Codex is a story of intrigue from beginning to end as its author weaved a tale of mystery and suspense making it difficult to put down. The story starts with Edward (the protagonist) preparing to move to London to work in in his company’s branch over there. He has never had a holiday and doesn’t know what to do with himself. Oddly enough he has been asked to go over to the Wents to do what, Edward doesn’t know. He realises it would be foolish to turn down work his wealthy clients want him to do and promptly goes to their home.

Wealth and privilege often commands respect and a sense that one must do what one is expected to do. Edward found he could have refused the job, particularly when he discovered that he is expected to catalogue books and stack the bookshelves in the library. Why he didn’t refuse was a mystery, yet something drew him towards them. Without realising he began work and was so absorbed in his task that he subconsciously realised he had accepted the job. Each book told its own tale apart from what was written inside. They told of all the hands which had touched them and how well they had been cared for. They were historically significant as they told of eras and events which had occurred and how people had lived their lives. Codex brought history alive particularly as Edward and Margaret (a university student, and former librarian), seek work by Gervase of Langford. There was nothing strange about looking for the book except that it wasn’t just any book. The wents, at least the duchess wanted it, although the reason wasn’t clear when she asked Edward to look for it.

Family history is probably one of the most important things for people as they often have an urge to know who they are and where they came from. It was soon apparent that there was alot more to it than wanting to know more about the author than both Edward and Margaret realised. Without thinking, Edward embarks on an adventure which takes him to places he would not go to on his own. His quest is long and taxing as he has many sleepless nights searching for what, he’s not entirely sure. The ramifications of finding the book were significant for a variety of reasons. The main one, at least for Margaret, was to prove that the work she, and her academic colleagues, thought was a myth existed. It was also important for the Duke which only became apparent near the end of the book. Codex provides twists and turns which I believe will keep the reader guessing until the last page.

Little is known about the British and their culture, although the duchess gives a brief description of her past and what England is like . Her description is long enough to intrigue both Edward and the reader before the story continues. In conclusion I would highly recommend Codex for anybody who enjoys a well written, mystery story.