the mix, and there is plenty of intrigue to follow.

All of the Hawaiian references also set the book apart - a definite nod to the author's time spent living in Hawaii! I loved how they celebrate life together in community - this quote tells more.
"808 is the area code for Hawaii, but also what a bunch of us islanders call our group. We get together for barbecues. The food is local style and very good."

With plenty of clues to keep you guessing, several unexpected, fun scenes, lessons in trusting God along with a bit of romance, and you have a highly enjoyable book! I LOVED this one! I can't wait to read book three in the SNAP Agency series.

SO thankful to be part of the launch team for the second book in this series! (Especially since I got to be a part of the first book's launch team as well!) I was provided with a copy of the book. But I wanted to read them because I am a big fan of Natalie Walter's books. All opinions in this review are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The SNAP Agency series is starting to feel like family. This second book is bringing me closer to the characters and I am becoming more and more invested in them. Kekoa is a big personality and I loved his spotlight adventure here. Kekoa does a lot of stretching outside of his comfort zone and has a great arc of healing and growth. I enjoyed him so much!

Intensity grows steadily in this story. All the little moments are leading up to the big, final moments and it's so good. I loved the urgency that came in the last bit of the book, the danger and yes, the wee bit of romance. I read through this book so quickly and enjoyed it from beginning to end.

I love how the characters in this series are in every book. I can't wait to read the next one! I have a feeling it's going to be quite dynamic! This book releases on May 3rd, 2022.

Content: peril, mild violence, Christian fiction elements, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

What an exciting read! I literally read this book in one setting-I could not put it down! Kek0a and Eleanor were great characters, perfect for the story and for each other. The mystery kept me guessing and I was surprised at how some of the pieces ended up fitting. The ending was excellent at bringing all the pieces together. I also really liked how Kekoa was able to overcome his backstory, that brought a really emotional layer to an already awesome story. I have really enjoyed the SNAP series so far and I can't wait to finally get Lyla and Garcia's story soon!

I received this book from the publisher but also purchased my own Audible copy. All thoughts are my own.

Was this review helpful?

SMOOTH BLEND OF SUSPENSE & CLEVER ROMANCE!

In Fatal Code (The SNAP Agency Book 2), Natalie Walters presents this plot as a smooth blend of suspense and clever romance. This book demonstrates, in my opinion, how Walters is quickly writing her way to the top of the mix of romantic suspense authors! Fatal Code is the conclusion of the brilliant series surrounding the SNAP Agency (Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency).

SNAP Agent and Former Navy Cryptologist Kekoa Young is assigned to keep an eye out on his neighbor, Elinor Mitchell. The Agency is convinced she holds the key to a Secret Code that belongs to a top-secret nuclear project that Elinor’s recently deceased grandfather worked on back in the mid 1960’s and that she may be involved in a terror plot. Kekoa is torn with completing this task because he is struggling to believe that the woman who he finds so intriguing, could possibly be involved in anything nefarious. When it appears that Elinor has taken up her grandfather’s role and is involved in a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa must reveal his true self. However, Elinor quickly must choose whether she will “forgive and forget” and trust Kekoa with her life while being pursued for her grandfather’s code. Walter's ramps up the action and takes readers on a heart-stopping ride to the conclusion of this story.

Walters’ has provided readers with everything you want in an excellent romantic suspense – dynamic plot, believable, multidimensional characters, interesting settings, myriad of chaos, conflict and murder, and a beautiful love story that develops slowly and carefully.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

Was this review helpful?

An amazing story that keeps the suspense right up to the end. The author has developed the characters well and feels very realistic, as if it was happening in my workplace.

Was this review helpful?

CHEEHOO!! This series continues to be phenomenal! I loved Kekoa and Elinor. And wow... Kekoa's backstory! I did not see that coming. I adored Elinor's nerdiness and all of her t-shirts. I couldn't put this one down. The SNAP Agency team has this bond that I've not read in many team related books. They really are ohana and that shines through brilliantly. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, team dynamics, international intrigue, science nerds, and hunky heroes - give this book a try!

Was this review helpful?

Title: Fatal Code
Author: Natalie Walters

Ch: 36

Pg: 309

Series: The SNAP Agency book 2

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Rating: 5 Stars

Publisher: Revell

Natalie Walters has given readers another great read with plenty of suspense, romance, faith, pop culture references. As well as plenty of nerdy science jokes and t-shirts.



Elinor Mitchell is aerospace engineer love a woman in STEM. Who may be in over her head and doesn’t even know it? Kekoa Young is a former navy cryptologist a modern-day code breaker and member of the SNAP team whose teammate Lyla thinks he looks like Jason Momoa. He might be considered a hunky Hawaiian, but he has a heart of gold. Can he let go of the past? And can Elinor learn to let people in.


I think Kekoa may be my favorite hero of Natalie’s. I know Elinor is my favorite heroine because I find myself relating to her the most. Even though I’m not a space engineer I am a high nerd who wears nerdy bookish t-shirts and quotes random bookish facts and random facts in general when nervous. And like Elinor I was close to my grandpa.


I didn’t know that a book could make one homesick for a person, especially a person no longer with me. But reading Elinor story and relationship with her grandpa made me miss mine. So, it’s safe to say this book made me cry. But it also made me laugh as well.





I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.



I received a copy of this book from the author I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Was this review helpful?

You may ask, what does SNAP stand for? SNAP stands for – Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency. What does it do? It’s a private agency hired by individuals, corporations, or governments to take care of issues before they become an issue. The agency’s team consists of elite members from various backgrounds who all bring their expertise to get the job done. These individuals are the best in their field. Ok, the Mission Impossible movies come to mind, because this SNAP team does the impossible.

What’s different about this team and the Impossible one? It’s how this group cares for one other, how they pull together their resources, and protect their team members. I enjoyed their comradery, humor, and the quirky science jokes Kekoa and Elinor shared.

Readers got a peek at Kekoa Young, formerly Navy guy, and now working with the team as a cryptologist, in book one Lights Out, he did internal investigations for companies. Fatal Code is Kekoa’s story. I’m on the launch team for this book and saw the excitement this author has about this brave young man, she says, “He’s a mighty Hawaiian, I’ve loved bringing his character to life by adding plenty of character quirks that have developed through my husband, who’s Hawaiian - and our Hawaiian ohana.” I enjoyed that insight from the author. I liked learning Kekoa’s back story, the Hawaiian customs, about their food and how neatly they were woven into this story.

Kekoa is asked to step away from his computer, out of his comfort zone and go undercover. This stretches him way beyond his limits and pay grade, but he accepts the challenge to spy on his next-door neighbor, Elinor Mitchell, who is a scientist working on a special project. He could not imagine this sweet girl was mixed up in something so evil. He accepted the mission to prove to himself and his team that Elinor was innocent. He just had to find the proof.

I was swept up into the drama, threats, and surprises as Kekoa and his team try to get to the truth of the matter and keep everyone alive in the process. I enjoyed this wonderful story filled with action, adventure, and believable characters to root for. I loved how this author masterfully weaves a spiritual thread along with themes of forgiveness, love, an amazing mystery, and corny science jokes that made me laugh out loud. This is a great escape and one that would be a fun book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a digital copy of this book by the publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Was this review helpful?

“You must stop looking into the pseudo code immediately. Very important you take it down right away. Please. -wonderboy64”

Plan for an all-nighter because Natalie Walters has done it again! As with her previous books, I just could not stop reading until I reached the end - in a hotel room, on a month-long road trip, somewhere in Arizona I think. Good thing I was able to sleep late the next morning.

Fatal Code delivers everything it promises and more. The combination of code breaking, national secrets, mayhem, murder, faith, and love interest (whew!) is put together in a way that kept me fully engaged to the very end and wanting more. I can’t wait for the third SNAP series tale to arrive.

The quote at the beginning of my review stands out to me as a reminder of the career from which I retired. Walters does a wonderful job of taking complex technical subject matter and keeping it sufficiently real for techies like me while at the same time making it understandable to readers.

I received a copy of the book as a member of the launch team, and this is my own honest review. I really enjoyed it this much!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Natalie Walters for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is book #2 in the SNAP Agency series. You will learn more of Kekoa's story in this book (he is my favorite character in this series). Once I learned more of his story in this book, I loved him even more. I visualize Kekoa as a muscle bound man with a voracious appetite for ALL food. You will learn he LOVES to eat! His size makes him intimidating, but you soon learn he is a big fluffy teddy bear. His heart is so big. Although he is a literal giant of a man and has protective "instincts", he does not feel like a protector. One of my favorite quotes from this book is when he says, "This is why I became a cryptologist in the Navy, and not a combat soldier. I am not equipped to protect anyone." He states this fact after an attack on Elinor.

This is the story of Elinor, a highly intelligent aerospace engineer who truly does not realize what she has is in her possession from her now deceased grandfather. Kekoa is tasked with making "friends" with her to see if she is in fact a terrorist or a traitor to her country. This is a tale of international intrigue, mystery, espionage, conspiracy theories and dangerous plot lines. The action is full speed ahead throughout most of the book as Kekoa and his team race the clock to prevent a colossal catastrophe. This is also a story of forgiveness and learning to use the spiritual wisdom our parents and grandparents bestow on us. It is a romantic story of healing and forgiveness as well. This series is TOP NOTCH! Once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. It is a clean, inspirational mystery. The entire cast of characters are fun to get to know. I feel like I know them now after reading both books. I highly recommend that you read Lights Out (the first book in the series) before you read this one. Trust me... once you read the first book, you will have to have this one! Natalie Walters really knows how to spin the characters' stories so you are pulled into their world. You will feel their pain and their joy as if you know them personally. Now I am looking forward to #3!!!

Was this review helpful?

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
If you are a fan of figuring out puzzles this Mystery is for you.! This book also delves into loved ones who have passed away and dealing with grief and reliance on God through it all.
Elinor and Kekoa meet under unlikely circumstances. Even though Kekoa finds out his mission will go against his personal feelings he needs to complete the mission for the greater good.
Elinor finds herself in the midst of an international threat after finding her Grandfather’s notebooks. Can Kekoa solve the mystery before it’s too late?

Was this review helpful?

This book is not what I thought It would be..... Its more! SNAP agents have been tasked to find the people behind the theft of company secrets. As Kekoa Young and his team explore the possibilities he is dealing with personal issue that threatens to overwhelm him. Elinor Mitchell is a prime suspect in this theft but Kekoa doubts she is the one and sets out to prove it.
This engaging story has a wonderful christian side story. I really enjoyed this book and could hardly put it down. I am adding Walter's to my favorites!
 I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

Was this review helpful?