Death Writ Large

A brand-new linguistic mystery from Countdown's resident lexicographer, Susie Dent, set in the city of Oxford. This gripping novel follows lexicographer Martha Thornhill as she uncovers a tragedy connected to mysterious symbols and a silenced scholar.

When mysterious symbols appear as graffiti around Oxford, Martha Thornhill recognises them from an alphabet created by a deceased writer. Tensions rise when further graffiti is found near the body of a university lecturer, and the police assume the suspicious death is suicide. Called upon to lend their linguistic expertise, 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.

This is the second book in the Clarendon Lexicographers series.

Key Features:

• A compelling murder mystery punctuated by etymological puzzles.
• Set in the historic city of Oxford.
• Features linguistic expertise woven into the plot.

Specifications:

• Author: Susie Dent
• Binding: Hardcover
• Publication Date: 13 August 2026
• Language: English
• Print Length: 416 pages
• Dimensions: 16.4 x 3.4 x 24.3 cm
• Item Weight: 630 g
• ISBN-10: 1804187240
• ISBN-13: 978-1804187241
• Series: Clarendon Lexicographers (Book 2 of 2)

Dive into this unmissable new linguistic mystery from Susie Dent.