Guilty by Definition cover art

Guilty by Definition

The Clarendon Lexicographers, Book 1

 Preview

Get 30 days of Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30-day free trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £29.99

Buy Now for £29.99

About this listen

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

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

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

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

When more letters arrive, and Martha and her team pull apart the complex clues within them, the mystery becomes ever more insistent and troubling. It seems Charlie had been keeping a powerful secret, and someone is trying to lead the lexicographers towards the truth. But other forces are no less desperate to keep it well and truly buried.©2024 Susie Dent (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK Amateur Sleuths Crime Fiction Mystery Women Sleuths Exciting
All stars
Most relevant
Great to hear about Oxford and how dictionaries are made and keep up to date - cleverly woven through a mystery.
The clues were lost on me - maybe seeing them written as opposed to be audiobook would have given me more of a chance to experience these better.
Also I felt as an audible book many of the new words I was introduced to didn’t sink in - maybe they could have been spelt out to for the audio version?
I’m looking forward to a 2nd and maybe this time I’ll read as opposed to listen to get even more enjoyment from it. Overall really enjoyed the story and the unique way of telling.

Finding the Truth in words

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Really enjoyed this book. Would be nice if first of a series. Sorry when it finished.

Excellent

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
An engaging tale which, at times, seemed to stall but then another clue. I enjoyed the trip into the ‘weird’ world of dictionary people. Look forward to a sequel. Well done Susie

The Chorus was a surprise

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The first chapter didn't reel me in, but from the second chapter on it went whoosh and didn't stop.

Very engaging characters and a good plot.
Lots here for fans of the English language and cryptic crossword lovers.

Highly recommended.

Engaging and entertaining

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A thrilling mystery which is also educational with the lexicographer using the characters to display how dictionaries are made. Fabulous

An amazing foray into fiction by Susie Dent

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews