Death Writ Large

The Clarendon Lexicographers #2

by Susie Dent, Unknown Author

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.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Adult, Books About Books, Murder Mystery

Hardcover

First published August 13, 2026

About the author

Dent 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.

Reviews

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Claredon Lexicographers return- Martha, Safi and Alex return in another tale of conundrums and word play amidst the history of Cambridge

Now the key characters have been established, Death Writ Large is a much more compelling and fast paced read than the first story. This time the trio investigate graffiti and mysterious runes associated to a unique writer named Jerome Naylor - a contemporary of Tolkien; especially as the discovered messages are linked to a death and a group of former students linked to a cabal. As a potential threats increase, who could be the next victim?

With Susie Dent's inimitable knowledge of the English language the book is peppered with new words and phrases which add another enjoyment to this read.

DCI Caldwell also returns and the "will they - won't they " potential romance between the two leads is reignited.

Suspenseful and gripping and full of clues, red herrings and mystery.

This is a really good read- personally better than the first book -Guilty By Definition- so I'll look forward to a third in the series. I would recommend reading book 1 to fully appreciate some of the story especially concerning Martha.

Recommended to all lovers of good crime reads and puzzle solvers too.

4.5 out of 5- saving the "5 " for book 3

Thank you to Zaffre Publishing and Netgalley for the advance copy

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 not too detailed; house fire one in the past and one in the novel's present

[Emily]

A 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.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tania]

This 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.*

[Siobhan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

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:

- alcohol & drug use
- bereavement, often described in detail - including loss of a parent, sibling, child, friend & colleague (also includes detailed description of a funeral & wake)
- bigotry - racism, nationalism, Islamophobia, colonialism & slavery; classism; chauvinism
- incarceration & difficulties post-release
- police interrogation & coercion, brief implication of police corruption
- pregnancy (described in detail)
- relationship breakdown/divorce (described in limited detail) and domestic violence (briefly mentioned)
- suicide, and detailed description of bereavement by suicide
- terminal illness including cancer (briefly mentioned, not described)
- violence, blood & vomit, poisoning, trapped in a burning building (described in detail) & burning alive (only briefly mentioned), and death/murder

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Bonnier Books for a review copy.
I was really excited to learn that a sequel to the excellent ‘Guilty by Definition’ was coming out. A new story involving Martha and her friends at the Clarendon English Dictionary was something to look forward to and, like its predecessor, it did not disappoint.
An academic is found dead at the bottom of a church tower and runes from the work of a fictional, but very plausible, contemporary of Tolkien’s start appearing all over the city hinting at past crimes - and so the scene is set.
The format of the story is similar to the previous novel. Each chapter is once more titled by an obscure word and its definition from the dictionary and some very entertaining bits of vocabulary and their etymology pop up in conversation which is as delightful as it was last time round. Unrealistic maybe but truly entertaining.
The characters become more developed in the this second novel and, although it would stand alone perfectly well, there are numerous links to the previous events so I would strongly recommend that the two books are read in order. I went back and listened to Louise Brearly’s fantastic audiobook reading of ‘Guilty by Definition’ to remind myself of the details of that story. I am glad that she is also reading the audio version of this new story and will definitely be adding it to my library.
Martha and her father are in a much happier place now and their relationship with each other and with the other characters in the book becomes more nuanced now that it can be explored more fully. Safi becomes more headstrong in this story as her confidence grows and we learn more about her life outside of work.
DI Caldwell is also much more prominent as a person (rather than merely a detective) this time round and all the more likeable and realistic for it.
The story expands outside of Oxford to take in the beautiful surrounding town of Woodstock and the grounds of Blenheim Castle. Susie Dent manages to bring out the detail of these places in such a way that you feel you are there which is, of course, so much better as there are no tourists or seemingly never ending roadworks to spoil your visit!
This is a beautifully written book by a professional wordsmith. If you enjoyed the first one then you will enjoy this. If, as some reviewers seem to feel, you consider the first book to be OTT or unrealistic then you will have the same feelings about this. But for those who enjoy a playfully intellectual and intricate story wrapped up neatly at the end I would recommend this without hesitation and I look forward to book 3. If you want a hard boiled and realistic police procedural then perhaps this is not for you.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Brian Wilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lexicographers return in this enjoyable sequel to Susie Dent's Guilty by Definition!

On her way to the offices of the Clarendon English Dictionary (CED), Martha passes a crime scene tent outside St. Michael’s Church hiding an apparent suicide. Inside the cordoned area, she notices a message written in runes on the church noticeboard. Martha instantly recognizes the script as an old, fictional language created by a local, deceased fantasy author.

When transliterated—as Martha helpfully notes, "translated" is technically incorrect here, since transliteration simply swaps characters into another alphabet rather than changing the language—the message reads: "Unlucky! Before midnight, whither he goes."

After alerting DI Oliver Caldwell, Martha and her team are invited into the investigation. At the scene, they discover more runes on every stair of the church tower and three distinct wall paintings depicting what appears to be Medusa.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable follow-up packed with cryptic clues for the reader to try and decode. The city of Oxford is intrinsic to the narrative, with its rich history and historic sites beautifully interwoven into the plot. Susie Dent’s passion for linguistics shines through on every page, with regular explanations of the origins of old words, phrases, and local landmarks that really bring the setting to life. While the linguistic side notes can feel a bit frequent at times, it certainly fits a cast of characters who work for a dictionary!

The characters remain believable and well-developed. My only minor critique is that there are a few vague references to events from the first novel—specifically regarding Martha’s sister, Charlie, and the team’s newfound financial situation—that could have used a touch more context for those who haven't read the debut. That said, this works wonderfully as a standalone, though I’d still recommend reading the first book to get the full experience.

The plot itself is fascinating, driven by a trail of clever puzzles and a genuine sense of jeopardy where anyone could be the next target—or the killer. Fast-paced, compelling, and delightfully structured with nice, short chapters, it's a great read for puzzle and mystery lovers alike.

I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre Publishers for the chance to review this novel. All opinions are my own.

Death Writ Large is due to be released on 13th August 2026.

[Maine Colonial · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Denis Wheller · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elli (Kindig Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Susie Dent’s previous thriller – Guilty by Definition, so I was excited to start reading the sequel – Death Writ Large.

When mysterious symbols start appearing around Oxford and a man is found dead after jumping from a church tower, the police turn to the ladies who work at the Clarendon English Dictionary for their unique range of expertise.

Like the first book, each chapter introduces an unusual word and gives its definition which is a really nice touch. The case itself is very twisty, with a lot of clues and red herrings that also spurs on some development of characters which were less involved in the first book. The stakes ramp up as the plot moves on, leaving our characters in real peril. Although I don’t know enough about the subject matter to have guessed any answers to the puzzles, it was still fun to see the characters work them out.

I really enjoyed Guilty by Definition, but it was published 2 years ago now and some of my recollections of the intricacies of the plot have escaped me somewhat. Usually, an author gives reminders to its readers on the important information that you need to know, which also helps new readers to jump in if, like this book, it’s mostly a standalone plot. Susie Dent does not help her readers out with this, and although the events of the previous book are not that important to the plot of this one, there are enough little vague hints and references to events it became a little frustrating without a refresh of the context.

Although I love the fact we have three strong and intelligent women at the heart of the story, I did find Martha, Alex and Safi to be quite similar in the way they were written. I enjoyed the asides – where Martha would muse on a word’s etymology and history, however sometimes that would take me out of the flow of the plot.

Overall, Death Writ Large is a strong sequel to Guilty by Definition - I would just recommend reminding yourself of the first book before you dive in. Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books – Zaffre for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[UKDana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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/

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[Amy Capewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexicographer Martha Thornhill and her friends Safi and Alex work at the Clarendon Dictionary in Oxford, a city that finds itself divided between ‘town and gown’. Following on from the dramatic events that befell them in Dent’s previous novel ‘Guilty by Definition’, they have mostly settled back into the regular pattern of work and life. But when Martha’s walk to work takes her past the church of St Michael at the Northgate she stumbles across a new mystery.
A crime scene tent covers the deceased form of Dr Spencer Lewis, a Professor at Campion College, who had fallen from the top of the tower in an apparently successful suicide bid. But when Martha transliterates a sheet of runes displayed on the church the message “Unlucky! Before midnight, whither he goes.” Seems to suggest that this is something much more complex than initially thought. Is Dr Lewis’ death suicide or murder?

To solve the mystery, Martha will need to reunite with old flame DI Oliver Caldwell, the lead investigator for the case. A tough ask, considering Oliver is now engaged to someone else.

As more clues appear in the form of runic graffiti daubed across historic Oxford, always cryptic and always written in the fantasy language created by celebrated fantasy author Jerome Naylor, the case uncovers a world of secret student societies, historic cases and potential miscarriages of justice. Can Martha and the team at the CED uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Death Writ Large is a lovely mix of crime, puzzles and light romance. The novel is well paced and doesn’t stagnate at any point, so there isn’t the opportunity to get bored. Instead, the storyline moves swiftly from one event to another, revelations are shared regularly which constantly shifts your viewpoint, making sure that the story doesn’t become predictable. There is the perfect level of peril and threat for the genre with frequent twists and turns that keep you guessing.

This is a follow-up to Dent’s previous novel Guilty by Definition. There are frequent references to the previous instalment throughout the book so I would probably recommend reading Guilty by Definition first although it’s not absolutely essential and Death Writ Large can be read as a semi-standalone.

Each chapter starts with a lesser-known word and its definition, which is a nice touch if you’re someone who loves language. However, Dent also has a tendency to crowbar in a lesser-known phrase, word or term in the opening paragraph of each chapter as well, sometimes it feels natural but quite often there’s a sense of trying a little bit too hard and a need to be progressively verbose just for the sake of it, which does break the flow of the story momentarily.

Death Writ Large is cosy crime at its finest - perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Ruth Rendell and readers who enjoy the historical puzzle elements of Dan Brown.
I have genuinely enjoyed reading Death Writ Large and have already added Dent’s previous novel, Guilty by Definition, to my TBR.

[Brian Stabler · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Writ Large is the second book in the Clarendon Lexicographers Series by Susie Dent. When strange writing attributed to a fantasy writer is found near a dead body, it is not long before Martha Thornhill and her colleagues are smack bang in the middle of the investigation. Initial findings have the death as suicide but not everyone is convinced that is the case, especially when Martha starts to decode the messages. When more messages are left and other people start to get hurt, it’s not long before a past event is revisited and the list of potential victims gets larger whilst the identity of the killer remains a mystery.
Having loved the first book in this series I couldn’t wait to meet up with Martha and co again and delve into the world that they inhabit. Martha is coming to terms with the events of the first book, but she does sometimes struggle with how her father has adapted quicker than she expected. Her job is her way of distracting herself and despite misgivings you can see she really enjoys the challenge that this latest case brings. Her interactions with DI Oliver Caldwell whilst at times awkward are also quite sweet as neither of them seem to be able to articulate what they are feeling which considering Martha’s job at the Clarendon English Dictionary was quite ironic.
There are quite a few twists and turns in this book with several suspects investigated. As the motive for the killings becomes clear you can feel yourself being led to one conclusion only to find that you are completely wrong and you have to start again. As to the final reveal, well I wasn’t quite expecting it.
As with the first book Susie Dent has created a cast of characters both old and new that seem to inhabit Oxford as if they were real and paints a picture of that place that enables you to imagine yourself at the heart of it. I won’t lie when I say that I struggled to find redeeming qualities in the group of people that the perpetrator was targeting but that is probably the point. That being said the methods used to exact their revenge was not something I would wish on anyone.
At no point did I feel that the book lacked pace even in the quieter moments and I still love that each chapter starts with a different word and its meaning with some of them making me smile. If you have not read the first book its not an issue as you can read this without feeling that you are missing something as you get quick flashes of the past but I would recommend you read the first in this series especially if you are a fan of cosy crime.

[Stephanie Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

When graffiti written in a mysterious runic alphabet begins appearing in and around Oxford Lexicographer Martha Thornhill finds herself drawn into a murder mystery with an intriguing linguistic twist. As Martha and her colleagues from the Clarendon Dictionary help the police to unravel the cryptic clues they are drawn into a complex investigation. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Oxford, this is a wonderfully clever mystery that combines murder, language, history and a fascinating puzzle.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in The Clarendon Lexicographers series, I genuinely feel that Death Writ Large takes everything that worked so well in book one and raises it to a whole new level. Susie Dent's passion for words shines through every page, I loved the linguistic journey that accompanies the story. The cryptic clues, plot twists and red herrings kept me guessing and completely engaged, while the descriptions of Oxford are wonderful and create such a vivid sense of place. Another real strength is the character development which the author has perfected in this second book.

I love the way Susie Dent so naturally weaves the linguistic elements into the plot, they never feel there just for the sake of it. The author's love and enthusiasm for words and language is clear to see and very infectious. She has undoubtedly established herself as a master storyteller with her second novel which is an absolute joy for anyone who loves words,, puzzles and a jolly good murder mystery.

Many many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for my advance reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jen James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Writ Large finds Martha still working for The Clarendon English Dictionary as senior editor, alongside Alex and Safi. She, and her colleagues, are still coming to terms with the events that unfolded in the first book, Guilty by Definition. On her morning bike ride to the office, she comes upon a group of people staring in horror at a tragic human loss. The loss of life, along with the runes that now adorn the walls, leaves an unsettling feeling over Oxford and its inhabitants.

I thoroughly enjoyed Susie Dent’s debut, and looked forward to digging in to this second book. I really like Martha and the team, they have interesting characters and I’m enjoying getting to know them better. I’m hoping that there will be a third book, as there is scope for interesting character development.

I personally love the etymology that is sprinkled through the pages, I find these facts so intriguing. I will always remember the origin of the word nostril, amongst many others. The book is obviously very well written, as you would expect from the author; and I’m sure most readers will pick up a few wonderful words, to add to their vocabulary.

If you are looking on the sliding scale of crime fiction from cosy to extreme gore, Susie’s books definitely sit on the gentler side. It is a lovely mix of dark academia, and and an intelligently investigated crime. I have very much enjoyed both of the books in this series, and would recommend them to anyone who would like a slightly different crime read.

[Kristine Booksandstuff123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

'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.

[vince weldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Keighley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Guilty by Definition last year for a book club I was part of, and absolutely loved it. The plot, the characters, and the Oxford setting completely won me over.

I was so pleased to discover that this book follows on from the author’s previous novel and reunites us with the same characters.

The trio of Martha, Safi, and Alex have such a brilliant dynamic and complement each other perfectly. To have that kind of workplace friendship is something really special, and I hope we get to see plenty more of them in future stories. 💕

One of my new favourite words, thanks to this book, is “spuddling” - something I think we all do from time to time! 😉 The story explores the English language, history, and the meanings of words, which I found fascinating and really helped keep me engaged throughout.

You can’t beat an intriguing murder mystery that keeps you guessing right until the very end. I also loved that Blenheim Palace features in the story, and I could picture so many of the places mentioned. I just love Oxford as a city!

There’s also a light touch of romance for a few of the characters, which adds nicely to the story without taking anything away from the mystery.

I really can’t recommend this book enough. It offers a fresh take on the crime and murder mystery genre, weaving together mystery, language, and history in such an engaging way.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rachel N · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Martin Southard · Rating 5 out of 5]

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