Unravel the mystery of words--and people--in this "droll and poignant comedy of manners full of witty insights and oddball characters, as well as a mystery with a one-of-a-kind unfolding" (The Wall Street Journal). Emily Arsenault's "quirky, arresting debut" (Publishers Weekly) is heir to the fiercely intelligent novels of Jasper Fforde in this story about definitions- of words, of who we are, and of the stories we choose to define ourselves.NATIONAL BESTSELLER
A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR
In the maze of cubicles at Samuelson Company, editorial assistant Billy Webb struggles to focus while helping to prepare the next edition of a dictionary. But there are distractions. He senses that something suspicious is going on beneath this company's academic fa ade. What's more, his (possibly) flirtatious co-worker Mona Minot has just made a startling discovery- a trove of puzzling citations, all taken from the same book, The Broken Teaglass. Billy and Mona soon learn that no such book exists. And the quotations read like a confession, coyly hinting at a hidden identity, a secret liaison, a crime. As Billy and Mona try to unearth the truth, the puzzle begins to take on bigger meaning for both of them, compelling them to redefine their notions of themselves and each other.
The Broken Teaglass is at once a literary mystery, a cautious love story, and an ingenious suspense novel that will delight fans of brilliantly inventive fiction.
Industry Reviews
"A fascinating secret history is hidden within the pages of The Broken Teaglass."--Christopher Barzak, author of One for Sorrow
"A beautifully written, engaging mystery."--Dorothy Allison
"A literary gem."--The New York Times Book Review
"Winningly unique."--The Boston Globe
"A delight."--The Wall Street Journal
"Quirky and inventive."--Richmond Times-Dispatch
"Written with both wit and grace . . . a rare find on today's bookshelves."--The Roanoke Times
"A delightful, quietly humorous, and offbeat mystery."--Library Journal
"Compelling . . . an accomplished work."--Hartford Courant
"The very definition of a promising debut."--Booklist