A TCBF Scavenger Hunt with Jay Martel

Saturday, November 8, 2025
10:00am – 4:00pm, Activity Hub in the Head House

Ever wanted to play spy? Take the Codebreaker Challenge at this year’s TCBF! Come anytime throughout the day to meet the authors behind the new YA thriller Codebreaker and get debriefed on your mission: Solve their series of codes and ciphers hidden at various locations throughout the Book Festival for your chance to win some wonderful prizes and enviable bragging rights. All you need to compete is a copy of the book—we’ll have copies available for you to purchase or borrow. As you make your way through this 15-minute scavenger hunt, you’ll interact with other booklovers and learn the hidden history of some of the most famous codes and ciphers of all time.

About the Authors

Jay Martel is the pen name of husband and wife writing team Andy Bennett and Katy Helbacka. They’ve spent the past twenty years collaborating on everything from theatrical productions to escape rooms to their son, Theo. They live in northern Minnesota where the winters are cold, long, and the perfect excuse to stay inside and write novels together.