3.5

3.5 rounded up.
The beginning was sluggish and some parts were totally not credible.
Like-
Didn’t tell his wife he was accused of murder and was in jail over night? Seriously?
And people pouring their life story to Hawthorne who has absolutely no authority? Nah.
If one ignored these obvious holes, the story was ok. Funny at times. The descriptions of people and places are great. And the Poirot nod at the end was silly yet touching.

How many authors willingly insert themselves into their stories? And not only do that, but get themselves accused of murder?

This becomes quite an interesting dilemma, when this becomes the actual case.

Of course, thankfully, and I say this with a little bit of sarcasm, because now, Horowitz becomes dependent upon Hawthorne to help him out of this mess. This is the author’s thorn in his side, his sidekick, former detective Hawthorne who he has been saddled with to write 3 books.

Can Hawthorne now help prove Horowitz’s innocence of murder? Now, why would this be an annoyance or something to appreciate? (Come on, how many authors accuse themselves of murder in a story? Let alone depend upon a character to get them out of a jam!)

There is something about Hawthorne’s character that is secretive to Anthony, and (well as the author – he determines what he wants to write, right?) – so, if he is going to work with him, there is more to find out about him the longer he works with him…so…maybe this won’t be such a bad deal?

Anyway, the biggest issue is to not be convicted of murder – that isn’t a good look for the author. Are you still following me in this review?

Anyway, if you like this series of Horowitz and Hawthorne (remember, Magpie Murders (now a PBS series, too – which is excellent by the way)(Review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4652920204) and The Word is Murder)(My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4912120157) you might enjoy this one, too – or not.

It can be a bit tedious with its Agatha Christie type ending (you know where they gather all the suspects together before the big whodunit reveal).

Either way, I have always been an Anthony Horowitz fan, so, who knows, I might just be around for the next one, too.

Enjoying this series so much. I read in an interview with Horowitz from last fall, that he plans to write at least 12 in this series. Can't wait for the next one!

Enjoyable read, as always.