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Hawthorne & Horowitz #6
A Deadly Episode
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26From the global bestselling author of Moonflower Murders and Close to Death comes an unputdownable new mystery in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series.
‘Easily the greatest of our crime writers’ Sunday Times
'Nobody does this crime fiction better than Anthony Horowitz’ Crime Time FM
'Anthony Horowitz is a national treasure' Ragnar Jónasson
---------
The Word is Murder, the first book in the Hawthorne series, is about to be made into a major feature film.
The actors have been cast, the script written, and filming has already started in Hastings.
But when Hawthorne and Anthony visit the set, they find a far from happy family.
The director’s pretentious, the screenwriter’s an eco-warrior, the two stars hate each other, and the producer has run out of money.
And things are about to get much, much worse.
In the middle of shooting, the actor playing Hawthorne is stabbed – which leaves the real Hawthorne with no choice. He has to step in and investigate his own murder.
Because the killer may not have got the right man. Was it Hawthorne himself who was meant to be the target?
A Deadly Episode is a wild ride through a world that the author knows only too well, and the most personal case Hawthorne has had to deal with so far.
‘Easily the greatest of our crime writers’ Sunday Times
'Nobody does this crime fiction better than Anthony Horowitz’ Crime Time FM
'Anthony Horowitz is a national treasure' Ragnar Jónasson
---------
The Word is Murder, the first book in the Hawthorne series, is about to be made into a major feature film.
The actors have been cast, the script written, and filming has already started in Hastings.
But when Hawthorne and Anthony visit the set, they find a far from happy family.
The director’s pretentious, the screenwriter’s an eco-warrior, the two stars hate each other, and the producer has run out of money.
And things are about to get much, much worse.
In the middle of shooting, the actor playing Hawthorne is stabbed – which leaves the real Hawthorne with no choice. He has to step in and investigate his own murder.
Because the killer may not have got the right man. Was it Hawthorne himself who was meant to be the target?
A Deadly Episode is a wild ride through a world that the author knows only too well, and the most personal case Hawthorne has had to deal with so far.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 28, 2026
7 people are currently reading
2535 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
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September 16, 2025i can't wait to read it!!! i need a dose of horowitz & hawthorne asap
December 17, 2025
Always a pleasure and an inspiration easy absorbing read i finished in two sittings. I love how in his protagonist - a version of AH himself - Horowitz has created someone who always misses the point. This one is more of a big standard whodunnit, but still a thoroughly enjoyable read
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Cornerstone for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.
The 6th instalment of the Hawthorne series is finally here!
Whilst I think enough is explained to enjoy this as a standalone story, there are spoilers for the first book and there’s such rich character development across the series that I would highly recommend reading them in order to get the most enjoyment!
This was another really clever, funny and entertaining story - well, two stories really!
In the main storyline, the first book in the series, The Word is Murder, is being made into a film. But when Anthony arrives on set, the script is terrible, the actors are unhappy and feuding, and the film has run out of money. Then, the actor playing Hawthorne is murdered!
When someone from Hawthorne’s past appears in the local pub where the film is shooting, it occurs to Anthony that perhaps the actor wasn’t the target, but Hawthorne himself.
As they take a trip to North Yorkshire, we flash back to the story of Hawthorne’s first murder case as a private detective, whilst Anthony learns a bit more about Hawthorne’s mysterious past.
As always with this series, I loved the sharp
wit of Anthony and the deadpan sarcasm of Hawthorne. Their relationship is brilliant and the writing is so good. The plot was gripping, blending classic whodunnits with the hilarious concept of using a fictionalised version of the author as the main character, working with a complicated detective who he tries desperately to get to know!
I was just sad when it finished! I very much hope there will be another book as there is still a lot to learn about Hawthorne and his past.
The 6th instalment of the Hawthorne series is finally here!
Whilst I think enough is explained to enjoy this as a standalone story, there are spoilers for the first book and there’s such rich character development across the series that I would highly recommend reading them in order to get the most enjoyment!
This was another really clever, funny and entertaining story - well, two stories really!
In the main storyline, the first book in the series, The Word is Murder, is being made into a film. But when Anthony arrives on set, the script is terrible, the actors are unhappy and feuding, and the film has run out of money. Then, the actor playing Hawthorne is murdered!
When someone from Hawthorne’s past appears in the local pub where the film is shooting, it occurs to Anthony that perhaps the actor wasn’t the target, but Hawthorne himself.
As they take a trip to North Yorkshire, we flash back to the story of Hawthorne’s first murder case as a private detective, whilst Anthony learns a bit more about Hawthorne’s mysterious past.
As always with this series, I loved the sharp
wit of Anthony and the deadpan sarcasm of Hawthorne. Their relationship is brilliant and the writing is so good. The plot was gripping, blending classic whodunnits with the hilarious concept of using a fictionalised version of the author as the main character, working with a complicated detective who he tries desperately to get to know!
I was just sad when it finished! I very much hope there will be another book as there is still a lot to learn about Hawthorne and his past.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hawthorne is a very real person. He's had to face a great many challenges in his life. But you're trying to turn him into a character.
This latest in the Hawthorne & Horowitz series continues all the meta play but also imports some of the Magpie series structure as we have a story within the story, this time looking back at a case from Hawthorne's past.
Some of the best comedy comes from the film set where The Word is Murder is being filmed but the emotional heart lies with Anthony's investigations into Hawthorne himself. It's a fine line keeping Hawthorne enigmatic without losing our interest and the real authorial Horowitz walks it well.
Did the dual murders feel convincing? Not really - but the charm and fun of these books always relies on some of the artificiality of the classic Christie-esque genre which plays well into the hall of mirrors aspect of this series - hugely entertaining, as usual, and a tantalizing insight into the mystery of Hawthorne.
Many thanks to Random House, Cornerstone for an ARC via Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the sixth in the Hawthorne & Horowitz series. It is a series that I love and I am delighted to say that the latest in the series does not disappoint.
A film is being made of the first Hawthorne & Horowitz book. The conceit of this series is that Anthony Horowitz is himself, in this series, an author who writes books about the cases solved by Hawthorne. Hawthorne is something of a mysterious character, always slightly on top (getting a slightly better deal and a car sent to collect him, while poor Anthony has to catch the train) and with a past that Anthony Horowitz is keen to uncover.
When there is a murder on the film set, it leads to yet another case and - rather like Horowitz's 'Magpie Murders' crime series, there is a story within a story. I adore Horowitz as a crime writer - he is clever, his plots involved, his characters have depth, his dialogue humorous.
He is a delight to read and I am so pleased this is the first novel I have completed in 2026. It's a joy to have one of his novels the first of the year and I am indebted to NetGalley for a review copy so I could read this before publication. Highly recommended, although the series is best read in order.
A film is being made of the first Hawthorne & Horowitz book. The conceit of this series is that Anthony Horowitz is himself, in this series, an author who writes books about the cases solved by Hawthorne. Hawthorne is something of a mysterious character, always slightly on top (getting a slightly better deal and a car sent to collect him, while poor Anthony has to catch the train) and with a past that Anthony Horowitz is keen to uncover.
When there is a murder on the film set, it leads to yet another case and - rather like Horowitz's 'Magpie Murders' crime series, there is a story within a story. I adore Horowitz as a crime writer - he is clever, his plots involved, his characters have depth, his dialogue humorous.
He is a delight to read and I am so pleased this is the first novel I have completed in 2026. It's a joy to have one of his novels the first of the year and I am indebted to NetGalley for a review copy so I could read this before publication. Highly recommended, although the series is best read in order.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a Publishers request and I was thrilled to be asked to review this upcoming book.
To begin with, I have to admit I found the story hard to "get into". There seemed to be too many characters, film production terms, and information to unpack at once. It took me a few chapters to figure it all out, but having read and enjoyed the author's previous books, and knowing their writing style, I pressed on.
Suddenly, I found my stride and began to understand what was happening. I began looking for clues, piecing information together and making some notes in my mind.
As with the other Horowitz books, I was completely thrown when new information was uncovered. I love this about this author, and it's what makes the writing so engaging.
Things really got interesting in part two of the book, where we unexpectedly investigate one of our main characters. This was a brilliant turn, and I found it a very exciting addition to the story.
Once again, a fabulous offering from a wonderful writer and one that will hopefully become another TV drama as Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders have in the past.
To begin with, I have to admit I found the story hard to "get into". There seemed to be too many characters, film production terms, and information to unpack at once. It took me a few chapters to figure it all out, but having read and enjoyed the author's previous books, and knowing their writing style, I pressed on.
Suddenly, I found my stride and began to understand what was happening. I began looking for clues, piecing information together and making some notes in my mind.
As with the other Horowitz books, I was completely thrown when new information was uncovered. I love this about this author, and it's what makes the writing so engaging.
Things really got interesting in part two of the book, where we unexpectedly investigate one of our main characters. This was a brilliant turn, and I found it a very exciting addition to the story.
Once again, a fabulous offering from a wonderful writer and one that will hopefully become another TV drama as Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders have in the past.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Word is Murder, the first book in the Hawthorne series, is about to be made into a major feature film. The actors have been cast, the script written, and filming has already started in Hastings. But when Hawthorne and Anthony visit the set, they find a far from happy family. The director’s pretentious, the screenwriter’s an eco-warrior, the two stars hate each other, and the producer has run out of money. And things are about to get much, much worse.
In the middle of shooting, the actor playing Hawthorne is stabbed – which leaves the real Hawthorne with no choice. He has to step in and investigate his own murder. Because the killer may not have got the right man. Was it Hawthorne himself who was meant to be the target?
Another great book in the Hawthorne series and I think this is the best so far as it was so easy to get into and I was absorbed from page one. We get to find out more about the enigmatic Hawthorne due to a 'story within a story' and Horowitz is still setting himself up as a bit of a bumbling amateur who serves as a foil to his companion's genius. An excellent, entertaining read.
In the middle of shooting, the actor playing Hawthorne is stabbed – which leaves the real Hawthorne with no choice. He has to step in and investigate his own murder. Because the killer may not have got the right man. Was it Hawthorne himself who was meant to be the target?
Another great book in the Hawthorne series and I think this is the best so far as it was so easy to get into and I was absorbed from page one. We get to find out more about the enigmatic Hawthorne due to a 'story within a story' and Horowitz is still setting himself up as a bit of a bumbling amateur who serves as a foil to his companion's genius. An excellent, entertaining read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In a return to top form, Hawthorne and Horowitz are reunited when their first book together, “The Word is Murder,” is commissioned to be made into a film. The hapless Horowitz, as ever, gets the worst part of the deal, and the production is soon revealed to be somewhat less promising than it seemed, with events from their past experiences on a previous film causing conflict amongst the cast, director and screenwriter. When the actor playing Hawthorne is murdered, there is no shortage of suspects- but was it he, or the real Hawthorne, who was the intended target? As fiendishly twisting as ever, both this central murder and an old one that is resurrected during the investigation are intriguing and gripping. More of Hawthorne’s mysterious past is revealed, and the wry humour had me laughing out loud in places, particularly the actors considered for the main roles in the film. It would be best to have read the earlier books to get the full impact of this one, but anyone who hasn’t already is missing out on a treat and should do so immediately. A total pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Deadly Episode is another smart and very enjoyable entry in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series.
This time, The Word Is Murder is being made into a film, and Horowitz and Hawthorne find themselves on set in Hastings just as things go badly wrong.
When a leading actor on set is killed, the real Hawthorne steps in to investigate, raising the question of whether he was the real target all along.
The mystery is clever and packed with suspects, helped by a film crew full of egos, grudges, and money problems. The meta angle is great fun, even if Horowitz is pushing it a little more this time around.
My only issue is Hawthorne himself, who felt more smug and dismissive than ever, making Horowitz’s fondness for him hard to understand. Maybe he sees something that just went over my head, who knows!
Still, the mystery works, the humor lands, and the series remains as enjoyable as ever.
You can always count on Anthony Horowitz to turn out an absolute cracker.
With thanks to NetGalley for the early copy in return for an honest review.
This time, The Word Is Murder is being made into a film, and Horowitz and Hawthorne find themselves on set in Hastings just as things go badly wrong.
When a leading actor on set is killed, the real Hawthorne steps in to investigate, raising the question of whether he was the real target all along.
The mystery is clever and packed with suspects, helped by a film crew full of egos, grudges, and money problems. The meta angle is great fun, even if Horowitz is pushing it a little more this time around.
My only issue is Hawthorne himself, who felt more smug and dismissive than ever, making Horowitz’s fondness for him hard to understand. Maybe he sees something that just went over my head, who knows!
Still, the mystery works, the humor lands, and the series remains as enjoyable as ever.
You can always count on Anthony Horowitz to turn out an absolute cracker.
With thanks to NetGalley for the early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the sixth in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series which I love and this one doesn't disappoint.
At the heart of the novels is the relationship between Hawthorne and Horowitz. It always feels as if the author (Horowitz) is having great fun presenting this stolid, rather dim Dr Watson version of himself set against the enigmatic talent of the Hawthorne (Holmes). The fictional Horowitz always wants to know more about Hawthorne's background which is one of the strands in this novel with a detailed crime within a crime story.
The main plot is focussed on a Christie-like murder that happens on a set where one of Hawthorne's previous cases is being filmed. The actor playing him is the corpse and there is some doubt as to whether it was him or the real detective who was the intended victim.
Playful, well-written and full of meta games this is a great read. Recommended and many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.
At the heart of the novels is the relationship between Hawthorne and Horowitz. It always feels as if the author (Horowitz) is having great fun presenting this stolid, rather dim Dr Watson version of himself set against the enigmatic talent of the Hawthorne (Holmes). The fictional Horowitz always wants to know more about Hawthorne's background which is one of the strands in this novel with a detailed crime within a crime story.
The main plot is focussed on a Christie-like murder that happens on a set where one of Hawthorne's previous cases is being filmed. The actor playing him is the corpse and there is some doubt as to whether it was him or the real detective who was the intended victim.
Playful, well-written and full of meta games this is a great read. Recommended and many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.
December 27, 2025
I absolutely love this series of books following the strange relationship between Anthony Horowitz and Daniel Hawthorne and this book does not disappoint. It’s full of red herrings that really threw me off the scent of the real killer! This story has a dual timeline which revisits one of Hawthorne’s early cases which appears to be linked to a recent murder on a film set. Intriguing stuff! Great to find out a little more about the mysterious Hawthorne’s past which I hope will be explored more in future books (please, please let there be more!) I loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 29, 2025
This latest instalment in the series is an entertaining enough read, with Horowitz’s familiar blend of literary in-jokes, metafictional playfulness and a neatly engineered mystery. The central premise is intriguing, and there is plenty to enjoy in the sharp dialogue and the author’s evident ease with the form.
That said, I found this one a little more difficult to get into than earlier books in the series. The opening takes time to settle, and some of the twists and turns feel more clever than convincing. While the plotting is busy and inventive, it does not always feel entirely natural, and the resolution lacks the satisfying inevitability that has marked Horowitz at his best.
That said, I found this one a little more difficult to get into than earlier books in the series. The opening takes time to settle, and some of the twists and turns feel more clever than convincing. While the plotting is busy and inventive, it does not always feel entirely natural, and the resolution lacks the satisfying inevitability that has marked Horowitz at his best.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews