Neither thumbs up nor thumbs down for The Broken Teaglass by Emily Arsenault. Mystery.
I’d heard about this ages ago and was excited by the combination of the glowing review I read, plus the setting (a mystery set at a dictionary-making company, the clues being found in the word files). Sadly, when I finally acquired a copy, my expectations were disappointed. This is not a bad book by any means. It was just…mild. I truly believe that it’s possible to make a gripping book about anything: even a cold murder case, in which the main investigation involves the characters flipping through word citations. It’s a difficult task, to be sure – and certainly beyond my skill. Unfortunately, it’s a skill beyond Arsenault as well. Engaging enough to finish, yes. Gripping, no. I might recommend it to someone really interested in lexicography, but it’s not a keeper.
“It’s not so bad, actually,” Mona continued. “Did you hear about the time this old lady called, and wanted us to put ‘Lula’ in the dictionary, with the definition ‘an exceptionally personable and unforgettable housecat’? I mean, that shit is classic! Imagine the stories you’ll get to tell your grandchildren.”
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