This book is structured like a 'Sherlock Holmes' story in which Dr. Watson accompanies Sherlock Holmes on an investigation, then chronicles the case.
In "The Word is Murder" Anthony Horowitz (ostensibly) accompanies detective Daniel Hawthorne on an investigation, then writes a book (this one) about the case.
*****
As the novel opens, wealthy middle-aged Londoner Diana Cowper goes to an undertaker to plan her funeral, so - when the time comes - it will go off exactly as she wants.....with her chosen hymns and music. The funeral will occur much sooner than expected, though, because Diana is strangled in her apartment a few hours later.
Diana's death, which is clearly a murder, draws extra attention for two reasons: a decade ago Diana's car hit twin eight-year-old boys, Jimmy and Jeremy Godwin, killing Jimmy and leaving Jeremy brain damaged.
In addition, Diana is the mother of the famous actor Damian Cowper - who's currently a big sensation in America.
The cops in London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) need Diana's case solved fast. So an MPS official prevails on a former police detective, Daniel Hawthorne - a brilliant sleuth who was fired for bad behavior - to 'consult' on the investigation.
Hawthorne agrees, and - to make an extra buck - asks writer Anthony Horowitz to shadow his probe and pen a book, for which they'll share the profits 50:50.
Anthony Horowitz
Horowitz, author of the 'Alex Rider' series for children and several mysteries for adults - as well as the creator of the TV series 'Foyle's War' and 'Midsomer Murders' - is reluctant to embark on a non-fiction tome, but agrees in the end.
Horowitz is immediately impressed with Hawthorne's ability to wrest information from almost imperceptible clues - just like Sherlock Holmes.
However, the writer is put off by the gumshoe's personality, since Hawthorne is abrupt, rude, intolerant, and secretive. Moreover, Hawthorne never picks up the check for drinks, meals, train tickets, taxi fares, etc.....seriously draining Horowitz's wallet.
In any case, Horowitz accompanies Hawthorne as he runs around questioning people, including: the undertaker and his assistant - who were the last people to see Diana alive; Judith and Alan Godwin - who are still distraught about their dead/injured sons.....and think Diana got off too lightly; the judge who gave Diana a slap on the wrist; witnesses to the automobile accident ten years ago; Diana's actor son Damian - a conceited snob who abuses his girlfriend; and others.
Hawthorne constantly warns Horowitz to just shut up and take notes during interviews, but the author - who thinks of himself as more than just a tape recorder - throws in the occasional question anyway.....which seriously annoys the detective. In fact - unlike Watson and Holmes - Horowitz and Hawthorne have a very contentious relationship. At one point, Horowitz tries to skive off an interview because he has an important business meeting with legendary filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. Hawthorne blithely interrupts the conference and drags Horowitz off, much to the writer's chagrin.
In the end the crime is solved and Horowitz and Hawthorne warm up to each other a tad; in fact Hawthorne pays the writer a small compliment, to Horowitz's immense pleasure.
The story is structured like an intricate puzzle, and I didn't guess the murderer until the end. I enjoyed this well-written novel, and highly recommend it to fans of traditional murder mysteries. 👍
*****
FYI: In an interview with NPR, Anthony Horowitz said that inserting himself into the book as a character was an attempt to 'turn the murder mystery format upside down' and that he was very careful not to give himself the best lines, but to give them to Daniel Hawthorne instead. Horowitz also notes that his mysteries are an homage to Agatha Christie, but he has the advantage of being able to insert modern technology, like texts and emails. I've finished several of Horowitz's mysteries, and look forward to reading more.
Rating: 3.5 stars
In any case, Horowitz accompanies Hawthorne as he runs around questioning people, including: the undertaker and his assistant - who were the last people to see Diana alive; Judith and Alan Godwin - who are still distraught about their dead/injured sons.....and think Diana got off too lightly; the judge who gave Diana a slap on the wrist; witnesses to the automobile accident ten years ago; Diana's actor son Damian - a conceited snob who abuses his girlfriend; and others.
Hawthorne constantly warns Horowitz to just shut up and take notes during interviews, but the author - who thinks of himself as more than just a tape recorder - throws in the occasional question anyway.....which seriously annoys the detective. In fact - unlike Watson and Holmes - Horowitz and Hawthorne have a very contentious relationship. At one point, Horowitz tries to skive off an interview because he has an important business meeting with legendary filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. Hawthorne blithely interrupts the conference and drags Horowitz off, much to the writer's chagrin.
In the end the crime is solved and Horowitz and Hawthorne warm up to each other a tad; in fact Hawthorne pays the writer a small compliment, to Horowitz's immense pleasure.
The story is structured like an intricate puzzle, and I didn't guess the murderer until the end. I enjoyed this well-written novel, and highly recommend it to fans of traditional murder mysteries. 👍
*****
FYI: In an interview with NPR, Anthony Horowitz said that inserting himself into the book as a character was an attempt to 'turn the murder mystery format upside down' and that he was very careful not to give himself the best lines, but to give them to Daniel Hawthorne instead. Horowitz also notes that his mysteries are an homage to Agatha Christie, but he has the advantage of being able to insert modern technology, like texts and emails. I've finished several of Horowitz's mysteries, and look forward to reading more.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Okay, so this is not true crime? I'm glad you included that last paragraph Barb. It sounds like an interesting premise though.
ReplyDeleteIt's a clever premise, I think, Horowitz making himself a character in the book. I always enjoy his books. 😊💖🍀
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