The Twyford Code

Janice Hallett's second novel, The Twyford Code, was a recommendation from Angourie Rice on the ABC's Book Shelf radio show -- she described it as a young adult novel, but I don't think it is, and my library certainly shelves it in adult mysteries. It is, however, a huge amount of fun and a really original concept, wrapping mysteries within mysteries in an intriguing and engaging way.

Hallett's previous novel, The Appeal, was written in text messages, documents and emails; The Twyford Code presents us with the transcriptions of 200 audio files, recorded by recently released ex-convict Steven Smith on his son's old phone. The transcriptions aren't perfect; Bournemouth becomes 'bore mouth', Miss Iles becomes missiles, must've is 'mustard' -- this adds a quirky character to Steven's narration, as he recounts both his own personal history as a member of a crime gang, and embarks on the unravelling of an elaborate mystery: the Twyford Code of the title. Edith Twyford is a thinly disguised version of Enid Blyton -- an unfashionable author, reviled for her sexism and racism, but someone who apparently planted clues in her 'Secret Six' books which are reputed to lead to hidden treasure.

The combination of mystery, Enid Blyton and literary puzzles was irresistible to me and I was richly rewarded by this clever, layered and thoroughly enjoyable novel. I might have to check out The Appeal now, if it's as good as this one I won't regret it.