Guilty by Definition is a clever mystery novel which takes place within a dictionary publishing house with the majority of the cast being lexicographers (a person who compiles dictionaries) which is absolutely on trend as the author is one of the Dictionary Corner experts on Countdown! When an anonymous, puzzling (quite literally) letter arrives at the Clarendon English Dictionary’s offices, it is up to the team of lexicographers to solve the clues. But that’s not all, the new senior editor at Clarendon English Dictionary has a past that’s echoed within the anonymous letter, which points to the events of summer of 2010, the summer her older sister went missing...
Guilty by Definition is cleverly plotted, and I enjoyed that each chapter began with a new word and its definition which referred to the feel of the chapter itself. If you’re a fan of Richard Osman’s mystery series, or loved The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, this is a similar vibe to them both. Although I enjoyed this read, I’m not sure if it was trying too hard to be a unique mystery, or if it wanted to follow the great mystery recipe but with something extra taken from Susie’s own successful career. I’m not sure if the definitions at the start of each chapter added anything extra and although I enjoyed them, I wasn’t convinced by them. On the other hand, the intrigue and setting shows Susie’s passion for words and writing - Guilty by Definition is a great plotted mystery that creates both suspense and mystery.
Review by Danielle.
Guilty by Definition was published on 15/08/24 by Zaffre.
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