K. A. Merson is a vaguely reclusive writer who lives in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, along with a patient spouse, a malevolent boxer dog, and an Airstream trailer.

"A thrilling page-turner full of heart and unforgettable characters . . . The Language of the Birds is a must-read for fans of puzzle books and intelligent suspense."--Meg Shaffer, bestselling author of The Wishing Game and The Lost Story

"A high-stakes treasure hunt and an intricate puzzle box of a novel filled with hope, history, and all kinds of heart . . . a delight for readers who enjoy sifting through clues and poring over evidence alongside the hero, racing to see which of you can crack the mystery first."--Ernest Cline, bestselling author of Ready Player One

"K. A. Merson has created a wondrous mystery that unlocks the mind and the heart. . . . A refreshing, unstoppable read, knitted with bookish ciphers and puzzles, alchemy and poetics, all starring a brave, funny, unfiltered young woman whose differences are her greatest gifts--and the keys to deciphering some very dark secrets."--Matthew Sullivan, bestselling author of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore

"A mind-bending dive into the power of the puzzle . . . Sweeping across the American West, the story takes in ancient mythologies, classic literature, and sinister conspiracy theories to weave its own shade of magic. . . . A mystery, crime, adventure, and coming-of-age tale all wrapped up in a treasure of a book."--Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Twyford Code and The Appeal

"This taut, engaging thriller has charm to burn, thanks to its literature-obsessed teenage codebreaker, Arizona, and her faithful hound, Mojo. . . . A puzzle box of delights."--Simon Wroe, author of Chop Chop

"Merson debuts with a fun, code-filled mystery . . . with a crackerjack ending. Dan Brown fans will enjoy themselves."--Publishers Weekly

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Pub date: 2026-05-12

Length: 368 pages