Infinite Books

After enjoying “Magpie Murders,” I decided I’d like to read more mysteries by Anthony Horowitz. So I came to another one, “The Word is Murder,” the first one in the “Hawthorne and Horowitz” series, and I wasn’t disappointed!

Daniel Hawthorne, a former Detective Inspector, approaches Anthony Horowitz, the author of “The Word is Murder,” with a proposal – Horowitz will write a book about Hawthorne’s investigation. They will work together – although it becomes clear that this is not an equal partnership, as Horowitz is repeatedly scolded for asking questions. The author is expected to show up whenever Hawthorne texts him, come to a particular place, and take notes, remaining silent. They are contemporary versions of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson or Hercule Poirot and Arthur Hastings.

In their first case Diana Cowper, a wealthy, sixty-year-old mother of a famous actor and a socialite, was murdered just six hours after she entered a funeral parlor and made arrangements for her funeral. As it turns out, she had some skeletons in her closet. Soon another murder is committed, and the case becomes very interesting.

This is a brilliant mystery with many twists and turns, but watching the odd couple working together is the most enjoyable. Hawthorne is brusque and antisocial, and his remarks are often rude. Yet, there is almost a child-like quality to his persona, something that intrigues Horowitz, who, just like in real life, is a successful, prolific writer. They are total opposites, and their relationship provides a novel with many humorous lines.

I’m so glad I discovered this modern-day Holmes and Watson series. With London in the background, these intelligent and absorbing Hawthorne and Horowitz mysteries quickly become my favorites, and I know I’ll be eagerly waiting for the next book.

THE WORD IS MURDER, by Anthony Horowitz, Harper, 2018