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400
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2010s
2017
Adult
18+ years
740L
The Word is Murder, a murder mystery by Anthony Horowitz, follows the metafictional journey of Horowitz as both author and character, who teams up with former detective Daniel Hawthorne to investigate the suspicious death of Diana Cowper, a woman who planned her funeral hours before her murder. Their complex investigation uncovers secrets about Cowper's past and Hawthorne's biases, blending mystery with reflections on storytelling and character development. The source material features depictions of death by suicide, discussions of death and injury to children, and some graphic descriptions of blood and violence.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Gritty
Dark
Informative
101,269 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Anthony Horowitz's The Word is Murder is a compelling whodunit that captivates with its unique narrative style and clever plot twists. Fans appreciate the meta-fictional element and intricate storytelling. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and certain characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's a must-read for mystery enthusiasts with a taste for inventive plots.
Fans of intricate murder mysteries and meta-fiction will enjoy Anthony Horowitz's The Word is Murder. Ideal for readers who appreciate Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series and the modern twist of Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders, this novel combines clever puzzles with engaging storytelling.
101,269 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Daniel Hawthorne
An enigmatic private investigator with keen observational skills, working to uncover the truth behind Diana Cowper's murder with Anthony's assistance.
Diana Cowper
A wealthy woman whose sudden death sparks an investigation; she previously made headlines due to a tragic car accident involving two children.
Damian Cowper
The son of Diana Cowper, an actor with a complicated relationship with his mother and past peers, whose actions impact the unfolding investigation.
Robert Cornwallis
An undertaker initially interviewed as a witness in the Cowper case, providing insights into Diana's last day.
Detective Inspector Charlie Meadows
A police detective professionally at odds with Hawthorne, managing the official investigation into Diana Cowper's death.
Grace Lovell
An actress and partner to Damian Cowper, who may hold key insights from her past that aid the investigation.
Alan Godwin
The father of the children involved in the accident with Diana Cowper, whose actions and emotions are scrutinized during the investigation.
Judith Godwin
Mother to the twins impacted by the accident, she harbors deep resentment towards Diana Cowper related to the accident's aftermath.
400
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2010s
2017
Adult
18+ years
740L
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