Transmissions

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Transmissions centers around a 13 year old boy named Charlie. One night, while playing with the old radio he inherited, he comes across a strange radio frequency. A woman's voice begins to recite a series of numbers. She repeats the numbers a few times, then it stops. Intrigued by the numbers, Charlie decides to enlist help from his friend Jenny. That's if she's willing to talk to him again. Who is reciting these numbers? What do they mean? Can Jenny and Charlie figure it out?

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the perfect length for an afternoon read, and had me eagerly turning the pages for more. I had to find out who was sending the transmissions. What did they mean? What happened between Jenny and Charlie? Could they fix their friendship? A few times I thought “this is starting to sound like insert book, tv show or movie title here”. Rather than play it off as an original idea, he would call out where he picked up the idea from. Specifically the strange radio transmission that is featured in the tv show Lost. He also mentions a movie, and spends quality time recounting the history of numbers stations and how it works. I found it rather fascinating. It's not every day you read a book about the backstory of spy transmissions.

While the title is “Transmissions”, H.S. Stone also spends quality time on the relationship between Charlie and Jenny. I loved how he included the small details (eating lunch, biking around the neighborhood, construction, family quarrels). It made it seem very realistic. The characters had thoughts, feelings, and responsible actions and parents. How many children/young adult books have children running out the door and disappearing for days without telling their parents where they are going? H.S. Stone makes sure to note that Charlie always checks with his dad before he goes or does something. thumbs up!

Transmissions was the perfect length and an entertaining read. Up until the ending I was prepared to give this 5 stars. Without giving spoilers, but for anyone interested, it reminded me very much of a tv episode called “Night Call”. Not a bad ending, but the similarity was disappointing for me. I would still recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Mr. Stone.