A Deadly Episode

Hawthorne & Horowitz #6

by Anthony Horowitz

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.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Detective, Thriller

384 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 2026

About the author

Anthony 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...

Reviews

[Ainoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Chrissie Whitley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[cypt · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Amy Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jamad · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixth in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series, this is as delicious as its predecessors. Plus, the narration by Rory Kinnear is superlative.

[Preeti · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tanja Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

More meta-fictional fun from Horowitz and Hawthorne.
Clever, as always.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

little slow to start, but once the action picked up, i couldn't put it down. i would read another dozen books in this series. pls write more anthony horowitz.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has definitely reached the point where I’m no longer here purely for the mystery and A Deadly Episode kind of confirmed that. The plot didn’t quite hit five-star level for me and at times felt a bit wobbly but oddly, that didn’t bother me as much as it usually would. What keeps working is the voice. The dry humour is still very much intact, and the dynamic between Hawthorne and Horowitz continues to do most of the heavy lifting.

Their back-and-forth remains the real highlight, with that slightly tense, chaotic partnership carrying the story. Because the mystery does spiral into some questionable territory for me, mainly in the flashbacks, where it definitely began to feel a little like a mystery that has been done before. A lot. And Hawthorne’s ever-mysterious past, which is usually intriguing, leaned more towards frustrating this time. A little more pay-off there would have gone a long way. I mean, we are six books in by now, we deserve something.

That said, the film set was a genuinely fun angle. The behind-the-scenes drama, the clashing egos, and the general chaos of adapting their own story added a fresh, meta layer that kept things entertaining. So while this wasn’t the strongest instalment plot-wise, it was still an enjoyable read. At this point, I’m clearly invested enough in these characters to keep wanting another book.

[Zachary · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Claire Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, not great. Pacing much more disjointed than previous books.

[Troy · Rating 4 out of 5]

7/10

[Rachael Dockery · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Resh (The Book Satchel)]

This is the newest book in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series. While I have not read all the books in the series, I LOVE what I read and it is one of my FAVORITE COZY MYSTERIES. These books always keep me questioning if Hawthorne is fictional or a real person. It does not help that the writer in the series is Anthony Horowitz and our author is the very same.

This book follows a format of the Magpie Murders series by the same author. So there is a mystery in a mystery. You get two in a book! Count me in! It is cozy and this novel gives you a peek into Hawthorne's past instead of him serving his sole role in solving a crime. In the main storyline, a film is being made. The Word is Murder, which is the first book in the Hawthorne Horowitz series is being adapted. But the script is terrible, the actors have some unexplained tension between them, funding situation is precarious. Then there is a murder!! The actor who plays Hawthorne, the detective, is murdered!

Someone from Hawthorne’s past appears in the local pub where the film is shooting. Anthony begins to suspect that maybe the detective was the target and not the actor, because the nameplate outside the room read 'Hawthorne' and not the actor's name. Then follows a trip to North Yorkshire, where we learn about Hawthorne’s first murder case as a private detective as well as about his mysterious past.

The sixth installment in the Horowitz and Hawthorne series might appeal to fans of the series more than to someone new to the series. If you love cozy mysteries, read them all!

Thank you to the publisher for an ARC. All opinions are my own
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[Ray Palen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars

Just when you thought that this series from Anthony Horowitz could not get any more meta --- he co-stars as a character in the novel --- he ups the ante. A DEADLY EPISODE features a murder on the film set of an adaptation of one of Horowitz’s best-sellers featuring former Detective Inspector Hawthorne.

It was the third week of production when Hawthorne and Anthony visit the film set for the adaptation of the novel featuring them both --- The Word Is Murder. What might have been an enjoyable, if not somewhat frustrating, experience is shattered by a murder on set. When asked who was murdered in response to the cry of a body being found, the illustrious director Cy Truman yelled out ‘Hawthorne.’ Of course, it was not the Hawthorne we have grown to love in these novels but rather the actor, David Caine, whose bloodied body was found in his trailer.

Hawthorne, with able and sometimes unwilling assistance of Anthony, immediately set into motion to assist DSI Milnes with the case that has more than a few possible suspects who might have wanted the curmudgeonly and unlikable actor dead. The story steps back first and goes through the backstory in how this film adaptation came about. One of the many meta moments inside these pages included the dropping of a group of A-List actors who were initially spoken about for the Hawthorne role --- Daniel Day-Lewis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Andrew Scott, and Jude Law. David Caine got the gig because he had collaborated previously with the director Cy.

A young female worker on the set named Izzy Mayes found the body and was quickly written off the possible suspect list. However, everyone from the producers to the director, writer and co-star portraying Anthony Horowitz were near the top of that list. Another name jumps out and is placed at the head of the line --- James Aubrey, Caine’s agent who was unceremoniously fired just days prior in a very rude text exchange. With Aubrey losing out on his meal ticket, who was next set to star as a villain in an upcoming Marvel film, it was quite easy to see how he could have been angry enough to have done the deed.

In a very humorous moment at this point in the investigation, Hawthorne suggests that Anthony use these events for a future novel When he insists that he could not possibly take on another book, Hawthorne replies: “Looks like you’re already in one, Tony.” Anthony surmises that this is the third time in recent memory that an actor died during a film, citing River Phoenix and Brandon Lee, but noted that David Caine was the only one of the trio to have been murdered on set. The co-star in the film, Ralph Seymour, describes in classic fashion how he needed this film to resurrect his dormant career that was harmed irreparably when he vomited at the BAFTA’s, and partially on Dame Judi Dench, when he received an award. An award in a category where he bested David Caine, who never forgave him.

Hawthorne wavers between different suspects before he actually comes to the realization that he may be looking at the case entirely wrong. After all, the person who was murdered was staying in a trailer that had the character name of Hawthorne on the door, not the actor’s name. It could be quite possible that the real Hawthorne was the intended target of this crazed killer. This makes him go back in time to a murder case he engaged in that went awry which took place at Foss Hall during the early part of his police career. It makes him rethink everything up to this point and sets the story within a story into motion, further perplexing astute mystery readers who might have thought they had been close to figuring this one out.

A DEADLY EPISODE is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, and I loved it from beginning to end. Here is hoping this is not the last we see the partnership of Hawthorne and Anthony Horowitz in the real Anthony Horowitz’s novel!

Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the sixth installment of the series, I like the author’s idea of returning to his roots, the roots being two fold: (1) the choice to revisit the first novel “The Word is Murder” as that book has been chosen to be adapted into a film, and (2) the origins of Hawthorne – where he grew up, who knew him as a child, what made him the man he is today, and why it’s so difficult to ascertain this information. Hawthorne, the man, solves the mysteries while remaining the ultimate mystery.

What makes the sixth installment strong, is as always, the relationship of Hawthorne and Anthony. Their push and pull, while one goes east the other goes west, is at the heart of this novel and it’s a huge reason why these are and continue to be so entertaining. Also the subject matter of the actual plot is great. I love a good murder mystery and I love trying to solve it as I go along, but of course never guessing it until the reveal. The hints are sprinkled throughout and you might catch some things, but other throw away things come back in the end.

What came as a huge surprise is that this book is split into two parts. Part 1 is 15 chapters where we meet the players in the story, all those involved with the movie that is being made, how they all connect and each of their motives. Then at chapter 16, we shift to part 2 where the whole tone shifts to a murder that happened back in 2010, which was one of if not the first case, where Hawthorne was asked to look into the events as he was a friend of the family. At first, it feels like this is revisited out of the blue, but it actually connects to the events of part 1, even though it’s not completely clear at first. The second part is a little bit of a slower burn and it’s almost like starting from scratch because you’re putting the main murder on the back burner to talk about an older murder. It was very interesting to see it all come together.

This was a really great read that I devoured in two days. I highly recommend this series and would love to hear what others thought of it.

[The Cookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Justine Olawsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how Anthony Horowitz puts out bangers year after year, but I am glad he does! The absolutely delightful pairing of Detective Hawthorne as the brilliant and quirky sleuth with the author himself in the role of the "dim-witted" sidekick continues to create wonderful banter and character unfolding even as the murders keep piling up on their watch.

This time, our detecting duo is enduring the filming of their first partnership, recorded in The Word is Murder, being brought to the big screen by an indy film company—Hawthorne with complacency, Horowitz with irritation. It's a reunion of sorts for the filming team—the production company, stars, screenwriter, and director are back together—but trouble roils under the surface. While Horowitz frets that his story has been murdered, one of the cast actually is, and everyone is a suspect (naturally). Being Horowitz, the author cannot simply lead us through a straightforward whodunnit. Nope, he incorporates a mini-murder mystery from a decade before into the plot, and Hawthorne's enigmatic history gets unwrapped a wee bit more in the process. (One of the most fun aspects of reading this series is the meta-mystery of Hawthorne himself. Some day, we'll understand Reeth and St. Edwin's and all the things, but that day is not today.)

It is altogether a wonderful read, and I could not put it down! We must protect Anthony Horowitz at all cost.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive, witty, and compelling!⁣
⁣
In the latest instalment of the 𝘏𝘢𝘸𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦 & 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘻 series, 𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄, author Anthony Horowitz reunites with former DI Daniel Hawthorne for another cleverly layered investigation, as the pair find themselves drawn into a new mystery on the set of The Word Is Murder, when a cast member turns up dead, and a long-closed case resurfaces with unsettling consequences.⁣
⁣
The prose is sharp and intense. The characters are layered, diligent, and guarded. And the plot unfolds as a tightly woven tale full of twists, turns, secrets, surprises, manipulation, betrayal, revelations, and murder.⁣
⁣
Overall, 𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 is a thoroughly entertaining, polished, satisfying addition to the 𝘏𝘢𝘸𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦 & 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘻 series, which once again showcases Horowitz’s remarkable talent for crafting sophisticated, menacing mysteries filled with memorable characters and expertly constructed storylines.⁣

[Ranjini Shankar · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounding down. This is unfortunately my least favorite Horowitz book. I’d rate this lower except that I love this author too much to do so and the writing is well done as always. The plot is meandering, the characters are distant, the dual plot didn’t work well at all and the ending was wrapped but unsatisfying.

Anthony and Hawthorne are at the scene of the movie that is being produced based on their joint books when the actor depicting Hawthorne is found murdered. They’ll have to figure out which of the people who hated the man were responsible or if it was someone from Hawthornes own past who made a mistaken identity.

I was intrigued by the first part but when the whole story shifted to a totally new mystery and then so poorly tried to connect the two I was done. It was attempting a book in a book on a much smaller scale with disappointing results. Too many characters and too little depth and not what I have come to expect from Horowitz

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite messy Sherlock and Watson are back!

I love this series, and honestly, I hope Anthony never stops writing them. The mystery was fun, and I really enjoyed the fact that we got, essentially, two mysteries in one; very Magpie Murders of him. 😉 I loved seeing how the mystery in the past tied into the present and how we learned a little more about Hawthorne's mysterious past. Honestly, I think I'm even more confused, but that's good because it means we'll get more books in the series! 🙂‍↕️

Once again, I didn't guess the culprit, but I don't try anymore; I just enjoy the book and let Hawthorne himself tell me what happened. Anthony was clueless as usual, and even though last time I said that I'm tired of him getting stabbed, I kinda want it to happen again lol

[Kate Edmondson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series gets better and better.
The narrative is so unusual, the locations close to home! The depth of the characters and the plots
I could read these all day!!
If you want a new mystery crime series start this one from the beginning, they are completely stand alone but together they development is enticing!

[Cheryl Hanzidiakou · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[audreyindigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

i adore these books. horowitz is such a consistent writer, i never seem to question whether i’ll enjoy these because they’re always such a treat.

if agatha christie is the queen of mystery, anthony horowitz holds the crown for the modern whodunnit!

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best book in the series. Plot was a bit convoluted for my taste. But I did enjoy that we learned a bit more about Hawthorne.

[Annalee Storey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much. Hate waiting for another one.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining as per usual!