Susie Dent's debut novel takes place in Oxford, the protagonists are a group of lexicographers who are trying to solve riddles posed to them by an anonymous letter writer. The mystery revolves around a disappearance years earlier. If you are fascinated by etymology, languages and words, and are curious to know more about the work environment of dictionary editors, this novel is a very nice read. It's very much exactly as you would expect from Susie Dent, and the characters feel well drawn and observed.
The mystery itself, the puzzles to be solved and the resolution to the disappearance are not the book's strongest points, there is no new ground or surprise to be found here.
I thought it was a lovely read, I would be happy to give this novel as a present. Would I read it again? Probably not.
It's now available as an independent bookshop exclusive signed edition with blue edges.
