English Mysteries Club discussion

Our more contemporary English mystery group read for June is The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz. It is the first in his "Hawthorne & Horowitz" series.

We have already had one group read by this author, Magpie Murders, which was very popular.

Who will be joining in with this one?

I was able to get this from the library. It looks really interesting

I just finished it but have yet to write a review. I did find it extremely compelling and might have a lot to say if others are ready for spoilers anytime soon!

Got my copy :)

I read it but don't want to talk about it until others are done. I wrote a review but spoilered it.

looking forward to hearing what others think.

Though I have a lot of books I am reading this month the book is available at my local library. Guess who is checking out said book? So, yes, I am joining this month’s group read. Happy reading everyone.

Good to see people joining in already!

Bionic Jean wrote: "Good to see people joining in already!"

I too will join in reading this one since it has been on my list for quite some time.

I have a downloaded copy and am finding the beginning interesting already.

I read it about a year ago. I’d like to join in the conversation

Great! We officially begin today 😊

I am up to my eyeballs in other books but just listened to the audio sample of this book. Horowitz is such an engaging writer… he sucks you in. I’ll try to get to this. I think we’re in for a treat!

I wish I hadn't finished it so long ago (at least a week!) since my memory is so awful, but I took notes. What I remember the most is that "can't put it down" feeling because I really wanted to see what happened!

Bionic Jean wrote: "Great! We officially begin today 😊"

Yay! It has been on my list for awhile now.

Jackie wrote: "I wish I hadn't finished it so long ago (at least a week!) since my memory is so awful, but I took notes. What I remember the most is that "can't put it down" feeling because I really wanted to see..."

Me too!

I just read the last word. It was interesting.

I just got the book through my library and have started reading it. However, I’m having a bit of a hard time getting into it, somewhat turned off by the “detectives” and their interaction.

Currently half way through the book. Such an interesting plot device of author being a character in his own story. I am very intrigued by how the plot is going. While I might have an idea of the culprit I have a feeling I might be wrong. Which I am honestly okay with.

Nikita wrote: "Currently half way through the book. Such an interesting plot device of author being a character in his own story. .."

Yes, I like that too! It's reminiscent of another book of his we had as a group read, Magpie Murders.

I've just finished the book and found it both brilliant and confounding. What was real and what was fictional? I thought that Horowitz had made up the basic plot, while putting his real self into the narrative in a unique and unexpected way. But at the end, it appears that he was writing about a real crime? Was he? Did this really happen? I've never read any real crime books so can't figure it out. The mystery was so good though and I didn't figure it out at all, I was mesmerized. I definitely want to read more by this author.

I also wondered what was real, and I was also impressed with the way he used himself (and his career) as a character. When I'd read he was going to do that, I didn't think it was something I would like but it turned out to work really well.

Not sure if spoilers are OK, but just in case anyone is reading this who hasn't finished it (view spoiler)[ the scene where he is drugged and then in the morgue was terrifying! (hide spoiler)]

It's fine Jackie - you did it exactly right since we are all reading at different rates. Thank you!

Finished the book! That was a five star read in my opinion. Again I emphasize my enjoyment of the author having himself as a character and even the narrator. The blur of nonfiction and fiction was fantastic.

I enjoyed the dynamics of Hawthorne and Horowitz (definitely seeing the similarities of Poirot & Hastings and Holmes & Watson).

The constant guessing of who did it and then still not catching on until the end I was pleased with. (Sometimes if I figure out the culprit I find the book is still good, but something lacks in my attention of the story, if that makes any sense.)

I will be continuing this series.

Thank you to all who decided on this book. It was not even on my radar. (Another reason to be grateful to joining this group.)

For those who have not finished the book, happy reading!

I was astonished at how angry I got at Hawthorne: when he was smoking in the cab, for example, I wanted to rip the cigarette out of his mouth. and I was livid when he (view spoiler)[ busted up the meeting Horowitz had with Peter Jackson and ...oh, goodness I've already forgotten who the other famous movie person was.

Anyway, the most important meeting in his life, and Hawthorne deliberately destroys it. (hide spoiler)] I was so angry!

It's great that this one is such a success ... and still plenty of time to join in! Come on - "fess up" - who nominated it?

I did not join in this month's read because I was trying to finish another book but you have all convinced me that this one should not be skipped! It is now in my Audible library and I cannot wait to listen.

Kathy wrote: "I've just finished the book and found it both brilliant and confounding. What was real and what was fictional? I thought that Horowitz had made up the basic plot, while putting his real self into t..."

Quite mind-bending how he's constantly outwitted by Hawthorn and yet as the author it was him who created the plot and solution! Or was it.....

Hawthorn was a very interesting character and since I am reminded not everyone has read the book, I changed my last post to hide spoilers.
I don't know when I've had such a strong (negative!) reaction to a character!

Thanks Jackie!

It was my first book nomination - ever! I knew there would be strong opinions! I loved this book and I gave it an 5 star review. I really enjoy reading Anthony Horowitz and have loved everything I’ve ever read by him.

Ah then well done Joan for getting an all-star reaction for your first nomination! That's quite a feat 😊

Kathy wrote: "I've just finished the book and found it both brilliant and confounding. What was real and what was fictional? I thought that Horowitz had made up the basic plot, while putting his real self into t..."
I had a similar reaction - I think my final response is that I'm sufficiently hooked to read another. I wonder how different it would be if Horowitz was written as a character rather than a combination of author/character. It's definitely original.

I read this book a year or two ago and then continued on and read the rest of the series. I enjoy Anthony Horowitz very much. I will go back and reread this… Actually I have it on audible.com so I will re-listen to it.

I didn't think I was going to finish in time, but I did. For some reason, this book didn't start well for me, but I got into it about midway. It is not my first Horowitz book, I have read his Sherlock stories and the Susan Ryeland books and liked them all. It is a little weird reading him as a character in the story, but I must say I ended up liking this book, particularly the twist at the end (and his 'writer's dilemma') and look forward to reading other books in the series.

Just finished! Wow an excellent read - love the author being a character, a real page turner. I ‘ve recommended to my friends at WI .

I’m so glad people enjoyed the book I recommended for June, I was afraid to recommend a book on this list. I had never done it. But remember, people on this list are kind, thoughtful and truthful, so be a little brave. Pay attention to the month’s recommendation guidelines and suggest a book to the club. Look at the great reaction to July’s Agatha Christie book - “Evil Under the Sun”- it’s the perfect summer read! Bravo to the person who suggested it! Happy reading!

Joan wrote: "I’m so glad people enjoyed the book I recommended for June, I was afraid to recommend a book on this list. I had never done it. But remember, people on this list are kind, thoughtful and truthful, ..."

Joan, if we awarded badges you would get the First Time Nomination 5 Star Response award. I finished my other book and this book was available from my library. I'm listening to it (what a hoot!) and am about 75% done. I've read Magpie Murders so know that Horowitz is a 'name-dropper' (book dropper?) but him inserting himself into the novel is just terrific. Thank you for nominating this one! I'll take my cue from you and try to make a brave nomination in the future.

Brenda, Thanks for the “ badges”! I’m so glad you are thinking about a book to nominate. :-)

My first post here although I have been lurking for a long time. I liked this book a lot. I don't think it is the best of Horowitz's work, but it is good and worth the read. I wrote a review so I won't just copy that here, but if anyone is still thinking about it, it is worth the time.

I'm so glad you told us, thank you Walter 😊 And you are welcome to link to your review if you like - here, or in our review thread.

(If this is your first post in a group, well done! Believe it or not, I do remember how daunting that feels.)

Walter, I'd be interested in which of his books you like better and why?

Welcome! I mean to posting, lol.

This was a reread for me and I've rated it 3.5 stars. I still think it's a little overlong for a mystery but the plot is good,

I enjoyed it enough to want to read the rest of the series.

It's lovely that so many people enjoyed this one. I'll leave the thread current for a bit, to allow for any extra comments before archiving it. Thanks all!

I am listening to the audiobook and immensely enjoying it. I apologize for being slow in finishing it. Life is actually getting in the way!

Oh good! Thanks for telling us Shandizzy - and please finish in your own time 😊

I read this a month late but I really enjoyed it. Loved the idea of Horowitz including himself as a character and trying to work out fact from fiction. So much fun!

He's a great writer, isn't he? I don't doubt we'll have another book by him as a group read again. Thanks for adding this, Jess!

I must confess to loving this and gifting a copy to my grown up son. The pace and intrigue are perfect, he is such a good writer and such a fabulous idea putting himself in there too . One of the best picks thank you for choosing it.

Yes, thank you to whoever nominated it, especially 😊

Jackie wrote: "Walter, I'd be interested in which of his books you like better and why?

Welcome! I mean to posting, lol."

House of Silk, Moriarty, Alex Rider Series (I read some of these with my son).