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The Clarendon Lexicographers #2
Death Writ Large
Win a free print copy of this book!
29 days and 14:28:04
5 copies available
U.S. only
A 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.
360 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2026
About the author
Susie Dent
28 books613 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
September 18, 2026
3.7 Stars
One Liner: It was good
Resident lexicographer in the city of Oxford, Martha Thornhill, stumbles upon another case when mysterious symbols appear as graffiti in the region. She recognizes them as a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer and thinks it’s a publicity stunt. However, when a university professor is found dead and the same graffiti is drawn near his body, Martha realizes it needs serious attention. The messages talk of more deaths, and it’s clear that someone is hell-bent on revenge.
The story comes in the third-person POVs of different characters.
My Thoughts
This is a sequel to Guilt by Definition. I admit I remember nothing about that book except that it was set in Oxford and dealt with words. In that sense, it was a bit hard to get into the flow. I reread my review, which helped a little.
Like the previous book, this one too uses the Oxford setting to its full benefit. Luckily, it reads better, as in, the setting feels more realistic and solid than something out of reach. I enjoyed the historical elements a lot.
Once again, the pacing is on the slower side, but the mystery is definitely more interesting. It blends a few themes and uses history, something that tends to work for me.
Every chapter starts with an older word (its year and meaning). I came across one of those words before and loved it. It was nice to see a mention in this book.
As such, the mystery is good. I do wish we got a couple of examples of the made-up rune language that plays such a vital role in the plot.
The romantic subplot (I forgot all about it) has some tension, which plays well into the mystery. It doesn’t overshadow anything and gets only as much space as it requires. Suits the characters.
That said, once again, the FMC sounds older than her age. If not for my own review, I wouldn't have remembered she was in her early thirties in book one. Since this one starts around 1.5-2 years later, she’d be in her mid-thirties at the most. The way she’s written, I was imagining her to be in her mid-forties.
The other characters settled well into their arcs.
To summarize, Death Writ Large is a slightly slow-paced mystery dealing with words, puzzles, and Oxford history. I like it better than book one, but it will help to start at the beginning.
Thank you, Melissa Kelly, NetGalley, and Zaffre (Bonnier Books), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DeathWritLarge
One Liner: It was good
Resident lexicographer in the city of Oxford, Martha Thornhill, stumbles upon another case when mysterious symbols appear as graffiti in the region. She recognizes them as a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer and thinks it’s a publicity stunt. However, when a university professor is found dead and the same graffiti is drawn near his body, Martha realizes it needs serious attention. The messages talk of more deaths, and it’s clear that someone is hell-bent on revenge.
The story comes in the third-person POVs of different characters.
My Thoughts
This is a sequel to Guilt by Definition. I admit I remember nothing about that book except that it was set in Oxford and dealt with words. In that sense, it was a bit hard to get into the flow. I reread my review, which helped a little.
Like the previous book, this one too uses the Oxford setting to its full benefit. Luckily, it reads better, as in, the setting feels more realistic and solid than something out of reach. I enjoyed the historical elements a lot.
Once again, the pacing is on the slower side, but the mystery is definitely more interesting. It blends a few themes and uses history, something that tends to work for me.
Every chapter starts with an older word (its year and meaning). I came across one of those words before and loved it. It was nice to see a mention in this book.
As such, the mystery is good. I do wish we got a couple of examples of the made-up rune language that plays such a vital role in the plot.
The romantic subplot (I forgot all about it) has some tension, which plays well into the mystery. It doesn’t overshadow anything and gets only as much space as it requires. Suits the characters.
That said, once again, the FMC sounds older than her age. If not for my own review, I wouldn't have remembered she was in her early thirties in book one. Since this one starts around 1.5-2 years later, she’d be in her mid-thirties at the most. The way she’s written, I was imagining her to be in her mid-forties.
The other characters settled well into their arcs.
To summarize, Death Writ Large is a slightly slow-paced mystery dealing with words, puzzles, and Oxford history. I like it better than book one, but it will help to start at the beginning.
Thank you, Melissa Kelly, NetGalley, and Zaffre (Bonnier Books), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DeathWritLarge
September 19, 2026
EXCERPT: Martha saw something was wrong the moment she crossed George Street. A crowd of people, so large it straggled across the road, was staring up at the oldest structure in Oxford, St Michael at the North Gate. The church stood at the intersection of Cornmarket and Ship Street, its Saxon tower rising above the modern shop fronts crowded around its base. Part of the defensive walls built to resist Viking raiders, its rough coral ragstone looked strangely out of keeping with the rest of a city so devoted to refined scholarship.
She scanned the faces of the people and saw a mixture of shock, sadness and discomfort. Unsure if she could weave through the throng on her bike, she slowed and dismounted. It was so quiet that the click of the wheels as she pushed the bike along seemed almost intrusive. She turned slightly as she walked, her gaze following that of the onlookers.
A network of scaffolding, wrapped in flapping tarpaulin, abutted the tower on it southern side, but the crowd were concentrating on a tiny yard off the pavement to the north. Martha looked over, expecting to see the glass-fronted gift shop that advertised the magnificent views from the top of the tower, but it was hidden from sight. Almost the whole of the paved area between the wrought-iron gates and the modern entrance to the church was now covered by a white tent. A uniformed policeman stood there, hands behind his back, his own gaze fixed just above the heads of the curious onlookers. A large sheet of paper fluttered from the railings behind him in the breeze. Martha shivered slightly and pulled her denim jacket a little tighter. The breeze died and the sheet settled for a moment, allowing her to see that it was covered in what looked like neatly inked runes. She stopped and stared at it, frowning as the paper flapped again, willing it to be still so she could be sure.
ABOUT 'DEATH WRIT LARGE': A dead writer's alphabet. A living killer's cryptic messages.
When mysterious symbols begin cropping up around Oxford, most dismiss them as bizarre graffiti. But lexicographer Martha Thornhill knows better. She recognizes the symbols from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer whose papers she once worked on. When the graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer, Martha knows this is no publicity stunt.
And when the suspicious death is assumed by police to be a suicide, she's not the only one to have doubts. 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. Together, they must find who is behind the cryptic messages, before they become the next victims.
MY THOUGHTS: I wish I had read the first book in the series before Death Writ Large. But having said that I still really enjoyed this and will be going back to read Guilty by Definition.
I loved the words, so many of which may have vanished into obscurity and others that I could connect to our modern vocabulary that were the chapter headings. I have made a list of the ones I want to use should the occasion arise. I particularly liked umbethink from the twelfth century which is to bring to mind or remember, tholemodig Old English for patience-weary,
umbraculum seventeenth century meaning a shady retreat or dark corner (I fully intend constructing one in my garden), and beswink from the twelfth century meaning to chastise.
Death Writ Large is very much a character-based murder-mystery which uses the Oxford setting to great advantage. I had a little trouble getting into the story initially and in getting to know the characters which, I imagine, wouldn't have been such a problem had I read the first book in the series.
The mystery is complex and I had to keep my wits about me. I almost resorted to taking notes at one point, but overall it is enjoyable with likeable characters. This is a good blend of the characters professional and private lives.
Recommended reading, especially if you like puzzles, Wordle and anagrams.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#DeathWritLarge #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: SUSIE DENT is an English lexicographer, etymologist, author, and media personality. She has authored numerous books including Word Perfect, An Emotional Dictionary, and her debut novel Guilty by Definition, and co-hosts the award-winning podcast Something Rhymes With Purple. Honoured with an MBE in 2024 for services to literature and language, she also serves as honorary vice-president of key linguistic institutes and is a sought-after keynote speaker.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to sourcebooks Landmark for providing a Digital Review Copy of Death Writ Large by Susie Dent. This review reflects my reading experience and all opinions expressed are my own personal opinions.
She scanned the faces of the people and saw a mixture of shock, sadness and discomfort. Unsure if she could weave through the throng on her bike, she slowed and dismounted. It was so quiet that the click of the wheels as she pushed the bike along seemed almost intrusive. She turned slightly as she walked, her gaze following that of the onlookers.
A network of scaffolding, wrapped in flapping tarpaulin, abutted the tower on it southern side, but the crowd were concentrating on a tiny yard off the pavement to the north. Martha looked over, expecting to see the glass-fronted gift shop that advertised the magnificent views from the top of the tower, but it was hidden from sight. Almost the whole of the paved area between the wrought-iron gates and the modern entrance to the church was now covered by a white tent. A uniformed policeman stood there, hands behind his back, his own gaze fixed just above the heads of the curious onlookers. A large sheet of paper fluttered from the railings behind him in the breeze. Martha shivered slightly and pulled her denim jacket a little tighter. The breeze died and the sheet settled for a moment, allowing her to see that it was covered in what looked like neatly inked runes. She stopped and stared at it, frowning as the paper flapped again, willing it to be still so she could be sure.
ABOUT 'DEATH WRIT LARGE': A dead writer's alphabet. A living killer's cryptic messages.
When mysterious symbols begin cropping up around Oxford, most dismiss them as bizarre graffiti. But lexicographer Martha Thornhill knows better. She recognizes the symbols from a runic alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer whose papers she once worked on. When the graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer, Martha knows this is no publicity stunt.
And when the suspicious death is assumed by police to be a suicide, she's not the only one to have doubts. 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. Together, they must find who is behind the cryptic messages, before they become the next victims.
MY THOUGHTS: I wish I had read the first book in the series before Death Writ Large. But having said that I still really enjoyed this and will be going back to read Guilty by Definition.
I loved the words, so many of which may have vanished into obscurity and others that I could connect to our modern vocabulary that were the chapter headings. I have made a list of the ones I want to use should the occasion arise. I particularly liked umbethink from the twelfth century which is to bring to mind or remember, tholemodig Old English for patience-weary,
umbraculum seventeenth century meaning a shady retreat or dark corner (I fully intend constructing one in my garden), and beswink from the twelfth century meaning to chastise.
Death Writ Large is very much a character-based murder-mystery which uses the Oxford setting to great advantage. I had a little trouble getting into the story initially and in getting to know the characters which, I imagine, wouldn't have been such a problem had I read the first book in the series.
The mystery is complex and I had to keep my wits about me. I almost resorted to taking notes at one point, but overall it is enjoyable with likeable characters. This is a good blend of the characters professional and private lives.
Recommended reading, especially if you like puzzles, Wordle and anagrams.
⭐⭐⭐.8
#DeathWritLarge #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: SUSIE DENT is an English lexicographer, etymologist, author, and media personality. She has authored numerous books including Word Perfect, An Emotional Dictionary, and her debut novel Guilty by Definition, and co-hosts the award-winning podcast Something Rhymes With Purple. Honoured with an MBE in 2024 for services to literature and language, she also serves as honorary vice-president of key linguistic institutes and is a sought-after keynote speaker.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to sourcebooks Landmark for providing a Digital Review Copy of Death Writ Large by Susie Dent. This review reflects my reading experience and all opinions expressed are my own personal opinions.
October 31, 2026
Death Writ Large is the second book in The Clarendon Lexicographers series by bestselling British author, media personality, etymologist and lexicographer, Susie Dent. When Dr Martha Thornhill is cycling to her work at the Clarendon English Dictionary offices in the Oxford suburb of Jericho, she has to slow for a crowd at St Michael’s Church. There’s been an apparent suicide from the tower, and a sheet of paper on the church noticeboard catches her eye: runes that transliterate to a sort of riddle.
At the Dictionary, she decides to alert DI Oliver Caldwell, in case it’s relevant. It is, and Oliver requests not just her presence, but that of her colleagues, Dr Alex Monroe, and Safiya Idowu at the church, where there are more runes, and three red paint images of fierce-looking women. When the clues are unravelled, it begins to look like the victim was lured to the tower.
Spencer Lewis, it turns out, was known to Safi from her undergraduate years, part of a smug cabal that were fans of the late fantasy author, Jerome Naylor, and liked to challenge their fellow students with the sort of puzzles for which he was known.
That he might have ended his own life brings the following observation: “Every parent, lover or friend was forced to become an archaeologist of lost chances, sifting through every past conversation for the things they feared to find: the warnings they missed, the moments they could have intervened.
When more of the same sort of graffiti appears around the town, Caldwell enlists the Dictionary crew to help understand the runes and riddles, and the significance of the locations. Caldwell’s superiors, initially convinced of suicide, begin to see the value of a more thorough investigation.
The messages seem to point to a transgression that needs to be confessed, but just what and when and by whom is not clear, and the remaining four members of the cabal stay tight-lipped. Caldwell is sure they know more than they are telling.
By the time matters are resolved, there’s another murder, three attempted murders, an old case is reopened, a conviction overturned, and a number of people face prison sentences. Along the way, puzzles with cryptic clues to be solved if lives are to be saved, and even the most astute reader is kept guessing until the final chapters.
Each chapter is headed with a word, often obscure, its definition and derivation, and there are hints of romance for each of the three “Word Detectives”, as Oliver dubs them in the WhatsApp group he sets up. Dent’s characters are multi-faceted, while her descriptions of Oxford are highly evocative and will appeal to anyone who knows the city. This is addictive British crime fiction, and more of the cast and setting will be most welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK Sourcebooks/Landmark.
At the Dictionary, she decides to alert DI Oliver Caldwell, in case it’s relevant. It is, and Oliver requests not just her presence, but that of her colleagues, Dr Alex Monroe, and Safiya Idowu at the church, where there are more runes, and three red paint images of fierce-looking women. When the clues are unravelled, it begins to look like the victim was lured to the tower.
Spencer Lewis, it turns out, was known to Safi from her undergraduate years, part of a smug cabal that were fans of the late fantasy author, Jerome Naylor, and liked to challenge their fellow students with the sort of puzzles for which he was known.
That he might have ended his own life brings the following observation: “Every parent, lover or friend was forced to become an archaeologist of lost chances, sifting through every past conversation for the things they feared to find: the warnings they missed, the moments they could have intervened.
When more of the same sort of graffiti appears around the town, Caldwell enlists the Dictionary crew to help understand the runes and riddles, and the significance of the locations. Caldwell’s superiors, initially convinced of suicide, begin to see the value of a more thorough investigation.
The messages seem to point to a transgression that needs to be confessed, but just what and when and by whom is not clear, and the remaining four members of the cabal stay tight-lipped. Caldwell is sure they know more than they are telling.
By the time matters are resolved, there’s another murder, three attempted murders, an old case is reopened, a conviction overturned, and a number of people face prison sentences. Along the way, puzzles with cryptic clues to be solved if lives are to be saved, and even the most astute reader is kept guessing until the final chapters.
Each chapter is headed with a word, often obscure, its definition and derivation, and there are hints of romance for each of the three “Word Detectives”, as Oliver dubs them in the WhatsApp group he sets up. Dent’s characters are multi-faceted, while her descriptions of Oxford are highly evocative and will appeal to anyone who knows the city. This is addictive British crime fiction, and more of the cast and setting will be most welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK Sourcebooks/Landmark.
August 14, 2026
I loved Guilty by Definition so much that I wasn't sure Death Writ Large could hold up, but it blew my socks off. I really loved this one: a secret society, a fictional Inkling, a fictional book series, cryptic clues, more church history/theological/biblical knowledge required than the last novel, great character and relationship development, and just as much lexical fun. This series really is special and my one regret is that I read this so soon after publication that I have to wait the full amount of time for the next one! While I read lots of mysteries, there are only a few series that have become matters of personal attachment (more than entertainment and good puzzles) and this is one. It feels like it was written off my personal wishlist, and who could complain about that!
This would be a great read for October/November, since that's when the book takes place; it's not overly Halloween-y or Fawkes-y but characters observe those days in the novel.
Content warnings: murder ; house fire
This would be a great read for October/November, since that's when the book takes place; it's not overly Halloween-y or Fawkes-y but characters observe those days in the novel.
Content warnings: murder ; house fire
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My favorite lexicographers have returned to research more words and fight crime!
If you were writing a recipe for my perfect book, it would definitely include dozens of old words, a dash of dark academia, and three wonderful women who puzzle out runes, the Furies, and Bible verses to identify a killer! A very well-plotted and well-written cozy with wonderful characters. If you like reading etymology and Agatha Christie (and even if you don't), you will adore this book. I can't wait for the next installment!
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, via NetGalley, for the ARC!
If you were writing a recipe for my perfect book, it would definitely include dozens of old words, a dash of dark academia, and three wonderful women who puzzle out runes, the Furies, and Bible verses to identify a killer! A very well-plotted and well-written cozy with wonderful characters. If you like reading etymology and Agatha Christie (and even if you don't), you will adore this book. I can't wait for the next installment!
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, via NetGalley, for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This novel is a bit of a slow-burner and it's not for the lazy-brained. It's full of puzzles and signs reminiscent of a Dan Brown novel with a full and complete immersion into the Oxford intellectual scene ala Inspector Morse. So if you love these two elements this book is for you.
Blimey, I had to look up a good few words! It's an interesting and complex mystery and as I said, it makes one think.
I'm sure a lot of effort went into writing this and the only reason I don't give it 5 stars is personally, I found it a bit slow on action and heavy on the intellectual side. Apparently, I don't like to work too hard when I read a novel.
I would like to thank the publisher for providing this copy to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Blimey, I had to look up a good few words! It's an interesting and complex mystery and as I said, it makes one think.
I'm sure a lot of effort went into writing this and the only reason I don't give it 5 stars is personally, I found it a bit slow on action and heavy on the intellectual side. Apparently, I don't like to work too hard when I read a novel.
I would like to thank the publisher for providing this copy to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
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.
Did Not Finish
October 29, 2026I'm having a bad run. This one wasn't for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another CED adventure!! I loved the lexicographer gang and this was such an interesting mystery to solve!! i loved the whole interesting language symbols clues and the super fun word play.
I would love more books in this series!!
I would love more books in this series!!
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:
Read
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.*
August 31, 2026
A university lecturer is found dead, mysterious symbols start appearing around Oxford and lexicographer, Martha Thornhill thinks she’s recognises them. As the police struggle to find answers, Martha is called upon to help but by helping she might also put her in the firing line.
A very clever book with puzzles and word games providing the clues. A great read.
A very clever book with puzzles and word games providing the clues. A great read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Back in the world of the Clarendon English Dictionary, words are once again more than just words. When a death at an Oxford church tower is accompanied by mysterious runes, cryptic numbers, biblical messages and images of Greek avenging goddesses, Martha Thornhill and her fellow lexicographers find themselves drawn into a murder investigation where language itself holds the clues. An old Oxford circle, a possible miscarriage of justice and a trail of revenge make this a layered puzzle as the clock goes ticking. Susie Dent brings her love of language to a mystery that is both engaging and very clever. The Oxford setting is wonderfully idyllic, and the pace swings briskly between clues, suspicions and revelations. The lexicographical puzzles add a distinctive flavour including the interestingly designed chapter titles. Sometimes a reader may feel an innate feeling of sitting for an examination in etymology!
For those who have read the previous book it would be a lovely return to Martha, DI Oliver Caldwell and the CED Team. Their evolving relationships and little details add another layer of intrigue and enjoyment, making it lovely to catch up with familiar faces. But the mystery stands firmly on its own, so newcomers can jump right in without feeling they've missed a thing.
Runes, coded numbers, biblical references and symbols of vengeance are aplenty to keep amateur detectives occupied. Clues are cleverly woven into the story, and the connection between a present-day death and an old criminal case adds an interesting dimension just when you think you found the pattern, there's another perspective to consider. A stronger and more assured outing for the CED team must be a treat to the returning readers, while newcomers can comfortably step into this world without feeling left out. 4 stars for the successful combining of words, history and little academic sleuthing to bring in a successful murder mystery. I certainly hope Martha and her colleagues have more cases to investigate!
Back in the world of the Clarendon English Dictionary, words are once again more than just words. When a death at an Oxford church tower is accompanied by mysterious runes, cryptic numbers, biblical messages and images of Greek avenging goddesses, Martha Thornhill and her fellow lexicographers find themselves drawn into a murder investigation where language itself holds the clues. An old Oxford circle, a possible miscarriage of justice and a trail of revenge make this a layered puzzle as the clock goes ticking. Susie Dent brings her love of language to a mystery that is both engaging and very clever. The Oxford setting is wonderfully idyllic, and the pace swings briskly between clues, suspicions and revelations. The lexicographical puzzles add a distinctive flavour including the interestingly designed chapter titles. Sometimes a reader may feel an innate feeling of sitting for an examination in etymology!
For those who have read the previous book it would be a lovely return to Martha, DI Oliver Caldwell and the CED Team. Their evolving relationships and little details add another layer of intrigue and enjoyment, making it lovely to catch up with familiar faces. But the mystery stands firmly on its own, so newcomers can jump right in without feeling they've missed a thing.
Runes, coded numbers, biblical references and symbols of vengeance are aplenty to keep amateur detectives occupied. Clues are cleverly woven into the story, and the connection between a present-day death and an old criminal case adds an interesting dimension just when you think you found the pattern, there's another perspective to consider. A stronger and more assured outing for the CED team must be a treat to the returning readers, while newcomers can comfortably step into this world without feeling left out. 4 stars for the successful combining of words, history and little academic sleuthing to bring in a successful murder mystery. I certainly hope Martha and her colleagues have more cases to investigate!
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October 26, 2026jumped straight into the second book with the mindset that it usually doesn’t matter where you dip in with serialised detective fiction, but i wish i’d read the first book first. while you don’t get spoiled for anything that happens in guilty by definition, the events of the first book still weigh heavily on the characters’ minds in this sequel, despite how ambiguously written. this is because the first book covers a mystery about the main character’s long lost sister, which is much closer to home than your average detective novel.
i picked up guilty by definition straight after finishing its sequel and am now over halfway through, so can say with certainty that this book is much better than its predecessor. we follow the same characters, but their personalities seem to be less annoying and obnoxious in the second novel.
i have mixed feelings about this book because on the one hand, i really enjoyed the tidbits of history and literature from the perspective of an enjoyer of history and literature. but on the other hand, sometimes it felt like these characters were too knowledgeable about some really niche subjects. it wouldn’t hurt for your characters to have to google things sometimes, y’know? it took me out of the reading experience, making the plot and characters less believable.
i also think the oxford details went a bit overboard. susie dent in an interview said she wanted oxford to feel like a character of its own, so i see where she was going with it, but it read more like susie dent just wanting the reader to be hyperaware of how well she knew every street of oxford.
otherwise, i found the mystery well executed – there were a few suspects i had in my mind, but i didn’t see the reveal coming until it was happening, and it still felt authentic and earnt (whodunnits when there’s no conceivable way the audience can make a good guess are trash yes i’m looking at you rian johnson).
i picked up guilty by definition straight after finishing its sequel and am now over halfway through, so can say with certainty that this book is much better than its predecessor. we follow the same characters, but their personalities seem to be less annoying and obnoxious in the second novel.
i have mixed feelings about this book because on the one hand, i really enjoyed the tidbits of history and literature from the perspective of an enjoyer of history and literature. but on the other hand, sometimes it felt like these characters were too knowledgeable about some really niche subjects. it wouldn’t hurt for your characters to have to google things sometimes, y’know? it took me out of the reading experience, making the plot and characters less believable.
i also think the oxford details went a bit overboard. susie dent in an interview said she wanted oxford to feel like a character of its own, so i see where she was going with it, but it read more like susie dent just wanting the reader to be hyperaware of how well she knew every street of oxford.
otherwise, i found the mystery well executed – there were a few suspects i had in my mind, but i didn’t see the reveal coming until it was happening, and it still felt authentic and earnt (whodunnits when there’s no conceivable way the audience can make a good guess are trash yes i’m looking at you rian johnson).
October 5, 2026
3.5 / 5.0
An interesting book for sure, a lot different to what I am normally use to but I enjoyed reading this book. It’s almost like reading a dictionary but with crime added with it that you’re almost part of the team to solve. I found the book lighthearted, and the plot development and pacing to be consistent throughout.
When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from an alphabet created by a deceased writer whose paper she once worked on. But there 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 the police as suicide. She is called upon to lend their linguistic expertise to the case where herself 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 street and may be reaching out to them too!
Overall but a bad read, will probably keep an eye out for this series! Would recommend if anyone is up for something a bit different from theirs usual.
An interesting book for sure, a lot different to what I am normally use to but I enjoyed reading this book. It’s almost like reading a dictionary but with crime added with it that you’re almost part of the team to solve. I found the book lighthearted, and the plot development and pacing to be consistent throughout.
When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, lexicographer Martha Thornhill recognises them from an alphabet created by a deceased writer whose paper she once worked on. But there 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 the police as suicide. She is called upon to lend their linguistic expertise to the case where herself 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 street and may be reaching out to them too!
Overall but a bad read, will probably keep an eye out for this series! Would recommend if anyone is up for something a bit different from theirs usual.
October 22, 2026
“No, I am not an ‘everything happens for a reason’ person. I just think that sometimes time seems to go in circles.”
September 23, 2026
An enjoyable follow up. Well written with more good use of old terms and explanations of expressions/idioms.
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.
August 24, 2026
After the events of the first book in the series, Guilty By Definition, Martha Thornhill, Ph.D., and her colleagues at the Clarendon English Dictionary are back to their work adding to the compendium of knowledge about words, their origins, and usages. But when Spenser Lewis dies in a fall from an Oxford church tower, DI Oliver Caldwell calls on Martha and the CED editors again.
While there is nothing to indicate Spenser’s death was anything other than suicide, there are messages on the stairs in the form of runes. The lexicographers are able to translate the message, which doesn’t clearly mark the death as murder, but warrants Caldwell and his team give it further investigation. The runes aren’t of the nordic variety, but look like the ones devised for his novels by James Naylor, a fantasy writer in Tolkien’s circle. Then more graffiti turns up in other places, with coded numbers, messages (some biblical), and images of Greek avenging goddesses.
The police and the lexicographers can take a hint. Somebody is saying that Spenser Lewis was a target of revenge—and soon it becomes clear that it isn’t just Spenser, but also members of his old Oxford days’ circle. Since the group had five members, there is a feeling of pressure to find the motive and the perpetrator before all five meet a deadly fate. An old criminal case is unearthed as a possible connection, and questions arise as to whether its solution back in the day was the right one—and, if not, who today might see vengeance as a way to right the wrong.
As a language lover, I was excited when Guilty By Definition came out and very much enjoyed the book. If anything, this is a stronger book, with a more exciting pace and, I think, lexicographical clues that are a bit easier for most readers to follow. The characters are further developed from the first book, and they include not just Martha and Oliver and their teams, but Martha’s father, a good friend of hers, and a new employee at the CED. Susie Dent has created a world so realistic that I would almost expect to see the characters in Oxford among if I visited its quadrangles.
It should be a challenge to come up with crimes needing lexicographic assistance, but I hope Susie Dent is up to it.
While there is nothing to indicate Spenser’s death was anything other than suicide, there are messages on the stairs in the form of runes. The lexicographers are able to translate the message, which doesn’t clearly mark the death as murder, but warrants Caldwell and his team give it further investigation. The runes aren’t of the nordic variety, but look like the ones devised for his novels by James Naylor, a fantasy writer in Tolkien’s circle. Then more graffiti turns up in other places, with coded numbers, messages (some biblical), and images of Greek avenging goddesses.
The police and the lexicographers can take a hint. Somebody is saying that Spenser Lewis was a target of revenge—and soon it becomes clear that it isn’t just Spenser, but also members of his old Oxford days’ circle. Since the group had five members, there is a feeling of pressure to find the motive and the perpetrator before all five meet a deadly fate. An old criminal case is unearthed as a possible connection, and questions arise as to whether its solution back in the day was the right one—and, if not, who today might see vengeance as a way to right the wrong.
As a language lover, I was excited when Guilty By Definition came out and very much enjoyed the book. If anything, this is a stronger book, with a more exciting pace and, I think, lexicographical clues that are a bit easier for most readers to follow. The characters are further developed from the first book, and they include not just Martha and Oliver and their teams, but Martha’s father, a good friend of hers, and a new employee at the CED. Susie Dent has created a world so realistic that I would almost expect to see the characters in Oxford among if I visited its quadrangles.
It should be a challenge to come up with crimes needing lexicographic assistance, but I hope Susie Dent is up to it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Clues Were Clever, but the People Made Me Care....
I went into Death Writ Large expecting a clever murder mystery, but what stayed with me was how much this book is really about people, memory and the damage that can come from being judged too quickly. Martha was the person I connected with most. She has her own history with loss, and when another death brings her back into the world of investigation, you can feel that she is not simply solving a puzzle. She is also dealing with everything that the case brings back into her life. I enjoyed watching her work with Alex and Safi because their friendship feels natural. They argue, joke, think things through and still show up for each other when it matters. The setting also worked so well for me. Oxford is not just a background here. The old buildings, churches, university life, books and history all become part of the atmosphere. Then there are the strange runes and cryptic clues, which gave the mystery a different feel. As someone who enjoys wordplay, I had a lot of fun watching the characters pull meaning from something that initially looked completely impossible to understand. What I appreciated most was that the mystery never completely pushed the human side away. There are questions about guilt, reputation, justice and what happens when people decide they already know who is to blame. Theo's story especially gave the book an emotional weight that I wasn't expecting. This felt like a mystery written by someone who genuinely loves words and understands why they matter. I finished it feeling that the clues were only one part of what made the story work. The people behind them were what made me care.
I went into Death Writ Large expecting a clever murder mystery, but what stayed with me was how much this book is really about people, memory and the damage that can come from being judged too quickly. Martha was the person I connected with most. She has her own history with loss, and when another death brings her back into the world of investigation, you can feel that she is not simply solving a puzzle. She is also dealing with everything that the case brings back into her life. I enjoyed watching her work with Alex and Safi because their friendship feels natural. They argue, joke, think things through and still show up for each other when it matters. The setting also worked so well for me. Oxford is not just a background here. The old buildings, churches, university life, books and history all become part of the atmosphere. Then there are the strange runes and cryptic clues, which gave the mystery a different feel. As someone who enjoys wordplay, I had a lot of fun watching the characters pull meaning from something that initially looked completely impossible to understand. What I appreciated most was that the mystery never completely pushed the human side away. There are questions about guilt, reputation, justice and what happens when people decide they already know who is to blame. Theo's story especially gave the book an emotional weight that I wasn't expecting. This felt like a mystery written by someone who genuinely loves words and understands why they matter. I finished it feeling that the clues were only one part of what made the story work. The people behind them were what made me care.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death Writ Large, by Susie Dent, is the second book in this series (I haven't read the first but will check my library for it) and I found it to be both fun and tense.
This is a wonderful book for readers who like to learn little bits of information (in this case, etymological in nature) while following an investigation. I think a lot of people who fall into this group are also the readers who don't mind a steady pace that slowly builds tension as compared to the careening chaotic pace and structure of other thrillers. Both types are great fun but many only like the fast paced novels. If that is you then this might take some effort on your part, it is methodical and relies as much on cerebral investigation as physical, confrontational investigation.
I found the characters to be formed enough so that I could appreciate them beyond simply their ability to solve the case, in fact I want to know even more about them. I am guessing when I go back to the first book I will get more background since most first books establish all that. Having mentioned all this, I also should say that this book doesn't rely on any knowledge from the first one so can be enjoyed as a standalone read.
Recommended for my fellow word nerds and anyone who enjoys a steadily progressing investigation that also includes a lot of fun information.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a wonderful book for readers who like to learn little bits of information (in this case, etymological in nature) while following an investigation. I think a lot of people who fall into this group are also the readers who don't mind a steady pace that slowly builds tension as compared to the careening chaotic pace and structure of other thrillers. Both types are great fun but many only like the fast paced novels. If that is you then this might take some effort on your part, it is methodical and relies as much on cerebral investigation as physical, confrontational investigation.
I found the characters to be formed enough so that I could appreciate them beyond simply their ability to solve the case, in fact I want to know even more about them. I am guessing when I go back to the first book I will get more background since most first books establish all that. Having mentioned all this, I also should say that this book doesn't rely on any knowledge from the first one so can be enjoyed as a standalone read.
Recommended for my fellow word nerds and anyone who enjoys a steadily progressing investigation that also includes a lot of fun information.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
October 14, 2026
This was very enjoyable, even though I seem to have accidentally started in book 2 of a series.
I thought the Oxford setting was used extremely effectively, and I loved the lexicographic hook - the dictionary staff and their word nerdery really scratched my brain just right. (I also picked up a couple of new-to-me archaic words that I will be deploying into my own writing!) As a mystery, the first half was substantially better than the second half - once the first mystery (what is the historical wrongdoing for which this group of former close university friends are being persecuted?) is solved, the solution to the overall mystery was pretty obvious, so in that sense, the final 30% dragged a bit for me.
The main cast of characters were quite engaging; I enjoyed Saffy, Theo, all the cops, and the various minor players, and I especially like Alex, whose independence, liveliness and spiky intelligence appeals to me as a woman close to her age. I did find Martha, the central protagonist, a wee bit of a sad sack, but I forgave that in the context of what was essentially an ensemble cast story that didn't rest entirely on relating to her.
Overall, a really good read that I whipped through pretty quickly. Despite not really nailing its ending, I's still very much recommend it to mystery readers, particularly ones who are also word or puzzle fanciers.
I thought the Oxford setting was used extremely effectively, and I loved the lexicographic hook - the dictionary staff and their word nerdery really scratched my brain just right. (I also picked up a couple of new-to-me archaic words that I will be deploying into my own writing!) As a mystery, the first half was substantially better than the second half - once the first mystery (what is the historical wrongdoing for which this group of former close university friends are being persecuted?) is solved, the solution to the overall mystery was pretty obvious, so in that sense, the final 30% dragged a bit for me.
The main cast of characters were quite engaging; I enjoyed Saffy, Theo, all the cops, and the various minor players, and I especially like Alex, whose independence, liveliness and spiky intelligence appeals to me as a woman close to her age. I did find Martha, the central protagonist, a wee bit of a sad sack, but I forgave that in the context of what was essentially an ensemble cast story that didn't rest entirely on relating to her.
Overall, a really good read that I whipped through pretty quickly. Despite not really nailing its ending, I's still very much recommend it to mystery readers, particularly ones who are also word or puzzle fanciers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a joy it was returning to Martha and the team. This story quickly drew me in with its blend of academic intrigue and an unusual investigation. The idea of clues hidden in symbols and old literary references gives the mystery a different flavour from the average crime novel, and I found myself trying to solve everything alongside the characters.
What I enjoy most about this series is that the people at its heart feel like genuine colleagues and friends rather than simply detectives. Their conversations and interactions add warmth and humour without distracting from the central mystery. The Oxford backdrop also creates a wonderful atmosphere, making the city feel like an essential part of the story rather than just a setting.
As expected from Susie Dent, language plays a central role, but it sits naturally within the narrative and adds an extra layer of interest. I came away having learned a few things while still feeling thoroughly entertained.
The mystery kept changing direction, and the final reveal was thoroughly satisfying. (No, I didn’t work it out!) I’d happily spend more time with these characters and sincerely hope this isn’t the last adventure for the Clarendon team.
Many thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy
What I enjoy most about this series is that the people at its heart feel like genuine colleagues and friends rather than simply detectives. Their conversations and interactions add warmth and humour without distracting from the central mystery. The Oxford backdrop also creates a wonderful atmosphere, making the city feel like an essential part of the story rather than just a setting.
As expected from Susie Dent, language plays a central role, but it sits naturally within the narrative and adds an extra layer of interest. I came away having learned a few things while still feeling thoroughly entertained.
The mystery kept changing direction, and the final reveal was thoroughly satisfying. (No, I didn’t work it out!) I’d happily spend more time with these characters and sincerely hope this isn’t the last adventure for the Clarendon team.
Many thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Death Writ Large by Susie Dent
I absolutely loved Susie Dent’s debut novel, so I was very happy to get the opportunity to read the second instalment through NetGalley — and it definitely did not disappoint!
I really enjoyed being back with the characters and getting to know them better in this book. We find out much more about their backgrounds and personalities, which makes them feel even more rounded and relatable.
I also loved that the story is set in Oxford. Susie Dent brings the city to life so well that you almost feel like you’re walking the streets alongside the characters.
One of my favourite parts of the book was learning new words along the way. There’s something particularly enjoyable about discovering a new word in each chapter, especially when it’s woven naturally into the story.
Of course, there’s the usual mystery of who did it? — and I was kept guessing right until the end. The combination of cryptic clues, teamwork and working alongside the police makes the investigation really engaging and easy to get drawn into.
Overall, this was a brilliant second instalment and a great, easy summer read. If you enjoy cosy mysteries, clever clues and a good dose of wordplay, I’d definitely recommend it.
Highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved Susie Dent’s debut novel, so I was very happy to get the opportunity to read the second instalment through NetGalley — and it definitely did not disappoint!
I really enjoyed being back with the characters and getting to know them better in this book. We find out much more about their backgrounds and personalities, which makes them feel even more rounded and relatable.
I also loved that the story is set in Oxford. Susie Dent brings the city to life so well that you almost feel like you’re walking the streets alongside the characters.
One of my favourite parts of the book was learning new words along the way. There’s something particularly enjoyable about discovering a new word in each chapter, especially when it’s woven naturally into the story.
Of course, there’s the usual mystery of who did it? — and I was kept guessing right until the end. The combination of cryptic clues, teamwork and working alongside the police makes the investigation really engaging and easy to get drawn into.
Overall, this was a brilliant second instalment and a great, easy summer read. If you enjoy cosy mysteries, clever clues and a good dose of wordplay, I’d definitely recommend it.
Highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy
Unexpected writings appearing throughout Oxford draw us back into the world of lexicography in this latest instalment from Susie Dent.
This is a thoroughly entertaining thriller, built around a core mystery that is both gripping and unpredictable. I really enjoyed the previous instalment, but Susie Dent has clearly grown as a writer here. The prose flows more naturally this time around, and her impressive ability to educate and entertain feels much more seamless. The fascinating world of words never feels like an interruption to the story, instead becoming an integral part of what makes it so enjoyable.
The character development also helped draw me further into the story, leaving me invested in all of the key players. Even Oxford itself feels like a character in its own right, brought vividly to life through Dent’s prose and the events unfolding around it.
Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end, this was one of those books that I found increasingly difficult to put down. Dent has taken what already worked in the previous instalment and polished it into something even more accomplished.
A gripping, entertaining and wonderfully absorbing thriller. Exactly the sort of sequel that makes you want to see where this series goes next.
This is a thoroughly entertaining thriller, built around a core mystery that is both gripping and unpredictable. I really enjoyed the previous instalment, but Susie Dent has clearly grown as a writer here. The prose flows more naturally this time around, and her impressive ability to educate and entertain feels much more seamless. The fascinating world of words never feels like an interruption to the story, instead becoming an integral part of what makes it so enjoyable.
The character development also helped draw me further into the story, leaving me invested in all of the key players. Even Oxford itself feels like a character in its own right, brought vividly to life through Dent’s prose and the events unfolding around it.
Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end, this was one of those books that I found increasingly difficult to put down. Dent has taken what already worked in the previous instalment and polished it into something even more accomplished.
A gripping, entertaining and wonderfully absorbing thriller. Exactly the sort of sequel that makes you want to see where this series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for providing me with an advance copy of Death Writ Large.
Death Writ Large is such an intriguing premise for a mystery, especially for anyone who loves words, puzzles, academia, and a murder that refuses to be as straightforward as it first appears.
Susie Dent brings together linguistics and crime in a wonderfully unusual way. When mysterious symbols begin appearing around Oxford and a university lecturer is found dead, Martha Thornhill’s knowledge of language and a forgotten runic alphabet becomes unexpectedly important to the investigation. The combination of cryptic messages, academic secrets, and a growing sense of danger immediately makes this feel like a mystery with plenty to unravel.
I particularly love how distinctive the concept is. There is something incredibly appealing about a murder mystery where words themselves become clues, and the Oxford setting adds an atmospheric academic quality to the story.
A clever and distinctive mystery with an original premise, an intriguing investigation, and plenty of linguistic charm. Death Writ Large is a fantastic choice for readers who enjoy intelligent mysteries with a literary twist.
Death Writ Large is such an intriguing premise for a mystery, especially for anyone who loves words, puzzles, academia, and a murder that refuses to be as straightforward as it first appears.
Susie Dent brings together linguistics and crime in a wonderfully unusual way. When mysterious symbols begin appearing around Oxford and a university lecturer is found dead, Martha Thornhill’s knowledge of language and a forgotten runic alphabet becomes unexpectedly important to the investigation. The combination of cryptic messages, academic secrets, and a growing sense of danger immediately makes this feel like a mystery with plenty to unravel.
I particularly love how distinctive the concept is. There is something incredibly appealing about a murder mystery where words themselves become clues, and the Oxford setting adds an atmospheric academic quality to the story.
A clever and distinctive mystery with an original premise, an intriguing investigation, and plenty of linguistic charm. Death Writ Large is a fantastic choice for readers who enjoy intelligent mysteries with a literary twist.
September 20, 2026
This is the second instalment in the Clarendon Lexicographers series and the mysteries continue to go from strength to strength.
This book is set a year or so after the first and we see how the aftermath of that story has affected the characters in the present.
Mysterious graffiti starts appearing around Oxford, and Martha (MFC) recognises it as a fictional alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer, then the first body shows up!
Once again I thought the mystery was excellent. The plot progressed logically and the clues to what had occurred were there if you knew how to look for them. Dent also continues to include obscure words and their definitions at the start of each chapter which I love!
The characters themselves were more problematic in my opinion. Some were excellent and I enjoyed their progression but others made decisions that seemed to have no purpose but to unnecessarily complicate the narrative (sorry to be so vague but I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone).
Overall though I did really enjoy reading this, and I’ll look forward to reading future books in the series
This book is set a year or so after the first and we see how the aftermath of that story has affected the characters in the present.
Mysterious graffiti starts appearing around Oxford, and Martha (MFC) recognises it as a fictional alphabet created by a deceased fantasy writer, then the first body shows up!
Once again I thought the mystery was excellent. The plot progressed logically and the clues to what had occurred were there if you knew how to look for them. Dent also continues to include obscure words and their definitions at the start of each chapter which I love!
The characters themselves were more problematic in my opinion. Some were excellent and I enjoyed their progression but others made decisions that seemed to have no purpose but to unnecessarily complicate the narrative (sorry to be so vague but I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone).
Overall though I did really enjoy reading this, and I’ll look forward to reading future books in the series
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for letting me get an e-ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
5/5 — stars
This book has everything. It was fun, it was fast-paced, and it was also educational. I will say I had to look up a few words, but I loved it. How many times do you read a book that is not only super interesting but also teaches you a few things? Not many, at least in my case.
I also really loved the setting. Oxford and all the academia made it even better. The characters were also so fun. I loved Martha, Safi, and Alex. Their dynamic was so fun to read.
As for the mystery, I loved the puzzles and the academia of it, but I did not figure it out before the characters did.
The romance was also cute, but I preferred the mystery storyline.
Overall, this was a lovely book, and this is the perfect book for everyone who loves cozy mysteries and academia.
I am already seated, waiting for the third book.
- Dark Academia
- Oxford setting
- Female friendship
- Cozy mystery
5/5 — stars
This book has everything. It was fun, it was fast-paced, and it was also educational. I will say I had to look up a few words, but I loved it. How many times do you read a book that is not only super interesting but also teaches you a few things? Not many, at least in my case.
I also really loved the setting. Oxford and all the academia made it even better. The characters were also so fun. I loved Martha, Safi, and Alex. Their dynamic was so fun to read.
As for the mystery, I loved the puzzles and the academia of it, but I did not figure it out before the characters did.
The romance was also cute, but I preferred the mystery storyline.
Overall, this was a lovely book, and this is the perfect book for everyone who loves cozy mysteries and academia.
I am already seated, waiting for the third book.
- Dark Academia
- Oxford setting
- Female friendship
- Cozy mystery
Review of advance copy
After passing a sign written in strange runes, Dr Martha Thornhill and her team of lexicographers get embroiled in assisting the police to solve a series of cryptic messages before more people die. The messages take them all over Oxford and as they begin to make sense of what they are unravelling it becomes apparent that the danger is much closer to home. The action comes to its head in the final act which makes up for the novel taking a little while to properly get going.
This is a really solid sequel, and feels like a much stronger piece of crime fiction in comparison to Guilty by Definition. By using obscure words from English as the chapter titles, Susie Dent is both expanding our vocabulary and teasing us as what will come in that chapter. A really clever mystery that will leave you wanting more from this team of professional (word) detectives.
This is a really solid sequel, and feels like a much stronger piece of crime fiction in comparison to Guilty by Definition. By using obscure words from English as the chapter titles, Susie Dent is both expanding our vocabulary and teasing us as what will come in that chapter. A really clever mystery that will leave you wanting more from this team of professional (word) detectives.
Review of advance copy
Narrated by voice actor Louise Brealey. I listened to the book from my public library via BorrowBox. The narration, accents and emphasis on the distinctive voices of the main characters don’t intrude, are convincing and well expressed.
Death by Definition, Dent’s first book was thoroughly enjoyable. This book is equally clever and filled with the tension of a page turner mystery ‘who dunnit’. It was slow to begin and some of the lightly sketched peripheral characters are hard to recognise when they pop up. Due to a stereotyped framing of one character, I did guess (about half way through) who might be responsible for the crimes other than those suspected by the police.
Martha’s dictionary collaborators, the police investigators and burgeoning love interests keep the story going
A ‘curl up on the couch’ of a winter’s evening read.
Death by Definition, Dent’s first book was thoroughly enjoyable. This book is equally clever and filled with the tension of a page turner mystery ‘who dunnit’. It was slow to begin and some of the lightly sketched peripheral characters are hard to recognise when they pop up. Due to a stereotyped framing of one character, I did guess (about half way through) who might be responsible for the crimes other than those suspected by the police.
Martha’s dictionary collaborators, the police investigators and burgeoning love interests keep the story going
A ‘curl up on the couch’ of a winter’s evening read.
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