Book Review - The Last Equation of Isaac Severy by Nova Jacobs

 

Hazel Severy is an owner of a struggling Seattle bookstore. She receives a letter from her adoptive grandfather days after his death. Her grandfather is a famous mathematician and many suspect that he killed himself. In his letter, Issac hints at a secret organization that is after his life's work and is willing to stop at nothing to get it. He asks Hazel to to deliver the equation to a trusted colleague and then destroying it before anyone else can get it. However, Hazel will have to decipher the clue and hints Isaac has left behind in his letter.

While Hazel begins her search, she realizes she isn't the only one searching for his equation. She comes across evidence that shows catastrophic results if the equation ends up in the wrong hands. Hazel isn't the only one who is struggling to come to terms with Issac's sudden death. The entire Severy family has become unhinged after his sudden death.

As Hazel tirelessly tries to figure out Issac's clues, the agents from the secret company start targeting other members of the Severy family. Hazel fears if she doesn't hurry she will lose her chance to fulfill Issac's wishes. As time starts to run out, Hazel is desperate for help and turns to a family member for help. However, will they help Hazel or are they hiding their own motives?

I thought the book had an interesting premise but, I felt like it was a bit boring. At times, the story barely plodded along. I had a hard time connecting with Hazel and the many characters in the novel. There were so many at one point that it was hard to see their relevance to the story. I understood that this was a book with mathematical elements but, at times it felt overwhelming and my eyes glazed over. I felt like the author just threw out a bunch of names of theories and famous people. I am still left wanting more by the ending and how Hazel found out where the equation was hidden.