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A review by rorikae
The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
‘The Twyford Code’ by Janice Hallett is a twisty found audio mystery centered around a code in a children’s book that led to a teacher’s disappearance.
Told through audio files, mostly voice recordings, the story centers on Steven Smith, a man trying to find his way after getting out of prison. After his release, he becomes obsessed with the Twyford Code, a code in a series of children’s books that he found when he was a child. The code is connected to the disappearance of one of his favorite teachers and Steven believes that he can not only crack the code but also figure out what happened to his teach all of those years ago.
Hallett does a great job of utilizing the audio files to tell a story where you’re never quite sure what is true. Since we are getting the story primarily through Steven’s audio recordings, including his own recollections of encounters with acquaintances, it leaves the truth of what is going on up in the air as he begins to unravel the code.
There was a point towards the end where the story was heading in a direction I wasn’t a fan of but Hallett did manage to bring the story around to a satisfying conclusion.
The audiobook is a great option for this story since the story is told through audio files. I do wish there had been a few more narrators incorporated to make it feel more like an audio drama but I also understand that ultimately this wouldn’t have served the story.
I’m interested to read more of Hallett’s work since I love stories told through letters, documents, audio files, and the like.
Told through audio files, mostly voice recordings, the story centers on Steven Smith, a man trying to find his way after getting out of prison. After his release, he becomes obsessed with the Twyford Code, a code in a series of children’s books that he found when he was a child. The code is connected to the disappearance of one of his favorite teachers and Steven believes that he can not only crack the code but also figure out what happened to his teach all of those years ago.
Hallett does a great job of utilizing the audio files to tell a story where you’re never quite sure what is true. Since we are getting the story primarily through Steven’s audio recordings, including his own recollections of encounters with acquaintances, it leaves the truth of what is going on up in the air as he begins to unravel the code.
There was a point towards the end where the story was heading in a direction I wasn’t a fan of but Hallett did manage to bring the story around to a satisfying conclusion.
The audiobook is a great option for this story since the story is told through audio files. I do wish there had been a few more narrators incorporated to make it feel more like an audio drama but I also understand that ultimately this wouldn’t have served the story.
I’m interested to read more of Hallett’s work since I love stories told through letters, documents, audio files, and the like.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Gun violence, Grief, Death, Murder, and Violence
Minor: War, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship