This book investigates the historical development and diversification of the English language through the lens of sociolinguistic contact. Peter Trudgill, a renowned linguist, presents a series of linguistic puzzles related to the origins of specific English varieties or features. He meticulously examines the evidence, uncovers clues, and proposes original, often surprising, solutions to these historical mysteries. The book offers a compelling narrative of how language contact has shaped English across different geographical and social contexts.

The book is presented as a rigorous yet entertaining account that will be welcomed by students and researchers in linguistics, sociolinguistics, and historical linguistics. The author's approach of posing intriguing puzzles and presenting original solutions suggests a work that challenges conventional understanding. The emphasis on 'detection' and 'mystery' implies a narrative style that engages the reader while delivering scholarly insights into language evolution.