the setup…
Fact. Anthony Horowitz is a bestselling author of several successful series, one of which was adapted into an award winning television series. Fiction. He’s on the cusp of adapting a book to screen with Steven Spielberg as the director when he’s approached by former police detective Daniel Hawthorne to write a book about a current case he’s investigating as a consultant. Hawthorne has a murky history and Anthony leans more towards turning the taciturn and unpleasant detective down but is drawn to the unusual aspects of the murder. A woman is found murdered in her home hours after she visits a funeral home to plan her burial. Anthony agrees to the project and begins an alliance that’s always uncomfortable but also fascinating.
the heart of the story…
It’s all about the investigation, told from Anthony’s point of view and his perspective feels reliable. Hawthorne is a complex man, manipulative in his dealings with just about everyone, including Anthony, but there’s no denying he’s got superior investigative skills. Though he frustrates him, Anthony sticks with the project out of curiosity and the belief that Hawthorne will solve the murder. I found the relationship between the two just as intriguing as the murder investigation. There are a host of suspects, lots of clues and just as many red herrings. Lots to sink into and I was hooked.
the narration…
I love it when a narrator embodies a character so well that the interpretation is exactly how I would have imagined them. He was able to do that for both Anthony and Hawthorne as well as be a great storyteller.
the bottom line…
I’ve not read any of Horowitz’s books but I have watched the television adaptation of Foyle’s War (loved it). It didn’t know this story was a blend of a real life person and a fictional character until I started listening. I was unsettled at first but it didn’t take long for me to be drawn into every aspect of the case and the dynamics between Anthony and Hawthorne, which could be maddening at times. The investigation was gnarly and I vacillated between at least four suspects, coming up with a host of workable theories but still got it wrong. I enjoyed every minute of this book and loved the narration. I’m committed to continuing the series.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 5, 2018
- Series: Hawthorne & Horowitz
- Narrator: Rory Kinnear
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 2 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
Blue Mood Café 
Great review! I have only read one myself as well (The Sentence is death I think) and I was also a fan, it’s such a great touch that the author writes himself into a story.
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Thank you, Inge💜 This is a first for me and despite my initial misgivings, it worked really well!
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I still haven’t read any of his adult books, I used to read his Alex Rider series. I definitely need to catch up on his work. Great review Jo.
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Thanks, Jacob💜 He talks about that series a lot in this story!
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This does sound very interesting. I feel like I’ve read something by him but I can’t think of what it was. Excellent review, Jo!
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Thanks, Tessa💜 I was shocked to learn that TV series I loved was based on his books. You’d like this.
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This is a wonderful series, Jo, and I’m glad you have discovered and love it. 💕📚
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Love your endorsement, Sandy💜
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This is such a great series. Glad to see you discovered it and you mean to continue with it.
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You, too? That’s great feedback. Eva💜
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Fab review Jo, so glad you enjoyed this first book!
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Thanks, Nicki💜
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Intriguing. I LOVE LOVE Foyle’s War.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Anne, I had no idea he was the author! Hubby and I loved that series.
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This is such a great series, I have listened to the first three and loved them. I’m glad you did as well. The relationship between the two of them makes this series. Thanks for the reminder to get back to this series and listen to the fourth book.
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That’s wonderful news, Carla💜 I’ve collected all of them.
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Rory Kinnear’s such a great actor too, so this sounds good!
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I’m not familiar with his work but he certainly won me over here, Nicola💜
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