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Guilty by Definition

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Guilty by Definition

By: Susie Dent
Narrated by: Louise Brealey, Jack Edwards, Susie Dent
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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
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What listeners say about Guilty by Definition

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no one puts suzie in the "dictionary" corner.

wow just wow. Hopefully this will not be the last. it's the Bodlean of books .....

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The Chorus was a surprise

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

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How refreshing!

The plot was an enjoyable as the language. And how delightful to learn new old words at the same time. I now need to listen for a second time to concentrate more on the language without the distraction of the plot development. Thank you Susie, I loved this!

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An absolute must

I totally loved everything about this book. The plot was intelligent and although I guessed the ending it did not detract from my enjoyment. I also learned a lot about words and am motivated to study more about etymology. Thank you Susie Dent - I look forward to the next instalment.
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Fascinating

An engaging ,and well crafted story with interesting and well drawn characters, It gives a,fascinating insight into their profession too. Loved the definitions at the beginning of each chapter. It had a great plot with twists and surprises that held my interest throughout.
Not keen on the narration which was a bit flat and I did have to replay bits as some of the words being defined were not clearly enunciated .
A superb debut . Please write another soon ! Absolutely loved it..

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Good characters and twists

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. A great interview with Susie Dent at the end.

I loved the characters and the twists. I can't wait for a sequel.

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Great debut novel

Setting is bang up to date. Good story and a new context. Hope she keeps writing - No 1 bodes well!

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A brilliant debut novel

Perfect storyline and characters with plenty twisting turns keeping readers guessing. More the same please Ms Dent Thank you

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So good I read it twice.

A great plot full of delicious words. Interesting characters and a wonderful embracing of great literature.

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language

We liked the narrative drive & disliked the epilogue which was too pat and in unnecessary detail.

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