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kimberlyswalters's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Dementia, Kidnapping, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
gphemsley's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug use, Vomit, and War
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Out now! [Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!]
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Steve “Smithy” Smith has recently been released from prison and is hunting for a mysterious code in the children’s books of author Edith Twyford, which may be tied to the decades-old disappearance of his teacher.
I love a good mystery/puzzle and heard really great things about this one, which is told in a series of transcribed audio files, a truly unique format (I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it). I was able to read this as part of a buddy read, which absolutely added to the fun, as we were able to put our detective hats on and discuss.
That said, while I was definitely intrigued the whole time, The Twyford Code ultimately didn’t land in quite the way I hoped—I found myself confused and a bit frustrated with the way the mystery played out, and while that may be the point, it isn’t my preferred style at all. I felt like I never knew what the actual questions were, so I couldn’t really focus on solving them, and it made the reveal(s) at the end feel a bit out of left field. I also felt like there were a bunch of unanswered questions in the end, and as someone who really likes closure in a book the lack of resolution wasn’t my favorite.
All of that said, I truly know people who ADORE this book, and if it sounds intriguing to you I would absolutely say to give it a shot! It will easily go down as the most original thing I’ve read this year (and maybe ever) and I think if you are the type of person who will enjoy this one you’ll REALLY enjoy it.
Recommended if you like: puzzle books; unconventional/epistolary(ish) formats; multiple plot threads
CW: Violence/injury/blood (all mild); death/loss of parents (off-page); mentions of domestic abuse
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Steve “Smithy” Smith has recently been released from prison and is hunting for a mysterious code in the children’s books of author Edith Twyford, which may be tied to the decades-old disappearance of his teacher.
I love a good mystery/puzzle and heard really great things about this one, which is told in a series of transcribed audio files, a truly unique format (I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it). I was able to read this as part of a buddy read, which absolutely added to the fun, as we were able to put our detective hats on and discuss.
That said, while I was definitely intrigued the whole time, The Twyford Code ultimately didn’t land in quite the way I hoped—I found myself confused and a bit frustrated with the way the mystery played out, and while that may be the point, it isn’t my preferred style at all. I felt like I never knew what the actual questions were, so I couldn’t really focus on solving them, and it made the reveal(s) at the end feel a bit out of left field. I also felt like there were a bunch of unanswered questions in the end, and as someone who really likes closure in a book the lack of resolution wasn’t my favorite.
All of that said, I truly know people who ADORE this book, and if it sounds intriguing to you I would absolutely say to give it a shot! It will easily go down as the most original thing I’ve read this year (and maybe ever) and I think if you are the type of person who will enjoy this one you’ll REALLY enjoy it.
Recommended if you like: puzzle books; unconventional/epistolary(ish) formats; multiple plot threads
CW: Violence/injury/blood (all mild); death/loss of parents (off-page); mentions of domestic abuse
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
lucielockettreads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Okay so when I started this book I was so determined to figure out out before it was given away. I made notes of my reservations after each batch of audio files & Hallett has executed the plot twist PERFECTLY. i was absolutely on the wrong scent but it was also a plausible idea ahaha.
(I have to say I found working out the codes very confusing and so I left it up to the book to reveal them to me instead, but I didn’t get lost too often to worry)
I thought steven would be revealed to be schizophrenic so many times idk why.
(I have to say I found working out the codes very confusing and so I left it up to the book to reveal them to me instead, but I didn’t get lost too often to worry)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Gun violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
Minor: Alcohol
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