Janice Hallett has written another epistolary-ish mystery novel and it did not disappoint. I read and enjoyed The Appeal last year, so I eagerly placed a hold for The Twyford Code. This one is shorter than The Appeal and written in voice memo transcriptions. The short "audio file" format propels the story forward and keeps it engaging in a way different from most other thrillers as the story builds. 

Much like The Appeal, I did find this book lagged a bit in the middle. I have decided that Hallett must do this on purpose, getting us lost in the build and the mundane that every story needs to get to the big reveals and payoffs at the end. I went into this book knowing absolutely nothing and quite liked that, but I'll tell you it's about Smithy. He's recently been released from a long prison sentence and is looking into the disappearance of one of his favorite teachers from Remedial English many years ago. In his search for her, he discovers another mystery and goes down the rabbit hole. 

If you like stories told in unconventional formats, this is well worth a try. I wouldn't place it in the thriller category; this is a solid mystery with many layers revealed in the final quarter. Excellent characters, clever writing, I recommend.