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Faith Flores Science Mystery #2
Code Red
After nailing the murderer of her addict mom and proving that her detractors are full of it, seventeen-year-old Faith Flores is back for another kick-ass science mystery. She's proud to be chosen for a summer internship at a research lab in Santa Fe, New Mexico, but once she arrives, complications abound. For one thing, Santa Fe is the birthplace of the father she's never met, and for another, she clashes with a local environmentalist trying to pull the plug on the genetically modified chiles her new boss is engineering. She and violin prodigy, Clem, learn of a new teen drug called liquid gold while discreetly researching the family angle. The chip on Faith's shoulder is still there, but so is her determination to uncover the truth when a girl she meets at a party dies from an overdose of liquid gold. New Mexico/Arizona Book Award winner for Young Adult
- GenresMysteryYoung Adult
295 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2017
30 people want to read
About the author
Janie Chodosh
4 books24 followersPlease go to my website to WIN a FREE copy of Death Spiral, Code Red, or WILD Lives!
My life work and passion has been a mix of natural history, conservation, and writing. I earned a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Montana and has worked as a naturalist in Yosemite National Park, a wilderness guide for the Colorado Outward Bound School, a trip leader for the Montana Natural History Center, and as the state education director for the New Mexico chapter of the National Audubon Society. I am currently involved with elephant conservation in Assam, India. I have two novels in the Faith Flores Science Mysteries: Death Spiral (2014, Poisoned Pen Press), and Code Red (February 2017, Poisoned Pen Press). I have one nonfiction book, Wild Lives, Leading Conservationists on the Animals and the Planet They Love. I aIso have written for Muse magazine for kids. I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico with my husband, daughter, stepson, and two dogs, Kika and Bryn.
My life work and passion has been a mix of natural history, conservation, and writing. I earned a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Montana and has worked as a naturalist in Yosemite National Park, a wilderness guide for the Colorado Outward Bound School, a trip leader for the Montana Natural History Center, and as the state education director for the New Mexico chapter of the National Audubon Society. I am currently involved with elephant conservation in Assam, India. I have two novels in the Faith Flores Science Mysteries: Death Spiral (2014, Poisoned Pen Press), and Code Red (February 2017, Poisoned Pen Press). I have one nonfiction book, Wild Lives, Leading Conservationists on the Animals and the Planet They Love. I aIso have written for Muse magazine for kids. I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico with my husband, daughter, stepson, and two dogs, Kika and Bryn.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 19, 2024
Faith Flores is a bit of an atypical protagonist insofar as she’s somewhat rough around the edges. Of course, considering her circumstances, she’s a remarkably well-adjusted adolescent. Knowing the bare minimum about her father, really raising herself—while doing her best to take care of her addled, addicted mother—Faith’s occasional avoidance of silly social graces seems just about right. Above-average intelligence and a freaky-fast mind also, understandably, contribute to her curtness.
Having recently figured out ‘who-done-it’ when her mother was murdered (Janie Chodosh’s Death Spiral, A Faith Flores Science Mystery), Faith needs a change of scene as much as something to wholly occupy her inquisitive intellect. And so begins her internship in Santa Fe where she will be assisting in studies of genetically modified chiles. The fact that her always-absent-father supposedly inhabits this town certainly won’t distract her (she wishes) but, the headline A New Drug for Northern New Mexico just might.
Smoothing the story with more than soul-soothing songs, we have violin virtuoso, Clem. Quite frankly, there is no going wrong with a dude named after Vassar Clements and this young man is no exception. Aside from his evident awesomeness, for the first time ever, Faith feels a possible connection…perhaps he can identify with her “…own mixed race too-brown-to-be-white-too-white-to-be-brown ethnicity…”.
Santa Fe has several surprises in store for Faith and suddenly, her luxurious length of time here seems lacking. To focus on the inexplicably angry threats against her lab and GMO crops, grab a few minutes here and there with Clem, and attempt to take advantage of opportunities with new-found family; Faith definitively does not have time to delve into the intrigue of Liquid Gold, the latest in dangerous dope. Unless there’s a link that would render her choice irrelevant.
*Not to go full-out-nerd on you but when I began writing this review I realized that I still felt relatively ignorant about the term “GMO” & the arguments against it. This Mental Floss article saved the day: What is a GMO?
This review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.
Having recently figured out ‘who-done-it’ when her mother was murdered (Janie Chodosh’s Death Spiral, A Faith Flores Science Mystery), Faith needs a change of scene as much as something to wholly occupy her inquisitive intellect. And so begins her internship in Santa Fe where she will be assisting in studies of genetically modified chiles. The fact that her always-absent-father supposedly inhabits this town certainly won’t distract her (she wishes) but, the headline A New Drug for Northern New Mexico just might.
Smoothing the story with more than soul-soothing songs, we have violin virtuoso, Clem. Quite frankly, there is no going wrong with a dude named after Vassar Clements and this young man is no exception. Aside from his evident awesomeness, for the first time ever, Faith feels a possible connection…perhaps he can identify with her “…own mixed race too-brown-to-be-white-too-white-to-be-brown ethnicity…”.
Santa Fe has several surprises in store for Faith and suddenly, her luxurious length of time here seems lacking. To focus on the inexplicably angry threats against her lab and GMO crops, grab a few minutes here and there with Clem, and attempt to take advantage of opportunities with new-found family; Faith definitively does not have time to delve into the intrigue of Liquid Gold, the latest in dangerous dope. Unless there’s a link that would render her choice irrelevant.
*Not to go full-out-nerd on you but when I began writing this review I realized that I still felt relatively ignorant about the term “GMO” & the arguments against it. This Mental Floss article saved the day: What is a GMO?
This review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.
February 20, 2017
*I received a copy of this novel from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
This was not as dark as the first book, and in some ways that made it better. The mystery was easier to read because while it was still focused around a drug, it wasn't quite as personal this time around.
The events were obviously well researched, the science made sense and seemed well founded. The conclusion here was a little fast, just like in book one, but seemed a little more plausible.
I liked that Faith got to explore more of her family and find out about her father. It added an interesting dynamic to the story.
There were a few things that I did not enjoy, however.
-Faith didn't feel like the same character most of the time.
-Anj wasn't mentioned a single time.
-There wasn't really any more development with Aunt T.
-Jesse was not in here nearly enough.
-The romance detracted from the mystery and really made me angry at times.
I hope that more stories with Faith are on the way. I would like to find out where she goes from here.
Full review will be on my blog on release day.
This was not as dark as the first book, and in some ways that made it better. The mystery was easier to read because while it was still focused around a drug, it wasn't quite as personal this time around.
The events were obviously well researched, the science made sense and seemed well founded. The conclusion here was a little fast, just like in book one, but seemed a little more plausible.
I liked that Faith got to explore more of her family and find out about her father. It added an interesting dynamic to the story.
There were a few things that I did not enjoy, however.
-Faith didn't feel like the same character most of the time.
-Anj wasn't mentioned a single time.
-There wasn't really any more development with Aunt T.
-Jesse was not in here nearly enough.
-The romance detracted from the mystery and really made me angry at times.
I hope that more stories with Faith are on the way. I would like to find out where she goes from here.
Full review will be on my blog on release day.
February 13, 2022
In Code Red Faith finds herself in the midst of another explosive situation, only this time round it had a rather different focus.
She gets an internship to spend the summer working with a group who are researching genetically modified crops. When Faith arrives at the school, she finds herself making friends with violin virtuoso Clem and also learns a little more about her past.
Code Red fleshed out Faith’s background a little, introducing her to two half-sisters and a grandma she didn’t know she had. When she takes her younger sister Mari to a party she didn’t expect to find herself in hospital trying to work out how this new family ember found herself almost dying from liquid gold, a drug that seems to have found its way into the area.
It doesn’t take long to work out there’s a link. Faith’s natural curiosity takes over and we follow her as she tries to establish exactly what role these genetically modified chillies play in the events causing such trouble, and who’s responsible.
There’s more science, and a perfectly distracting family development. There’s a rather frustrating attempt to develop a love triangle of sorts, but whatever interests you there’s something to whet your appetite.
She gets an internship to spend the summer working with a group who are researching genetically modified crops. When Faith arrives at the school, she finds herself making friends with violin virtuoso Clem and also learns a little more about her past.
Code Red fleshed out Faith’s background a little, introducing her to two half-sisters and a grandma she didn’t know she had. When she takes her younger sister Mari to a party she didn’t expect to find herself in hospital trying to work out how this new family ember found herself almost dying from liquid gold, a drug that seems to have found its way into the area.
It doesn’t take long to work out there’s a link. Faith’s natural curiosity takes over and we follow her as she tries to establish exactly what role these genetically modified chillies play in the events causing such trouble, and who’s responsible.
There’s more science, and a perfectly distracting family development. There’s a rather frustrating attempt to develop a love triangle of sorts, but whatever interests you there’s something to whet your appetite.
January 20, 2018
Code Red is the second book of Janie Chodosh's Faith Flores Science Mysteries. Faith Flores is a problem-solving, case-cracking girl from Philly. She never lets anything get in her way of finding out the truth, but when she gets an internship in Santa Fe, difficulties occur.
Faith attempts to handle a love triangle, family drama, and her mysterious father...all while investigating the murder of a girl she met at a party. She finds out that the death is linked to a recent drug identified as liquid gold.
While this is happening, she also has to cope with a nut-head environmentalist who's threatening to end genetically modified chilies, which her boss is brewing up. But somehow, these conundrums of hers are all in some way connected.
This book is full of suspense, some good laughs, and intriguing characters that make you feel like they're close friends of yours. I recommend this for somebody who craves thrillers to read!
Opinion:
Code Red is a wonderful, gripping story. It has interesting characters that are easy to relate to and thrilling chapters that constantly keep you on the edge of your seat. This story is amusing to read and makes you want to read more and more with each chapter.
There are only a couple things that made this book slightly dull. I felt that in the beginning, it took a bit to get to the point. It does get much better as you move along, but it just takes a while to get there. The last few chapters, in my opinion, are the most enjoyable to read, so if you're reading this book, be sure to keep reading!
Overall, Code Red is an excellent book. It is good for readers ages 12-15, as there is a bit of foul language, but that truthfully just adds more excitement to the book. Janie Chodosh writes with such strong expression, and I can't wait to read what she publishes next!
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 11
Faith attempts to handle a love triangle, family drama, and her mysterious father...all while investigating the murder of a girl she met at a party. She finds out that the death is linked to a recent drug identified as liquid gold.
While this is happening, she also has to cope with a nut-head environmentalist who's threatening to end genetically modified chilies, which her boss is brewing up. But somehow, these conundrums of hers are all in some way connected.
This book is full of suspense, some good laughs, and intriguing characters that make you feel like they're close friends of yours. I recommend this for somebody who craves thrillers to read!
Opinion:
Code Red is a wonderful, gripping story. It has interesting characters that are easy to relate to and thrilling chapters that constantly keep you on the edge of your seat. This story is amusing to read and makes you want to read more and more with each chapter.
There are only a couple things that made this book slightly dull. I felt that in the beginning, it took a bit to get to the point. It does get much better as you move along, but it just takes a while to get there. The last few chapters, in my opinion, are the most enjoyable to read, so if you're reading this book, be sure to keep reading!
Overall, Code Red is an excellent book. It is good for readers ages 12-15, as there is a bit of foul language, but that truthfully just adds more excitement to the book. Janie Chodosh writes with such strong expression, and I can't wait to read what she publishes next!
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 11
February 18, 2017
I know this is meant to be a YA novel but it's worth a read no matter how old you are. Faith is terrific= it's great to see a teen using science to solve/fight crime. So smart! This is a very engaging novel; I didn't read the first one but I'll definitely look for Chodosh again. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
December 2, 2022
Pretty decent YA book with a female sleuth using science. Nice change from other YA novels.
November 24, 2024
Fun! Found the book, appropriately, in library of ghost ranch. Starts a bit slow but picks up. Love the hummingbird and biology references!
February 15, 2017
Code Red: Faith Flores Mysteries (Book #2) by Janie Chodosh (Poisoned Pen Press, 2017, 250 pp, $10.95/7.99) tells a story about a precocious nearly seventeen year old girl from North Philly who's invited to spend a summer internship at the prestigious Salazar Center for Plant Genomics in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I don't often read YA (young adult) fiction any longer, and I don't remember what prompted me to order this title. However, as I read into this account first-person account of a gifted, nerdy, and troubled teenager, I found a story that might prove attractive to many readers in addition to adolescents. Years ago, when I was still an English teacher, I attended a presentation by Chris Crutcher, a leading writer in the genre. Someone asked him what differentiated YA novels from just plain straight ones. He said that the major difference lay in the length of the books. Perhaps this was a little too simple, but many books targeted at young people are written by skilled novelists who have engaging stories to tell and are worth reading. Count Code Red as one.
Faith Flores, her mother recently dead of an overdose and her father long absent, finds her successes and respite in science and technology, where she excels. She carries her past with her, while her massive intelligence, careful attention to detail, and sharp wit lead her into and out of potential deep trouble. When she arrives in Santa Fe, which she believes is her father's home, she discovers, much to her surprise, that she has a grandmother and two half-sisters. Her work at the SCPG involves learning to sequence the genes in a species of pepper that appears to be related to both very fine hot peppers and a deadly drug called “liquid gold.” She must learn to balance her work, an emerging relationship with a young violinist who's also in the program, and her newly discovered family, all of which begin to merge into both problems and opportunities. Meanwhile, the reader can watch Faith as she grows in both confidence and self-awareness.
“As an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, Janie majored in “all things interesting,” a list which included courses in biology, ecology, natural resources management, creative writing, and poetry. After college she moved to Yosemite National Park where she worked as a naturalist and educator and learned to rock climb, back country ski, and entertain herself with nothing more than a field guide, a trail, and a pair of binoculars. Later, as a graduate student in the University of Montana’s environmental studies program, the list of “all things interesting” expanded to include Spanish and environmental education. For her thesis, Janie traveled to a rural community on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico to develop an environmental education program focusing on neo-tropical migratory songbirds (a fancy title for birds that breed in the north and winter south of the border). At age thirty, she moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to work as the education director for the state Audubon Society and later as a teacher.
Although Janie didn’t publish her first book until the secret age of somewhere past young, she has always been a writer. (If you don’t believe her just check out the boxes and boxes of stories, diaries, poems, plays, and random thoughts she has written since she could first hold a pencil). Janie is also a scientist wannabe, but since she realized she only liked to muck around in the field in cool places and would never actually be a scientist, she married one.”
In Code Red: Faith Flores Mysteries (Book #2) (Poisoned Pen Press, 2017, 250 pp, $10.95/7.99), Janie Chodosh has told a good story which emphasizes contemporary issues such as the risks and rewards of GMO's (Gentically Modified Organisms), how social and economic class and ethnic background influence opportunity, while shedding light on the developmental problems of adolescents, all in a package that makes the book attractive to teenagers and adults alike. It's a good read. I received the book in electronic format as an Review copy through Edelweiss. I read it on my Kindle App.
Faith Flores, her mother recently dead of an overdose and her father long absent, finds her successes and respite in science and technology, where she excels. She carries her past with her, while her massive intelligence, careful attention to detail, and sharp wit lead her into and out of potential deep trouble. When she arrives in Santa Fe, which she believes is her father's home, she discovers, much to her surprise, that she has a grandmother and two half-sisters. Her work at the SCPG involves learning to sequence the genes in a species of pepper that appears to be related to both very fine hot peppers and a deadly drug called “liquid gold.” She must learn to balance her work, an emerging relationship with a young violinist who's also in the program, and her newly discovered family, all of which begin to merge into both problems and opportunities. Meanwhile, the reader can watch Faith as she grows in both confidence and self-awareness.
“As an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, Janie majored in “all things interesting,” a list which included courses in biology, ecology, natural resources management, creative writing, and poetry. After college she moved to Yosemite National Park where she worked as a naturalist and educator and learned to rock climb, back country ski, and entertain herself with nothing more than a field guide, a trail, and a pair of binoculars. Later, as a graduate student in the University of Montana’s environmental studies program, the list of “all things interesting” expanded to include Spanish and environmental education. For her thesis, Janie traveled to a rural community on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico to develop an environmental education program focusing on neo-tropical migratory songbirds (a fancy title for birds that breed in the north and winter south of the border). At age thirty, she moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico to work as the education director for the state Audubon Society and later as a teacher.
Although Janie didn’t publish her first book until the secret age of somewhere past young, she has always been a writer. (If you don’t believe her just check out the boxes and boxes of stories, diaries, poems, plays, and random thoughts she has written since she could first hold a pencil). Janie is also a scientist wannabe, but since she realized she only liked to muck around in the field in cool places and would never actually be a scientist, she married one.”
In Code Red: Faith Flores Mysteries (Book #2) (Poisoned Pen Press, 2017, 250 pp, $10.95/7.99), Janie Chodosh has told a good story which emphasizes contemporary issues such as the risks and rewards of GMO's (Gentically Modified Organisms), how social and economic class and ethnic background influence opportunity, while shedding light on the developmental problems of adolescents, all in a package that makes the book attractive to teenagers and adults alike. It's a good read. I received the book in electronic format as an Review copy through Edelweiss. I read it on my Kindle App.
February 22, 2017
This second book builds on Death Spiral, but adds so much more. It continues to involve science in ways that readers will understand because it’s woven in so well and explained clearly. Not only does it allow Faith to grow both intellectually and emotionally, it presents her with several huge life challenges. While few teen girls will ever face as many as Faith does, lots will have to deal with being smart, liking science, figuring out screwed-up families or complicated/confusing attraction to the opposite sex. This book gives readers a look at all of these issues. In addition to being a dandy mystery, it’s a great look at the coming of age process and how family can be defined in many different ways. Like its predecessor, this is an excellent book for any library to add.
January 20, 2018
Code Red is the second book of Janie Chodosh's Faith Flores Science Mysteries. Faith Flores is a problem-solving, case-cracking girl from Philly. She never lets anything get in her way of finding out the truth, but when she gets an internship in Santa Fe, difficulties occur.
Faith attempts to handle a love triangle, family drama, and her mysterious father...all while investigating the murder of a girl she met at a party. She finds out that the death is linked to a recent drug identified as liquid gold.
While this is happening, she also has to cope with a nut-head environmentalist who's threatening to end genetically modified chilies, which her boss is brewing up. But somehow, these conundrums of hers are all in some way connected.
This book is full of suspense, some good laughs, and intriguing characters that make you feel like they're close friends of yours. I recommend this for somebody who craves thrillers to read!
Opinion:
Code Red is a wonderful, gripping story. It has interesting characters that are easy to relate to and thrilling chapters that constantly keep you on the edge of your seat. This story is amusing to read and makes you want to read more and more with each chapter.
There are only a couple things that made this book slightly dull. I felt that in the beginning, it took a bit to get to the point. It does get much better as you move along, but it just takes a while to get there. The last few chapters, in my opinion, are the most enjoyable to read, so if you're reading this book, be sure to keep reading!
Overall, Code Red is an excellent book. It is good for readers ages 12-15, as there is a bit of foul language, but that truthfully just adds more excitement to the book. Janie Chodosh writes with such strong expression, and I can't wait to read what she publishes next!
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 11
Faith attempts to handle a love triangle, family drama, and her mysterious father...all while investigating the murder of a girl she met at a party. She finds out that the death is linked to a recent drug identified as liquid gold.
While this is happening, she also has to cope with a nut-head environmentalist who's threatening to end genetically modified chilies, which her boss is brewing up. But somehow, these conundrums of hers are all in some way connected.
This book is full of suspense, some good laughs, and intriguing characters that make you feel like they're close friends of yours. I recommend this for somebody who craves thrillers to read!
Opinion:
Code Red is a wonderful, gripping story. It has interesting characters that are easy to relate to and thrilling chapters that constantly keep you on the edge of your seat. This story is amusing to read and makes you want to read more and more with each chapter.
There are only a couple things that made this book slightly dull. I felt that in the beginning, it took a bit to get to the point. It does get much better as you move along, but it just takes a while to get there. The last few chapters, in my opinion, are the most enjoyable to read, so if you're reading this book, be sure to keep reading!
Overall, Code Red is an excellent book. It is good for readers ages 12-15, as there is a bit of foul language, but that truthfully just adds more excitement to the book. Janie Chodosh writes with such strong expression, and I can't wait to read what she publishes next!
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 11
April 4, 2017
Nail biting and a one sit read . The mystery was perfect and well developed with lovely characters and a flowing prose. This was a fantastic read. Check out more awesome books at http://readdayandnight.blogspot.com
April 19, 2017
In an Oyster Shell – An interesting YA mystery.
The Pearls – The mystery was the best part of the story. The mystery was multi-faceted. There was the mystery of Faith’s family. The mystery of the conflict of the modified chiles. Then there was the mystery of the liquid gold. The mysteries all together made for an intriguing story.
The setting was well defined and made you feel like you were there. You get to learn a lot about New Mexico in this story. I like stories that transport the reader and this story does that.
The characters were compelling. Faith was an inquisitive science nerd. She uses science to solve her mysteries. The supporting characters added depths and lots of layers to the story. My favorite character was Faith’s half-sister Amelia. Amelia was moody but talented. She was angry at the world when you first meet her but she grows into a sympathetic character.
The Sand – The romance was a little distracting but added an interesting layer.
The Pearls – The mystery was the best part of the story. The mystery was multi-faceted. There was the mystery of Faith’s family. The mystery of the conflict of the modified chiles. Then there was the mystery of the liquid gold. The mysteries all together made for an intriguing story.
The setting was well defined and made you feel like you were there. You get to learn a lot about New Mexico in this story. I like stories that transport the reader and this story does that.
The characters were compelling. Faith was an inquisitive science nerd. She uses science to solve her mysteries. The supporting characters added depths and lots of layers to the story. My favorite character was Faith’s half-sister Amelia. Amelia was moody but talented. She was angry at the world when you first meet her but she grows into a sympathetic character.
The Sand – The romance was a little distracting but added an interesting layer.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews