As with The Magpie Murders so Horowitz also makes an appearance in this only here he is very much the star. In first person narrative he portrays himself as an author following a murder investigation. So we enter the world of meta-fiction where Horowitz gives us large slices of his real life and his writing techniques alongside an extraordinary murder mystery.
He has come at the invitation of his chum, Hawthorne an ex police office now private detective, who hopes that if Horowitz writes about the case then they can split the book deal fifty fifty. Naturally Horowitz is intrigued as we are and the banter between the two adds hugely to the tale.
It is a modern Holmes/Watson mystery with a difference and a hell of a twist. It is also the start of a series so it will be fun watching the characters develop. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
Reviewed by Sarah Broadhurst Sarah Broadhurst spent her early working life in the book trade in both retail and wholesale until the arrival of children forced her to look for freelance work she could do from… More reviews by Sarah Broadhurst
About The Word is Murder
A wealthy woman strangled six hours after she's arranged her own funeral. A very private detective uncovering secrets but hiding his own. A reluctant author drawn into a story he can't control.
A wealthy woman strangled six hours after she's arranged her own funeral. A very private detective uncovering secrets but hiding his own. A reluctant author drawn into a story he can't control.
With its unorthodox protagonist, clever plotting, brilliantly imperfect characters, and escalating sense of urgency and intrigue, The Word is Murder is an instant crime classic that will keep you reading as fast as you can... one of the best and most compulsively readable mysteries of the year. Hugely satisfying on every level. Written by Sime
A very clever and inventive mystery Bookbag
Praise for Magpie Murders;
Ingenious ... This magnificent piece of crime fiction plays with the genre while taking it seriously Sunday Times
Brilliant. Really really brilliant. I loved it! Sophie Hannah
Difficult to put down ... A cracking good read. Daily Express
Author
About Anthony Horowitz
Anthony Horowitz may have committed more (fictional) murders than any other living author. As a TV screenwriter he created both MIDSOMER MURDERS and the BAFTA-winning FOYLE'S WAR. Other TV work includes POIROT and the widely acclaimed mini-series COLLISION and INJUSTICE. He is also the author of a string of bestselling children's books, including the ALEX RIDER series which has sold 13 million copies worldwide. He has often claimed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to be an inspiration for his work ever since encountering the Holmes canon, aged 16. He currently lives in Clerkenwell.
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