SOLVED. Adult Science Fiction, read 2010 or before. Alien race sends probes to Earth. Scientists decode markings on the probe & build the device described on the probe. This device signals the alien race to come to the Earth on a mission of conquest. [s]

[Deedee]

While I read the book in 2010 it could have been published years or decades before.

[Deborah]

It's been a while since I read it, but possibly The Three-Body Problem

[Andy]

A for Andromeda by Fred Hoyle?

A for Andromeda

A new radio telescope picks up from the constellation of Andromeda a complex series of signals which prove to be a programme for a giant computer. After the computer is built it begins to relay information from Andromeda. Scientists find themselves possessing knowledge previously unknown to mankind, knowledge that could threaten the security of human life itself.

[Deedee]

Thanks for the responses! I haven't read The Three-Body Problem but it's on my TBR. I think the book I was remembering was A for Andromeda. Not remembering was driving me crazy, so thanks again!

[Kris]

Deedee, should we marked your request as Solved?

Google Books has two snippet previews of A for Andromeda by Fred Hoyle. You might get lucky searching for keywords.
- https://books.google.com/books?id=WC8... There are different cover images.
- https://books.google.com/books?id=SO9...

FYI, Wikipedia's description of the 1961 TV drama series - with Spoilers:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_for_A...

[Deedee]

Kris wrote: "Deedee, should we marked your request as Solved?

Google Books has two snippet previews of A for Andromeda by Fred Hoyle. You might get lucky searching for keywords.
-..."

Hi sorry it took so long for me to reply. Yes, we can mark this one solved :) Thanks guys!

[Kris]

Great. Glad you found your book, Deedee.