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Hawthorne & Horowitz #3
Roimarlik rida
"Kui endine politseiuurija Daniel Hawthorne ja tema kaaslane kirjanik Anthony Horowitz kutsutakse esinema kirjandusfestivalile idüllilisel Alderney saarel, ei oska nad aimatagi, et satuvad otse keset mõrvalugu ja jäävad külmaverelise tapjaga väiksele saarele lõksu. Kui kohalik padurikas ärimees ja festivali sponsor leitakse pärast pidu oma uhkes häärberis jõhkralt tapetuna, satuvad Hawthorne ja Horowitz juhtumi keskmesse. Saar on suletud, kedagi ei lubata sisse ega välja, ja on täiesti selge, et mõrvar varitseb otse nende keskel. Aga kes? On see kuulus lasteautor, täiesti tundmatu prantsuse luuletaja, telekokk, kes annab välja oma kokaraamatuid, pime selgeltnägija või hoopis keegi kohalikest, kes kõik on tülli pööranud saarele rajatava elektriliini pärast? Või hoopis mees Hawthorne minevikust, kellega detektiivi rajad on ristunud varemgi? Horowitz avastab oma õuduseks, et tema uurijast sõbral oli saarele tulekuks hoopis teine põhjus, mitte festivalil esinemine … „Roimarlik rida“ on korraga lustlik satiir raamatukirjastamise ja festivalide maailmast ning samas tohutult nauditav „suletud toa“ mõistatus – lugu, mis on täis geniaalseid süžeepöördeid, oskuslikke vihjeid ja saatanlikult osavaid kõrvalejuhtimisi."
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2021
1998 people are currently reading
21122 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Horowitz
345 books21k followersAnthony Horowitz, OBE is ranked alongside Enid Blyton and Mark A. Cooper as "The most original and best spy-kids authors of the century." (New York Times). Anthony has been writing since the age of eight, and professionally since the age of twenty. In addition to the highly successful Alex Rider books, he is also the writer and creator of award winning detective series Foyle’s War, and more recently event drama Collision, among his other television works he has written episodes for Poirot, Murder in Mind, Midsomer Murders and Murder Most Horrid. Anthony became patron to East Anglia Children’s Hospices in 2009.
On 19 January 2011, the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle announced that Horowitz was to be the writer of a new Sherlock Holmes novel, the first such effort to receive an official endorsement from them and to be entitled the House of Silk.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/anthon...
On 19 January 2011, the estate of Arthur Conan Doyle announced that Horowitz was to be the writer of a new Sherlock Holmes novel, the first such effort to receive an official endorsement from them and to be entitled the House of Silk.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/anthon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,846 reviews
April 12, 2022
When's the last time an author wrote themselves into a fictional murder mystery? I can't think of one either, and that's what's so neat about this particular series. Horowitz portrays himself as the hapless, mildly bumbling Watson to Hawthorne's shrewd Sherlock, and it's a compelling, fascinating read every time.
In this installment, A Line To Kill, Horowitz has been invited to a literary festival on the island of Alderney, and the only catch is that he must also bring along the subject of his book series, ex-Detective Inspector Hawthorne. While Horowitz thinks his biggest problem is trying to get Hawthorne to appear more genial and likable to their audience, a murder happens right under their nose.
I just love murder mysteries that happen on islands. Perhaps it's the illusion of a locked-room mystery or knowing that the suspects have no way to escape, forcing everyone to hang around until the guilty party is found. It creates this slightly menacing but mostly fun atmosphere that I can't get enough of.
This book has everything I've come to enjoy from the series: a small handful of suspects, lots of red herrings, and a few well-done twists that harken back to the days of the Golden Age of Mystery. The dynamic between Hawthorne and Horowitz reminds me of the odd couple, with Hawthorne as gruff and reticent as ever and Horowitz constantly trying to draw him out without success. Along the way, the author manages to poke gentle fun at his fictional self, and the whole thing is quite droll.
This is such a fun series, and this latest installment is another great addition. It grabbed me from the very first page and kept me riveted throughout. I ended up devouring it in under two days. I hope Horowitz continues to write more, though I wonder what'll happen when he runs out of literary puns?
My heartfelt thanks for the advance copy that was provided for my honest and unbiased review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
#1. The Word Is Murder
#2. The Sentence Is Death
Magpie Murders
Moonflower Murders
~~~~~~~~~~~~
In this installment, A Line To Kill, Horowitz has been invited to a literary festival on the island of Alderney, and the only catch is that he must also bring along the subject of his book series, ex-Detective Inspector Hawthorne. While Horowitz thinks his biggest problem is trying to get Hawthorne to appear more genial and likable to their audience, a murder happens right under their nose.
I just love murder mysteries that happen on islands. Perhaps it's the illusion of a locked-room mystery or knowing that the suspects have no way to escape, forcing everyone to hang around until the guilty party is found. It creates this slightly menacing but mostly fun atmosphere that I can't get enough of.
This book has everything I've come to enjoy from the series: a small handful of suspects, lots of red herrings, and a few well-done twists that harken back to the days of the Golden Age of Mystery. The dynamic between Hawthorne and Horowitz reminds me of the odd couple, with Hawthorne as gruff and reticent as ever and Horowitz constantly trying to draw him out without success. Along the way, the author manages to poke gentle fun at his fictional self, and the whole thing is quite droll.
This is such a fun series, and this latest installment is another great addition. It grabbed me from the very first page and kept me riveted throughout. I ended up devouring it in under two days. I hope Horowitz continues to write more, though I wonder what'll happen when he runs out of literary puns?
My heartfelt thanks for the advance copy that was provided for my honest and unbiased review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
#1. The Word Is Murder
#2. The Sentence Is Death
Magpie Murders
Moonflower Murders
~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 6, 2025
A blackmailer, a pedophile, and a killer all walk into a bar...
This time around, the odd couple ends up on a small island as part of a literary festival to promote their first book.
They're still fighting over what to call it.
The interactions between Anthony and Daniel are quietly humorous and add a bit of antagonistic fun to the storyline.
When a scuzzy online gambling magnate turns up murdered in his own home after hosting a party for the authors, everyone is a suspect. The local police turn to Hawthorne in the hopes that he can help them solve the case, and once again, Horowitz is along for the ride. Only he's in the hopes of fulfilling his 3-book deal and being rid of the obnoxious detective once and for all.
To me, these books have been getting progressively better with each story.
Ever so slowly, a very interesting portrait of Daniel Hawthorne is emerging, and the slow burn reveal has me hooked. He comes across as such an asshole but so much of what he's told Horowitz seems somehow off.
The meta aspect of this, being Anthony Horowitz writing a fictional mystery starring Anthony Horowitz, is still really intriguing to read. It's such a fine line between who he is and who his fictional alter ego is that you can't help but wonder what his true feelings are about certain things and what is just made up. And that's a big part of the fun of it.
I can't really talk about the mystery without spoiling it, but it wasn't exactly who I thought it was going to be and it wasn't for the reasons I thought they might do it. While Anthony might not agree with what he does, Daniel manages to get a form of justice for crimes in a roundabout way that doesn't necessarily break the law but isn't exactly above board, either. It's left up to the reader to decide what they think of his methods.
This was another excellent addition to the Hawthorne and Horowitz series, and I can't wait till the next book comes out.
Recommended.
This time around, the odd couple ends up on a small island as part of a literary festival to promote their first book.
They're still fighting over what to call it.
The interactions between Anthony and Daniel are quietly humorous and add a bit of antagonistic fun to the storyline.
When a scuzzy online gambling magnate turns up murdered in his own home after hosting a party for the authors, everyone is a suspect. The local police turn to Hawthorne in the hopes that he can help them solve the case, and once again, Horowitz is along for the ride. Only he's in the hopes of fulfilling his 3-book deal and being rid of the obnoxious detective once and for all.
To me, these books have been getting progressively better with each story.
Ever so slowly, a very interesting portrait of Daniel Hawthorne is emerging, and the slow burn reveal has me hooked. He comes across as such an asshole but so much of what he's told Horowitz seems somehow off.
The meta aspect of this, being Anthony Horowitz writing a fictional mystery starring Anthony Horowitz, is still really intriguing to read. It's such a fine line between who he is and who his fictional alter ego is that you can't help but wonder what his true feelings are about certain things and what is just made up. And that's a big part of the fun of it.
I can't really talk about the mystery without spoiling it, but it wasn't exactly who I thought it was going to be and it wasn't for the reasons I thought they might do it. While Anthony might not agree with what he does, Daniel manages to get a form of justice for crimes in a roundabout way that doesn't necessarily break the law but isn't exactly above board, either. It's left up to the reader to decide what they think of his methods.
This was another excellent addition to the Hawthorne and Horowitz series, and I can't wait till the next book comes out.
Recommended.
November 8, 2021
This is the 3rd installment in the Horowitz/ Hawthorne series, featuring my favorite duo. This can work as a standalone, but for insight into the characters I recommend reading the previous two books first (plus they are really good!). Horowitz is both author and a character in his own novel, as a bumbling ‘Watson’ to retired Detective Hawthorne’s ‘Holmes’. They are an unlikely pair that get along as well as oil and water. Their relationship adds much to the charm and humor in this story, with Horowitz’s cluelessness adding to the fun.
The two are invited to be the featured guests at a literary festival on the island of Alderney, off the coast of England. Horowitz’s biggest worry is how the eccentric, unpredictable Hawthorne will act when they take the stage to discuss his latest book. But that is the least of his worries once the host of the festival is found murdered. Hawthorne is asked to help with the investigation, and Horowitz tags along to take notes.
The cast of suspects/characters from the literary world is colorful and quirky, and I loved the witty satire, with the author poking fun at the literary world, and himself. Not every attendee is who they say they are and there are plenty of suspects and secrets to uncover. “There are an awful lot more than six people who wanted him dead… It’s a line to kill if ever I saw one.”
This was a buddy read with my friend Marialyce, and it was one we both loved and highly recommend. It’s great fun for those who enjoy a clever take on a classic Agatha Christie-style murder mystery, with the requisite multiple suspects and red herrings. Locked room mysteries are my favorite, in this case the ‘room’ being an island. I was kept guessing until the end, although the clues to the resolution are there for anyone to find. I loved this smartly written whodunit, but it’s the characters of Hawthorne and Horowitz that have completely won me over.
* for our duo reviews please visit https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...
The two are invited to be the featured guests at a literary festival on the island of Alderney, off the coast of England. Horowitz’s biggest worry is how the eccentric, unpredictable Hawthorne will act when they take the stage to discuss his latest book. But that is the least of his worries once the host of the festival is found murdered. Hawthorne is asked to help with the investigation, and Horowitz tags along to take notes.
The cast of suspects/characters from the literary world is colorful and quirky, and I loved the witty satire, with the author poking fun at the literary world, and himself. Not every attendee is who they say they are and there are plenty of suspects and secrets to uncover. “There are an awful lot more than six people who wanted him dead… It’s a line to kill if ever I saw one.”
This was a buddy read with my friend Marialyce, and it was one we both loved and highly recommend. It’s great fun for those who enjoy a clever take on a classic Agatha Christie-style murder mystery, with the requisite multiple suspects and red herrings. Locked room mysteries are my favorite, in this case the ‘room’ being an island. I was kept guessing until the end, although the clues to the resolution are there for anyone to find. I loved this smartly written whodunit, but it’s the characters of Hawthorne and Horowitz that have completely won me over.
* for our duo reviews please visit https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...
November 19, 2022
Appearing for the last time in this series as the detective in his own books, Anthony Horowitz delivers another locked room mystery that is sure to appeal to many lovers of a crime / thriller series.
You can always be assured of a very good story, a murder at the beginning of a holiday, event and in this case a festival. Sounding predictable, that’s because it was, and I have to admit to feeling it was all a bit flat and did nothing to move up from third gear. Hence the 3 stars.
The plot
A trip to a literary convention hosted in the idyllic coast of England is the scene for the next murder. Invited as guest speakers, the ideal opportunity is presented to Holmes / Horowitz when conveniently a dead body turns up for Holmes to investigate and Horowitz to pen a new thriller.
A few people capable of murder with motive and opportunity provides the perfect setting for both men to get to work and while they do the reader is treated with some humorous dialogue and witty remarks from these great book characters.
Review and Comments
Horowitz is a great murder / mystery author and does turn out these books that are very readable, and entertaining with good plot lines which keeps me going back again and again. However, most are a 3 or 4 stars, so they are not the best crime / thrillers, but they do make for a very good read.
As a series, this worked with using Sherlock Holmes as a character and Horowitz as the author of his own books in the story. However, it jarred at times when he was praising himself as an author through his book characters – yikes.
A great premise and a solid book with interesting characters. I liked but did not love this one (or the series) but that’s fine because if you are wanting another crime / thriller option that you will enjoy, then this is it. If you need a great crime / thriller to pull you out of a reading slump, then stay away.
You can always be assured of a very good story, a murder at the beginning of a holiday, event and in this case a festival. Sounding predictable, that’s because it was, and I have to admit to feeling it was all a bit flat and did nothing to move up from third gear. Hence the 3 stars.
The plot
A trip to a literary convention hosted in the idyllic coast of England is the scene for the next murder. Invited as guest speakers, the ideal opportunity is presented to Holmes / Horowitz when conveniently a dead body turns up for Holmes to investigate and Horowitz to pen a new thriller.
A few people capable of murder with motive and opportunity provides the perfect setting for both men to get to work and while they do the reader is treated with some humorous dialogue and witty remarks from these great book characters.
Review and Comments
Horowitz is a great murder / mystery author and does turn out these books that are very readable, and entertaining with good plot lines which keeps me going back again and again. However, most are a 3 or 4 stars, so they are not the best crime / thrillers, but they do make for a very good read.
As a series, this worked with using Sherlock Holmes as a character and Horowitz as the author of his own books in the story. However, it jarred at times when he was praising himself as an author through his book characters – yikes.
A great premise and a solid book with interesting characters. I liked but did not love this one (or the series) but that’s fine because if you are wanting another crime / thriller option that you will enjoy, then this is it. If you need a great crime / thriller to pull you out of a reading slump, then stay away.
March 19, 2023
4.5⭐️
A Line To Kill by Anthony Horowitz, the third book in Anthony Horowitz’s Hawthorne and Horowitz Investigate Series takes us to a literary festival being held on the small island of Alderney, where both former DI Daniel Hawthorne and his biographer, writer Anthony Horowitz are invited to speak about the first book in their forthcoming series (the first in three book collaboration between the two characters). Among the other writers featured in the festival are a celebrity cookbook author, a children’s author, a performance poet, a war historian, and a blind author with second sight, among others. A few days into the festival, in a shocking turn of events, the host of the festival, an affluent business magnate is found murdered in his own study and Hawthorne and his biographer/sidekick Horowitz find themselves with another case on their hands.
This installment gave me strong Agatha Christie vibes – the remote location, several suspects with secrets and motives for murder, a multitude of red herrings and an intricate plot make for a riveting read. Though I could guess the identity of the culprit, I liked how the plot progressed and how the mystery is ultimately unraveled. I enjoy the dynamic between the two characters and love the humor the author injects into the narrative, especially in the context of his own characterization as Hawthorne’s bumbling sidekick.
With every installment in this series, we get to learn more about Daniel Hawthorne’s life from before his collaboration with Horowitz in bits and pieces. He doesn’t reveal much about himself to Horowitz, who is often baffled and annoyed with his tight-lipped partner. In this story, we are finally introduced to certain facets of Hawthorne’s personality we had not seen before and given insight into the details about Hawthorne’s dismissal from his former position as DI.
Overall, this is a worthy addition to this highly addictive series, and I can't wait to begin the next installment. I would recommend reading this series in order to fully enjoy the stories and understand the characters.
I paired my reading with audio narration by Rory Kinnear, which I enjoyed.
A Line To Kill by Anthony Horowitz, the third book in Anthony Horowitz’s Hawthorne and Horowitz Investigate Series takes us to a literary festival being held on the small island of Alderney, where both former DI Daniel Hawthorne and his biographer, writer Anthony Horowitz are invited to speak about the first book in their forthcoming series (the first in three book collaboration between the two characters). Among the other writers featured in the festival are a celebrity cookbook author, a children’s author, a performance poet, a war historian, and a blind author with second sight, among others. A few days into the festival, in a shocking turn of events, the host of the festival, an affluent business magnate is found murdered in his own study and Hawthorne and his biographer/sidekick Horowitz find themselves with another case on their hands.
This installment gave me strong Agatha Christie vibes – the remote location, several suspects with secrets and motives for murder, a multitude of red herrings and an intricate plot make for a riveting read. Though I could guess the identity of the culprit, I liked how the plot progressed and how the mystery is ultimately unraveled. I enjoy the dynamic between the two characters and love the humor the author injects into the narrative, especially in the context of his own characterization as Hawthorne’s bumbling sidekick.
With every installment in this series, we get to learn more about Daniel Hawthorne’s life from before his collaboration with Horowitz in bits and pieces. He doesn’t reveal much about himself to Horowitz, who is often baffled and annoyed with his tight-lipped partner. In this story, we are finally introduced to certain facets of Hawthorne’s personality we had not seen before and given insight into the details about Hawthorne’s dismissal from his former position as DI.
Overall, this is a worthy addition to this highly addictive series, and I can't wait to begin the next installment. I would recommend reading this series in order to fully enjoy the stories and understand the characters.
I paired my reading with audio narration by Rory Kinnear, which I enjoyed.
December 10, 2021
Author Anthony Horowitz is one clever mystery writer. In his Inspector Daniel Hawthorne series, Horowitz, in good fun, writes himself into the series as the author who pens novels about the retired Inspector’s cases. Inspector Hawthorne doesn’t always treat his author well, is generally downright dismissive of anything “Tony” has to say or offer. The banter between Hawthorne and ersatz Horowitz is part of the joy of reading the series.
In this story, Hawthorne and Horowitz are invited to an “exclusive” yet low-rate Penguin Random House literary festival on a small island off the south coast of England. No noteworthy author has been invited, because well, all the famous authors turned them down. Other guests include a children’s book author Anne Cleary (NOT to be confused with the real life and wonderful children’s author Beverly Cleary), blind psychic Elizabeth Lovell, war historian George Elin, a French performance poet Maissa Lamar and TV Chef Marc Bellamy. None of these speakers are expected to draw crowds, which is why imitation Horowitz is flummoxed as to why they are attending.
True to Horowitz form, there is a murder right as the festival begins. A gentleman, who owns an online gambling company is found dead, stabbed to death. What is unusual, is he taped to a chair with his right hand free. The island has no residing police force, so Hawthorne decides to take the lead on the murder. Of course, a second murder complicates the investigations. Furthermore, the men discover that a controversial power line is planned to be developed on the island adding fodder for motive.
Also true to Horowitz form are the adorable quirky characters, including the ersatz Horowitz. But the most fun is what Horowitz has with his own character and the literary industry.
Thank you to GR friend Linda who reminded me of the joy that Horowitz’s novels provide. This is another good one!
In this story, Hawthorne and Horowitz are invited to an “exclusive” yet low-rate Penguin Random House literary festival on a small island off the south coast of England. No noteworthy author has been invited, because well, all the famous authors turned them down. Other guests include a children’s book author Anne Cleary (NOT to be confused with the real life and wonderful children’s author Beverly Cleary), blind psychic Elizabeth Lovell, war historian George Elin, a French performance poet Maissa Lamar and TV Chef Marc Bellamy. None of these speakers are expected to draw crowds, which is why imitation Horowitz is flummoxed as to why they are attending.
True to Horowitz form, there is a murder right as the festival begins. A gentleman, who owns an online gambling company is found dead, stabbed to death. What is unusual, is he taped to a chair with his right hand free. The island has no residing police force, so Hawthorne decides to take the lead on the murder. Of course, a second murder complicates the investigations. Furthermore, the men discover that a controversial power line is planned to be developed on the island adding fodder for motive.
Also true to Horowitz form are the adorable quirky characters, including the ersatz Horowitz. But the most fun is what Horowitz has with his own character and the literary industry.
Thank you to GR friend Linda who reminded me of the joy that Horowitz’s novels provide. This is another good one!
September 29, 2022
Metafiction/Brilliant plotting!
Author: Anthony Horowitz / Narrated by: Rory Kinnear / Series: Book 3/ Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins/ Release date: 10-19-21
Love this series! Book 4 will be released on 11-15-22 and I pre-ordered the Audible version.
The duo Horowitz and Hawthorne are back at it!
They take a trip to an idyllic island off the south coast of England. The island is remote and tiny. Things go sideways and they find themselves trapped with a killer!
Engaging, fun banter between Horowitz and Hawthorne, double deception, locked room mystery, multiple suspects that all have a motive, and someone with murder in their eyes.
A blast to follow the clues and signposting on this island journey! Narration is great, but when he switches voices, I had to giggle. He sounds so squeaky/nasally, but it works!
Definitely my cup of Lipton or Tetley!
Author: Anthony Horowitz / Narrated by: Rory Kinnear / Series: Book 3/ Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins/ Release date: 10-19-21
Love this series! Book 4 will be released on 11-15-22 and I pre-ordered the Audible version.
The duo Horowitz and Hawthorne are back at it!
They take a trip to an idyllic island off the south coast of England. The island is remote and tiny. Things go sideways and they find themselves trapped with a killer!
Engaging, fun banter between Horowitz and Hawthorne, double deception, locked room mystery, multiple suspects that all have a motive, and someone with murder in their eyes.
A blast to follow the clues and signposting on this island journey! Narration is great, but when he switches voices, I had to giggle. He sounds so squeaky/nasally, but it works!
Definitely my cup of Lipton or Tetley!
December 2, 2021
I am usually reading multiple books at the same time, between ten and twelve. A few fiction, a few non fiction, a couple of mysteries, a few on audio and sometimes an oldie thrown into the mix. The only reason I'm mentioning this is to explain how unusual, outside of a group read, it is for me to listen,read one straight through. Which is what happened here, I started listening and didn't want to pick anything else up. Listened in two days from beginning to end. Shows how addicting I find this series, the writing, the witticisms of Tony and the terrific voice of the narrator, Rory Kinnear.
The setting of a book festival on Alderney was a plus, any mention of book festivals is a draw for many readers. No murder yet and Tony, playing his usual Watson, writer in residence role, is surprised when Hawthorne, whose presence was requested by the publisher, agrees to attend. Of course, since this is a murder mystery, murder occurs during their stay on the island. A few new revelations about Hawthorne, as well as new questions, arise. An old face tied to Hawthorne reappears. Now I will impatiently wait for the next in series. May the book God hurry it along.
The setting of a book festival on Alderney was a plus, any mention of book festivals is a draw for many readers. No murder yet and Tony, playing his usual Watson, writer in residence role, is surprised when Hawthorne, whose presence was requested by the publisher, agrees to attend. Of course, since this is a murder mystery, murder occurs during their stay on the island. A few new revelations about Hawthorne, as well as new questions, arise. An old face tied to Hawthorne reappears. Now I will impatiently wait for the next in series. May the book God hurry it along.
October 31, 2021
Ya don't know even if ya think ya know......
Some authors of mystery seem to carry around a jailer's hoop chock full of keys opening into avenues of intrigue. That's Anthony Horowitz. Horowitz plays Everyman seeking and struggling to separate the good from the evil in life. His characters may give off the aura of stability only to slip into an abyss of convenient lies and suspicious behavior.
And into the lining of this novel itself is Anthony Horowitz. He's slipped in as one of his own characters from the onset of this series. Crafty and clever. Horowitz was approached by retired Detective Daniel Hawthorne to write about his life back in Book #1. Horowitz hesitantly agrees not fully realizing that he will be accompanying Hawthorne on his cases in order to write the book. Each case is a full-out escapade into a hall of Agatha Christy mirrors.....delightful, powerfully intelligent, and with a bit of twisty in the details.
A Line to Kill finds us with Hawthorne and Horowitz at a book festival on the island of Alderney southeast of England. Seems like a ho-hum jaunt into literature for Hawthorne who will be on stage with Horowitz to discuss their books. Horowitz doesn't quite know what to make of his fellow authors who represent cook books to poetry to children's books to psychic readings. He's more worried about Hawthorne's ill-prepared manner than anything else.
Our guys are invited to a soiree at the home of Charles le Mesurier and his wife Helen. As a wealthy multi-millionaire, it seems that Charles finances most of the events on the island. But there's tension in the air that can be felt as neighbors are taking a stand for and against the proposal of a power line that will cut across property lines and the natural flow of the island. Someone will be profiting and the rest not so much. One less vote on the issue......Charles' body is found the next morning in his private retreat facing the sea. Agatha, herself, is peering down on this one.
Anthony Horowitz makes the reader work hard for this one. All is not as it seems. The cut and dry is not so cut and dry. The obvious is only obvious on the wrong side of the street. A Line to Kill #3 can certainly read as a standalone. But partaking in all three is a gourmet delight. If you like your mysteries clever and not run-of-the-mill, this one has your name stamped on it. Good, good stuff.
Some authors of mystery seem to carry around a jailer's hoop chock full of keys opening into avenues of intrigue. That's Anthony Horowitz. Horowitz plays Everyman seeking and struggling to separate the good from the evil in life. His characters may give off the aura of stability only to slip into an abyss of convenient lies and suspicious behavior.
And into the lining of this novel itself is Anthony Horowitz. He's slipped in as one of his own characters from the onset of this series. Crafty and clever. Horowitz was approached by retired Detective Daniel Hawthorne to write about his life back in Book #1. Horowitz hesitantly agrees not fully realizing that he will be accompanying Hawthorne on his cases in order to write the book. Each case is a full-out escapade into a hall of Agatha Christy mirrors.....delightful, powerfully intelligent, and with a bit of twisty in the details.
A Line to Kill finds us with Hawthorne and Horowitz at a book festival on the island of Alderney southeast of England. Seems like a ho-hum jaunt into literature for Hawthorne who will be on stage with Horowitz to discuss their books. Horowitz doesn't quite know what to make of his fellow authors who represent cook books to poetry to children's books to psychic readings. He's more worried about Hawthorne's ill-prepared manner than anything else.
Our guys are invited to a soiree at the home of Charles le Mesurier and his wife Helen. As a wealthy multi-millionaire, it seems that Charles finances most of the events on the island. But there's tension in the air that can be felt as neighbors are taking a stand for and against the proposal of a power line that will cut across property lines and the natural flow of the island. Someone will be profiting and the rest not so much. One less vote on the issue......Charles' body is found the next morning in his private retreat facing the sea. Agatha, herself, is peering down on this one.
Anthony Horowitz makes the reader work hard for this one. All is not as it seems. The cut and dry is not so cut and dry. The obvious is only obvious on the wrong side of the street. A Line to Kill #3 can certainly read as a standalone. But partaking in all three is a gourmet delight. If you like your mysteries clever and not run-of-the-mill, this one has your name stamped on it. Good, good stuff.
October 9, 2021
The third book in this great series where Horowitz features himself as a Watson like character playing against ex D.I Daniel Hawthorne's Sherlock. As Hawthorne picks up minute clues and solves the case with masterly aplomb, Horowitz bumbles along behind him making mostly wrong guesses.
In A Line To Kill the pair end up together at a literary festival on Alderney promoting their last book. Horowitz worries that Hawthorne will find himself out of his depth, and Hawthorne of course produces a whole new side to his character and puts Horowitz in the shade. They really do not get along well but both are prepared to put up with that for the sake of the books and the money. When a murder occurs on the island Horowitz realises he may be about to find material for book three.
The mystery is intriguing with a whole heap of possible culprits and an even bigger heap of red herrings. If you have a tiny bit of Sherlock Holmes inside you there are lots of genuine clues too, but blink and you miss them. I discovered I am more like Watson and the ending came as a complete surprise to me!
A very readable and enjoyable book altogether! I hope Horowitz can come up with another suitable, literary title for a fourth book and tell us what actually happened in Reeth.
In A Line To Kill the pair end up together at a literary festival on Alderney promoting their last book. Horowitz worries that Hawthorne will find himself out of his depth, and Hawthorne of course produces a whole new side to his character and puts Horowitz in the shade. They really do not get along well but both are prepared to put up with that for the sake of the books and the money. When a murder occurs on the island Horowitz realises he may be about to find material for book three.
The mystery is intriguing with a whole heap of possible culprits and an even bigger heap of red herrings. If you have a tiny bit of Sherlock Holmes inside you there are lots of genuine clues too, but blink and you miss them. I discovered I am more like Watson and the ending came as a complete surprise to me!
A very readable and enjoyable book altogether! I hope Horowitz can come up with another suitable, literary title for a fourth book and tell us what actually happened in Reeth.
November 20, 2021
3.5 stars
Like all the books in this series, this novel is structured like a 'Sherlock Holmes' story in which Dr. Watson accompanies Sherlock Holmes on an investigation, then chronicles the case.
In "A Line to Kill" Anthony Horowitz......
.....accompanies Daniel Hawthorne - a former Scotland Yard detective who became a private sleuth - on an investigation.
Horowitz then writes a book (this one) about the case. A good part of the novel's fun lies in the fact that Horowitz portrays himself as a rather dim sidekick who misses all the important clues AND gets saddled with all the incidental expenses of the inquiries. 🙂
The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.
*****
As the story opens Horowitz and Hawthorne are meeting with Horowitz's publishers to discuss a publicity campaign for their first collaborative book.
The duo have been invited to a minor literary festival on the picturesque British island of Alderney, and though Horowitz is unenthusiastic, Hawthorne is eager to attend. This seems out of character for the sleuth, but the men agree to participate in the event.
Alderney
The book festival is being sponsored by Charles le Mesurier, a wealthy Alderney entrepreneur who made his fortune from an online gambling site called spinthewheel.com.
The writers being featured at the event are a motley bunch that includes: a blind woman who can communicate with spirits;
a French performance poet;
a television chef who writes cookbooks;
an author of children's books;
a World War II historian;
and Horowitz and Hawthorne.
When Horowitz and Hawthorne arrive on Alderney they see multiple signs reading BAN-NAB, erected by citizens protesting a company called NAB, which proposes to build a power line from France - across Alderney - to England.
Book festival sponsor Charles le Mesurier is lobbying for this construction, much to the dismay of citizens who don't want it.
In any event, le Mesurier and his beautiful wife hold a soiree for festival attendees and residents of Alderney.....
......and the next morning someone is found dead in a 'snug' at the edge of le Mesurier's property - a cozy studio the entrepreneur uses to conduct his adulterous affairs.
The local police are unequipped to deal with a homicide and Hawthorne is asked to help investigate the murder. So Hawthorne and Horowitz have another case to solve.
This is essentially a 'locked room' mystery, and the suspects for the murder include the writers invited to the festival and their assistants/spouses; the festival organizer/hostess; an ex-convict child pornographer; a mysterious young Frenchman; a local attorney and his wife; and miscellaneous residents of Alderney.
The author is very fair about sprinkling clues throughout the narrative, but I didn't guess the identity of the killer.....so well done Anthony Horowitz.
I enjoyed this clever suspense novel and would recommend it to fans of 'golden age mysteries.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
November 12, 2021
A perfect break from more demanding fiction. Enjoyed the mystery and again I was unable to point at the murderer lol, so kudos to Mr Horowitz. Hope the contract between H & H for three books is extended to four and more!
OverDrive, thank you!
OverDrive, thank you!
November 2, 2021
Anthony Horowitz is both author and character in A Line to Kill. As with the past two books in the series, he is partnered with Retired DI Daniel Hawthorne. As before, he underplays his own intelligence, becoming Watson to Hawthorne’s Holmes.
Horowitz writes character rich mysteries reminiscent of Agatha Christie. These aren’t fast paced stories, but they are rich in detail and plot points. This time, the duo travel to a literary festival on the channel island of Alderney. It’s not long before the sponsor of the festival turns up dead and Hawthorne is asked to help with the investigation.
The book is filled with a dry humor. Horowitz pokes fun at the book industry, the police and human nature in general. The ending was perfect, everyone’s identity was not as it seemed. I would never have guessed the final denouement.
I don’t recommend this as a stand-alone. It will work much better if you have read the prior two books in the series, or at least the first, The Word is Murder.
The narrator, Rory Kinnear is pitch perfect in his depictions of both main characters.
Horowitz writes character rich mysteries reminiscent of Agatha Christie. These aren’t fast paced stories, but they are rich in detail and plot points. This time, the duo travel to a literary festival on the channel island of Alderney. It’s not long before the sponsor of the festival turns up dead and Hawthorne is asked to help with the investigation.
The book is filled with a dry humor. Horowitz pokes fun at the book industry, the police and human nature in general. The ending was perfect, everyone’s identity was not as it seemed. I would never have guessed the final denouement.
I don’t recommend this as a stand-alone. It will work much better if you have read the prior two books in the series, or at least the first, The Word is Murder.
The narrator, Rory Kinnear is pitch perfect in his depictions of both main characters.
May 29, 2025
The first in this series ‘The Word is Murder’ was a joy, an inventive and often quite hilarious post-modern subversion of the murder mystery, with the actual author, Horowitz, taking part in the action alongside the brilliant, if socially inept, former detective inspector Hawthorne. Horowitz casts himself as the bumbling Watson to Hawthorne’s almost supernaturally gifted Holmes.
The second in the series, ‘The Sentence is Death’, became a little more plot heavy and less about the tensions between author and his secretive hero.
Now, with this third instalment, Horowitz has really over-squeezed the lemon. The mystery around the savant-like Hawthorne, while still intriguing, is really put aside in this one - making it feel like a water-treading exercise. There’s a connection with the past two books, but that feels tacked on. In the meantime, the Horowitz character becomes more irritating and less believeable as his narrative purpose drains away. Horowitz is reduced to expressions of petulant exasperation at such regular intervals that he becomes actively annoying. I didn’t believe, for instance, that after nearly dying in the first episode, that the narrator would want to come back yet again. Even less so after he ended the second book with another knife poking out of his chest.
The third instalment seeks to refresh the formula by having Hawthorne attend a book fair to publicise the first novel on a tiny island off the coast of the UK. A group of writers attending the festival are invited to a reception party at the palatial home of their wealthy host, a lecherous and loathsome playboy.
When a body turns up the next morning, another murder investigation gets underway with Hawthorne helping the local constabulary. Unlike the first two books in the series, this one is confined to a set location with a cast of characters we meet in the opening chapters. In that sense, it’s not unlike a classic Agatha Christie murder mystery. Anyone of 15 people had the motive to do the killing. The question is who.
However, the joy and fizz in the first book came less from the whodunit aspect and more from the cultural clash between Hawthorne and Horowitz, and from the novel idea of the author losing control of his own narrative. But in the first sequel, and even more so in this one, it’s the law of diminishing returns. As the focus shifts from the Horowitz-Hawthorne dynamic (partly because by this stage, it becomes harder to suspend one’s belief that Horowitz would put up with his constant humiliation), the murder story has to carry all of the weight. And the charm of the original conceit leaches away.
The Big Reveal, when it comes, felt much less satisfying than in the first book and I could see it coming a mile off. (At least in this one, we can be thankful that Horowitz’s alter-ego doesn’t stagger away from the scene with a knife poking out of his chest.)
Naturally, while the book within the book talks of a three-title deal for the Hawthorne Investigates series, the ending here leaves open the prospect of even more of these volumes to come. That’s a no from me.
As Hawthorne might say, while sucking on a cigarette, “Tony, mate, I think you’ve over-egged it.”
The second in the series, ‘The Sentence is Death’, became a little more plot heavy and less about the tensions between author and his secretive hero.
Now, with this third instalment, Horowitz has really over-squeezed the lemon. The mystery around the savant-like Hawthorne, while still intriguing, is really put aside in this one - making it feel like a water-treading exercise. There’s a connection with the past two books, but that feels tacked on. In the meantime, the Horowitz character becomes more irritating and less believeable as his narrative purpose drains away. Horowitz is reduced to expressions of petulant exasperation at such regular intervals that he becomes actively annoying. I didn’t believe, for instance, that after nearly dying in the first episode, that the narrator would want to come back yet again. Even less so after he ended the second book with another knife poking out of his chest.
The third instalment seeks to refresh the formula by having Hawthorne attend a book fair to publicise the first novel on a tiny island off the coast of the UK. A group of writers attending the festival are invited to a reception party at the palatial home of their wealthy host, a lecherous and loathsome playboy.
When a body turns up the next morning, another murder investigation gets underway with Hawthorne helping the local constabulary. Unlike the first two books in the series, this one is confined to a set location with a cast of characters we meet in the opening chapters. In that sense, it’s not unlike a classic Agatha Christie murder mystery. Anyone of 15 people had the motive to do the killing. The question is who.
However, the joy and fizz in the first book came less from the whodunit aspect and more from the cultural clash between Hawthorne and Horowitz, and from the novel idea of the author losing control of his own narrative. But in the first sequel, and even more so in this one, it’s the law of diminishing returns. As the focus shifts from the Horowitz-Hawthorne dynamic (partly because by this stage, it becomes harder to suspend one’s belief that Horowitz would put up with his constant humiliation), the murder story has to carry all of the weight. And the charm of the original conceit leaches away.
The Big Reveal, when it comes, felt much less satisfying than in the first book and I could see it coming a mile off. (At least in this one, we can be thankful that Horowitz’s alter-ego doesn’t stagger away from the scene with a knife poking out of his chest.)
Naturally, while the book within the book talks of a three-title deal for the Hawthorne Investigates series, the ending here leaves open the prospect of even more of these volumes to come. That’s a no from me.
As Hawthorne might say, while sucking on a cigarette, “Tony, mate, I think you’ve over-egged it.”
December 20, 2021
The dynamic duo are back at it again! In the first two books, Anthony Horowitz, a writer, had been thrown into Daniel Hawthorne’s world of murder and investigations. This time around, the two are attending a literary festival set on a small island to promote a book Anthony has written following one of Daniel’s investigations. Horowitz finally thinks he will have a bit of an upper hand on Hawthorne. Alas, much like with his case theories, Anthony is wrong yet again. Not only is Daniel the much more popular member of their duo among guests and festival attendees, but much like with Agatha Christie's beloved detectives, where Hawthorne goes, death seems to follow. A festival goer and prominent member of the island community has been found murdered, and thus our modern day Poirot/Hastings (or Holmes/Watson if you’d prefer) pair find themselves right in the middle of a classic locked room style mystery.
For whatever reason, the humor in this one fell a bit flat for me. In the previous books, I had caught myself laughing out loud occasionally and that just didn’t happen here. Admittedly, I have had a lot going on in my personal life lately, so this could very much be a timing thing. After checking out other reviews, it seems like I’m in the minority in terms of finding this one a bit less humorous/clever. There is still a fun dynamic between the two leads and as always, I appreciate Horowitz’s (author, not character) nods to golden age mysteries and willingness to poke fun at both himself and the literary world. The plot is also very well crafted, with plenty of clues and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing. I did not figure this one out, though I did catch some of the clues along the way.
While I was less enamored with this one than the previous two installments in the series, this was still well above average. The first two books just set a very, very high benchmark. I will definitely be picking up the next in the series (if there is one; a “thee book deal” has been mentioned quite often) and am looking forward to checking out the Magpie Murders/Susan Ryeland books from Horowitz soon as well.
For whatever reason, the humor in this one fell a bit flat for me. In the previous books, I had caught myself laughing out loud occasionally and that just didn’t happen here. Admittedly, I have had a lot going on in my personal life lately, so this could very much be a timing thing. After checking out other reviews, it seems like I’m in the minority in terms of finding this one a bit less humorous/clever. There is still a fun dynamic between the two leads and as always, I appreciate Horowitz’s (author, not character) nods to golden age mysteries and willingness to poke fun at both himself and the literary world. The plot is also very well crafted, with plenty of clues and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing. I did not figure this one out, though I did catch some of the clues along the way.
While I was less enamored with this one than the previous two installments in the series, this was still well above average. The first two books just set a very, very high benchmark. I will definitely be picking up the next in the series (if there is one; a “thee book deal” has been mentioned quite often) and am looking forward to checking out the Magpie Murders/Susan Ryeland books from Horowitz soon as well.
February 6, 2024
EXCERPT: As the audience filed out, Colin Matheson leaned across. 'I'm so sorry about that,' he said. 'Derek Abbott is an absolutely vile human being. He works for Charles Le Mesurier, advising him on his investments and various financial matters. You saw the two of them come in together? I don't know why he was here. He hardly ever appears in public and quite frankly, if I'd known he was going to be in the cinema, I might have declined to take part. He lives on the island and he's pure poison.'
'What did you say his name was?'
'Derek Abbott.'
Suddenly everything was clear. This was the reason Hawthorne had been so keen to come to Alderney. Derek Abbott! He was the child pornographer who had 'fallen' down a flight of stairs while Hawthorne was escorting him to the interview room. And he lived here! What was in Hawthorne's mind? Was he pursuing some sort of vendetta? Did he mean to have a second go at finishing him off? And why hadn't he told me? The bastard! Didn't he think I'd find out?
ABOUT ' A LINE TO KILL': When Ex-Detective Inspector Daniel Hawthorne and his sidekick, author Anthony Horowitz, are invited to an exclusive literary festival on Alderney, an idyllic island off the south coast of England, they don’t expect to find themselves in the middle of murder investigation—or to be trapped with a cold-blooded killer in a remote place with a murky, haunted past.
Arriving on Alderney, Hawthorne and Horowitz soon meet the festival’s other guests—an eccentric gathering that includes a bestselling children’s author, a French poet, a TV chef turned cookbook author, a blind psychic, and a war historian—along with a group of ornery locals embroiled in an escalating feud over a disruptive power line.
When a local grandee is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Hawthorne and Horowitz become embroiled in the case. The island is locked down, no one is allowed on or off, and it soon becomes horribly clear that a murderer lurks in their midst. But who?
MY THOUGHTS: Hawthorne just loves to wind Horowitz up, and he falls for it every time! It's really the relationship between these two that keeps me reading this series, although I also like the fact that I haven't yet guessed the murderer in any of the three books I have read.
I thought I might have a better chance with A Line to Kill with it being a veritable 'locked room' mystery, taking place on an island. But no. Not even close. Not even with just a handful of suspects.
There are some delicious red herrings which made for interesting reading. A Line to Kill is really a slow burn. There's a lot of scene setting before the murder takes place, but once it does hold on to your hats! A second murder follows quickly and several scandals and scams are exposed.
And the ending? I loved it. It is obviously leading into a 4th book which I simply can't wait to get my hands on.
Best read as a series from the beginning.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#ALinetoKill #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: Anthony Horowitz's life might have been copied from the pages of Charles Dickens or the Brothers Grimm. Born in 1956 in Stanmore, Middlesex, to a family of wealth and status, Anthony was raised by nannies, surrounded by servants and chauffeurs. His father, a wealthy businessman, was, says Mr. Horowitz, "a fixer for Harold Wilson." What that means exactly is unclear — "My father was a very secretive man," he says— so an aura of suspicion and mystery surrounds both the word and the man. As unlikely as it might seem, Anthony's father, threatened with bankruptcy, withdrew all of his money from Swiss bank accounts in Zurich and deposited it in another account under a false name and then promptly died. His mother searched unsuccessfully for years in attempt to find the money, but it was never found. That too shaped Anthony's view of things. Today he says, "I think the only thing to do with money is spend it." His mother, whom he adored, eccentrically gave him a human skull for his 13th birthday. His grandmother, another Dickensian character, was mean-spirited and malevolent, a destructive force in his life. She was, he says, "a truly evil person", his first and worst arch villain. "My sister and I danced on her grave when she died," he now recalls.
A miserably unhappy and overweight child, Anthony had nowhere to turn for solace. "Family meals," he recalls, "had calories running into the thousands. I was an astoundingly large, round child." At the age of eight he was sent off to boarding school, a standard practice of the times and class in which he was raised. While being away from home came as an enormous relief, the school itself, Orley Farm, was a grand guignol horror with a headmaster who flogged the boys till they bled. "Once the headmaster told me to stand up in assembly and in front of the whole school said, 'This boy is so stupid he will not be coming to Christmas games tomorrow.' I have never totally recovered." To relieve his misery and that of the other boys, he not unsurprisingly made-up tales of astounding revenge and retribution.
Anthony Horowitz is perhaps the busiest writer in England. He has been writing since the age of eight, and professionally since the age of twenty. He writes in a comfortable shed in his garden for up to ten hours per day. In addition to the highly successful Alex Rider books, he has also written episodes of several popular TV crime series, including Poirot, Murder in Mind, Midsomer Murders and Murder Most Horrid. He has written a television series Foyle's War, which recently aired in the United States, and he has written the libretto of a Broadway musical adapted from Dr. Seuss's book, The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. His film script The Gathering has just finished production. And, oh yes, there are more Alex Rider novels in the works. Anthony has also written the Diamond Brothers series.
'What did you say his name was?'
'Derek Abbott.'
Suddenly everything was clear. This was the reason Hawthorne had been so keen to come to Alderney. Derek Abbott! He was the child pornographer who had 'fallen' down a flight of stairs while Hawthorne was escorting him to the interview room. And he lived here! What was in Hawthorne's mind? Was he pursuing some sort of vendetta? Did he mean to have a second go at finishing him off? And why hadn't he told me? The bastard! Didn't he think I'd find out?
ABOUT ' A LINE TO KILL': When Ex-Detective Inspector Daniel Hawthorne and his sidekick, author Anthony Horowitz, are invited to an exclusive literary festival on Alderney, an idyllic island off the south coast of England, they don’t expect to find themselves in the middle of murder investigation—or to be trapped with a cold-blooded killer in a remote place with a murky, haunted past.
Arriving on Alderney, Hawthorne and Horowitz soon meet the festival’s other guests—an eccentric gathering that includes a bestselling children’s author, a French poet, a TV chef turned cookbook author, a blind psychic, and a war historian—along with a group of ornery locals embroiled in an escalating feud over a disruptive power line.
When a local grandee is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Hawthorne and Horowitz become embroiled in the case. The island is locked down, no one is allowed on or off, and it soon becomes horribly clear that a murderer lurks in their midst. But who?
MY THOUGHTS: Hawthorne just loves to wind Horowitz up, and he falls for it every time! It's really the relationship between these two that keeps me reading this series, although I also like the fact that I haven't yet guessed the murderer in any of the three books I have read.
I thought I might have a better chance with A Line to Kill with it being a veritable 'locked room' mystery, taking place on an island. But no. Not even close. Not even with just a handful of suspects.
There are some delicious red herrings which made for interesting reading. A Line to Kill is really a slow burn. There's a lot of scene setting before the murder takes place, but once it does hold on to your hats! A second murder follows quickly and several scandals and scams are exposed.
And the ending? I loved it. It is obviously leading into a 4th book which I simply can't wait to get my hands on.
Best read as a series from the beginning.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#ALinetoKill #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: Anthony Horowitz's life might have been copied from the pages of Charles Dickens or the Brothers Grimm. Born in 1956 in Stanmore, Middlesex, to a family of wealth and status, Anthony was raised by nannies, surrounded by servants and chauffeurs. His father, a wealthy businessman, was, says Mr. Horowitz, "a fixer for Harold Wilson." What that means exactly is unclear — "My father was a very secretive man," he says— so an aura of suspicion and mystery surrounds both the word and the man. As unlikely as it might seem, Anthony's father, threatened with bankruptcy, withdrew all of his money from Swiss bank accounts in Zurich and deposited it in another account under a false name and then promptly died. His mother searched unsuccessfully for years in attempt to find the money, but it was never found. That too shaped Anthony's view of things. Today he says, "I think the only thing to do with money is spend it." His mother, whom he adored, eccentrically gave him a human skull for his 13th birthday. His grandmother, another Dickensian character, was mean-spirited and malevolent, a destructive force in his life. She was, he says, "a truly evil person", his first and worst arch villain. "My sister and I danced on her grave when she died," he now recalls.
A miserably unhappy and overweight child, Anthony had nowhere to turn for solace. "Family meals," he recalls, "had calories running into the thousands. I was an astoundingly large, round child." At the age of eight he was sent off to boarding school, a standard practice of the times and class in which he was raised. While being away from home came as an enormous relief, the school itself, Orley Farm, was a grand guignol horror with a headmaster who flogged the boys till they bled. "Once the headmaster told me to stand up in assembly and in front of the whole school said, 'This boy is so stupid he will not be coming to Christmas games tomorrow.' I have never totally recovered." To relieve his misery and that of the other boys, he not unsurprisingly made-up tales of astounding revenge and retribution.
Anthony Horowitz is perhaps the busiest writer in England. He has been writing since the age of eight, and professionally since the age of twenty. He writes in a comfortable shed in his garden for up to ten hours per day. In addition to the highly successful Alex Rider books, he has also written episodes of several popular TV crime series, including Poirot, Murder in Mind, Midsomer Murders and Murder Most Horrid. He has written a television series Foyle's War, which recently aired in the United States, and he has written the libretto of a Broadway musical adapted from Dr. Seuss's book, The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. His film script The Gathering has just finished production. And, oh yes, there are more Alex Rider novels in the works. Anthony has also written the Diamond Brothers series.
May 25, 2022
I am so invested in this series!
Author Anthony Horowitz and former detective, Daniel Hawthorne are invited to a Literary Festival on Alderney (one of the Channel Islands) to promote their first collaborative dectective story – The Word is Murder.
And they are in good company. The author line-up is as follows:
Marc Bellamy – A culinary writer, there to promote his latest cookbook – Lovely Grub. Joining him is his assistant – Kathryn Harris.
Elizabeth Lovell – A blind psychic, author of several successful autobiographical books regarding the spirit world. Accompanying her, her husband Sid.
George Elkin – A war historian, and expert on Alderney.
Anne Cleary – A popular children’s book series author. Walt Disney has just bought the movie rights.
Maissa Lamar – A French performance poet. (The ‘i’ in her Christian name actually has two dots above it, but I have no idea how to type that?!)
Surprise, surprise, someone is murdered, and I’m not going to reveal who, because I went in blind, so there. I will say that the murder doesn’t take place until a wee way through, which suited me as it gave me a chance to get the characters straight, and learn the layout of the island.
What followed was my favourite type of mystery – a locked room one.
Horowitz and Hawthorne were trapped on an island with a killer.
I loved everything about this whodunnit.
Some of the funniest moments occurred when Horowitz deliberately downplayed his success as an author, and the dismissive irrelevant way he was often treated by other characters. Horowitz may be the narrator but Hawthorne remained the definite star of the show.
Horowitz and I came up with the same possible theory regarding the killer’s identity, and we both thought our solution was a pretty clever one, until the real murderer was revealed, and it was a million times more original. This isn’t a spoiler because Horowitz doesn’t narrate his theory until post-murder reveal, and out of embarrassment, thankfully never voices his thoughts aloud to Hawthorne.
A couple of open-ended questions regarding Hawthorne’s past left me with food for thought, and I’ll be curious to see whether it becomes a main mystery plot, either in book four, or further down the line. In a recent interview, Horowitz stated he intends to write ten or eleven books in this series, so I’m thrilled to bits.
P.S. I wonder if the title of the next book will include the word ‘paragraph’.
Author Anthony Horowitz and former detective, Daniel Hawthorne are invited to a Literary Festival on Alderney (one of the Channel Islands) to promote their first collaborative dectective story – The Word is Murder.
And they are in good company. The author line-up is as follows:
Marc Bellamy – A culinary writer, there to promote his latest cookbook – Lovely Grub. Joining him is his assistant – Kathryn Harris.
Elizabeth Lovell – A blind psychic, author of several successful autobiographical books regarding the spirit world. Accompanying her, her husband Sid.
George Elkin – A war historian, and expert on Alderney.
Anne Cleary – A popular children’s book series author. Walt Disney has just bought the movie rights.
Maissa Lamar – A French performance poet. (The ‘i’ in her Christian name actually has two dots above it, but I have no idea how to type that?!)
Surprise, surprise, someone is murdered, and I’m not going to reveal who, because I went in blind, so there. I will say that the murder doesn’t take place until a wee way through, which suited me as it gave me a chance to get the characters straight, and learn the layout of the island.
What followed was my favourite type of mystery – a locked room one.
Horowitz and Hawthorne were trapped on an island with a killer.
I loved everything about this whodunnit.
Some of the funniest moments occurred when Horowitz deliberately downplayed his success as an author, and the dismissive irrelevant way he was often treated by other characters. Horowitz may be the narrator but Hawthorne remained the definite star of the show.
Horowitz and I came up with the same possible theory regarding the killer’s identity, and we both thought our solution was a pretty clever one, until the real murderer was revealed, and it was a million times more original. This isn’t a spoiler because Horowitz doesn’t narrate his theory until post-murder reveal, and out of embarrassment, thankfully never voices his thoughts aloud to Hawthorne.
A couple of open-ended questions regarding Hawthorne’s past left me with food for thought, and I’ll be curious to see whether it becomes a main mystery plot, either in book four, or further down the line. In a recent interview, Horowitz stated he intends to write ten or eleven books in this series, so I’m thrilled to bits.
P.S. I wonder if the title of the next book will include the word ‘paragraph’.
October 19, 2021
Anthony Horowitz once again stars in his own novel as the bumbling sidekick to ex-detective Daniel Hawthorne. This time the duo have been sent to the Channel Island of Alderney for a small weekend literary festival to promote the upcoming publication of Horowitz's first book featuring Hawthorne. While they are there, a wealthy sponsor of the festival is murdered during a party at his house promoting the festival.
Hawthorne is welcomed by the police from nearby Guernsey to help with the investigation and Horowitz follows in his wake taking notes for what could turn out be a new book. There are almost too many suspects for the unpopular victim who was involved in local politics and promoting the installation of an electric power line connecting France to the UK through Alderney, a venture not popular with all on the island.
With a colourful set of characters, and plenty of red herrings this is a classic locked room (aka island) mystery where no one can leave. Horowitz and Hawthorne still don't like each other very much and the uneasy dynamics of their relationship adds humour to the plot, in addition to sneaky satirical views on writers, writers festivals and murder mysteries. It's all very well done and highly entertaining.
Hawthorne is welcomed by the police from nearby Guernsey to help with the investigation and Horowitz follows in his wake taking notes for what could turn out be a new book. There are almost too many suspects for the unpopular victim who was involved in local politics and promoting the installation of an electric power line connecting France to the UK through Alderney, a venture not popular with all on the island.
With a colourful set of characters, and plenty of red herrings this is a classic locked room (aka island) mystery where no one can leave. Horowitz and Hawthorne still don't like each other very much and the uneasy dynamics of their relationship adds humour to the plot, in addition to sneaky satirical views on writers, writers festivals and murder mysteries. It's all very well done and highly entertaining.
June 6, 2021
I wish to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada for this clever and entertaining ARC in return for an honest review. This is the third book in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series where the author has inserted himself into a mystery story alongside the intelligent, cool, and conceited detective Hawthorne. Hawthorne has asked Horowitz to write about his cases to enhance his fame. In this capacity, Horowitz accompanies Hawthorne as his assistant detective but doesn't have Hawthorne's skills in drawing clues together and establishing the truth. Their relationship is difficult, but they need each other to produce successful and popular books.
The setting is the quiet channel island of Alderney, where a literary convention is being held. Horowitz feels he must attend to publicize his next book about Hawthorne's cases, although it isn't yet finished. We meet some of the residents of this remote, historic island, some eccentric, some menacing and almost all burdened with secrets. The literary guests who have agreed to attend are a mixed lot. There is a blind psychic who talks to the dead, an author of children's books, a TV chef and cookbook writer, a war historian, and an idiosyncratic French poet, also Hawthorne and Horowitz. However, the author feels the guests will mostly ignore his books and his writing. Instead, those attending his lecture will be more interested in discussing Hawthorne's famous solutions to the crimes he solved.
The island's inhabitants are divided about a power plant to be built with a power line running through Alderney. Some believe it will bring economic advantages to the island, but others fear the beauty of their island will be diminished, and property values decrease. This division has brought out rivalries and hatred among the people of Alderney. However, this project is being pushed by a wealthy businessman and islander.
One of the members of the literary group is travelling along with her accomplice under a false identity.
Some hold long-held past grudges against local citizens. So it is no surprise that Alderney erupts with its first murder. No one can leave the island when the two-day convention is finished. Soon there is a second murder. Police officers arrive from Guernsey after Hawthorne has started investigating and looking for clues. We now have a classic locked-room mystery with many suspects and motives.
There are many twists, revelations, misdirections and red herrings galore. This is an entertaining, easy, and relaxing read for anyone who enjoys an old-fashioned mystery. I felt this series would make great TV. There is a setup at the end that demands a fourth book in the series.
The setting is the quiet channel island of Alderney, where a literary convention is being held. Horowitz feels he must attend to publicize his next book about Hawthorne's cases, although it isn't yet finished. We meet some of the residents of this remote, historic island, some eccentric, some menacing and almost all burdened with secrets. The literary guests who have agreed to attend are a mixed lot. There is a blind psychic who talks to the dead, an author of children's books, a TV chef and cookbook writer, a war historian, and an idiosyncratic French poet, also Hawthorne and Horowitz. However, the author feels the guests will mostly ignore his books and his writing. Instead, those attending his lecture will be more interested in discussing Hawthorne's famous solutions to the crimes he solved.
The island's inhabitants are divided about a power plant to be built with a power line running through Alderney. Some believe it will bring economic advantages to the island, but others fear the beauty of their island will be diminished, and property values decrease. This division has brought out rivalries and hatred among the people of Alderney. However, this project is being pushed by a wealthy businessman and islander.
One of the members of the literary group is travelling along with her accomplice under a false identity.
Some hold long-held past grudges against local citizens. So it is no surprise that Alderney erupts with its first murder. No one can leave the island when the two-day convention is finished. Soon there is a second murder. Police officers arrive from Guernsey after Hawthorne has started investigating and looking for clues. We now have a classic locked-room mystery with many suspects and motives.
There are many twists, revelations, misdirections and red herrings galore. This is an entertaining, easy, and relaxing read for anyone who enjoys an old-fashioned mystery. I felt this series would make great TV. There is a setup at the end that demands a fourth book in the series.
November 8, 2021
Anthony Horowitz and the subject of his book The Word is Murder, Private Investigator Daniel Hawthorne, are invited to a literary festival on the Channel Island of Alderney, in preparation for their upcoming follow-up, The Sentence is Death. But what the pair don’t expect to find is an island divided by conflict and become embroiled in a nefarious country house homicide…
Anthony Horowitz is one of those names I often came across when browsing shelves but for whatever reason I never actually picked up any of his books. All I can say is that I’m glad I finally did because A Line to Kill is an outstanding murder mystery novel!
I didn’t realise this is the third book in a series but it’s very accessible as a standalone read. I was also unprepared for the meta angle of the story with the author inserting himself as the narrator of the novel - Watson to Hawthorne’s Holmes (Horowitz has also written two new Sherlock Holmes books, officially chosen by the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate - and I can see why!). It’s a refreshingly unique and charming angle and instantly drew me in.
That said, Horowitz populates his literary festival with fictional authors, rather than drag any real contemporaries through the mud, and they’re an interesting and distinctive cast - a necessary must for what turns out to be a classic Agatha Christie country house murder mystery, and conceived and executed as superbly as anything by Dame Aggie.
I especially liked the setting of Alderney, a Channel Island three square miles big, and a mere eight miles off the coast of France - how it’s considered part of the UK, I don’t know! Having the story contained within a compact, isolated area was a masterstroke, ensuring the murderer couldn’t leave and lending the story a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere. It also sounds like a quaint place to visit.
Hawthorne is the star of the show and Horowitz writes both him and himself quite exceptionally - their relationship in particular is very amusing - but numerous other characters stood out as well like Judith Matheson, the festival organiser, the deliciously evil Charles le Mesurier, and the bumbling local constable from Guernsey, Torode.
The story is plotted perfectly with constant reveals about the various characters and twists coming at you left and right to ensure the story is consistently entertaining, and there are lots of little clues and red herrings sprinkled throughout to keep you guessing. It’s a smoothly written and confidently told tale - I breezed through it in a weekend, totally impressed with the assured and seemingly effortless storytelling.
A Line to Kill was a very clever, suspenseful and compelling murder mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed - needless to say this was my first but definitely not my last Anthony Horowitz book! Any Agatha Christie fans or fans of the genre will love this novel - A Line to Kill is a masterclass in crime fiction and an easy frontrunner for book of the year.
Anthony Horowitz is one of those names I often came across when browsing shelves but for whatever reason I never actually picked up any of his books. All I can say is that I’m glad I finally did because A Line to Kill is an outstanding murder mystery novel!
I didn’t realise this is the third book in a series but it’s very accessible as a standalone read. I was also unprepared for the meta angle of the story with the author inserting himself as the narrator of the novel - Watson to Hawthorne’s Holmes (Horowitz has also written two new Sherlock Holmes books, officially chosen by the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate - and I can see why!). It’s a refreshingly unique and charming angle and instantly drew me in.
That said, Horowitz populates his literary festival with fictional authors, rather than drag any real contemporaries through the mud, and they’re an interesting and distinctive cast - a necessary must for what turns out to be a classic Agatha Christie country house murder mystery, and conceived and executed as superbly as anything by Dame Aggie.
I especially liked the setting of Alderney, a Channel Island three square miles big, and a mere eight miles off the coast of France - how it’s considered part of the UK, I don’t know! Having the story contained within a compact, isolated area was a masterstroke, ensuring the murderer couldn’t leave and lending the story a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere. It also sounds like a quaint place to visit.
Hawthorne is the star of the show and Horowitz writes both him and himself quite exceptionally - their relationship in particular is very amusing - but numerous other characters stood out as well like Judith Matheson, the festival organiser, the deliciously evil Charles le Mesurier, and the bumbling local constable from Guernsey, Torode.
The story is plotted perfectly with constant reveals about the various characters and twists coming at you left and right to ensure the story is consistently entertaining, and there are lots of little clues and red herrings sprinkled throughout to keep you guessing. It’s a smoothly written and confidently told tale - I breezed through it in a weekend, totally impressed with the assured and seemingly effortless storytelling.
A Line to Kill was a very clever, suspenseful and compelling murder mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed - needless to say this was my first but definitely not my last Anthony Horowitz book! Any Agatha Christie fans or fans of the genre will love this novel - A Line to Kill is a masterclass in crime fiction and an easy frontrunner for book of the year.
November 27, 2021
My favorite mystery writer is back! The publication of a new Anthony Horowitz novel is such a special occasion that it gets marked on my calendar, and I hold off on requesting any other library books that week because I know I'll be busy enjoying his latest detective story.
It's difficult to describe the charm of a Horowitz book to readers who aren't fans of mysteries, but I will try.* These books feel special not just because there are some good story twists, or because the killer is especially clever, but it's more about how the author tells the story — there's a meta aspect that is engaging, especially when Horowitz the Writer is himself a character in the book, and confesses in being slow to understand what's going on. And I do love the character of Hawthorne, who is a former detective and a reluctant collaborator with Horowitz's character.
*Sidenote: When I was halfway through this book, a colleague leaned over to make small talk before a meeting and asked what I had been reading lately, and I started gushing about Anthony Horowitz books. I saw their eyes glaze over and could tell they weren't mystery readers. Because I'm physically incapable of stopping a book-gush once I've started, I kept plowing on, raving about how clever his novels are, and by the time the meeting started they seemed intrigued enough to write down the names of some of my favorite Horowitz mysteries. Never underestimate the power of a passionate book rave!
Anyway, this book was a delight, as anticipated, and I'm already looking forward to his next installment. If you are new to Horowitz mysteries, I would recommend starting with either "Magpie Murders" or "The Word is Murder," which are both firsts in their respective series. Three cheers for Horowitz!
It's difficult to describe the charm of a Horowitz book to readers who aren't fans of mysteries, but I will try.* These books feel special not just because there are some good story twists, or because the killer is especially clever, but it's more about how the author tells the story — there's a meta aspect that is engaging, especially when Horowitz the Writer is himself a character in the book, and confesses in being slow to understand what's going on. And I do love the character of Hawthorne, who is a former detective and a reluctant collaborator with Horowitz's character.
*Sidenote: When I was halfway through this book, a colleague leaned over to make small talk before a meeting and asked what I had been reading lately, and I started gushing about Anthony Horowitz books. I saw their eyes glaze over and could tell they weren't mystery readers. Because I'm physically incapable of stopping a book-gush once I've started, I kept plowing on, raving about how clever his novels are, and by the time the meeting started they seemed intrigued enough to write down the names of some of my favorite Horowitz mysteries. Never underestimate the power of a passionate book rave!
Anyway, this book was a delight, as anticipated, and I'm already looking forward to his next installment. If you are new to Horowitz mysteries, I would recommend starting with either "Magpie Murders" or "The Word is Murder," which are both firsts in their respective series. Three cheers for Horowitz!
July 25, 2022
4.5
I look to the light
But a dark shape pursues me.
Your shadow or mine?
Anthony Horowitz and the ex-Detective Inspector Hawthorn have been invited to a literary festival in Alderney to promote their yet unfinished second book.
Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not.
They say crime rate on Alderney is low. In fact there has never been a murder in Alderney.
But that is about to change.
The sponsor of the festival who is the current most hated man on the island, is stabbed to death and there are suspects galore.
Which one of the guests has the strongest motive to commit murder?
I look to the light
But a dark shape pursues me.
Your shadow or mine?
Anthony Horowitz and the ex-Detective Inspector Hawthorn have been invited to a literary festival in Alderney to promote their yet unfinished second book.
Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not.
They say crime rate on Alderney is low. In fact there has never been a murder in Alderney.
But that is about to change.
The sponsor of the festival who is the current most hated man on the island, is stabbed to death and there are suspects galore.
Which one of the guests has the strongest motive to commit murder?
November 8, 2021
Welcome to they world of mystery and suspense in the new book, A Line To A Kill by a favorite author of mine, Anthony Horowitz. Inserting himself into story line and teaming up once again with a somewhat nemesis, Hawthorne, this third installment offers lots for those is us who love mystery novels.
The cleverness of the duo, of course superseded by Hawthorne is the driving force which provides a plethora of characters all seemingly capable of Murder.
Hawthorne and Horowitz arrive at an island for a writers’ conference invited by Charles leMesurier, a rich man, who is pushing for an electrical line running through the island he and his wife reside on. Needless to say, there are many residents of the island opposing this idea and the list of possible suspects increase as said rich man is found murdered.
As usual Hawthorne’s usual intuitive skills are fine tuned as he continued to banter Horowitz who often appears clueless. It makes for the often funny interactions between them.
This book is a pure pleasure to read and enjoy and Jan and I took part in both the enjoyment and the pleasure of a well done whodunnit.
Keeping our fingers and toes crossed in the hope that the team of Hawthorn and Horowitz will be back with book four of a riveting series. Jan and I will be hot on the trail of a new installment.
The cleverness of the duo, of course superseded by Hawthorne is the driving force which provides a plethora of characters all seemingly capable of Murder.
Hawthorne and Horowitz arrive at an island for a writers’ conference invited by Charles leMesurier, a rich man, who is pushing for an electrical line running through the island he and his wife reside on. Needless to say, there are many residents of the island opposing this idea and the list of possible suspects increase as said rich man is found murdered.
As usual Hawthorne’s usual intuitive skills are fine tuned as he continued to banter Horowitz who often appears clueless. It makes for the often funny interactions between them.
This book is a pure pleasure to read and enjoy and Jan and I took part in both the enjoyment and the pleasure of a well done whodunnit.
Keeping our fingers and toes crossed in the hope that the team of Hawthorn and Horowitz will be back with book four of a riveting series. Jan and I will be hot on the trail of a new installment.
May 18, 2024
A complex mystery that doesn't take itself too seriously. Actor/narrator Rory Kinnear is a great match.
Favorite quotes:
"She was the sort of woman who would always of made tea no matter what the crisis. Lose your leg in a hideous industrial accident and she'd be there with a nice cup of earl grey."
"He's not going to solve this case, he's got more chance of finding the meat in his shepherd's pie than he has of working out who killed Le Mesurier. And it probably matters more to him too."
Update - 5/11/24, re-reading with Simon. I'm so glad he is enjoying this series as much as I thought he would!
Favorite quotes:
"She was the sort of woman who would always of made tea no matter what the crisis. Lose your leg in a hideous industrial accident and she'd be there with a nice cup of earl grey."
"He's not going to solve this case, he's got more chance of finding the meat in his shepherd's pie than he has of working out who killed Le Mesurier. And it probably matters more to him too."
Update - 5/11/24, re-reading with Simon. I'm so glad he is enjoying this series as much as I thought he would!
August 19, 2021
The third novel featuring detective Daniel Hawthorne & real life author Anthony Horowitz (or at least, I assume, a fictionalised version of him) is as widly enetrtaining as the first two books in the series. From the opening chapters there's plenty of humour & Horowitz is happy to send himself up & play sidekick to Hawthorne.
In A Line To Kill the tiny Channel Island of Alderney is the setting for a literary festival, a murder & a whole host of suspects. Horowitz delivers an Agatha Christie style plot & his narrative flows beautifully. There's not as much humour as in the previous two Hawthorne/Horowitz novels, but I'm still looking forward to the next instalment.
In A Line To Kill the tiny Channel Island of Alderney is the setting for a literary festival, a murder & a whole host of suspects. Horowitz delivers an Agatha Christie style plot & his narrative flows beautifully. There's not as much humour as in the previous two Hawthorne/Horowitz novels, but I'm still looking forward to the next instalment.
December 3, 2021
Great Fun!
Another entertaining pastiche by Anthony Horowitz! In this inventive series, Horowitz writes himself into the book and plays Watson to"consulting detective" Hawthorne, a hardboiled British Sherlock Holmes. Here Horowitz and Hawthorne go to a literary festival on the Channel island of Alderney to promote their first book, where of course, murder (s) occur. In typical Horowitz fashion, he satirizes the genre while providing a compelling mystery rife with clues and red herrings. A Line to Kill is an excellent read if you want to escape for a while.
Another entertaining pastiche by Anthony Horowitz! In this inventive series, Horowitz writes himself into the book and plays Watson to"consulting detective" Hawthorne, a hardboiled British Sherlock Holmes. Here Horowitz and Hawthorne go to a literary festival on the Channel island of Alderney to promote their first book, where of course, murder (s) occur. In typical Horowitz fashion, he satirizes the genre while providing a compelling mystery rife with clues and red herrings. A Line to Kill is an excellent read if you want to escape for a while.
July 13, 2021
Anthony Horowitz is back with his annual whodunit. My attempts at pacing myself were futile, as I knew I couldn’t wait anywhere near October to pick this one up. Horowitz is a twenty-first-century equivalent to Agatha Christie, and I eagerly await more books in this Hawthorne series.
In our third return to the “dynamic” duo, Horowitz follows Hawthorne to a literary festival on a secluded island in Alderney. There are celebrity chefs, casino owners, poets, and professors. The island is in conflict over the installment of a powerline, which creates enemies out of former friends. What originally was just a trip to promote Horowitz’s most recent publication turns into a murder investigation when a corpse is found in the aftermath of a late-night party. Could the death be from the fallout of the powerline debate? Or is this the repercussion of something that had happened decades before?
What makes this series so fun to read is because it’s fun to play along. The mystery itself feels very accessible to the reader, allowing you to make guesses and have your own suspicions throughout the story. Never feel too confident with your accusations though, as it’s always a shifting climate.
Expect locked room mysteries at their finest when picking up this book, I’m glad it strays away from a lot of the police procedural tropes we see a lot. A couple of people on an island, a dead body, and hundreds of red herrings. (And that’s not an exaggeration, you can’t ever be fooled by this book’s misdirection!)
For avid readers of the series, there is also a fair amount of mystery around Hawthorne’s past. I’m sure that there could be a storyline forming over the next few books exploring more of his background? And in terms of Horowitz’s fictional self, I always enjoy reading some updates/stories on Foyle’s War and Alex Rider adaptations.
I think readers know what they’re getting into when they pick up a Horowitz book, and his endings never fail to entertain me. Keep an eye out for everyone and everything, as I can guarantee you, everyone does have a secret in this novel.
Thank you Harper books for an advanced reader’s copy!
In our third return to the “dynamic” duo, Horowitz follows Hawthorne to a literary festival on a secluded island in Alderney. There are celebrity chefs, casino owners, poets, and professors. The island is in conflict over the installment of a powerline, which creates enemies out of former friends. What originally was just a trip to promote Horowitz’s most recent publication turns into a murder investigation when a corpse is found in the aftermath of a late-night party. Could the death be from the fallout of the powerline debate? Or is this the repercussion of something that had happened decades before?
What makes this series so fun to read is because it’s fun to play along. The mystery itself feels very accessible to the reader, allowing you to make guesses and have your own suspicions throughout the story. Never feel too confident with your accusations though, as it’s always a shifting climate.
Expect locked room mysteries at their finest when picking up this book, I’m glad it strays away from a lot of the police procedural tropes we see a lot. A couple of people on an island, a dead body, and hundreds of red herrings. (And that’s not an exaggeration, you can’t ever be fooled by this book’s misdirection!)
For avid readers of the series, there is also a fair amount of mystery around Hawthorne’s past. I’m sure that there could be a storyline forming over the next few books exploring more of his background? And in terms of Horowitz’s fictional self, I always enjoy reading some updates/stories on Foyle’s War and Alex Rider adaptations.
I think readers know what they’re getting into when they pick up a Horowitz book, and his endings never fail to entertain me. Keep an eye out for everyone and everything, as I can guarantee you, everyone does have a secret in this novel.
Thank you Harper books for an advanced reader’s copy!
July 28, 2022
Anthony Horowitz has added another fun ‘who-dunnit’ to his Hawthorne & Horowitz series!
From the unraveling of the mystery to the evolving relationship between author and detective, I am always entertained. I didn’t enjoy this one’s mystery as much as the previous novels, however, I always enjoy seeing Hawthorne put the pieces together. Again, Rory Kinnear does a perfect job with the narration.
I highly recommend this series to any fans of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes. Excited that the ending eluded to another book. 4.5 stars.
From the unraveling of the mystery to the evolving relationship between author and detective, I am always entertained. I didn’t enjoy this one’s mystery as much as the previous novels, however, I always enjoy seeing Hawthorne put the pieces together. Again, Rory Kinnear does a perfect job with the narration.
I highly recommend this series to any fans of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes. Excited that the ending eluded to another book. 4.5 stars.
March 11, 2022
Започва да ми става леко досадно малоумното и самоунизително поведение на Хоровиц (литературния герой) спрямо (уж) вездесъщия Хоторн.
Иначе кримката е симпатична, но имайте едно на ум, че началото е бавно.
Иначе кримката е симпатична, но имайте едно на ум, че началото е бавно.
September 1, 2021
Having loved the first two books in this series, "The Word is Murder," and "The Sentence is Death," I was thrilled, not only to read the third, but to hear in the interview at the end of this that Anthony Horowitz is planning further mysteries featuring Hawthorne.
This begins with Horowitz feeling a little over-confident, as Hawthorne comes to a meeting at his publishers. Hawthorne, he imagines, will be in 'his world.' Of course, this confidence is premature, as Hawthorne manages to be the centre of attention, be utterly confident and embrace the idea of a literary festival on the Island of Alderney. With 'Tony,' as always disgruntled (Horowitz's self-deprecation is done masterfully) and, quite rightly questioning Hawthorne's willingness to attend the festival, the two men and the other 'celebrity' authors head off for the little island.
You always feel that Anthony Horowitz has such fun with this series, and he has a great group of suspects, from a spiritualist, to a children's author, a celebrity chef and a French performance poet. On the island, there is a row going on about a power line and this has created bad feeling between the locals. When there is a murder, it is up to Hawthorne to unravel the motives and there are many.
One of the things I enjoy about this series is the way Hawthorne is always one step ahead of Horowitz, as well as the little snippets of information you hear about him in every novel. In the interview, Anthony Horowitz is also self-deprecating about his own writing - talking of people reading his books on holiday, he suggests that there are better writers, but that his work can be a stepping stone. I dislike this snobbery about writing and urge Mr Horowitz not to fall victim to this belief that books should be 'worthy'. I love books for many reasons, but, on a Bank Holiday weekend, this was utter pleasure - well written, with excellent characters, a great setting, and a joy to read. I look forward to more of Horowitz and Hawthorne.
This begins with Horowitz feeling a little over-confident, as Hawthorne comes to a meeting at his publishers. Hawthorne, he imagines, will be in 'his world.' Of course, this confidence is premature, as Hawthorne manages to be the centre of attention, be utterly confident and embrace the idea of a literary festival on the Island of Alderney. With 'Tony,' as always disgruntled (Horowitz's self-deprecation is done masterfully) and, quite rightly questioning Hawthorne's willingness to attend the festival, the two men and the other 'celebrity' authors head off for the little island.
You always feel that Anthony Horowitz has such fun with this series, and he has a great group of suspects, from a spiritualist, to a children's author, a celebrity chef and a French performance poet. On the island, there is a row going on about a power line and this has created bad feeling between the locals. When there is a murder, it is up to Hawthorne to unravel the motives and there are many.
One of the things I enjoy about this series is the way Hawthorne is always one step ahead of Horowitz, as well as the little snippets of information you hear about him in every novel. In the interview, Anthony Horowitz is also self-deprecating about his own writing - talking of people reading his books on holiday, he suggests that there are better writers, but that his work can be a stepping stone. I dislike this snobbery about writing and urge Mr Horowitz not to fall victim to this belief that books should be 'worthy'. I love books for many reasons, but, on a Bank Holiday weekend, this was utter pleasure - well written, with excellent characters, a great setting, and a joy to read. I look forward to more of Horowitz and Hawthorne.
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