Guilty by Definition cover art

Guilty by Definition

The Clarendon Lexicographers, Book 1

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Guilty by Definition

By: Susie Dent
Narrated by: Louise Brealey, Jack Edwards, Susie Dent
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About this listen

 This audiobook features an exclusive introduction from Susie Dent, and an exclusive Q&A between Susie and Youtube's Jack Edwards.

When an anonymous letter is delivered to the Clarendon English Dictionary, it is rapidly clear that this is not the usual lexicographical enquiry. Instead, the letter hints at secrets and lies linked to a particular year.

For Martha Thornhill, the new senior editor, the date can mean only one thing: the summer her brilliant older sister Charlie went missing.

After a decade abroad, Martha has returned home to the city whose ancient institutions have long defined her family. Have the ghosts she left behind her been waiting for her return?

When more letters arrive, and Martha and her team pull apart the complex clues within them, the mystery becomes ever more insistent and troubling. It seems Charlie had been keeping a powerful secret, and someone is trying to lead the lexicographers towards the truth. But other forces are no less desperate to keep it well and truly buried.©2024 Susie Dent (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK Amateur Sleuths Crime Fiction Mystery Women Sleuths
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Thanks Susie for taking me to Oxford, into the world of dictionaries and a gripping mystery aswell.

Absorbing Mystery for language lovers.

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A wonderfully written and narrated mystery with the clues deftly hidden amongst insightful observations on being human, life in general and the world of lexicographers.

If you love language, mysteries and an interesting cast of varied characters you will not be disappointed by Ms Dent’s first fiction novel.

I’m already eager for a second helping.

And I should add, it’s even better on the second listening where the cleverly hidden clues become a little clearer.

Simply wonderful.

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Had to start the book about 4 times before i could get past the narrator’s voice. Very annoying but i enjoyed the story

Poor narration

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Was waiting with great anticipation for this. Unsurprisingly the extravagent prose dominates the narrative however I think the problem lies with the reading itself lacking in colour and space. I wish the reader loved the words as much as the author.

A bit disappointing

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A slow starting story which increases in intrigue (alliteration city) and amusing dry humor. Red hearings aplenty. Gets better and better.

Excellent Extension to Wordlist

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Mystery, words, Oxford … The ingredients for an enjoyable listen. Susie Dent crafts language deftly and I enjoyed the etymological nuggets throughout. Hopefully there’s more to come.

Enjoyable!

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really enjoyed that it is set in modern times. loved the characters and fast pace. couldn't put it down but didn't want it to finish.

engrossing

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