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MYST HOR
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Harper (2022), 384 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Thriller. HTML: In New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz's ingenious fourth literary whodunit following The Word is Murder, The Sentence is Death, and A Line to Kill, Horowitz becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation�??and only one man can prove his innocence: his newly estranged partner in solving crime, Detective Hawthorne. "I'm sorry but the answer's no." Reluctant author, Anthony Horowitz, has had enough. He tells ex-detective Daniel Hawthorne that after three books he's splitting and their deal is over. The truth is that Anthony has other things on his mind. His new play, a thriller called Mindgame, is about to open at the Vaudeville Theater in London's West End. Not surprisingly, Hawthorne declines a ticket to the opening night. The play is panned by the critics. In particular, Sunday Times critic Margaret Throsby gives it a savage review, focusing particularly on the writing. The next day, Throsby is stabbed in the heart with an ornamental dagger which turns out to belong to Anthony, and has his fingerprints all over it. Anthony is arrested by an old enemy . . . Detective Inspector Cara Grunshaw. She still carries a grudge from her failure to solve the case described in the second Hawthorne adventure, The Sentence is Death, and blames Anthony. Now she's out for revenge. Thrown into prison and fearing for both his personal future and his writing career, Anthony is the prime suspect in Throsby's murder and when a second theatre critic is found to have died in mysterious circumstances, the net closes in. Ever more desperate, he realizes that only one man can help him. But will Hawthorne take the call?… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member jnmegan
Prolific genre-busting author, Anthony Horowitz, re-enlists his beloved Sherlockian character in The Twist of a Knife. This is the fourth in Horowitz’ series featuring the detective, and once again he has inserted himself into the narrative as scribe for the brilliant Hawthorne. Horowitz seems to
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derive a great deal of pleasure from “Tony’s” exaggerated foils and fumbles as he struggles to tag along. This time, Hawthorne takes a bit of a breather and Horowitz takes center stage. He is anxiously anticipating opening night of his latest play, managing to be both self-deprecating and pretentious. A critic, well-known for her scathing reviews, attends his opening and a preview of her opinion is released prematurely on the internet. This being a murder mystery, the critic turns up dead and Horowitz is the main suspect for her murder. “Tony” will once again have to placate his ingenious friend to help him out of his predicament. Like the other books in the series, Twist of a Knife is full of sly asides, sharp wit, and even a bit of slapstick humor. Hawthorne is subdued and diluted in this outing, as Horowitz attempts to soften his prickly exterior. Unfortunately, without the investigator’s sharp edges the usual tension between the men remains flat. Part of the appeal of the series is the odd connection between the characters despite their antagonism. Fans of the series will have to wait for the next book to see if Horowitz resuscitates Hawthorne with a bit more of his typical bite. Show Less
LibraryThing member Eyejaybee
Anthony Horowitz has had a long and successful career as a writer of novels, plays for the theatre and television screenplays. He has also been commissioned by the literary executors of Arthur Conan Doyle and Ian Fleming to write new instalments in both the Sherlock Holmes and James Bond canons,
In his recent novels he has recently been experimenting with the format of the crime story, also with great success. In Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders he toyed with the traditional ‘cosy’ whodunnit in the manner of Agatha Christie, in each case producing a novel within the novel, supposedly written by one of his characters.
This latest novel is the fourth to feature Horowitz himself as a character, working alongside former policeman Daniel Hawthorne who now works as an occasional consultant for the Met. The book opens with Horowitz advising Hawthorne that he wants to draw their partnership to a close, which the detective is not happy with. Later that day, Horowitz attends attending the opening night of a play that he has written. There is a subdued opening night party afterwards into which one of the leading critics intrudes. Shortly after her departure one of the cast members is sent a link to the critic’s review, which is particularly bitter and negative. The following morning that critic is found dead, having been stabbed at her home. Horowitz finds himself the police’s principal subject, and he is arrested and detained overnight. Bemused by the turn of events, Horowitz feels his only resort is to contact Hawthorne and seek his help.
Horowitz is excellent at this sort of metafiction, and the relationship between him and Daniel Hawthorne is finely drawn temporarily released on a technicality, Horowitz and Hawthorne have a brief window of opportunity to conduct their own investigation, and hopefully clear the author’s name. The plot moves swiftly, but never strains the reader’s credibility. The book is also excellently presented, with lovely endpapers in the hardback edition.
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which he achieved very successfully. Indeed, I thought that, as with William Boyd, his first James Bond novel, Trigger Mortis, was far better written than the original books. In his recent novels he has recently been experimenting with the format of the crime story, also with great success. In Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders he toyed with the traditional ‘cosy’ whodunnit in the manner of Agatha Christie, in each case producing a novel within the novel, supposedly written by one of his characters.
This latest novel is the fourth to feature Horowitz himself as a character, working alongside former policeman Daniel Hawthorne who now works as an occasional consultant for the Met. The book opens with Horowitz advising Hawthorne that he wants to draw their partnership to a close, which the detective is not happy with. Later that day, Horowitz attends attending the opening night of a play that he has written. There is a subdued opening night party afterwards into which one of the leading critics intrudes. Shortly after her departure one of the cast members is sent a link to the critic’s review, which is particularly bitter and negative. The following morning that critic is found dead, having been stabbed at her home. Horowitz finds himself the police’s principal subject, and he is arrested and detained overnight. Bemused by the turn of events, Horowitz feels his only resort is to contact Hawthorne and seek his help.
Horowitz is excellent at this sort of metafiction, and the relationship between him and Daniel Hawthorne is finely drawn temporarily released on a technicality, Horowitz and Hawthorne have a brief window of opportunity to conduct their own investigation, and hopefully clear the author’s name. The plot moves swiftly, but never strains the reader’s credibility. The book is also excellently presented, with lovely endpapers in the hardback edition.
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LibraryThing member Twink
Oh, I was so happy to find that Anthony Horowitz had penned a fourth entry in his absolutely wonderful Hawthorne and Horowitz mystery series. The Twist of a Knife has just released.
I can't recommend this series enough. It's clever in so many ways. The protagonist is the enigmatic Hawthorne, let go
There have been three books written about Hawthorn's cases, thereby fulfilling the publishing contract between the two. Tony has no desire to continue the agreement and lets Hawthorn know it. But....when Tony is arrested on murder charges for a death at a local theater, he reluctantly has to call on Hawthorn for help.
I often find myself stopping to check out the literary references related to Horowitz. They're all there and woven into these fictional accounts. And I wonder what it be like to characterize yourself. Horowitz certainly doesn't paint himself as perfect! Hawthorne has been an enigma over the course of the first three books. Slowly, but surely, we're seeing behind the protective barriers he's put in place.
The choice for whodunit has a 'locked room' feeling, as there is a finite list of suspects who could have done the deed. The mystery itself is excellent. Each and every player is a suspect at some point. I really enjoy Hawthorne's investigative techniques. Alongside Anthony, I question his methods and the information he is gathering. Much seems irrelevant, but as readers we just know there are answers hidden in the interactions. The reader (and Tony) just aren't seeing what Hawthorne does. The journey to the 'ah hah' moment is an excellent read. And the final reveal is a delightful homage to Christie.
Will there be more in this series? I most certainly hope so!
I can't recommend this series enough. It's clever in so many ways. The protagonist is the enigmatic Hawthorne, let go
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from the police force and now working as a P.I. Hawthorne is such a great character - a brilliant detective, but somewhat lacking in personal interactive skills. I quite like him. And playing Watson to his Holmes? Anthony Horowitz. Uh huh - Horowitz has written himself in as a character in the series! He plays himself, writing about Hawthorne's cases. The relationship between the two is...interesting...There have been three books written about Hawthorn's cases, thereby fulfilling the publishing contract between the two. Tony has no desire to continue the agreement and lets Hawthorn know it. But....when Tony is arrested on murder charges for a death at a local theater, he reluctantly has to call on Hawthorn for help.
I often find myself stopping to check out the literary references related to Horowitz. They're all there and woven into these fictional accounts. And I wonder what it be like to characterize yourself. Horowitz certainly doesn't paint himself as perfect! Hawthorne has been an enigma over the course of the first three books. Slowly, but surely, we're seeing behind the protective barriers he's put in place.
The choice for whodunit has a 'locked room' feeling, as there is a finite list of suspects who could have done the deed. The mystery itself is excellent. Each and every player is a suspect at some point. I really enjoy Hawthorne's investigative techniques. Alongside Anthony, I question his methods and the information he is gathering. Much seems irrelevant, but as readers we just know there are answers hidden in the interactions. The reader (and Tony) just aren't seeing what Hawthorne does. The journey to the 'ah hah' moment is an excellent read. And the final reveal is a delightful homage to Christie.
Will there be more in this series? I most certainly hope so!
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LibraryThing member diana.hauser
The Twist of a Knife is written by Anthony Horowitz.
The title is Book 4 of the Horowitz and Hawthorne series.
Horowitz is the sidekick, the note taker, the writer. Hawthorne is the rogue detective who always seems to be one step ahead of the Police (and Horowitz) in his investigations.
Daniel
But Horowitz calls Hawthorne from a jail cell. He has been arrested for the murder of a theatre critic who trashed the play and desperately needs Hawthorne to prove his innocence.
Another witty, clever mystery title by Anthony Horowitz.
I like his memories and recollections of the theatre - his interest and eagerness to belong in that world.
The give and take, the banter, the frustrations between Horowitz & Hawthorne are amusing and cleverly written.
Also the frustrations - will they ever get along? Will Hawthorne ever let down his barriers?
A very good addition to this addictive series. ****
The title is Book 4 of the Horowitz and Hawthorne series.
Horowitz is the sidekick, the note taker, the writer. Hawthorne is the rogue detective who always seems to be one step ahead of the Police (and Horowitz) in his investigations.
Daniel
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Hawthorne approaches Horowitz about writing another book. Horowitz has just written a play, MindGame, which has been funded, gone on tour and is set to open on the big stage at the Vaudeville Theatre. Horowitz turns him down.But Horowitz calls Hawthorne from a jail cell. He has been arrested for the murder of a theatre critic who trashed the play and desperately needs Hawthorne to prove his innocence.
Another witty, clever mystery title by Anthony Horowitz.
I like his memories and recollections of the theatre - his interest and eagerness to belong in that world.
The give and take, the banter, the frustrations between Horowitz & Hawthorne are amusing and cleverly written.
Also the frustrations - will they ever get along? Will Hawthorne ever let down his barriers?
A very good addition to this addictive series. ****
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LibraryThing member infjsarah
I enjoyed this one a lot more than the previous Guernsey one. It's all incredibly unlikely but a lot of fun too. Another quick, easy read.
LibraryThing member Dianekeenoy
I love how this author writes himself into these whodunit books!!! After three books with ex-detective, Daniel Hawthorne, Anthony Horowitz decides enough is enough! He decides to end their collaboration. He has other priorities, like a new play, Mindgame. Then, a theater critic is murdered after a
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scathing review and all clues point to Anthony! Off we go on another adventure! Show Less
LibraryThing member Narshkite
What fun, end to end! Another book in which Tony Horowitz himself is our main character, In this episode he is framed for murder (or did he actually commit the crime?) Filled with endless fun that welds Tony to his favorite ex-police officer, Hawthorne for a few more books. Somehow it also appears
Horowitz is such a smart and witty writer. His mysteries are always a joy when I am looking for pure entertainment. (FWiW, I guessed several different solutions as I read, and all were wrong.) Additional note -- I always love when a book gives me a sense of place, and reading Horowitz's books always makes me feel like I somehow woke up to find that I live in London.
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to have secured Hawthorne's top billing in this crime fighting duos book contract.Horowitz is such a smart and witty writer. His mysteries are always a joy when I am looking for pure entertainment. (FWiW, I guessed several different solutions as I read, and all were wrong.) Additional note -- I always love when a book gives me a sense of place, and reading Horowitz's books always makes me feel like I somehow woke up to find that I live in London.
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LibraryThing member bookappeal
The books in this series are always intricately plotted with loads of characters, red herrings, and humor but this entry drags a bit more than the others.
LibraryThing member hcnewton
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader as part of a Quick Takes Catch-up post, emphasizing pithiness, not thoroughness.
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Until I heard Horowitz on a podcast talking about this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to bother with the book—but he piqued my interest. I’m glad he
I didn’t buy—at all—the way Horowitz didn’t involve his wife in his situation—or how she reacted. The way the other detectives focused on Horowitz and didn’t really listen to him seemed less-than-credible, too—but not as much.
Still, this was a fun listen—Kinnear’s a great narrator—and this mystery was clever. It was a good time—I know you’ll find more enthusiastic recommendations from several other people, and you should probably take their advice. The best I can do is that this book probably led me to get the next one.
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Until I heard Horowitz on a podcast talking about this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to bother with the book—but he piqued my interest. I’m glad he
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did—he’s really good at keeping this series from falling into a formula, and bringing Hawthorne into this case to get Horowitz out of trouble was a nice twist (but something he can’t repeat).I didn’t buy—at all—the way Horowitz didn’t involve his wife in his situation—or how she reacted. The way the other detectives focused on Horowitz and didn’t really listen to him seemed less-than-credible, too—but not as much.
Still, this was a fun listen—Kinnear’s a great narrator—and this mystery was clever. It was a good time—I know you’ll find more enthusiastic recommendations from several other people, and you should probably take their advice. The best I can do is that this book probably led me to get the next one.
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LibraryThing member TomDonaghey
The Twist Of A Knife (2022) by Anthony Horowitz. This is the fourth book in the Detective Hawthorne/writer Horowitz mystery series. Anthony Horowitz has once again placed his fictional writer with the same name in the center of a murder investigation. But this time he has said good-bye to his
The book’s character Horowitz wrote a mystery play and, after months in the hinterlands, it has finally arrived in London. The small cast of three, the theater agent and his assistant and Horowitz have their fame and, in some cases, fortune, riding on the critic’s reviews of opening night. The play goes well but the first published review dumps all over the play, cast and writer. At the premier’s after party the review is the heated topic that spoils the mood of all involved.
The critic, hated by so many both in and out of the theater trade, is found dead, stabbed by an ornamental dagger that was handed out to the cast and crew at the party. The guilty dagger had Horowitz’s fingerprints on the handle.
With one phone call between himself and total doom, Horowitz calls Hawthorne. But Hawthorne who doesn’t want to play ball after the rejection he received a few days earlier.
It is nothing to say that Hawthorne comes around, on his own terms, and helps pull his ex-partner out of trouble and together they solve the case.
The writing is smooth with a good sense of humor as always, The author has once again down-played the fictional writer’s abilities in solving crimes. The crime itself is fairly ingenious in its simplicity, but also baffling in its brilliance. Like the works that precede this effort, be they books or television series/scripts, the author brings a level of humanity to his work that is lacking in the work of so many others. The plight of the author’s characters manages to touch the reader/watcher, striking a note of commonality.
Also this acts as the first book in what I’m hoping is a new trilogy. Fingers crossed.
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frustrating, but brilliant, detective partner Hawthorne. Which is a shame as the police come by just a day or two later to arrest Horowitz on suspicion of murder.The book’s character Horowitz wrote a mystery play and, after months in the hinterlands, it has finally arrived in London. The small cast of three, the theater agent and his assistant and Horowitz have their fame and, in some cases, fortune, riding on the critic’s reviews of opening night. The play goes well but the first published review dumps all over the play, cast and writer. At the premier’s after party the review is the heated topic that spoils the mood of all involved.
The critic, hated by so many both in and out of the theater trade, is found dead, stabbed by an ornamental dagger that was handed out to the cast and crew at the party. The guilty dagger had Horowitz’s fingerprints on the handle.
With one phone call between himself and total doom, Horowitz calls Hawthorne. But Hawthorne who doesn’t want to play ball after the rejection he received a few days earlier.
It is nothing to say that Hawthorne comes around, on his own terms, and helps pull his ex-partner out of trouble and together they solve the case.
The writing is smooth with a good sense of humor as always, The author has once again down-played the fictional writer’s abilities in solving crimes. The crime itself is fairly ingenious in its simplicity, but also baffling in its brilliance. Like the works that precede this effort, be they books or television series/scripts, the author brings a level of humanity to his work that is lacking in the work of so many others. The plight of the author’s characters manages to touch the reader/watcher, striking a note of commonality.
Also this acts as the first book in what I’m hoping is a new trilogy. Fingers crossed.
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LibraryThing member waldhaus1
A writer describes his own fear when accused of murder. As the story developed I remained unsure if in the end he would indeed be the killer. I didn’t figure out who the killer was but guessed it might have been the other boy involved in the death by prank of a teacher at a boarding school. Echos
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of Agatha Christie with a list of suspects and a clever detective explaining the solution on stage at the end of the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member tangledthread
The story begins with Horowitz attempting to sever the book writing relationship with Hawthorne. Shortly thereafter, Horowitz becomes the suspect when a critic from the opening night of his play is found murdered the morning after she wrote a scathing review of the play. Horowitz calls upon
With nods to the mystery writing skills of Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, the author casts a fictional version of himself as a Watson and Hawthorne as the master sleuth with a mysterious past. There is humor sprinkled through out in the form of self deprecation and double meaning.
A little more is revealed about Hawthorne's past when Horowitz meets the mysterious "sort of half brother" while hiding from the police in Hawthorne's flat.
The ending suggests there will be future additions to this series.
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Hawthorne to help him out of the mess.With nods to the mystery writing skills of Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, the author casts a fictional version of himself as a Watson and Hawthorne as the master sleuth with a mysterious past. There is humor sprinkled through out in the form of self deprecation and double meaning.
A little more is revealed about Hawthorne's past when Horowitz meets the mysterious "sort of half brother" while hiding from the police in Hawthorne's flat.
The ending suggests there will be future additions to this series.
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LibraryThing member hhornblower
Anthony Horowitz is obviously very talented, writing various mystery novels, new James Bond book, new Sherlock Holmes stories plays, TV shows (Foyle's War is great). Picking up one of his books would certainly be worth your time.
This is the forth in a series where Anthony is a character in his own
This series is fun. It's very Agatha Christie-esque (there are even references to Agatha Christie at the end). It is what it is, a fun mystery series that is kind of reminiscent of your favorite murder of the week TV show.
This is the forth in a series where Anthony is a character in his own
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books, playing a slightly doltish Watson to Daniel Hawthorne's fairly coarse Sherlock. In The Twist of the Knife, Anthony himself is the prime suspect. This series is fun. It's very Agatha Christie-esque (there are even references to Agatha Christie at the end). It is what it is, a fun mystery series that is kind of reminiscent of your favorite murder of the week TV show.
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LibraryThing member Romonko
I really enjoyed this latest book in the Hawthorne and Horowitz Investigates series. The books keep on getting better each time. In this one, Anthony finds himself in hot water when a theatre critic is found dead in her home the day after her horrible review of Anthony's play came out. To make
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matters worse, evidence found at the crime scene links Anthony to the killing. Anthony finds himself with no one to turn to when his nemesis Sergeant Kara Grenshaw arrests him for the murder, so he turns to his "partner in crime" - Daniel Hawthorne to help get him out of the big jam he is in. I love the interplay between these two characters, and in this book it is especially delightful, because Hawthorne can't resist baiting Tony for getting himself into the jam he's in. When the two start investigating, there is no dearth of suspects as the dead critic was not a very nice person, and was disliked and even hated by many. As the two investigate they find they have to go back in time to an old crime in a small English village to unravel the mystery. It was so much fun following the trail that these two navigated during their investigation. The characters are very believable and the mystery is tricky enough to keep the reader guessing. I did listen to this book on audiobook, and found that very enjoyable as well. Rory Kinnear does a great job of narrating these books. If you're looking for well-written mystery novels that always have a tricky solution, believable characters and that are fun to read, this series is for you. Show Less
LibraryThing member JBD1
This series is certainly getting better as it goes along, which I'm happy about. Decent plot and characters and a good mystery.
LibraryThing member srms.reads
The Twist of a Knife is the fourth book and a worthy addition to the Hawthorne and Horowitz Investigate series featuring former DI Daniel Hawthorne and his biographer/sidekick Anthony Horowitz (the author of the series who writes himself as one of the characters in this series).
As the novel
The Twist of a Knife by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted mystery with plenty of red herrings, several suspects with motives and interesting backstories linking them to the victim and a good dose of humor injected into the narrative for comic relief. As usual, I loved the dynamic between the two main characters and really like that with every book we get to know more about Daniel Hawthorne. I loved that I was unable to predict who the killer was and though a few aspects of this story were a tad farfetched, it did not detract from my overall reading experience. Those who enjoy classic detective stories would enjoy this series. I do recommend that the books be read in series order to fully enjoy the character dynamics.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I paired my reading with the terrific narration by Rory Kinnear. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series!
As the novel
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begins, Horowitz is glad to discontinue his professional association with Hawthorne upon completing the three-book deal previously agreed upon. Though Hawthorne would like to continue their collaboration, Horowitz has had enough of the tight-lipped, unfriendly Hawthorne. Besides, it is the opening night of his play, “Mindgame”, in London's Vaudeville Theatre, so he has other concerns keeping him occupied. Opening night is well attended, but when renowned theatre critic Harriet Throsby writes a savage review of the play and the performances, with particularly acidic criticism targeting Horowitz’s writing, he and the cast members are disheartened. In a shocking turn of events, the next morning, she is found stabbed in the heart with a dagger and all evidence points to Anthony as the culprit. DI Cara Grunshaw (remember her?) is more than happy to arrest Anthony and throw him in jail pending interrogation. Anthony needs help and who better to help him get to the truth of the matter than Daniel Hawthorne? Thankfully, Hawthorne does not turn Anthony’s plea for help down and when Anthony is released pending further investigation, the duo race against time to prove Anthony’s innocence and find the true killer before he is formally charged with murder. The Twist of a Knife by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted mystery with plenty of red herrings, several suspects with motives and interesting backstories linking them to the victim and a good dose of humor injected into the narrative for comic relief. As usual, I loved the dynamic between the two main characters and really like that with every book we get to know more about Daniel Hawthorne. I loved that I was unable to predict who the killer was and though a few aspects of this story were a tad farfetched, it did not detract from my overall reading experience. Those who enjoy classic detective stories would enjoy this series. I do recommend that the books be read in series order to fully enjoy the character dynamics.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I paired my reading with the terrific narration by Rory Kinnear. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series!
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LibraryThing member KallieGrace
Another great mystery with the twist being our author is accused of murder this time. I do enjoy these mysteries, I just don't quite love the tone of the relationship between detective and author. It's quite manipulative and not as good-natured as I'd like.
LibraryThing member delphimo
Daniel Hawthorne wins the Hercule Poirot award for his excellent analysis of the murder of literary critic, Harriet Throsby, and his saving his ex-partner, Anthony Horowitz, from prison. The final scene where Hawthorne assembles all the suspects and reveals the details of Harriet’s murder, plus
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the murder of two other individuals. The scene reminds one of Hercule Poirot and/or Nick Charles of The Thin Man fame. The Twist of a Knife provides a fast-paced mystery with a vast array of suspects, and Horowitz embellishes the story with the interior of the theatre and the workings of an actual play. The tension builds as a recently released from jail, Anthony Horowitz, must employ the services of his friend, Daniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne and Horowitz travel here and there to undercover the murderer, no sitting in a chair and thinking like Poirot for these two men. An interesting study on how the past decides the present. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kathy89
I enjoyed it but it seemed like something I had seen on tv a few times. Writer of a pllay is involved in the murder of theatre critic and teams up with a detective friend (who is the inspiration for a book series) to clear him of the murder. He tags along with his P.I. friend while he's questioning
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all the suspects. Show Less
Pages
384
ISBN
0062938185 / 9780062938183