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The Clarendon Lexicographers #2
Death Writ Large
Not yet published
Expected 13 Aug 26A brand-new linguistic mystery from Countdown's resident lexicographer, Susie Dent, set in the city of Oxford
When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer whose papers she once worked on. But this is no publicity stunt, and tensions intensify when further graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer.
Martha is not the only one to have doubts when the suspicious death is ruled by police as suicide. Called upon to lend their linguistic expertise to the case, Martha and her colleagues begin to unearth a tragedy that extends beyond the ancient walls of the university. As new messages portend more death, it's clear that a spirit of vengeance is stalking the city's streets, and may be reaching out towards them too.
When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer whose papers she once worked on. But this is no publicity stunt, and tensions intensify when further graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer.
Martha is not the only one to have doubts when the suspicious death is ruled by police as suicide. Called upon to lend their linguistic expertise to the case, Martha and her colleagues begin to unearth a tragedy that extends beyond the ancient walls of the university. As new messages portend more death, it's clear that a spirit of vengeance is stalking the city's streets, and may be reaching out towards them too.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 13, 2026
About the author
Susie Dent
27 books583 followersDent was educated at the Marist Convent in Ascot, an independent Roman Catholic day school. She went on to Somerville College, Oxford for her B.A. in modern languages, then to Princeton University for her master's degree in German.
Dent is serves as the resident lexicographer and adjudicator for the letters rounds on long-running British game show Countdown. At the time she began work on Countdown in 1992, she had just started working for the Oxford University Press on producing English dictionaries, having previously worked on bilingual dictionaries.
Dent is serves as the resident lexicographer and adjudicator for the letters rounds on long-running British game show Countdown. At the time she began work on Countdown in 1992, she had just started working for the Oxford University Press on producing English dictionaries, having previously worked on bilingual dictionaries.
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May 28, 2026A book that sits on the cozier side of dark academia, but is certainly a love letter to Oxford and etymology. For everyone who loves playing Wordle and Minute Cryptic, this is the mystery for you.
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June 21, 2026This is the second in the Clarendon Lexicographers series, written by Susie Dent, probably out most famous Lexicographer. I did listen to the first one, which I liked, but didn't love. This one was much more enjoyable. I think it helped that I read this one, which in the case of these books works much better than audio.
There are some strange deaths happening around Oxford that are linked to a cult author who used to hang around with the Inklings; like Tolkien, he also invented his own language, and there are cryptic clues being left at the crime scenes, and around the city, using tunes from this authors fiction. The police once again turn to Martha and her team to help them solve the puzzles.
A bit cosy mystery, and a bit dark academia, and a whole lot of entertainment.
*Many thanks to Netgally and the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*
There are some strange deaths happening around Oxford that are linked to a cult author who used to hang around with the Inklings; like Tolkien, he also invented his own language, and there are cryptic clues being left at the crime scenes, and around the city, using tunes from this authors fiction. The police once again turn to Martha and her team to help them solve the puzzles.
A bit cosy mystery, and a bit dark academia, and a whole lot of entertainment.
*Many thanks to Netgally and the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*
May 12, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley, Bonnie's Books UK & Zaffre for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest review - this was a fantastic mystery and I loved this second book in the Clarendon Lexicographers series even more than the first! I will keep this review spoiler-free for both books, but rest assured you don't need to have read the first to enjoy this one.
As expected, this was not only a very intelligently-written murder mystery (with plenty of red herrings that I have to admit threw me for a loop!), but also an incredible linguistic journey from national treasure Susie Dent. I was just as delighted to learn the etymology of a huge variety of words (both well-known and archaic) as I was to solve the puzzles and find the culprit. I also really enjoyed the dictionary entries at the start of each chapter (which echo poignant themes or moments in that chapter): e.g. " *surd*, adjective, seventeenth century: conveying no sense; meaningless ".
We get to check back in with a lot of the main characters from book 1 (but for readers new to the series, any relevant backstory is explained very concisely!), as well as some very endearing new characters, and I feel the character development was excellent in both cases. The author also paints such a beautiful & vivid picture of Oxford throughout the story, it is enchanting to read. I feel this truly highlights her strength as an author in painting an immersive picture & weaving the narrative through it, not just her strength as a lexicographer, and is one of several reasons that she is an auto-buy author for me.
I highly recommend this cosy & clever mystery to anyone, it's a really fun read and one you'll race through to its very satisfying conclusion!
While this is a cosy mystery, it does still include a number of potentially sensitive topics, so I am including a list of Content Warnings here for those who find them helpful - so fair warning to STOP READING HERE TO AVOID MINOR SPOILERS!:
------------
Content Warnings:
As expected, this was not only a very intelligently-written murder mystery (with plenty of red herrings that I have to admit threw me for a loop!), but also an incredible linguistic journey from national treasure Susie Dent. I was just as delighted to learn the etymology of a huge variety of words (both well-known and archaic) as I was to solve the puzzles and find the culprit. I also really enjoyed the dictionary entries at the start of each chapter (which echo poignant themes or moments in that chapter): e.g. " *surd*, adjective, seventeenth century: conveying no sense; meaningless ".
We get to check back in with a lot of the main characters from book 1 (but for readers new to the series, any relevant backstory is explained very concisely!), as well as some very endearing new characters, and I feel the character development was excellent in both cases. The author also paints such a beautiful & vivid picture of Oxford throughout the story, it is enchanting to read. I feel this truly highlights her strength as an author in painting an immersive picture & weaving the narrative through it, not just her strength as a lexicographer, and is one of several reasons that she is an auto-buy author for me.
I highly recommend this cosy & clever mystery to anyone, it's a really fun read and one you'll race through to its very satisfying conclusion!
While this is a cosy mystery, it does still include a number of potentially sensitive topics, so I am including a list of Content Warnings here for those who find them helpful - so fair warning to STOP READING HERE TO AVOID MINOR SPOILERS!:
------------
Content Warnings:
April 19, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley, I received an advanced copy of this book.
Initially, I was concerned about understanding the characters since I hadn’t read the first book but I didn’t have any trouble getting into the action. It’s a delightful cosy mystery thriller, beautifully written. The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging and captivating.
Initially, I was concerned about understanding the characters since I hadn’t read the first book but I didn’t have any trouble getting into the action. It’s a delightful cosy mystery thriller, beautifully written. The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging and captivating.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death Writ Large, is the second book in the Clarendon Lexicographer series by Countdown celebrity word expert Susie Dent . I enjoyed the first book ‘Guilty by Definition’ so much I didn’t want to miss the follow up. This is another well written cosy crime novel, with interesting characters and a clever plot. A linguistic thriller that combines the lexicographer’s world with a dark vengeful mystery. Set against the academic backdrop of Oxford, this was a very enjoyable novel.
A series of cryptic graffiti symbols appear across the historic streets of Oxford baffles the public but lexicographer Martha Thornhill immediately recognises the markings. They are from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy author, a writer whose private papers Martha once archived.
What starts as an intellectual curiosity turns into a grisly reality when more runes are discovered near the body of a university lecturer.
When the police prematurely rule the lecturer’s death as a suicide, Martha and her colleagues are convinced there is a more sinister narrative at play. Called upon for their linguistic expertise, they begin to decode the messages, revealing a “spirit of vengeance” that has been simmering behind the ancient stone walls of the university.
The investigation unearths a tragedy that far exceeds the bounds of academia, suggesting that the killer isn’t just seeking attention, they are seeking retribution.
I enjoy the wordplay used by Susie Dent in the writing of this novel, which creates another a unique layer of suspense and intrigue. As new runic messages “portend more death,” the team realises that the killer’s gaze has shifted toward them. The tension is palpable as Martha tries to solve the puzzle before the “death writ large” includes her own name.
Susie Dent’s background as a real-life lexicographer lends a fascinating, “insider” feel to the way Martha analyses the runes. Oxford is portrayed not just as a city of learning, but as a place of deep shadows and long-held secrets. The novel explores how language can be used to hide the truth just as easily as it can be used to reveal it.
Death Writ Large is a sophisticated and well written mystery that will appeal to fans of cosy thrillers with an added layer of intrigue. I enjoyed the character of Martha Thornhill, who fights with facts and phonetics. It turns out the pen isn’t just mightier than the sword, it’s much more dangerous.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bonnier Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A series of cryptic graffiti symbols appear across the historic streets of Oxford baffles the public but lexicographer Martha Thornhill immediately recognises the markings. They are from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy author, a writer whose private papers Martha once archived.
What starts as an intellectual curiosity turns into a grisly reality when more runes are discovered near the body of a university lecturer.
When the police prematurely rule the lecturer’s death as a suicide, Martha and her colleagues are convinced there is a more sinister narrative at play. Called upon for their linguistic expertise, they begin to decode the messages, revealing a “spirit of vengeance” that has been simmering behind the ancient stone walls of the university.
The investigation unearths a tragedy that far exceeds the bounds of academia, suggesting that the killer isn’t just seeking attention, they are seeking retribution.
I enjoy the wordplay used by Susie Dent in the writing of this novel, which creates another a unique layer of suspense and intrigue. As new runic messages “portend more death,” the team realises that the killer’s gaze has shifted toward them. The tension is palpable as Martha tries to solve the puzzle before the “death writ large” includes her own name.
Susie Dent’s background as a real-life lexicographer lends a fascinating, “insider” feel to the way Martha analyses the runes. Oxford is portrayed not just as a city of learning, but as a place of deep shadows and long-held secrets. The novel explores how language can be used to hide the truth just as easily as it can be used to reveal it.
Death Writ Large is a sophisticated and well written mystery that will appeal to fans of cosy thrillers with an added layer of intrigue. I enjoyed the character of Martha Thornhill, who fights with facts and phonetics. It turns out the pen isn’t just mightier than the sword, it’s much more dangerous.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bonnier Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Spenser Lewis fell to his death from the tower of St Michael’s church, Oxford. Why? Is it linked to the runic messages graffitied on the stairs? The police, in the person of DI Oliver Caldwell, can’t read the runes, but, fortunately, he knows someone who can – Dr Martha Thornhill, senior editor at the “Clarendon English Dictionary” and his former paramour. The runic letters are a type designed by fantasy writer James Taylor for his invented language – he was a cohort of Tolkien and the other Inklings. Although Martha can translate Taylor’s language, she only needs to transliterate the graffiti because it is written in English, using Taylor’s alphabet. So the artist is not a scholar of the writer. The police are inclined to put the death as suicide, but then other examples of the graffiti turn up in other location around the city, accompanied by depictions of The Furies, the avenging deities from Greek mythology, and cryptic clues. DI Caldwell asks for the assistance of Martha and her colleagues, Safi and Alex, in solving these literary puzzles, since it is now clear that the lecturer’s death was murder and the clues are pointing towards someone out for revenge, reason unknown, against a group of former students who graduated with Lewis.
This is the second book in a series featuring Martha, Caldwell, and their respective colleagues. As with the first book, it is an intellectual exercise as much as it is a murder mystery (at the cosier end of that spectrum). The author works for the OED (the model for the CED) so the quality of the writing is high and in places erudite – for example each chapter is headed by an obscure word which alludes to its content. The plot here is fairly straightforward – find the perpetrator before there are more deaths – and well managed, with solid characters, while the puzzles provide a nice bit of entertainment. The clues to the perpetrator are not hard to spot, but the motive is elusive. Overall, I think 4.5 stars.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the second book in a series featuring Martha, Caldwell, and their respective colleagues. As with the first book, it is an intellectual exercise as much as it is a murder mystery (at the cosier end of that spectrum). The author works for the OED (the model for the CED) so the quality of the writing is high and in places erudite – for example each chapter is headed by an obscure word which alludes to its content. The plot here is fairly straightforward – find the perpetrator before there are more deaths – and well managed, with solid characters, while the puzzles provide a nice bit of entertainment. The clues to the perpetrator are not hard to spot, but the motive is elusive. Overall, I think 4.5 stars.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love Susie Dent and I really enjoyed her previous book, Guilty By Definition. I have also read one of her linguistic books, Words For Life, and own two of her others. Some sequels you can read as a standalone book and still understand it, but this is a book that you need to have read the first one first, otherwise a lot of it won't make sense.
I was immediately sucked back into this world she has created, and it's just as, if not more, fabulous as the first book. Literally everything about it is great.
It's a slow book, but I mean that in the most positive of terms. It's clever and sly, tiptoeing around, sucking you in, and you're forced to take your time with it.
It's a very intellectual book. That's not to say I prefer "dumbed down" thrillers, I do like to be tested, but you do need to have your wits about you with this, which I enjoyed. It's like the reader has to work it out along with the characters like a puzzle.
There's more than a hint of Agatha Christie about it, of Miss Marple and Poirot and I love that. She's found the feeling I get when I read classic murder mysteries and that's hard to get right without just imitating what the old authors did.
Oxford in many ways can feel elite and the rest of us can feel like outcasts. But Susie has honoured that history, but she's created an Oxford that welcomes everyone (even if one or more might end up dead).
I love that she starts every chapters with an unusual or antique word and description; it appeals to my nerdiness. She kept using the word "transliterated" which I'd never heard of before and is now one of my favourite words.
I've always been awful at working out whodunnits so I wasn't expecting to figure this out, but I got it sort of half right, which I will take as a win. She has wrapped it up in so many layers of twists and turns and surprises.
It will appeal to fans of cosy crime, crime, thrillers, fans of words and great characters - just everyone.
I love Susie Dent and I really enjoyed her previous book, Guilty By Definition. I have also read one of her linguistic books, Words For Life, and own two of her others. Some sequels you can read as a standalone book and still understand it, but this is a book that you need to have read the first one first, otherwise a lot of it won't make sense.
I was immediately sucked back into this world she has created, and it's just as, if not more, fabulous as the first book. Literally everything about it is great.
It's a slow book, but I mean that in the most positive of terms. It's clever and sly, tiptoeing around, sucking you in, and you're forced to take your time with it.
It's a very intellectual book. That's not to say I prefer "dumbed down" thrillers, I do like to be tested, but you do need to have your wits about you with this, which I enjoyed. It's like the reader has to work it out along with the characters like a puzzle.
There's more than a hint of Agatha Christie about it, of Miss Marple and Poirot and I love that. She's found the feeling I get when I read classic murder mysteries and that's hard to get right without just imitating what the old authors did.
Oxford in many ways can feel elite and the rest of us can feel like outcasts. But Susie has honoured that history, but she's created an Oxford that welcomes everyone (even if one or more might end up dead).
I love that she starts every chapters with an unusual or antique word and description; it appeals to my nerdiness. She kept using the word "transliterated" which I'd never heard of before and is now one of my favourite words.
I've always been awful at working out whodunnits so I wasn't expecting to figure this out, but I got it sort of half right, which I will take as a win. She has wrapped it up in so many layers of twists and turns and surprises.
It will appeal to fans of cosy crime, crime, thrillers, fans of words and great characters - just everyone.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
I read the first novel ( Guilty by Definition ) and looked forward to more in the series. This one did not disappoint. Martha is again the main character and many of the supporting cast is back as well - DI Oliver Caldwell, Faris, Safi and Alex. This novel takes place a year or so after the first. Martha is dealing with her sister's death when she encounters a crime scene with some unusual clues. She is quickly drawn into the investigation. The plot is clever and enjoyable, especially with all the word puzzles and historical references. This one is definitely recommended and I will look forward to more from the Claredon Lexicographers.
Words I found intriguing:
champerty (noun, 17th century) - a coming together for an evil purpose
sibness (noun, 17th century) - united by a common purpose or characteristic
stound (noun, not noted) - the prick of memory from a precise moment in time, recalled from sensory stimulus like notes of a song or smell of perfume
ludibry (noun, 16th century) - an object of derision
nemophily (noun, 19th century) - a love of forests and woods
tmesis (noun, not noted) - sandwiching one word within another (think: abso - freaking - lutely)
tholemudig (adjective, not noted) - patience-weary
apanthropy (noun, not noted) - a word that managed to embrace both a love of solitude and the desire to be away from other people
spuddling (verb, 17th century) - pretending to work when you're not; working ineffectively
Quotes I liked:
We have to acknowledge our past to get to a better future.
Through the window, the beeches had slipped entirely into the darkness. In the morning they'd be visible again, still standing, still rooted. Continuing to leaf and branch while the world turned beneath them.
I read the first novel ( Guilty by Definition ) and looked forward to more in the series. This one did not disappoint. Martha is again the main character and many of the supporting cast is back as well - DI Oliver Caldwell, Faris, Safi and Alex. This novel takes place a year or so after the first. Martha is dealing with her sister's death when she encounters a crime scene with some unusual clues. She is quickly drawn into the investigation. The plot is clever and enjoyable, especially with all the word puzzles and historical references. This one is definitely recommended and I will look forward to more from the Claredon Lexicographers.
Words I found intriguing:
champerty (noun, 17th century) - a coming together for an evil purpose
sibness (noun, 17th century) - united by a common purpose or characteristic
stound (noun, not noted) - the prick of memory from a precise moment in time, recalled from sensory stimulus like notes of a song or smell of perfume
ludibry (noun, 16th century) - an object of derision
nemophily (noun, 19th century) - a love of forests and woods
tmesis (noun, not noted) - sandwiching one word within another (think: abso - freaking - lutely)
tholemudig (adjective, not noted) - patience-weary
apanthropy (noun, not noted) - a word that managed to embrace both a love of solitude and the desire to be away from other people
spuddling (verb, 17th century) - pretending to work when you're not; working ineffectively
Quotes I liked:
We have to acknowledge our past to get to a better future.
Through the window, the beeches had slipped entirely into the darkness. In the morning they'd be visible again, still standing, still rooted. Continuing to leaf and branch while the world turned beneath them.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The death of an Oxford scholar is considered to be suicide, however DI Caldwell suspects there is more to the case as a result of the strange writing found at the scene. With the help of Martha Thornhill and her colleagues at the Clarendon English Dictionary, he unearths a tale of revenge.
Death Writ Large by Susie Dent takes place just over a year after the events of Guilty By Definition, the first book in the series. As with the first book, I approached this with a little trepidation, expecting a slow read. I'm really not sure why I was so worried; the plot is gripping, the pace is brisk, and all the cryptic clues are clearly explained.
Being set in and around Oxford, the descriptions of the city are appealing. I've only visited once, very briefly, but would like to do so again, taking in some of the places mentioned.
Martha and her colleagues, Safi and Alex, are asked to help in the suspected murder because of strange runes left at the scene. Martha immediately recognises them as being a language invented by writer James Naylor, a contemporary of Tolkien. The victim used to be part of an elitist group who were fans of the writer, and the other members of the group immediately become suspects. None of this group is likeable, they continue to look down on everyone, considering them inferior. I had little sympathy for them when it became obvious that they were also being targeted.
There are enough secondary characters to keep you guessing, although I did begin to have my suspicions as to who was responsible about halfway through. Even though I'd guessed who the villain was, I was completely fooled by the reason. The conclusion is tense, with the danger having you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Death Writ Large by Susie Dent takes place just over a year after the events of Guilty By Definition, the first book in the series. As with the first book, I approached this with a little trepidation, expecting a slow read. I'm really not sure why I was so worried; the plot is gripping, the pace is brisk, and all the cryptic clues are clearly explained.
Being set in and around Oxford, the descriptions of the city are appealing. I've only visited once, very briefly, but would like to do so again, taking in some of the places mentioned.
Martha and her colleagues, Safi and Alex, are asked to help in the suspected murder because of strange runes left at the scene. Martha immediately recognises them as being a language invented by writer James Naylor, a contemporary of Tolkien. The victim used to be part of an elitist group who were fans of the writer, and the other members of the group immediately become suspects. None of this group is likeable, they continue to look down on everyone, considering them inferior. I had little sympathy for them when it became obvious that they were also being targeted.
There are enough secondary characters to keep you guessing, although I did begin to have my suspicions as to who was responsible about halfway through. Even though I'd guessed who the villain was, I was completely fooled by the reason. The conclusion is tense, with the danger having you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Death Writ Large. After reading Guilty by Definition, I was looking forward to spending more time with Martha Thornhill and the Clarendon Lexicographers, and this sequel didn't disappoint.
What I love most about this series is how different it feels from the average crime novel. Rather than relying on forensic science or action-packed set pieces, the mystery unfolds through language, history and puzzles. Susie Dent's love of words is obvious, but it never feels like she's showing off. Instead, it gives the story its own identity and made me appreciate just how much language can reveal.
The Oxford setting is another highlight. It has the perfect atmosphere for a mystery built around old secrets, academic rivalries and long-buried grudges. I also enjoyed catching up with Martha, Safi and Alex, whose friendship continues to be one of the series' strengths, while the slow-burning relationship between Martha and Oliver develops naturally without overshadowing the investigation.
The mystery kept me engaged throughout. I had a suspicion about one aspect of the plot before the reveal, but I was completely wrong about the motivation, which made the ending all the more satisfying. The clues are fair, the pacing never drags, and the story does a great job of balancing character development with an intriguing investigation.
If you enjoy mysteries with a distinctive hook, memorable characters and a genuine love of language, I'd definitely recommend Death Writ Large. It's an intelligent, entertaining follow-up that leaves me hoping there are many more adventures to come for Martha and the Clarendon team.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and the author for an advacne copy.
What I love most about this series is how different it feels from the average crime novel. Rather than relying on forensic science or action-packed set pieces, the mystery unfolds through language, history and puzzles. Susie Dent's love of words is obvious, but it never feels like she's showing off. Instead, it gives the story its own identity and made me appreciate just how much language can reveal.
The Oxford setting is another highlight. It has the perfect atmosphere for a mystery built around old secrets, academic rivalries and long-buried grudges. I also enjoyed catching up with Martha, Safi and Alex, whose friendship continues to be one of the series' strengths, while the slow-burning relationship between Martha and Oliver develops naturally without overshadowing the investigation.
The mystery kept me engaged throughout. I had a suspicion about one aspect of the plot before the reveal, but I was completely wrong about the motivation, which made the ending all the more satisfying. The clues are fair, the pacing never drags, and the story does a great job of balancing character development with an intriguing investigation.
If you enjoy mysteries with a distinctive hook, memorable characters and a genuine love of language, I'd definitely recommend Death Writ Large. It's an intelligent, entertaining follow-up that leaves me hoping there are many more adventures to come for Martha and the Clarendon team.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and the author for an advacne copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the second book in the Clarendon Lexicographer series by word expert Susie Dent and involves most of the characters from the first novel. Set in Oxford, Death Writ Large is a well written cosy crime with a clever plot than combines wordsmith-ing and a tale of revenge and retribution. The story begins when lexicographer, Martha Thornhill, recognises the graffiti that appears around Oxford. Rather than random symbols, they are part of an alphabet created by fantasy author, Jerome Naylor, and both where the symbols occur and what their messages say are important. Martha and her colleagues, Safi and Alex are called in to help the police unravel the importance of these clues.
Whilst it is not necessary to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this one, I do think it is helpful to know some of the background as previous events are often referred to in the text and the characters have 'history' together which is better understood through the first book. The friendship between the three women who work together shines through the story, and through their eyes we understand the shadows that lurk in Oxford's past and the secrets it keeps.
I very much enjoyed the details of words and expressions throughout this book and the snippets of history which are highlighted. The story is a little different from a straightforward who dunnit mystery and all the better for that.
With thanks to the author, Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Whilst it is not necessary to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this one, I do think it is helpful to know some of the background as previous events are often referred to in the text and the characters have 'history' together which is better understood through the first book. The friendship between the three women who work together shines through the story, and through their eyes we understand the shadows that lurk in Oxford's past and the secrets it keeps.
I very much enjoyed the details of words and expressions throughout this book and the snippets of history which are highlighted. The story is a little different from a straightforward who dunnit mystery and all the better for that.
With thanks to the author, Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a pleasure to reconnect with Martha Thornhill and the team at the Clarendon English Dictionary in Oxford again. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and was eagerly anticipating a second, and I wasn't disappointed.
This time it was less personal for Martha. She and her staff are asked by DI Oliver Caldwell to help unravel some mysterious runic symbols that have been found at the scene of the apparent suicide of a member of an elite academic clique at the church she passes on her bicycle ride to work. They were fans of Jerome Naylor, a Tolkienesque niche fantasy author who Martha had given a talk on previously.
There are one or two 'will they, won't they' side stories in the mix which is a nice accompaniment, and I loved that Martha's Dad was in this story too.
Susie has done another excellent job of setting atmosphere with this second book, and I relished the obscure word tangents we go off into. I also love that each chapter starts with one such delightful linguistic offering.
I think I would have liked a little bit more preamble to reacquaint myself with who's who before we got stuck in to the investigation, (what is the literary equivalent of foreplay?), but I soon forgot about that once the story got going.
Not a 'speed read', and all the better for it, this mystery is to be thought about and lingered over.
I highly recommend this word puzzle mystery with a dark academia twist, not just to Dent fans but to anyone who enjoys a absorbing, interesting, educating (but not stuffy) read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Zaffre for my advance copy.
This time it was less personal for Martha. She and her staff are asked by DI Oliver Caldwell to help unravel some mysterious runic symbols that have been found at the scene of the apparent suicide of a member of an elite academic clique at the church she passes on her bicycle ride to work. They were fans of Jerome Naylor, a Tolkienesque niche fantasy author who Martha had given a talk on previously.
There are one or two 'will they, won't they' side stories in the mix which is a nice accompaniment, and I loved that Martha's Dad was in this story too.
Susie has done another excellent job of setting atmosphere with this second book, and I relished the obscure word tangents we go off into. I also love that each chapter starts with one such delightful linguistic offering.
I think I would have liked a little bit more preamble to reacquaint myself with who's who before we got stuck in to the investigation, (what is the literary equivalent of foreplay?), but I soon forgot about that once the story got going.
Not a 'speed read', and all the better for it, this mystery is to be thought about and lingered over.
I highly recommend this word puzzle mystery with a dark academia twist, not just to Dent fans but to anyone who enjoys a absorbing, interesting, educating (but not stuffy) read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Zaffre for my advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death Writ Large is an Oxford-set mystery with language and etymology at its heart. Like the previous book, it's packed with unusual words and fascinating snippets about the origins of everyday language. Most of the time it's woven in naturally, and I learnt some genuinely interesting tidbits. Occasionally, however, the etymology digressions feel slightly jarring. For example, in the middle of a tense conversation a character "paused and thought about the word 'sarcasm', of how it took its name from the Greek for 'biting' flesh" which completley broke the flow of the scene.
I also didn't like a particular moment where there was some flippancy towards suicide. A character questions why someone would consider suicide when they lived in a lovely place with food provided and rooms cleaned, completely disregarding that that's not how mental health works. I appreciate that this reflects the character's views and not necessarily the author's, but this is a 'good guy' character we're meant to like, and I don't think the comments were necessary.
Overall this was another fun mystery, full of cryptic clues and wordplay, that I enjoyed trying to solve. It's not quite as good as its predecessor Guilty by Definition. The opening is fairly slow, but once the mystery is properly established the pace picked up and stoked my curiosity.
Recommended for mystery and etymology fans. This is a sequel, so returning readers will get more from the character relationships, but the central mystery works perfectly well as a standalone.
Thanks to netgalley for the e-copy.
I also didn't like a particular moment where there was some flippancy towards suicide. A character questions why someone would consider suicide when they lived in a lovely place with food provided and rooms cleaned, completely disregarding that that's not how mental health works. I appreciate that this reflects the character's views and not necessarily the author's, but this is a 'good guy' character we're meant to like, and I don't think the comments were necessary.
Overall this was another fun mystery, full of cryptic clues and wordplay, that I enjoyed trying to solve. It's not quite as good as its predecessor Guilty by Definition. The opening is fairly slow, but once the mystery is properly established the pace picked up and stoked my curiosity.
Recommended for mystery and etymology fans. This is a sequel, so returning readers will get more from the character relationships, but the central mystery works perfectly well as a standalone.
Thanks to netgalley for the e-copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
'Death Writ Large' by Susie Dent.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer whose papers she once worked on. But this is no publicity stunt, and tensions intensify when further graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer.
Martha is not the only one to have doubts when the suspicious death is assumed by police to be a suicide. Called upon to lend their linguistic expertise to the case, Martha and her colleagues begin to unearth a tragedy that extends beyond the ancient walls of the university. As new messages portend more death, it's clear that a spirit of vengeance is stalking the city's streets, and may be reaching out towards them too.
This is second in the series and I found it just as enjoyable as the first one. It's a pretty standard mystery, find the killer before there is more deaths but you've got added puzzles that need to be solved. I didn't work out who the perpetrator was until near the end so it was a good mystery. I particularly loved the puzzle side of this mystery and I felt like I learned a lot of new words too.
If you enjoy cozy crime and puzzles then give this series a read.
Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer whose papers she once worked on. But this is no publicity stunt, and tensions intensify when further graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer.
Martha is not the only one to have doubts when the suspicious death is assumed by police to be a suicide. Called upon to lend their linguistic expertise to the case, Martha and her colleagues begin to unearth a tragedy that extends beyond the ancient walls of the university. As new messages portend more death, it's clear that a spirit of vengeance is stalking the city's streets, and may be reaching out towards them too.
This is second in the series and I found it just as enjoyable as the first one. It's a pretty standard mystery, find the killer before there is more deaths but you've got added puzzles that need to be solved. I didn't work out who the perpetrator was until near the end so it was a good mystery. I particularly loved the puzzle side of this mystery and I felt like I learned a lot of new words too.
If you enjoy cozy crime and puzzles then give this series a read.
Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Susie Dent has delivered another excellent yarn in what has now been dubbed her "Clarendon Lexicographers" series...which hopefully implies that there are more to come following this second installment.
In this tale we have moved on a few months from the first book; the returning cast members have each grown a little and we find ourselves weaving in and out of their individual lives as the main sequence of murders and nastiness unfolds...
The descriptions of the various locations around Oxford and it's environs are excellently made - I've lived in the area for almost twenty years and enjoy finding and rediscovering these locales...no spoilers from me, the story wraps around a group of self important university alumni who caused great harm to someone during their years of learning...retribution is convoluted and at times gruesome...lovely stuff for a mystery writer to play with and I'm happy to be Ms Dents plaything
Each chapter introduces us to a new forgotten or underused word which serves to provide a clue to that which is to follow - she is not Queen of Dictionary Corner for nothing!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which I received an advance copy of in return for an honest and unbiased review...which I am pleased to do as it was a pleasure to read. I hope there are many more to come in the years ahead.
In this tale we have moved on a few months from the first book; the returning cast members have each grown a little and we find ourselves weaving in and out of their individual lives as the main sequence of murders and nastiness unfolds...
The descriptions of the various locations around Oxford and it's environs are excellently made - I've lived in the area for almost twenty years and enjoy finding and rediscovering these locales...no spoilers from me, the story wraps around a group of self important university alumni who caused great harm to someone during their years of learning...retribution is convoluted and at times gruesome...lovely stuff for a mystery writer to play with and I'm happy to be Ms Dents plaything
Each chapter introduces us to a new forgotten or underused word which serves to provide a clue to that which is to follow - she is not Queen of Dictionary Corner for nothing!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which I received an advance copy of in return for an honest and unbiased review...which I am pleased to do as it was a pleasure to read. I hope there are many more to come in the years ahead.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer whose papers she once worked on. But this is no publicity stunt, and tensions intensify when further graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer.
Martha is not the only one to have doubts when the suspicious death is ruled by police as suicide. Called upon to lend their linguistic expertise to the case, Martha and her colleagues begin to unearth a tragedy that extends beyond the ancient walls of the university. As new messages portend more death, it's clear that a spirit of vengeance is stalking the city's streets, and may be reaching out towards them too.
Another clever plot from Susie Dent with lots of cryptic and very clever clues. Thankfully the reader is led through the solving of these clues resulting in a crime novel thus elevated above the standard 'cozy crime' genre. There's also a lot of character development and a hugely atmospheric setting in academic Oxford, a really captivating read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Martha is not the only one to have doubts when the suspicious death is ruled by police as suicide. Called upon to lend their linguistic expertise to the case, Martha and her colleagues begin to unearth a tragedy that extends beyond the ancient walls of the university. As new messages portend more death, it's clear that a spirit of vengeance is stalking the city's streets, and may be reaching out towards them too.
Another clever plot from Susie Dent with lots of cryptic and very clever clues. Thankfully the reader is led through the solving of these clues resulting in a crime novel thus elevated above the standard 'cozy crime' genre. There's also a lot of character development and a hugely atmospheric setting in academic Oxford, a really captivating read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Martha and her friends at the Clarendon English Dictionary in Oxford return as they are again asked to use their lexicographical skills to help solve a series of mysterious deaths in the city, each of which is preceded by unusual graffiti with hidden messages in runes.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and Susie Dent has done a great job of further developing the characters and their personal lives, as well as coming up with an intriguing plot. It’s good to see characters with proper personalities, typical reactions to difficult situations which continues to impact them rather than disappear without trace, and all of whom are likeable. The puzzles and the frequent references to the origins of words and phrases is nicely done, and I really enjoyed learning these new little bits. Dent has a lovely writing style and, although I’m not always a fan of celebrities turned authors, she does genuinely have something a little different to say.
This is the second in the series and stands well alone, but I would certainly recommend going back to the start and reading the first (Guilty by Definition) purely because it’s so enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and Susie Dent has done a great job of further developing the characters and their personal lives, as well as coming up with an intriguing plot. It’s good to see characters with proper personalities, typical reactions to difficult situations which continues to impact them rather than disappear without trace, and all of whom are likeable. The puzzles and the frequent references to the origins of words and phrases is nicely done, and I really enjoyed learning these new little bits. Dent has a lovely writing style and, although I’m not always a fan of celebrities turned authors, she does genuinely have something a little different to say.
This is the second in the series and stands well alone, but I would certainly recommend going back to the start and reading the first (Guilty by Definition) purely because it’s so enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Oxford Don is found dead at the base of a church tower, probably suicide or even misadventure , but detective Oliver Caldwell has misgivings and a belief in could be murder. The runes painted on the steps of the tower lead him to consult with Martha and her team at Clarendon. What follows is a mystery, combined with word play, symbolism and etymology centred around Oxford and its environs.
This is the second in the Clarendon Lexicographer series and I have been fortunate enough to read them both. The author combines her expertise in words and their origins with a series of characters who make you feel you know them. It’s a clever whodunnit with lots of suspects and a nice little twist at the end, but that is only part of the joy of the book, the other part is seeing the origins or everyday phrases and saying or seeing see words at he beginning of each chapter. My only disappointment is that I won’t remember them or be able to use them regularly. I loved this book as much as I enjoyed the previous one and I hope for more
This is the second in the Clarendon Lexicographer series and I have been fortunate enough to read them both. The author combines her expertise in words and their origins with a series of characters who make you feel you know them. It’s a clever whodunnit with lots of suspects and a nice little twist at the end, but that is only part of the joy of the book, the other part is seeing the origins or everyday phrases and saying or seeing see words at he beginning of each chapter. My only disappointment is that I won’t remember them or be able to use them regularly. I loved this book as much as I enjoyed the previous one and I hope for more
May 7, 2026
Review of ‘Death Writ Large’ by Susie Dent, due to be published on 13 August 2026 by Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre.
We rejoin Martha, Safi and Alex helping DI Oliver Caldwell and DS Norah Farris for the second book in ‘The Clarendon Lexicographers’ series.
We open with what looks like an apparent suicide, that is until mysterious messages written in runes and ever increasing riddles start to appear all over Oxford. When it becomes clear that a group of former students are being targeted, the team work to try and establish both motive and suspect.
As with the first book there is clever word play, puzzles, etymology, murder and plenty of mystery. We are introduced to new characters who are effortlessly woven into the lives of the team and the storyline.
Whilst this could be read as a standalone it’s much better if you’ve read the first book in the series, you have a real understanding of the characters, their lives and how they all work together.
This is a fast paced, engaging and very enjoyable read. They just keep getting better!
We rejoin Martha, Safi and Alex helping DI Oliver Caldwell and DS Norah Farris for the second book in ‘The Clarendon Lexicographers’ series.
We open with what looks like an apparent suicide, that is until mysterious messages written in runes and ever increasing riddles start to appear all over Oxford. When it becomes clear that a group of former students are being targeted, the team work to try and establish both motive and suspect.
As with the first book there is clever word play, puzzles, etymology, murder and plenty of mystery. We are introduced to new characters who are effortlessly woven into the lives of the team and the storyline.
Whilst this could be read as a standalone it’s much better if you’ve read the first book in the series, you have a real understanding of the characters, their lives and how they all work together.
This is a fast paced, engaging and very enjoyable read. They just keep getting better!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Free courtesy of Netgalley
I really liked this book, the first book in this series I reviewed I felt that the author was showing off a little with her knowledge of words but the story was good. This book however has a fantastic story but the unusual words have been dialled back quite a bit so it doesn't disturb the flow of the story, looking them up.
The book centres again on Martha, and her co- workers at the dictionary. A man has apparently committed suicide by throwing himself off a church tower, but there is graffiti everywhere of the furies and strange runes. Martha and her team assist Cadwell in deciphering the ruins. Is this suicide or a murder and why was the man targeted.
The book has lots of twists and turns, with complicated relationships to navigate. I thought I had guessed who the perpetrator was but I was wrong.
It is very well written and the characters all hold their own. I hope that there will be more books to follow and Susie still puts in words for us to learn at the beginning of chapters as I really liked this feature.
I really liked this book, the first book in this series I reviewed I felt that the author was showing off a little with her knowledge of words but the story was good. This book however has a fantastic story but the unusual words have been dialled back quite a bit so it doesn't disturb the flow of the story, looking them up.
The book centres again on Martha, and her co- workers at the dictionary. A man has apparently committed suicide by throwing himself off a church tower, but there is graffiti everywhere of the furies and strange runes. Martha and her team assist Cadwell in deciphering the ruins. Is this suicide or a murder and why was the man targeted.
The book has lots of twists and turns, with complicated relationships to navigate. I thought I had guessed who the perpetrator was but I was wrong.
It is very well written and the characters all hold their own. I hope that there will be more books to follow and Susie still puts in words for us to learn at the beginning of chapters as I really liked this feature.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a joy to read.
It is a second outting of Susie Dent's for a group of 3 friends who work as lexicographers and etymologists to compile a prodigious dictionary and are also adept at solving puzzles. Theses range from crosswords to reading and solving ancient writings including the meaning of runes. These skills are again of help to the police in solving a series of mysterious crimes.
It's a rich book. Rich in its fiendish plot, rich in the further development of the tree friends and rich in the language that it uses. It is written in an easy flowing style that is peppered with words and phrases from the past, and shows how these have evolved to the present day. Readers also get lots of information about the historic past of Oxford and it's surrounding area. There is even a description of the way there is a separation between the live of the ordinary inhabitants and academia, the town and gown phenomenon.
All this lifts the the book to be well above the average "cosy thriller" that some mayexpect it to be, to a really enjo6able and memorable book. More please Susie!
It is a second outting of Susie Dent's for a group of 3 friends who work as lexicographers and etymologists to compile a prodigious dictionary and are also adept at solving puzzles. Theses range from crosswords to reading and solving ancient writings including the meaning of runes. These skills are again of help to the police in solving a series of mysterious crimes.
It's a rich book. Rich in its fiendish plot, rich in the further development of the tree friends and rich in the language that it uses. It is written in an easy flowing style that is peppered with words and phrases from the past, and shows how these have evolved to the present day. Readers also get lots of information about the historic past of Oxford and it's surrounding area. There is even a description of the way there is a separation between the live of the ordinary inhabitants and academia, the town and gown phenomenon.
All this lifts the the book to be well above the average "cosy thriller" that some mayexpect it to be, to a really enjo6able and memorable book. More please Susie!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death writ large - Susie Dent published on 13 August 2026
This is the second outing with Martha and her lexicographer team using their word skills to solve a complex series of murders and poisoning next to a series of cryptic graffiti and symbols which appear near the bodies or prior to a death. The language used is linked to a deceased author of fantasy novels who like Tolkien made up his own language.
Having enjoyed the first in the series I was looking forward to reading this one.
For me it was an intelligent clever read and getting to understand the history of where certain words that are no longer in use have come from is fascinating. I did feel that at times other than at the beginning of each chapter the continual explanation for unusual words interrupted the flow of the read and slowed the pace of the story though.
The characters developed nicely and the attraction between Martha and Oliver continued albeit with a little stumble here and there.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy.
This is the second outing with Martha and her lexicographer team using their word skills to solve a complex series of murders and poisoning next to a series of cryptic graffiti and symbols which appear near the bodies or prior to a death. The language used is linked to a deceased author of fantasy novels who like Tolkien made up his own language.
Having enjoyed the first in the series I was looking forward to reading this one.
For me it was an intelligent clever read and getting to understand the history of where certain words that are no longer in use have come from is fascinating. I did feel that at times other than at the beginning of each chapter the continual explanation for unusual words interrupted the flow of the read and slowed the pace of the story though.
The characters developed nicely and the attraction between Martha and Oliver continued albeit with a little stumble here and there.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death Writ Large sees Martha Thornhill return to her niche world of linguistic detection, this time centred on cryptic symbols appearing around Oxford and linked to the deaths of university lecturers. The hook — a runic alphabet created by a dead fantasy writer — is neat and very much in Susie Dent’s style.
As with Guilty by Definition, the appeal lies in the detail: obscure alphabets, wordplay, and the pleasure of watching language used as a puzzle-solving tool. It’s an unusual angle for a crime novel and gives the book a distinct identity.
I enjoyed this more than her first novel in the series. The characters feel more bedded in, and there are fewer of the slightly random digressions into word definitions that slowed things down before. It all makes for a smoother, more settled read.
It’s still more cosy than gripping, but that seems to be the point. A good, intelligent mystery to pass the time.
As with Guilty by Definition, the appeal lies in the detail: obscure alphabets, wordplay, and the pleasure of watching language used as a puzzle-solving tool. It’s an unusual angle for a crime novel and gives the book a distinct identity.
I enjoyed this more than her first novel in the series. The characters feel more bedded in, and there are fewer of the slightly random digressions into word definitions that slowed things down before. It all makes for a smoother, more settled read.
It’s still more cosy than gripping, but that seems to be the point. A good, intelligent mystery to pass the time.
July 1, 2026
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
Susie Dent is a lovely writer. That might seem like a weird thing to say when talking about a mystery novel that full of murders. But she’s has an attention to detail and a way of creating very human characters that’s pleasing to read. This is the second book in a series, I think you could read them standalone but I feel I benefitted from reading them in order as I had a better grasp of the characters. We follow the staff working on a dictionary as they find themselves embroiled in murder mysteries.
Our protagonist is Martha, she’s quite relatable as she adores her friends, but gets frustrated when they are overbearing or overly worried about her. We see her and her colleagues solving puzzles left by the murderer and helping the local police. The murders are quite harrowing, though not overly graphic. There’s some poor and callous human behaviour explored in this book
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which not only gives us to a mystery to solve with relatable characters, but also treats us to new word definitions with every chapter heading!
Susie Dent is a lovely writer. That might seem like a weird thing to say when talking about a mystery novel that full of murders. But she’s has an attention to detail and a way of creating very human characters that’s pleasing to read. This is the second book in a series, I think you could read them standalone but I feel I benefitted from reading them in order as I had a better grasp of the characters. We follow the staff working on a dictionary as they find themselves embroiled in murder mysteries.
Our protagonist is Martha, she’s quite relatable as she adores her friends, but gets frustrated when they are overbearing or overly worried about her. We see her and her colleagues solving puzzles left by the murderer and helping the local police. The murders are quite harrowing, though not overly graphic. There’s some poor and callous human behaviour explored in this book
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which not only gives us to a mystery to solve with relatable characters, but also treats us to new word definitions with every chapter heading!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Suzi Dent's New novel Death Writ Large isn't a book that can be rushed. It is absolutely chock full of puzzles, clues within clues, anagrams and new words and phrases aplenty. I found myself frequently thankful for the search function on my kindle and certainly came away from reading with a larger vocabulary. That said the book is infinitely readable. It is a clever story of clues left around Oxford in the form of graffiti messages after a supposed suicide. DI Caldwell once again asks Martha and her team at the dictionary to help transliterate the clues and they are off on a journey of more clues, murder, long kept secrets and a fabulous ending. I absolutely loved this book. It's beautifully written as you'd expect. It really makes you slow down and enjoy every word written by the author. A definite 5* recommendation from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having read Ms Dent’s first book in this series I was eager to read this one and it didn’t disappoint.
As well as providing the reader with lots of new scrabble words (if you can remember them) the story is cleverly thought out and well written. For every unusual word there is a description of its meaning which is written in a way that doesn’t feel condescending.
The story continues with Martha, who was a main character in her first book, being brought into a police investigation of a possible suicide due to some unusual writing/runes near the place of death. This brings back Oliver Caldwell, the DI in charge of investigating and the chemistry between him and Martha simmers gently below the surface.
The other characters are again believable and on the whole likeable with a few awful characters thrown into the mix.
The investigation is again based around puzzles and words and it is full of interesting facts peppered throughout.
A good read
As well as providing the reader with lots of new scrabble words (if you can remember them) the story is cleverly thought out and well written. For every unusual word there is a description of its meaning which is written in a way that doesn’t feel condescending.
The story continues with Martha, who was a main character in her first book, being brought into a police investigation of a possible suicide due to some unusual writing/runes near the place of death. This brings back Oliver Caldwell, the DI in charge of investigating and the chemistry between him and Martha simmers gently below the surface.
The other characters are again believable and on the whole likeable with a few awful characters thrown into the mix.
The investigation is again based around puzzles and words and it is full of interesting facts peppered throughout.
A good read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Martha Thornhill is on her way to work at the offices of the Clarendon Dictionary, when she sees police activity outside St. Michael's church. Then she notices a large piece of paper on the railings of the church, covered in what appear to be runes. Not viking runes. Runes in a made up language by fantasy author Jerome Naylor, whose papers Martha had studied. Thus begins Death Writ Large. 🖋️
Martha and her colleagues are tasked with solving cryptic clues written in these runes. Runes begin to appear around Oxford, painted onto buildings like graffiti, and often accompanied by a drawing of one or more of the Furies. 🖋️
With these cryptic clues, murder, a miscarriage of justice, and more twists than a corkscrew, Death Writ Large is a gripping read. It's also very interesting. Once again each chapter begins with an antiquated word and its definition. There's also some interesting facts about Oxford. 🖋️
I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to Bonnier Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
Martha and her colleagues are tasked with solving cryptic clues written in these runes. Runes begin to appear around Oxford, painted onto buildings like graffiti, and often accompanied by a drawing of one or more of the Furies. 🖋️
With these cryptic clues, murder, a miscarriage of justice, and more twists than a corkscrew, Death Writ Large is a gripping read. It's also very interesting. Once again each chapter begins with an antiquated word and its definition. There's also some interesting facts about Oxford. 🖋️
I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to Bonnier Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Martha Thornhill and the Oxford dictionary team return in a new mystery. There are a lot of similarities to the first in the series, with secret clues, mysterious literary references and the backdrop of academia.
Death Writ Large is well plotted, with a small cabal of Oxford alumni apparently targeted - but why? Martha and her team again assist the police to decipher clues left around the city, all linked to a controversial author. The pace is fairly slow, the relationships between the characters complex and the answers apparently buried in the past.
Anyone who enjoyed Susie Dent's first novel will find this one similarly satisfying. There are plenty of word definitions and etymologies to add to the enjoyment, as well as the core puzzles to solve.
Death Writ Large is well plotted, with a small cabal of Oxford alumni apparently targeted - but why? Martha and her team again assist the police to decipher clues left around the city, all linked to a controversial author. The pace is fairly slow, the relationships between the characters complex and the answers apparently buried in the past.
Anyone who enjoyed Susie Dent's first novel will find this one similarly satisfying. There are plenty of word definitions and etymologies to add to the enjoyment, as well as the core puzzles to solve.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Our favourite gang of lexicographers from the Clarendon English Dictionary are called upon once again to assist the police team investigating a new set of mysterious wordy/puzzle-focussed deaths in Oxford. A cleverly plotted and deftly written second novel which manages to improve upon Dent’s excellent debut. Where the UK’s favourite lexicographer’s first book leaned heavily on dictionary terms, descriptions and etymology, the second is more adept at introducing meanings naturally so they didn’t feel “plonked” into the text.
A fabulously enjoyable book and I look forward to future visits to the offices of the Clarendon team.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.
A fabulously enjoyable book and I look forward to future visits to the offices of the Clarendon team.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
This is the second book on the Clarendon Lexicographer series by Susie Debt. It follows Martha and her team who work together as Lexicographers for the Clarendon Dictionary... and also help solve murder. Following on from the first book, in much the same vein the team must help solve some riddles, to aid in the apprehension of a murderer before they can strike again. The background of the characters is well explained and although the second book in a series, I don't think there would any issues picking this up without having read the previous entry.
Unsurprisingly, it is very well written and the extra word based facts make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
This is the second book on the Clarendon Lexicographer series by Susie Debt. It follows Martha and her team who work together as Lexicographers for the Clarendon Dictionary... and also help solve murder. Following on from the first book, in much the same vein the team must help solve some riddles, to aid in the apprehension of a murderer before they can strike again. The background of the characters is well explained and although the second book in a series, I don't think there would any issues picking this up without having read the previous entry.
Unsurprisingly, it is very well written and the extra word based facts make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
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