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Hawthorne & Horowitz #6
A Deadly Episode
From 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.
373 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 2026
About the author
Anthony Horowitz
359 books21.8k 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 982 reviews
May 2, 2026
While the mystery itself in A Deadly Episode didn't quite live up to five-star level, this is one of those series where I’ve realized that’s not really why I’m here.
What keeps me coming back is the voice. Between that dry humor and the dynamic between Hawthorne and Horowitz (as Horowitz), which still works for me every time, there are always at least a handful of moments that get an actual laugh out of me.
The mystery here does spiral a bit, landing in that eye-squinting territory where I may not be entirely convinced by it. And yet, it didn’t really matter all that much in the end.
Once again, what I especially loved this time was that delightful meta layer. The behind-the-scenes look at adapting the first book of this series into a film — the headaches, the egos, the collaboration struggles, the general chaos of it all — added such a fun twist on the usual texture Horowitz brings to the story. That insider angle is something he just does so well, and is definitely one of the things that makes this series stand out for me. And honestly, at this point, it would take more than a slightly wobbly mystery to pull me away from these characters.
What keeps me coming back is the voice. Between that dry humor and the dynamic between Hawthorne and Horowitz (as Horowitz), which still works for me every time, there are always at least a handful of moments that get an actual laugh out of me.
The mystery here does spiral a bit, landing in that eye-squinting territory where I may not be entirely convinced by it. And yet, it didn’t really matter all that much in the end.
Once again, what I especially loved this time was that delightful meta layer. The behind-the-scenes look at adapting the first book of this series into a film — the headaches, the egos, the collaboration struggles, the general chaos of it all — added such a fun twist on the usual texture Horowitz brings to the story. That insider angle is something he just does so well, and is definitely one of the things that makes this series stand out for me. And honestly, at this point, it would take more than a slightly wobbly mystery to pull me away from these characters.
January 25, 2026
If there is a better series of metafiction crime novels out there, I've yet to find it. A Deadly Episode, the sixth book in Anthony Horowitz's brilliant Hawthorne and Horowitz series, is a delight, brilliantly blending humour, mystery and a whole heap of self deprecation on the author's part, although the majority of it possibly doesn't fit that description quite so well given that his perceived failings are delivered lovingly(?) by his fictional(?) partner in crime solving, former Detective Daniel Hawthorne. It's strange to say, given that the entire series of books is based on Horowitz writing accounts of Hawthorne's prowess as a Private Investigator, but this is perhaps Hawthorne's most personal case yet, and certainly the closest that Anthony Horowitz, and we readers, come to learning the full truth of Hawthorne's past.
A Deadly Episode is about an investigation into a murder that occurs during the filming of an adaptation of 'The Word Is Murder', bookone in the series. So this is art imitating life, which is imitating art (a very liberal interpretation of an adaptation to say the least), which was an imitation (names changed etc) of life. Which may or may not be true - this is metafiction. We think. And as the victim in this case is the very man portraying Hawthorne, was the it 'Hawthorne', the actor, aka David Caine, or Hawthorne, the Detective and on set technical advisor, who was really the intended victim? Confused? Well, buckle up because there is so much more going on here and, despite it sounding confusing on paper, it is an absolute blast full of questionable characters, pretentious film type folk and all the humour, mystery and misdirection - often cause by Horowitz's confused, or perpetually two steps behind, state. And I loved it.
There are so many brilliantly observed characters in this book which not only parodies Anthony Horowitz's own work and life, but also the whole prospect of TV adaptations and the process in itself. I don't know whether or not the author has met people just like this over the course of his life, having spent a lot of time working on TV series over the years, but his witty observations of the various characters never fail to amuse. and his mirth is not just focused on the actors and various people in his life. Much of the joy comes in his first person narrative which never fails to mock his own personality and understanding, or lack thereof, when it comes to what is happening around him.
The banter between him and Hawthorne is pitch perfect as always, and Hawthorne always comes across as strangely enigmatic whilst completely charismatic. Conversely, most of the TV crowd come across as the type who would gladly stab each other in the back - oddly prophetic in the circumstances. David Caine is a rather objectionable character, the list of reasons why those around him may bear a grudge growing longer with each page turn. It could be literally anyone, it is that kind of book, and the mystery is maintained until the last. Those paying very close attention may twig it, but why rush? Enjoy the ride. It's worth it.
The story focuses not just on the murder of David Caine, but also a case over which Hawthorne has his greatest regret, bringing us and author Mr H, in close contact with some faces from Hawthorne's past. Whether this answers lingering questions about his past, or just brings up new ones you will have to judge for yourself, but it left me all the more intrigued and also a touch sad for the author given his desire to learn more about his friend, albeit from the point of view of someone who may or may not also be motivated by a small amount of curiosity and nosiness. It adds some menace to the story, but is strangely fitting in this story.
I love these books and tore through this one in no time. They're addictive and pacy, packed with laughs as well as some truly memorable characters you can both love and hate. Everything in this books points to there being still more to learn about our intrepid detective and his biographer, and I cannot wait for the next book. As to whether there is any scope for this series to ever make it to the screen, small or large ... Well, I'd love it but finding the perfect cast could be murder.
A Deadly Episode is about an investigation into a murder that occurs during the filming of an adaptation of 'The Word Is Murder', bookone in the series. So this is art imitating life, which is imitating art (a very liberal interpretation of an adaptation to say the least), which was an imitation (names changed etc) of life. Which may or may not be true - this is metafiction. We think. And as the victim in this case is the very man portraying Hawthorne, was the it 'Hawthorne', the actor, aka David Caine, or Hawthorne, the Detective and on set technical advisor, who was really the intended victim? Confused? Well, buckle up because there is so much more going on here and, despite it sounding confusing on paper, it is an absolute blast full of questionable characters, pretentious film type folk and all the humour, mystery and misdirection - often cause by Horowitz's confused, or perpetually two steps behind, state. And I loved it.
There are so many brilliantly observed characters in this book which not only parodies Anthony Horowitz's own work and life, but also the whole prospect of TV adaptations and the process in itself. I don't know whether or not the author has met people just like this over the course of his life, having spent a lot of time working on TV series over the years, but his witty observations of the various characters never fail to amuse. and his mirth is not just focused on the actors and various people in his life. Much of the joy comes in his first person narrative which never fails to mock his own personality and understanding, or lack thereof, when it comes to what is happening around him.
The banter between him and Hawthorne is pitch perfect as always, and Hawthorne always comes across as strangely enigmatic whilst completely charismatic. Conversely, most of the TV crowd come across as the type who would gladly stab each other in the back - oddly prophetic in the circumstances. David Caine is a rather objectionable character, the list of reasons why those around him may bear a grudge growing longer with each page turn. It could be literally anyone, it is that kind of book, and the mystery is maintained until the last. Those paying very close attention may twig it, but why rush? Enjoy the ride. It's worth it.
The story focuses not just on the murder of David Caine, but also a case over which Hawthorne has his greatest regret, bringing us and author Mr H, in close contact with some faces from Hawthorne's past. Whether this answers lingering questions about his past, or just brings up new ones you will have to judge for yourself, but it left me all the more intrigued and also a touch sad for the author given his desire to learn more about his friend, albeit from the point of view of someone who may or may not also be motivated by a small amount of curiosity and nosiness. It adds some menace to the story, but is strangely fitting in this story.
I love these books and tore through this one in no time. They're addictive and pacy, packed with laughs as well as some truly memorable characters you can both love and hate. Everything in this books points to there being still more to learn about our intrepid detective and his biographer, and I cannot wait for the next book. As to whether there is any scope for this series to ever make it to the screen, small or large ... Well, I'd love it but finding the perfect cast could be murder.
June 6, 2026
A favorite author/series, but this one did not have the same intrigue as the others (for me).
It is based on the first book in the series, The Word is Murder, which was a twisty who dunnit that I enjoyed. In this one, the pacing was way too slow to hold my interest and I just felt like skimming to get to the "good stuff", but this happened throughout. I wasn't invested enough.
I do enjoy the characters Hawthorne and Horowitz and will continue the series. This may have been a slow one for me, but I'm hoping the next will be back to turning those pages!
Thanks to NG for my Arc. Came out April 23, 2026
It is based on the first book in the series, The Word is Murder, which was a twisty who dunnit that I enjoyed. In this one, the pacing was way too slow to hold my interest and I just felt like skimming to get to the "good stuff", but this happened throughout. I wasn't invested enough.
I do enjoy the characters Hawthorne and Horowitz and will continue the series. This may have been a slow one for me, but I'm hoping the next will be back to turning those pages!
Thanks to NG for my Arc. Came out April 23, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Otros
i can't wait to read it!!! i need a dose of horowitz & hawthorne asap
update: finished reading. chef kiss. now i need the next one!!! ill be obsessively reading the others in the meantime
update: finished reading. chef kiss. now i need the next one!!! ill be obsessively reading the others in the meantime
June 6, 2026
My favorite duo of Horowitz and Hawthorne are back.
3.5 stars
This is #6 in the series and while it’s not strictly necessary to read the books in order, I’d highly recommend it in order to know their history and understand the characters. In each book we are given new glimpses into the enigmatic Hawthorne.
In this installment, a movie is being made from book #1 in the series, The Word is Murder. The duo are on the set, and while Hawthorne is unhappy with how he’s being portrayed, Horowitz is not. Add in financial woes on set as well as difficult, prickly personalities and infighting and you have a bit of a mess on your hands.
Things could be worse, and they become so when there’s a murder of one of the major actors. Hawthorne and Horowitz are on the case and as usual we have Horowitz’s deprecating wit, Hawthorne’s brilliance, and the witty banter to keep the story moving even when the mystery is a bit lackluster.
But I’m not here for the mystery, I’m here for the characters, although this one was lacking some of the spark in the relationship between the two. I was left wanting more of their wit, banter, and snarky sarcasm. Still, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to #7
The narrator for the audiobook, Rory Kinnear, was excellent, and made the story even more enjoyable.
3.5 stars
This is #6 in the series and while it’s not strictly necessary to read the books in order, I’d highly recommend it in order to know their history and understand the characters. In each book we are given new glimpses into the enigmatic Hawthorne.
In this installment, a movie is being made from book #1 in the series, The Word is Murder. The duo are on the set, and while Hawthorne is unhappy with how he’s being portrayed, Horowitz is not. Add in financial woes on set as well as difficult, prickly personalities and infighting and you have a bit of a mess on your hands.
Things could be worse, and they become so when there’s a murder of one of the major actors. Hawthorne and Horowitz are on the case and as usual we have Horowitz’s deprecating wit, Hawthorne’s brilliance, and the witty banter to keep the story moving even when the mystery is a bit lackluster.
But I’m not here for the mystery, I’m here for the characters, although this one was lacking some of the spark in the relationship between the two. I was left wanting more of their wit, banter, and snarky sarcasm. Still, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to #7
The narrator for the audiobook, Rory Kinnear, was excellent, and made the story even more enjoyable.
May 18, 2026
This is the 6th and latest of the Hawthorne & Horowitz series. I have read the five previous books and have been waiting for my library to get this one. I finally got tired of waiting and bought it at our local bookstore. I was not disappointed.
First let me say that it is probably helpful in understanding the characters and their backgrounds if the other books in the series are read in order. It is not totally necessary but it assists in making sense of some of the situations discussed in this.
A small independent film company buys the rights to one of the H&H books and the duo goes to the movie set to observe. Horowitz is very unhappy with how the screenplay is written although Hawthorne is thrilled since it appears that he is the center of the action. Then a murder is committed and there are many suspects.
But wait..........there is some connection, although the reader has no idea what, with a case from ten years before in which Hawthorne was involved. And this is where the book gets a little tricky. The reader has to pay close attention since everything is overlapping. This caused me to give it four stars instead of five as it gets just a bit too complicated.
Having said that, it is still a dandy of a mystery by a wonderful author. I recommend it to mystery lovers everywhere.
First let me say that it is probably helpful in understanding the characters and their backgrounds if the other books in the series are read in order. It is not totally necessary but it assists in making sense of some of the situations discussed in this.
A small independent film company buys the rights to one of the H&H books and the duo goes to the movie set to observe. Horowitz is very unhappy with how the screenplay is written although Hawthorne is thrilled since it appears that he is the center of the action. Then a murder is committed and there are many suspects.
But wait..........there is some connection, although the reader has no idea what, with a case from ten years before in which Hawthorne was involved. And this is where the book gets a little tricky. The reader has to pay close attention since everything is overlapping. This caused me to give it four stars instead of five as it gets just a bit too complicated.
Having said that, it is still a dandy of a mystery by a wonderful author. I recommend it to mystery lovers everywhere.
May 5, 2026
Anthony Horowitz is a go to author for me so it pains me to say this but it may be time to pack it in with this series. The last 3 have been just okay and this one especially is not up to AH’s usual standard. Of course I will continue to read the series but, sadly, with less enthusiam.
June 16, 2026
3.7 🌟 audiobook
May 4, 2026
The first book based on PI Daniel Hawthorne and written by novelist Anthony Horowitz is being made into a feature film, and the duo are visiting the set. Things are tense: the screenwriter is an eco-warrior, the director is full of himself, and the two stars don't get along. When one of the lead actors is murdered in his trailer, Hawthorne and Horowitz try to get to the bottom of things.
Horowitz is one of my favorite mystery writers and I enjoy both of his series, but this one fell a little flat for me. The plot seems somewhat forced, and while Hawthorne's mysterious past has always been part of his character, this time his shadowy history is more irritating than usual. A little more information about it would have gone a long way. Recommended for those who enjoy the series.
*Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Horowitz is one of my favorite mystery writers and I enjoy both of his series, but this one fell a little flat for me. The plot seems somewhat forced, and while Hawthorne's mysterious past has always been part of his character, this time his shadowy history is more irritating than usual. A little more information about it would have gone a long way. Recommended for those who enjoy the series.
*Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
May 31, 2026
A Deadly Episode is the sixth book in the classic metafictional Hawthorne and Horowitz series by Anthony Horowitz. In the novel, Anthony Horowitz is the sidekick to the master sleuth and former detective Daniel Hawthorne. Horowitz is also the author of these books and basically he needs Hawthorne to solve the case so he can finish the book. In an interview Anthony Horowitz said that he is a big fan of Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime. He admires how she has a jigsaw puzzle approach that keeps one guessing throughout the investigative process.
In this novel, Hawthorne and Horowitz learn that their first murder case together, The Word is Murder, is being adapted into a film. However Anthony Horowitz is suspicious as it is backed by a little known production company run by Teresa de Leon from Mexico City, and screenwriter Shanika Harris is quite open about her lack of interest in stories about murder leaning more toward her biases to save the planet spurred on by her activism. The screenwriter also has a bias in wanting to depict the relationship between Hawthorne and Horowitz as being more problematic than it may be.
It was the third week of production and everything had gone as well as could be expected in the shooting of a film that was already over budget. They were filming in Hastings on the south coast of England. In the midst of shooting a dramatic scene in the movie, Izzy Mays who was a runner doing a range of different jobs, came staggering towards them, her face filled with horror, screaming that he was dead, he was stabbed. When asked who was dead, she eventually said, “Hawthorne.” The homicide was that of the rising star playing Hawthorne when he was stabbed to death in his trailer, David Caine. Although the initial investigation focuses on Caine’s many enemies, Horowitz soon begins to suspect that Hawthorne may have been the intended target. The author infuses the narrative with delicious dry humor and Hollywood satire along with the ongoing banter between Hawthorne and Horowitz. The part of the book that I loved the most was when Horowitz begins to suspect that the secret to Hawthorne’s past was in a neighboring village as he went to learn what he could about the mysterious detective’s past. It is in this book that he becomes more accessible to the writer. While Anthony Horowitz has long felt that there was much more to know about Detective Daniel Hawthorne, it is in this coastal town that he becomes more accessible. While many say this is one of his lesser works, I thought it written brilliantly.
And one of my favorite quotes in the book from Anthony Horowitz:
In this novel, Hawthorne and Horowitz learn that their first murder case together, The Word is Murder, is being adapted into a film. However Anthony Horowitz is suspicious as it is backed by a little known production company run by Teresa de Leon from Mexico City, and screenwriter Shanika Harris is quite open about her lack of interest in stories about murder leaning more toward her biases to save the planet spurred on by her activism. The screenwriter also has a bias in wanting to depict the relationship between Hawthorne and Horowitz as being more problematic than it may be.
It was the third week of production and everything had gone as well as could be expected in the shooting of a film that was already over budget. They were filming in Hastings on the south coast of England. In the midst of shooting a dramatic scene in the movie, Izzy Mays who was a runner doing a range of different jobs, came staggering towards them, her face filled with horror, screaming that he was dead, he was stabbed. When asked who was dead, she eventually said, “Hawthorne.” The homicide was that of the rising star playing Hawthorne when he was stabbed to death in his trailer, David Caine. Although the initial investigation focuses on Caine’s many enemies, Horowitz soon begins to suspect that Hawthorne may have been the intended target. The author infuses the narrative with delicious dry humor and Hollywood satire along with the ongoing banter between Hawthorne and Horowitz. The part of the book that I loved the most was when Horowitz begins to suspect that the secret to Hawthorne’s past was in a neighboring village as he went to learn what he could about the mysterious detective’s past. It is in this book that he becomes more accessible to the writer. While Anthony Horowitz has long felt that there was much more to know about Detective Daniel Hawthorne, it is in this coastal town that he becomes more accessible. While many say this is one of his lesser works, I thought it written brilliantly.
And one of my favorite quotes in the book from Anthony Horowitz:
“Even your family tiptoes around you, worrying that any mention of what is cheerfully known as ‘life’ will only be seen as an interruption. It’s all too easy to stultify, to become what one of my favorite authors, George Gissing, called a dweller in the valley of the shadow of books.”
May 25, 2026
I listened to the audiobook with Simon. There was a lot going on and following the various leads is like trying to fit the pieces together of a one-thousand piece jigsaw puzzle. We enjoyed the humor and I laughed out loud many times. Rory Kinnear is the perfect narrator for this series.
Quotes:
"I've met serial killers more photogenic than you."
"Finding the body turned out to be so simple that even the police dogs must have thought the killer was having a laugh."
"If every agent killed every client who annoyed them the country would be strewed with corpses."
Quotes:
"I've met serial killers more photogenic than you."
"Finding the body turned out to be so simple that even the police dogs must have thought the killer was having a laugh."
"If every agent killed every client who annoyed them the country would be strewed with corpses."
May 8, 2026
Weak
I generally like Horowitz but this is not his best writing. The Foss Hall solution is completely absurd, and the final twist in the main case is a huge stretch. Admittedly, it's borderline impossible to get together a truly original murder mystery plot nowadays, with everything that has been tried and is published every day, but nevertheless, this attempt has not been successful. Character-wise, there has been no progress, and the pair's dynamic is the getting repetitive. The supposed mystery of Hawthorne's past is not really suspenseful either, because we don't really have a question there — he's just a guy who doesn't want to talk about his past, so what? All in all, a bit disappointing.
I generally like Horowitz but this is not his best writing. The Foss Hall solution is completely absurd, and the final twist in the main case is a huge stretch. Admittedly, it's borderline impossible to get together a truly original murder mystery plot nowadays, with everything that has been tried and is published every day, but nevertheless, this attempt has not been successful. Character-wise, there has been no progress, and the pair's dynamic is the getting repetitive. The supposed mystery of Hawthorne's past is not really suspenseful either, because we don't really have a question there — he's just a guy who doesn't want to talk about his past, so what? All in all, a bit disappointing.
May 9, 2026
Anthony Horowitz is once again a character in his own book, using the meta-fictional wit he is so good at writing to make this a strong addition to the series. The first 25% of the book is slow, but it eventually becomes Hawthorne’s most personal case yet. It is the closest that Horowitz and the readers come to learning the truth about Hawthorne’s past.
The story focuses on the murder of actor David Caine and a past case that is Hawthorne’s greatest regret. The motives are plentiful because nearly everyone had a reason to dislike the victim.
The story builds to a Hawthorne finale. Hawthorne delivers a meticulous breakdown of the evidence to the investigating police, proving once again that he never misses a detail. It’s a reveal that brings closure to a long-hidden set of secrets.
The story focuses on the murder of actor David Caine and a past case that is Hawthorne’s greatest regret. The motives are plentiful because nearly everyone had a reason to dislike the victim.
The story builds to a Hawthorne finale. Hawthorne delivers a meticulous breakdown of the evidence to the investigating police, proving once again that he never misses a detail. It’s a reveal that brings closure to a long-hidden set of secrets.
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.
May 4, 2026
I have the same reaction to every new book in this series...
I wait for the release because we hardly get new well- written murder mysteries-
My enthusiasm dips as I finish the first 20-25% because the book starts to become repetitive-
I still stick with it-
then comes a subplot and I am again invested-
But, the subplot has something to do with Howothrone's past and I start to loose patience-
I am at 75% mark, I have solved the case and I am ready with my 3 stars-
The authors flips it and now I am surprised and end up giving 4 stars.
And, now I am gonna wait for the next book.
I wait for the release because we hardly get new well- written murder mysteries-
My enthusiasm dips as I finish the first 20-25% because the book starts to become repetitive-
I still stick with it-
then comes a subplot and I am again invested-
But, the subplot has something to do with Howothrone's past and I start to loose patience-
I am at 75% mark, I have solved the case and I am ready with my 3 stars-
The authors flips it and now I am surprised and end up giving 4 stars.
And, now I am gonna wait for the next book.
April 28, 2026
Po Marble Hall Murders ir šios Hawthorne'o nuotykių dalies imu linkti link Horowitzo nemėgimo. Gėdingiausias šios knygos dalykas - tikėjausi, kad jis, apie tiek daug ką rašęs adekvačiai, bus supratingesnis, - tai naratyvinė diskriminacija dėl negalios / stereotipizavimas kaip iš blogesnių XX a. laikų.
Antras liūdnesnis - kad Horowitzas lipa ant to paties grėblio, dėl kurio pats taip elegantiškai perspėjo Magpie Murders, kalbėdamas apie tai, kad nusikaltimai nėra kažkas linksmo ir smagaus ar tuo labiau "įdomaus". Gal ten kalbėjo tik adekvatus personažas? Nes štai čia visi jau tiesiog seiles varvindami laukia, kol kas nors ką nors nudobs, pilna užuominų, kad buvo nužudytas ne tas, o kitas, ir tt. Kita vertus, būtent Horowitzo ir būtent šios knygos dėka supratau elementarų dalyką - kad detektyvo žanro pagrindas yra žmogžudystė, ne koks kitas nusikaltimas, o dar geriau - kai būna kelios žmogžudystės, jos tada jau beveik būtinai siejasi. Taip ir šioje serijos dalyje (kaip ir Susan Reyland serijoje), kad išspręstum šiandienos žmogžudystę, turi susitvarkyti su nužudymu iš praeities. Labai terapiška (metaforiškai), bet sykiu ir labai ciniška? Jei nužudymas tampa tiek žanro pagrindu, esminiu - dargi būtinu! - tam tikrų pasakojimų įvykiu, o čia pat - ir metafora, ką tai sako apie mūsų vaizduotę? Suprantu susitelkimą į tai, ko tiesiog neįmanoma aprėpti protu, kas yra Pats Baisiausias Dalykas. (Suprantu ir abejones, ar tikrai būtent tai yra Baisiausia.) Bet jau mažiau suprantu, kodėl tas Baisiausias Dalykas staiga tampa siužeto plyta ar perkeltinės reikšmės pagražinimu.
Trečias juokingesnis - VISKAS VYKSTA DĖL KERŠTO AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. VISI NUSIKALTIMAI VYKSTA IŠ KERŠTOOOOOOOOO. Čia gal jau savotiškas žanrinis idiolektas, nes Puaro seriale, pavyzdžiui, viskas vykdavo dėl pinigų. Pas Horowitzą tai kažkaip labai dažnai atsiranda neadekvačios, su savo jausmais nesusitvarkančios moterys.
Ketvirtas užknisantis - jau biški atsibodo, kaip mums prieš nosį pakabintas mataruoja klausimas TAI KAS GI NUTIKO HAWTHORNE'UI REETH MIESTELYJE??? Kiekvienoj knygoj vis numeta dar porą detalių, ir šįkart tai buvo smarkiai nemalonu - negana to, kad nuolat seilėjamasi dėl nusikaltimų, bet dar ir serijos pagrindu ir varomąja jėga tampa didelė žmogaus trauma, kurią mums taip cekava būtinų būtiniausiai išsiaiškinti.
Horowitzas knygose kartais užsimena, kaip rašė Holmso pastišus, ir nors visai nenoriu jų prisiminti (baisiai nepatiko), bet tenka, ir vėl iš naujo prisiminiau ryškiausią jų bruožą - kad iš abiejų tekstų vos ne prikišamai matėsi, kaip vienodai jam yra Holmsas, kaip jis visiškai nemyli to pasaulio. Gal ir teisingai tada supykusi nusprendžiau, kad nelabai ką gero jis gali parašyti. Nežinau, iš kokios vaizduotės dviem puikioms knygoms buvo išlindęs nuostabusis Atticus Pundas, bet ima atrodyti, kad tik šmėkštelėjo kaip mielas šešėlis ir vėl pradingo, ir paliko gana neįdomų literatūrinį pasauliuką.
Antras liūdnesnis - kad Horowitzas lipa ant to paties grėblio, dėl kurio pats taip elegantiškai perspėjo Magpie Murders, kalbėdamas apie tai, kad nusikaltimai nėra kažkas linksmo ir smagaus ar tuo labiau "įdomaus". Gal ten kalbėjo tik adekvatus personažas? Nes štai čia visi jau tiesiog seiles varvindami laukia, kol kas nors ką nors nudobs, pilna užuominų, kad buvo nužudytas ne tas, o kitas, ir tt. Kita vertus, būtent Horowitzo ir būtent šios knygos dėka supratau elementarų dalyką - kad detektyvo žanro pagrindas yra žmogžudystė, ne koks kitas nusikaltimas, o dar geriau - kai būna kelios žmogžudystės, jos tada jau beveik būtinai siejasi. Taip ir šioje serijos dalyje (kaip ir Susan Reyland serijoje), kad išspręstum šiandienos žmogžudystę, turi susitvarkyti su nužudymu iš praeities. Labai terapiška (metaforiškai), bet sykiu ir labai ciniška? Jei nužudymas tampa tiek žanro pagrindu, esminiu - dargi būtinu! - tam tikrų pasakojimų įvykiu, o čia pat - ir metafora, ką tai sako apie mūsų vaizduotę? Suprantu susitelkimą į tai, ko tiesiog neįmanoma aprėpti protu, kas yra Pats Baisiausias Dalykas. (Suprantu ir abejones, ar tikrai būtent tai yra Baisiausia.) Bet jau mažiau suprantu, kodėl tas Baisiausias Dalykas staiga tampa siužeto plyta ar perkeltinės reikšmės pagražinimu.
Trečias juokingesnis - VISKAS VYKSTA DĖL KERŠTO AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. VISI NUSIKALTIMAI VYKSTA IŠ KERŠTOOOOOOOOO. Čia gal jau savotiškas žanrinis idiolektas, nes Puaro seriale, pavyzdžiui, viskas vykdavo dėl pinigų. Pas Horowitzą tai kažkaip labai dažnai atsiranda neadekvačios, su savo jausmais nesusitvarkančios moterys.
Ketvirtas užknisantis - jau biški atsibodo, kaip mums prieš nosį pakabintas mataruoja klausimas TAI KAS GI NUTIKO HAWTHORNE'UI REETH MIESTELYJE??? Kiekvienoj knygoj vis numeta dar porą detalių, ir šįkart tai buvo smarkiai nemalonu - negana to, kad nuolat seilėjamasi dėl nusikaltimų, bet dar ir serijos pagrindu ir varomąja jėga tampa didelė žmogaus trauma, kurią mums taip cekava būtinų būtiniausiai išsiaiškinti.
Horowitzas knygose kartais užsimena, kaip rašė Holmso pastišus, ir nors visai nenoriu jų prisiminti (baisiai nepatiko), bet tenka, ir vėl iš naujo prisiminiau ryškiausią jų bruožą - kad iš abiejų tekstų vos ne prikišamai matėsi, kaip vienodai jam yra Holmsas, kaip jis visiškai nemyli to pasaulio. Gal ir teisingai tada supykusi nusprendžiau, kad nelabai ką gero jis gali parašyti. Nežinau, iš kokios vaizduotės dviem puikioms knygoms buvo išlindęs nuostabusis Atticus Pundas, bet ima atrodyti, kad tik šmėkštelėjo kaip mielas šešėlis ir vėl pradingo, ir paliko gana neįdomų literatūrinį pasauliuką.
June 17, 2026
Rating 3.5
I do love this series. The audio narration is awesome and just adds to the story. However, this one was a tad boring. It was more storytelling and less Hawthorne & Horowitz on a caper, getting into a bit of a mess. A Deadly Episode delves into the murder of the actor who is playing Hawthorne, as the first book in the series is being made into a movie/tv series. But then, it relates to another murder that happened nearby. Naturally, Anthony will be writing a book about this one—well, I think he just did! You don't have to read book number 1 in the series before this one, as the details are discussed. Perhaps I was anticipating this one so much that the build-up was too great, and then I was slightly disappointed. I'll still read more in this series as the banter between Hawthorne and Horowitz is fun and, of course, for the awesome audio narration.
I do love this series. The audio narration is awesome and just adds to the story. However, this one was a tad boring. It was more storytelling and less Hawthorne & Horowitz on a caper, getting into a bit of a mess. A Deadly Episode delves into the murder of the actor who is playing Hawthorne, as the first book in the series is being made into a movie/tv series. But then, it relates to another murder that happened nearby. Naturally, Anthony will be writing a book about this one—well, I think he just did! You don't have to read book number 1 in the series before this one, as the details are discussed. Perhaps I was anticipating this one so much that the build-up was too great, and then I was slightly disappointed. I'll still read more in this series as the banter between Hawthorne and Horowitz is fun and, of course, for the awesome audio narration.
June 12, 2026
Žinia, Horowitz labai myliu ausimis, nes visas knygas klausau audio. O kai pamirštu, kokios buvo nusikaltimo aplinkybės, tai imu ir dar kartą paklausau, nes knygų tai mažai, o pasiilgstu autoriaus tai labai.
Šioje knygoje, pagal pasiteisinusį šabloną – du viename – gaunam dvi žmogžudystes. Viena šviežia, o sekant siūlo galą, prieinam ir iki kitos. Horowitz, kaip visada, atsipalaiduot neduoda ir kai jau galvosit, kad viską supratot ir pagavot žudiką, tai pagalvokit dar kartą. Ir žiūrėkit, neapsikvailinkit prieš Hawthorne. Mane tai ta Horowitz saviironija ir britiškas humoras nukautuoja visiškai. Esu amžina jo vergė.
Šioje knygoje, pagal pasiteisinusį šabloną – du viename – gaunam dvi žmogžudystes. Viena šviežia, o sekant siūlo galą, prieinam ir iki kitos. Horowitz, kaip visada, atsipalaiduot neduoda ir kai jau galvosit, kad viską supratot ir pagavot žudiką, tai pagalvokit dar kartą. Ir žiūrėkit, neapsikvailinkit prieš Hawthorne. Mane tai ta Horowitz saviironija ir britiškas humoras nukautuoja visiškai. Esu amžina jo vergė.
May 23, 2026
2.5 / 5.0
Bit of a bland book if I’m honest, what’s the best way to increase the pages on this book? Let me just integrate completely historic old story and weave it into the current plot because the main plot is too short. Tbf I’ve been busy this week and haven’t had the time to sit down and read, but the pacing and quality from the start to finish is day here. It got rather boring for me to read. If you’ll ask me about this plot next week, I probably wouldn’t have remembered what happened. It did get a bit boring, with names thrown about it’s very easy to get lost. A bit meh really, it’s like having a cup of tea but 75% is just straight up milk.
Bit of a bland book if I’m honest, what’s the best way to increase the pages on this book? Let me just integrate completely historic old story and weave it into the current plot because the main plot is too short. Tbf I’ve been busy this week and haven’t had the time to sit down and read, but the pacing and quality from the start to finish is day here. It got rather boring for me to read. If you’ll ask me about this plot next week, I probably wouldn’t have remembered what happened. It did get a bit boring, with names thrown about it’s very easy to get lost. A bit meh really, it’s like having a cup of tea but 75% is just straight up milk.
May 4, 2026
I LOOOOOOVE the series! But did I love this book? Not so much. Horowitz spends it being put up and sidelined, and Horowitz is just being his arrogant self. They are at the scene of "the word is murder" which is being filmed for a mini series. Then the actor playing Horowitz is murdered. Who did it, and why? And was it the actor or the actual Horowitz that was the target?
In the middle of the book, we're led down a very long side track of a wrongful conviction that ultimately does have relevance to the present case. In the mean time, Horowitz is also trying to discover who Hawthorne really is and where he comes from. Not very successfully I'd say.
Of course I will continue to read the series, but I found this installment a bit disjointed and conceited.
In the middle of the book, we're led down a very long side track of a wrongful conviction that ultimately does have relevance to the present case. In the mean time, Horowitz is also trying to discover who Hawthorne really is and where he comes from. Not very successfully I'd say.
Of course I will continue to read the series, but I found this installment a bit disjointed and conceited.
May 3, 2026
Sixth in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series, this is as delicious as its predecessors. Plus, the narration by Rory Kinnear is superlative.
May 19, 2026
There are several reasons why this was bad, and in enumerating them I am going to spoil the plot, so if you care about that kind of thing you should stop reading.
First of all, Horowitz the Character is always annoying in these books, but he’s an even punker bitch than usual here. The early bits where he’s offended that the film crew don’t acknowledge his celebrity and prefer Hawthorne is bad enough. But then he also gets upset that Hawthorne’s connection with the local police investigator is threatening their own toxic relationship, which—I swear—he had the gall to describe as “breaking the literary bond.” Horowitz the Author should have balked at that ridiculous phrase, even when voiced by this hapless writer buffoon he’s created. I’ve never been able to figure out to what degree he is intentionally caricaturing himself, or simply creating a persona he thinks would be fun to inhabit, but whatever the case, I think Horowitz the Author needs to stop living satirically or vicariously through this character and go back to butchering the Sherlock Holmes estate instead.
Second, we do not have a coherent book here: we have two novellas that are mashed together, and, at least initially, only loosely connected by a flimsy “what if?” among the circumstances of the first storyline. When I got to the Act II scene change, I couldn’t help but feel like after six of these books, Horowitz the Author had clearly run out of substance and lost the plot. When, in the end, the resolution to the first storyline gets wrenched around to meet up with the resolution to the second storyline, it feels like our Whodunnit is who it is only to make the two halves of the novel fuse together; not for any realistically contextualized reason within the plot. Unfortunately for the series—on top of all of this—we also still don’t get enough resolution here in The Mystery of Hawthorne’s Past to tie things off, so there are going to be more books. I personally don’t know that I care enough any more to stick around to find out what makes Hawthorne tick. (Knowing Horowitz the Author, it will involve a child abuse plot, and it won’t be handled well. I’m sure Rory Kinnear reads other books I can listen to.)
Finally (and here’s where another spoiler comes in, so if you’re still reading, it’s your lookout), I give a real big side-eye to books where the killer has a disability. There’s a long history of villainizing disabled folx in genre fiction (viz. James Bond, famously—and ironically also an IP Horowitz the Author is associated with), but it’s somehow worse here that the archetype of the Disabled Villain is (I’m sure well-meaningly) further flattened and infantilized. Horowitz the Author’s handling of Jenny, who is simply described as “being autistic,” is shallow and bad. She’s dead before the start of the events of the novel, so she cannot truly be a character and is only a figural plot piece. And “being autistic” can obviously mean a whole range of things, yet we’re given only a handful of stereotypical characterizations of her—she loved animals, lived with her parents, couldn’t be left at home by herself for too long—and are left to assume some level of disability that would result in her being unaccountable for her actions. It’s not a clever twist to have the father covering for his disabled daughter; it’s poor character development in the first place, shoddy genre work, and lazy, insensitive representation of an identity Horowitz the Author clearly doesn’t understand.
I have noted Horowitz’s questionable treatment of certain material before (House of Silk, A Line to Kill) and although it’s disappointing, I think I’m done reading him at this point.
First of all, Horowitz the Character is always annoying in these books, but he’s an even punker bitch than usual here. The early bits where he’s offended that the film crew don’t acknowledge his celebrity and prefer Hawthorne is bad enough. But then he also gets upset that Hawthorne’s connection with the local police investigator is threatening their own toxic relationship, which—I swear—he had the gall to describe as “breaking the literary bond.” Horowitz the Author should have balked at that ridiculous phrase, even when voiced by this hapless writer buffoon he’s created. I’ve never been able to figure out to what degree he is intentionally caricaturing himself, or simply creating a persona he thinks would be fun to inhabit, but whatever the case, I think Horowitz the Author needs to stop living satirically or vicariously through this character and go back to butchering the Sherlock Holmes estate instead.
Second, we do not have a coherent book here: we have two novellas that are mashed together, and, at least initially, only loosely connected by a flimsy “what if?” among the circumstances of the first storyline. When I got to the Act II scene change, I couldn’t help but feel like after six of these books, Horowitz the Author had clearly run out of substance and lost the plot. When, in the end, the resolution to the first storyline gets wrenched around to meet up with the resolution to the second storyline, it feels like our Whodunnit is who it is only to make the two halves of the novel fuse together; not for any realistically contextualized reason within the plot. Unfortunately for the series—on top of all of this—we also still don’t get enough resolution here in The Mystery of Hawthorne’s Past to tie things off, so there are going to be more books. I personally don’t know that I care enough any more to stick around to find out what makes Hawthorne tick. (Knowing Horowitz the Author, it will involve a child abuse plot, and it won’t be handled well. I’m sure Rory Kinnear reads other books I can listen to.)
Finally (and here’s where another spoiler comes in, so if you’re still reading, it’s your lookout), I give a real big side-eye to books where the killer has a disability. There’s a long history of villainizing disabled folx in genre fiction (viz. James Bond, famously—and ironically also an IP Horowitz the Author is associated with), but it’s somehow worse here that the archetype of the Disabled Villain is (I’m sure well-meaningly) further flattened and infantilized. Horowitz the Author’s handling of Jenny, who is simply described as “being autistic,” is shallow and bad. She’s dead before the start of the events of the novel, so she cannot truly be a character and is only a figural plot piece. And “being autistic” can obviously mean a whole range of things, yet we’re given only a handful of stereotypical characterizations of her—she loved animals, lived with her parents, couldn’t be left at home by herself for too long—and are left to assume some level of disability that would result in her being unaccountable for her actions. It’s not a clever twist to have the father covering for his disabled daughter; it’s poor character development in the first place, shoddy genre work, and lazy, insensitive representation of an identity Horowitz the Author clearly doesn’t understand.
I have noted Horowitz’s questionable treatment of certain material before (House of Silk, A Line to Kill) and although it’s disappointing, I think I’m done reading him at this point.
May 8, 2026
3.5⭐️
Audiobook
I’m not sure why, but I didn’t connect as much to this novel as I have the others in the series. It felt a little disjointed, and I found it easy to be distracted while listening.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook
I’m not sure why, but I didn’t connect as much to this novel as I have the others in the series. It felt a little disjointed, and I found it easy to be distracted while listening.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
June 4, 2026
The Hawthorne and Horowitz books are always a fun escape, but this one was a notch below the others. Maybe slightly less compelling characters - anyway, a 3.5 rounding up.
April 30, 2026
Makes me sad to say, but I don't think this is Horowitz usual peak - the plot is a little meandering, and the two timeline plots meant that neither were fleshed out as much as I would have liked.
Still extremely well written and I still devoured it, so it's much closer to a 4 than a 2.
Still extremely well written and I still devoured it, so it's much closer to a 4 than a 2.
June 14, 2026
Not as good as the last one, but I really liked the mystery-within-a-mystery element. Also, maybe Horowitz needs to read up on level one autism before writing about it. I have a job and a driver's license and everything!
May 13, 2026
Bene mylimiausio detektyvų autoriaus mylimiausia serija.
Tai turbūt net neverta aiškint, kad naujausios knygos laukiau net spirgėdamas.
Autorius šioje serijoje ir toliau meistriškai supina fikciją su realybe, o realybę – su pseudorealybe.
Tai, kad vienas pagrindinių herojų šioje serijoje – pats autorius, atveria galimybes puikiems žaidimams su aliuzijom ir kontekstais.
Štai ir čia – šeštojoje serijos knygoje rašoma apie tai, kaip ekranizuojama pirmoji. Scenarijus parašytas, aktoriai parinkti, operatorius jau prie kameros, režisierius šaukia į megafoną „Aaaaaand action!“
Bet mums gi reikia detektyvo, ne? Reikia – bus. Aktorius, vaidinantis Hawthorne‘ą randamas nužudytas. Beieškant, kas turėjo motyvų tam nusikaltimui, iškyla papildoma dvejonė – o žudikas tikrai norėjo nužudyti aktorių, vaidinantį Hawthorne‘ą? O kas, jei jo taikinys – tikrasis Hawthorne‘as, dabar tiriantis nusikaltimą.
Žodžiu, spirgėjimas pasiteisino. Gavau savo malonumo porciją.
Tiesa, su senuoju nusikaltimu (yra knygoje ir toks) daug klausimų nebuvo – labai anksti supratau, kur šuo (literaliai tai ten ne šuo) pakastas. Va, su šviežiuoju... Ir juk buvo aišku, kur įkalčiai, į ką žiūrėt. Nepamačiau. Nors pasiteisinimui pasakysiu – šįsyk jau taip labai ant siūlų viskas sukabinta.
Bet užvertus paskutinį puslapį kankino tik vienas jausmas – liūdesys. Liūdna, kad baigėsi. Liūdna, kad kitos vėl teks laukt. Bet smagu, kad jų dar bus (berods desietką serijoje Horowitzas žadėjo).
Ir galų gale – mes juk turime sužinoti, kas nutiko Reethe?
Tai turbūt net neverta aiškint, kad naujausios knygos laukiau net spirgėdamas.
Autorius šioje serijoje ir toliau meistriškai supina fikciją su realybe, o realybę – su pseudorealybe.
Tai, kad vienas pagrindinių herojų šioje serijoje – pats autorius, atveria galimybes puikiems žaidimams su aliuzijom ir kontekstais.
Štai ir čia – šeštojoje serijos knygoje rašoma apie tai, kaip ekranizuojama pirmoji. Scenarijus parašytas, aktoriai parinkti, operatorius jau prie kameros, režisierius šaukia į megafoną „Aaaaaand action!“
Bet mums gi reikia detektyvo, ne? Reikia – bus. Aktorius, vaidinantis Hawthorne‘ą randamas nužudytas. Beieškant, kas turėjo motyvų tam nusikaltimui, iškyla papildoma dvejonė – o žudikas tikrai norėjo nužudyti aktorių, vaidinantį Hawthorne‘ą? O kas, jei jo taikinys – tikrasis Hawthorne‘as, dabar tiriantis nusikaltimą.
Žodžiu, spirgėjimas pasiteisino. Gavau savo malonumo porciją.
Tiesa, su senuoju nusikaltimu (yra knygoje ir toks) daug klausimų nebuvo – labai anksti supratau, kur šuo (literaliai tai ten ne šuo) pakastas. Va, su šviežiuoju... Ir juk buvo aišku, kur įkalčiai, į ką žiūrėt. Nepamačiau. Nors pasiteisinimui pasakysiu – šįsyk jau taip labai ant siūlų viskas sukabinta.
Bet užvertus paskutinį puslapį kankino tik vienas jausmas – liūdesys. Liūdna, kad baigėsi. Liūdna, kad kitos vėl teks laukt. Bet smagu, kad jų dar bus (berods desietką serijoje Horowitzas žadėjo).
Ir galų gale – mes juk turime sužinoti, kas nutiko Reethe?
May 19, 2026
At this point, every time a new Anthony Horowitz book is announced, I immediately preorder it and eagerly anticipate publication day so I can devour it as quickly as possible. This sixth installment in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series is another really fun addition, and I continue to love the chemistry and banter between the fictionalized Horowitz and Hawthorne. The mystery-within-a-mystery concept was clever and kept me engaged the entire time, especially since Horowitz always does such a good job blurring the line between fiction and reality. I will say that the final twist didn’t feel quite as believable to me as some of the reveals in the previous books, which usually leave me grinning, but honestly I still had a great time reading it. Even when the mystery itself isn’t my favorite of the series, these books are still incredibly entertaining and easy to fly through.
May 3, 2026
More meta-fictional fun from Horowitz and Hawthorne.
Clever, as always.
Clever, as always.
April 26, 2026
Rating: 4.0/5
Anthony Horowitz is one of my "must read" authors. He invariably produces highly entertaining, skilfully plotted stories. "A Deadly Episode" is the sixth book in the Hawthorne & Horowitz series and while there is clearly some benefit to to the reader in being familiar with earlier books in the series, it is by no means a necessity.
If you are unfamiliar with the series, here is a quick background précis: Anthony Horowitz has applied a neat little twist on the genre and appears in his own novels as the sleuthing sidekick to ex-police detective Daniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne now works privately as a consultant to the investigating police force on certain problematic crimes. Anthony Horowitz has been employed by Hawthorne to write up his cases, much as Dr Watson was tasked with chronicling the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The duo do, at times, exhibit characteristics similar to those found in other literary detective teams such as Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings, but it is the comparison with a latter day Holmes & Watson that is generally most fitting.
In "A Deadly Episode" Hawthorne and Horowitz find themselves on a movie set. The first book the pair worked on together, "The Word is Murder" is in the process of being made into a film, but when the actor portraying Hawthorne in the movie is murdered, the "real" Hawthorne and Horowitz find themselves having to be more than merely consultants and observers.
As ever, there is a keen sense of a "Golden Age" whodunnit about this mystery. The cast and crew working on the production essentially provide a closed community of suspects for the case. However, as it transpires, there is also an unexpected link to an earlier investigation that Daniel Hawthorne was involved in when he was still with the police force. The author again weaves aspects of his real life into the fictional narrative, which works extremely well and serves as a vehicle for some humorous asides.
With "A Deadly Episode" Anthony Horowitz has delivered another engaging and clever murder mystery in the "locked room" style. As you can expect from this author, there is ample misdirection with false trails being deliberately laid. However, the clues are all there - you just need to piece them together.
Anthony Horowitz is one of my "must read" authors. He invariably produces highly entertaining, skilfully plotted stories. "A Deadly Episode" is the sixth book in the Hawthorne & Horowitz series and while there is clearly some benefit to to the reader in being familiar with earlier books in the series, it is by no means a necessity.
If you are unfamiliar with the series, here is a quick background précis: Anthony Horowitz has applied a neat little twist on the genre and appears in his own novels as the sleuthing sidekick to ex-police detective Daniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne now works privately as a consultant to the investigating police force on certain problematic crimes. Anthony Horowitz has been employed by Hawthorne to write up his cases, much as Dr Watson was tasked with chronicling the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The duo do, at times, exhibit characteristics similar to those found in other literary detective teams such as Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings, but it is the comparison with a latter day Holmes & Watson that is generally most fitting.
In "A Deadly Episode" Hawthorne and Horowitz find themselves on a movie set. The first book the pair worked on together, "The Word is Murder" is in the process of being made into a film, but when the actor portraying Hawthorne in the movie is murdered, the "real" Hawthorne and Horowitz find themselves having to be more than merely consultants and observers.
As ever, there is a keen sense of a "Golden Age" whodunnit about this mystery. The cast and crew working on the production essentially provide a closed community of suspects for the case. However, as it transpires, there is also an unexpected link to an earlier investigation that Daniel Hawthorne was involved in when he was still with the police force. The author again weaves aspects of his real life into the fictional narrative, which works extremely well and serves as a vehicle for some humorous asides.
With "A Deadly Episode" Anthony Horowitz has delivered another engaging and clever murder mystery in the "locked room" style. As you can expect from this author, there is ample misdirection with false trails being deliberately laid. However, the clues are all there - you just need to piece them together.
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