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The Word is Murder

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Anthony Horowitz

The Word is Murder

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 2010s

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

740L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.1

101,269 ratings

75%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Word is Murder?

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.

4.1

101,269 ratings

75%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Anthony Horowitz

A character based on the book's author, he partners with Hawthorne to solve the murder case while navigating his own struggles with career and self-doubt.

An enigmatic private investigator with keen observational skills, working to uncover the truth behind Diana Cowper's murder with Anthony's assistance.

A wealthy woman whose sudden death sparks an investigation; she previously made headlines due to a tragic car accident involving two children.

The son of Diana Cowper, an actor with a complicated relationship with his mother and past peers, whose actions impact the unfolding investigation.

An undertaker initially interviewed as a witness in the Cowper case, providing insights into Diana's last day.

A police detective professionally at odds with Hawthorne, managing the official investigation into Diana Cowper's death.

An actress and partner to Damian Cowper, who may hold key insights from her past that aid the investigation.

The father of the children involved in the accident with Diana Cowper, whose actions and emotions are scrutinized during the investigation.

Mother to the twins impacted by the accident, she harbors deep resentment towards Diana Cowper related to the accident's aftermath.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 2010s

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

740L

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