The Twyford Code: A Novel

Written by Janice Hallett

Narrated by Thomas Judd

The mysterious connection between a teacher’s disappearance and an unsolved code in a children’s book is explored in this new novel from the “modern Agatha Christie” (The Sunday Times, London) and author of The Appeal.

Forty years ago, Steven “Smithy” Smith found a copy of a famous children’s book by disgraced author Edith Twyford, its margins full of strange markings and annotations. When he showed it to his remedial English teacher Miss Iles, she believed that it was part of a secret code that ran through all of Twyford’s novels. And when she later disappeared on a class field trip, Smithy becomes convinced that she had been right.

Now, out of prison after a long stretch, Smithy decides to investigate the mystery that has haunted him for decades. In a series of voice recordings on an old iPhone, Smithy alternates between visiting the people of his childhood and looking back on the events that later landed him in prison. But it soon becomes clear that Edith Twyford wasn’t just a writer of forgotten children’s stories. The Twyford Code holds a great secret, and Smithy may just have the key.

“Filled with numerous clues, acrostics, and red herrings, this thrilling scavenger hunt for the truth is delightfully deceptive and thoroughly immersive” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jan 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797149745

Janice Hallett

Janice Hallett studied English at UCL, and spent several years as a magazine editor, winning two awards for journalism. After gaining an MA in Screenwriting at Royal Holloway, she co-wrote the feature film Retreat. The Appeal is inspired by her lifelong interest in amateur dramatics. Her second novel, The Twyford Code, will be published by Viper in 2022. When not indulging her passion for global adventure travel, she is based in West London.

Reviews for The Twyford Code

[Linda Patin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This made my head hurt because it was so complicated...but when it ties together, it's amazing.

[Michelina Kimmel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read the hardback from England last year, it was my favorite book of the year! I’m excited to hear it on audio but his voice is nothing like I expected. He sounds so posh, it’s disconcerting.

[Gloriana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing as an audiobook. Kudos to the narrator. Very. Very. Complicated. But I immediately fell under its spell. It’s compelling and quite moving. Everything that stretches and can’t possibly be true, is ultimately explained. And what a wild ride. So, much to absorb. The details are astonishing. And I appreciated way the breadcrumb trail has to be followed.

[Latrice K Springs · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Agreeing with another review, stick with this until the end. It all comes together beautifully with interesting surprises. Well done.

[Barbara Railton-Jones · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was a good audiobook due to the fact that the story is told via audio transcripts. I don’t know if the hardcover version would be as good.