Cryptic crossword clue
Handwritten book medic returned written by former partner

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word CODEX

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
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The straight part
We know that "Handwritten book" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case handwritten book = codex.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does CODEX mean?

CODEX noun
  1. An early manuscript book.
  2. A book bound in the modern manner, by joining pages, as opposed to a rolled scroll.
  3. An official list of medicines and medicinal ingredients.

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