(for best mystery)
I devoured this author’s first book, The Appeal. It was told in a series of documents, had a wide cast of characters and a terrific plot. I am happy to say that The Twyford Code is a most worthy successor to that title.
Once again, the author takes an idiosyncratic approach. This time much of the story is told through a series of audio tape transcripts. Some transcribed well, others less so, giving room for questions and ambiguity.
The book’s narrator has had a hard life, including time in prison. Understanding events from the past motivate the (unreliable?) narrator.
When he was younger, he was in a remedial reading class with some other students (who will be met in these pages). One day, Steve took a book that he found on the bus \, rather than turning it in. His teacher recognizes it and feels a connection, a strong one, to it. And so, things go from here.
Who was the author of this book? What was its significance? What happened to the teacher? Settle in for a satisfying read with this title as the story unfolds.
On another level, this book points to the glories of literacy. Reading opens worlds and nothing can replace that in my opinion.
In a starred review, Publishers Weekly observes: Filled with numerous clues, acrostics, and red herrings, this thrilling scavenger hunt for the truth is delightfully deceptive and thoroughly immersive.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 