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.

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

- The Word is Murder is the first in a series of detective novels that feature a unique narrative structure where the author, Anthony Horowitz, becomes a character in his own book, playing the role of the narrator and Watson-like assistant to the fictional detective, Daniel Hawthorne.
- Anthony Horowitz is known for his meta-literary style in The Word is Murder, where he blurs the line between fiction and reality by incorporating real-life events and settings into the narrative, enhancing the immersive quality of the story.
- The novel draws inspiration from classic detective fiction and is a modern homage to authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, known for their intriguing mysteries and clever detectives.

Anthony Horowitz

Adult

Novel

Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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The Word is Murder Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Word is Murder Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

The Word is Murder Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

The Word is Murder Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

The Word is Murder Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

The Word is Murder Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20

The Word is Murder Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-24

The Word is Murder Chapters 21-24 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Word is Murder Character Analysis

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Themes

The Word is Murder Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Word is Murder Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

The Word is Murder Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

The Word is Murder Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Word is Murder Essay Topics

The Word is Murder Further Reading & Resources

The Word is Murder

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Word is Murder?

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Book Details