A race to find a valuable math equation tears a family apart
The Last Equation of Isaac Severy — Nova Jacobs
Welcome to Reading Under the Radar, where every Tuesday you’ll receive a book recommendation right to your inbox that hasn’t hit any major lists or book clubs but definitely deserves to be read.
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If you read my latest list, the 2024 books I’m most excited to read, you may have seen a hint in there about a book I read years ago and loved! Putting that list together reminded me about the existence of this book, and it’s so under-hyped! If you love puzzles, treasure hunt–style stories, and family dramas, you’ll love this week’s pick!
The Last Equation of Isaac Severy by Nova Jacobs
Content warnings included in the footnote of this newsletter.1
What It’s About
Isaac Severy is an infamous mathematician — at least, among academic circles. That’s what Hazel, his adopted granddaughter, has always known him as. But mathematicians aren’t exactly known for being harbingers of gigantic fortunes and dark mysteries.
But when Isaac passes away from an apparent suicide, he shocks everyone by sending a letter to Hazel alone, a letter detailing a secret organization that was after his equation. And not just any equation: an equation that changes the fundamental understanding of the universe. (Aka the most valuable equation anyone could have discovered, and one that can change lives, spur Nobel Prize nominations, and provide financial security for generations.)
The letter Hazel receives from Isaac details her quest to deliver this equation to his trusted colleague. The only problem? She has to find it first. Isaac has hidden it, and only Hazel will be able to decipher the clues to find and protect his life’s work. But there are others after the equation too, even some of Hazel’s own family members — and they just want the fame and fortune for themselves, so she has to be quicker and smarter if she is going to find it first.
Why You Should Read It
The more I remember about this book, the more I’m flabbergasted that all the “books like Knives Out” lists failed to include this one. Feuding family members over inheritance, puzzle clues to unravel, and a mysterious death are all at the forefront of this novel (it’s one that would make for a great movie adaptation, IMO), and one that is a great all-day weekend read during these long stretches of gray and endless winter.
What also makes this book stand out is the relationship between Hazel and her grandfather. Hazel is adopted, so some believe she’s not really part of the family. I loved this book’s demonstration of what family truly means and how familial bonds transcend blood and genetics.
I would also recommend Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts and Under Lock & Skeleton Key if these vibes are your jam!
I’ve finally started unpacking my books in earnest, after months of having them in boxes ready to be discovered again! Book mail is also alive and well, and I thought I’d show you a stack of recent books that publishers have sent me to consider for reviews. (But remember, each Tuesday feature is entirely my own opinion and cannot be bought or changed by authors or publishers.)
Can’t get enough, or looking for a different recommendation? Browse the archives, or check out some popular past recommendations:
Read about a mom who accidentally pretends to be a famous author
Read a Renaissance Faire rom-com with grumpy pirates and pub songs
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Content warnings include suicide (not described in great or gruesome detail), discussion of homicide but no violence on page.
Great recommendation, thank you! I immediately thought of a book I read years ago, “The Mathematician’s Shiva”. Maybe it’s still on my shelves and I can reread it...
color me intrigued! already added it to my must-read list on goodreads, thanks