This was a quick and easy read, albeit simplistic and very predictable.
There is no doubt the author's experience in media and with words shows in the writing that has no snags often seen in first books. However it is also obvious that the plot, design and characters are superficial and set up to make this easily digested- and popular as a result.
The background could have been used for much more complex motivations and character building but I suspect this was never the intention. Good to pass the time..but forgettable.

It’s not my usual read but the plot sounded exciting and sinister. I wish the execution was better, it was more in the Ok region, unfortunately. Plus the format was so boring, I’ve expected more.

Susie Dent, famous from Countdown and its sister program 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, may not be familiar to many Americans, but her contributions to the study and history of the English language should have made her a household name. Even if you have never seen her in dictionary corner, if y0u enjoy cozy mysteries filled with word puzzles, this will be one to have on your radar. Dent's Oxford is atmospheric and tangible, her characters well-drawn, and the mystery itself is satisfying.

What a lot of deliciously arcane and rarely used words! If that turns you on, then this book is for you. I wish I could give it 5 stars twice. Once for plot, the way the story unfolds, a very satisfying murder mystery wrapped in a literary mystery. The other 5 stars for the use of language. I adore reading books that teach as well as entertain and especially ones that I need a dictionary to make certain I understand the nuances of meaning. Not since Colin Dexter have I found an author that has stretched my vocab so much. Definitely ‘Finifugal’ - not wanting a story to end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. It definitely is a slow-moving mystery, so if you enjoy more fast paced thrillers, this may not be for you. I thought the premise was clever, however execution wasn't the best, however it is a debut! I didn't find myself immersed into the story, which helps me feel more connected to the stories and characters. Not bad but not the most riveting mystery I've read!

This book was both slow and fast paced, alternating every so often especially when switching perspectives mid chapter. I'm not against head-hopping, but there was no pattern to it. I was always a little surprised and had to reorient myself every time it happened. Martha, Alex, and Sofi, the three perspectives we get, were REALLY interesting as characters and honestly, I don't think this book would've been half as good if we only got Martha's perspective.

My big problem stemmed from how often a new theory was thrown around. The characters would spitball ideas and run off to follow it. Sure, there's a difference between disappearing and murder, but around 72% of the way through is when we should be starting to eliminate theories, not add to them. It felt as if some of their actions were only there because the plot needed them to figure it out. The mystery itself is pretty easy to solve, but that wasn't really a downside to me since I didn't feel like all the fun and intrigue was sucked out because of this.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

I am a fan of Susie Dent and was very excited to hear that not only had she written a fiction book, but it was a mystery, one of my favorite genres. While not a perfect book, it is a very solid debut and an engaging read. Anyone who knows Dent's other work will know that she has a huge vocabular, and that's definitely on display here. But it never feels false or snobbish. Setting the story within the world of dictionary writes was a smart choice, as it makes the unusual word choices and turns of phrase feel natural.

While I found the writing style a lot of fun, the plot feels a little less solid. There are some big leaps in logic made by the characters that don't feel supported by the text. There are a few times where we get what should have been big dramatic reveals, that instead happen off-page and we only hear them second-hand with one character recapping the events to another after the fact. It's a fine little mystery in all, but it does feel less than the sum of its parts in the end. That's said, it is still a fun, compelling read and I hope that Dent tries more fiction writing in the future.