A Line To Kill

A Line To Kill

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  • Create Date:2021-08-22 11:21:25
  • Update Date:2025-09-07
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Anthony Horowitz
  • ISBN:0063137615
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Summary

The New York Times bestselling author of the brilliantly inventive The Word Is Murder and The Sentence Is Death returns with his third literary whodunit featuring intrepid detectives Hawthorne and Horowitz。

When Ex-Detective Inspector Daniel Hawthorne and his sidekick, author Anthony Horowitz, are invited to an exclusive literary festival on Alderney, an idyllic island off the south coast of England, they don’t expect to find themselves in the middle of murder investigation—or to be trapped with a cold-blooded killer in a remote place with a murky, haunted past。

Arriving on Alderney, Hawthorne and Horowitz soon meet the festival’s other guests—an eccentric gathering that includes a bestselling children’s author, a French poet, a TV chef turned cookbook author, a blind psychic, and a war historian—along with a group of ornery locals embroiled in an escalating feud over a disruptive power line。

When a local grandee is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Hawthorne and Horowitz become embroiled in the case。 The island is locked down, no one is allowed on or off, and it soon becomes horribly clear that a murderer lurks in their midst。 But who?

Both a brilliant satire on the world of books and writers and an immensely enjoyable locked-room mystery, A Line to Kill is a triumph—a riddle of a story full of brilliant misdirection, beautifully set-out clues, and diabolically clever denouements。

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Reviews

Cid

This is the third in the Hawthorne investigates books by Anthony Horowitz and it's another very good one! I really enjoyed the first two and I had this on a pre-order for ages and it arrived Thursday and I spent Thursday and Friday reading it。 They are invited to a book festival on the isle of Alderney and join a fellow eclectic band giving readings and taking part in discussions on their various books。 Unfortunately I sussed out the murderer, well one of them, early on, but it didn't spoil my e This is the third in the Hawthorne investigates books by Anthony Horowitz and it's another very good one! I really enjoyed the first two and I had this on a pre-order for ages and it arrived Thursday and I spent Thursday and Friday reading it。 They are invited to a book festival on the isle of Alderney and join a fellow eclectic band giving readings and taking part in discussions on their various books。 Unfortunately I sussed out the murderer, well one of them, early on, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of this mismatched pair of sleuths trying to read the runes and work out who did what!I think you need to read these books in order, although they can be standalone you miss all the previous history between Anthony and Daniel。 It's also an intriguing insight into the world of book publishing!! 。。。more

Jo Cameron-Symes

Well I read this book in just a couple of days, it was that good! I've read the others in the series and thought the premise of the latest book sounded great。 A literary festival on the small island of Alderney which has never had a murder before suddenly finds itself having two in as many days! I'd forgotten how good Horowitz is at characterisation, the surly, mysterious detective Hawthorne and of course the meta inclusion of Anthony Horowitz himself as a probably far more clueless writer than Well I read this book in just a couple of days, it was that good! I've read the others in the series and thought the premise of the latest book sounded great。 A literary festival on the small island of Alderney which has never had a murder before suddenly finds itself having two in as many days! I'd forgotten how good Horowitz is at characterisation, the surly, mysterious detective Hawthorne and of course the meta inclusion of Anthony Horowitz himself as a probably far more clueless writer than he is in real life, remind me of Holmes and Watson in many ways。 The eccentric cast of characters, (the other invited authors), who all have secrets make the suspect pool ever wider and I was surprised at who the culprit was。 The ending too was brilliant and hinted at another book, which I hope will be written soon。 。。。more

The Cookster

Rating: 4。2/5Once again, Anthony Horowitz has penned another hugely entertaining read in this third book of the Hawthorne & Horowitz series。 For those people who have not read the first two books ("The Word is Murder" and "The Sentence is Death"), I would say that while it would be nice to have read them prior to reading this one, it is by no means a necessity。If you are unfamiliar with the series, here is a quick background précis。 Anthony Horowitz has applied his own little twist on the genre Rating: 4。2/5Once again, Anthony Horowitz has penned another hugely entertaining read in this third book of the Hawthorne & Horowitz series。 For those people who have not read the first two books ("The Word is Murder" and "The Sentence is Death"), I would say that while it would be nice to have read them prior to reading this one, it is by no means a necessity。If you are unfamiliar with the series, here is a quick background précis。 Anthony Horowitz has applied his own little twist on the genre and appears in his own novels as the sleuthing sidekick to ex-police detective Daniel Hawthorne。 Hawthorne now works privately as a consultant to the investigating police force on certain problematic crimes。 Anthony Horowitz has been employed by Hawthorne to write up his cases, much as Dr Watson was tasked with chronicling the adventures of Sherlock Holmes。 The duo do, at times, exhibit characteristics similar to those found in other literary detective teams such as Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings, but it is the comparison with a latter day Holmes & Watson that is generally most fitting。On this occasion Hawthorne & Horowitz find themselves on the island of Alderney as guests at the local literary festival, but when a local bigwig is murdered, Anthony Horowitz once again finds himself observing the investigating prowess of Daniel Hawthorne。 There is very much a sense of a "Golden Age" whodunnit about this mystery。 The isolated location, the cast of characters and even the inclusion of the map of the island at the beginning of the book are very much in keeping with the works of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, et al。 As he invariably seems to do, Anthony Horowitz (the author rather than his own creation in this book) has constructed a wonderfully engaging and clever murder mystery in the "locked room" style, with plenty of misdirection and not a little humour。 The clues are all there - you just need to piece them together。 。。。more

M。 Lynes

The big problem with this series is that neither of the main characters are likeable or particularly interesting。 It’s all very meta and clever but not gripping。 Not a patch on ‘House of Silk’ or ‘Moonflower Murders’ which are both minor masterpieces。 It feels like the author writes the Hawthorne series for his own amusement。

Rachel

I listened to this with the wonderful narrator, Rory Kinnear。 I didn’t love this one as much as I did the previous books but Hawthorne is probably my favourite literary character。 The relationship between Anthony and Hawthorne is a joy, poor Anthony can just never get ahead of Hawthorne and is always the dunce。 Bring on the next one please

Anna

Another cracker of a book by the master of whodunnits!

Mark Davies

Thanks to Random House UK/Netgalley for allowing to read me an advance copy of this book。I enjoy all of Anthony Horowitz's output。 This series is great, the Susan Ryeland series is great, as are his Sherlock Holmes and James Bond novels。 This entry in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series is another enjoyable story of mystery and murder, as the writer again teams up with a fictional (or is he?), detective。This time, Hawthorne enters Horowitz's world of writing and publishing, as they attend a Litera Thanks to Random House UK/Netgalley for allowing to read me an advance copy of this book。I enjoy all of Anthony Horowitz's output。 This series is great, the Susan Ryeland series is great, as are his Sherlock Holmes and James Bond novels。 This entry in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series is another enjoyable story of mystery and murder, as the writer again teams up with a fictional (or is he?), detective。This time, Hawthorne enters Horowitz's world of writing and publishing, as they attend a Literary festival on the island of Alderney。 Their visit soon involves a murder (or two), and Hawthorne is drafted in to help。Everyone loves Hawthorne, and people or fascinated by this obliviously charismatic man, as the first book has been published in the real world of the books, and has been a great success。 The author writes about Hawthorne as smart, complicated, urbane, charming, unknowable, contradictory。 Someone you really want to get to know, but are very wary of。 Whether this is how Anthony Horowitz would like to be in real-life, or even is in real-life, is a matter for conjecture。 He's very self-deprecating here, Hawthorne is the star of the show, as usual。The ensemble cast of fellow writers of all kinds, (a TV chef, a psychic etc), are all very real, and all have secrets of their own, which are unwrapped as the story unfolds。The story rattles along, and all the clues are there, as they say, so the writer never cheats, you really can work out what happened, just as Hawthorne does, if you pay really close attention。 No, REALLY close attention。Horowitz (the character) doesn't work it out, but has lots of theories, as did I as a reader。 The denouement is beautifully done, and poses lots of moral and ethical questions。 Did the victims deserve their fates? Is it always the right thing to do to prosecute those who commit heinous crimes? It's interesting stuff。So, another cracker from Mr Horowitz, look forward to the next one。 。。。more

Reagan

I received this ARC not knowing that it was the third installment of the Hawthorne and Horowitz Mysteries, which promptly encouraged me to read the first two novels before starting on A Line to Kill, and I'm so glad I did! A Line to Kill, as mentioned above, is the third installment of the Hawthorne and Horowitz Mysteries, where Horowitz is approached by a former Detective Inspector of Scotland Yard to write a book about his work。 Horowitz quickly gets drawn in to a world of murder and isn't sur I received this ARC not knowing that it was the third installment of the Hawthorne and Horowitz Mysteries, which promptly encouraged me to read the first two novels before starting on A Line to Kill, and I'm so glad I did! A Line to Kill, as mentioned above, is the third installment of the Hawthorne and Horowitz Mysteries, where Horowitz is approached by a former Detective Inspector of Scotland Yard to write a book about his work。 Horowitz quickly gets drawn in to a world of murder and isn't sure what to think of his new partner。 To promote their first book, The Word Is Murder, the two are invited to a literary festival on Alderney in the Channel Islands。 Whilst there, Hawthorne and Horowitz again get entangled in a new murder mystery, and must find out who the killer is before people start to leave the island。 Horowitz's style of writing is very clever and utterly absorbing。 By writing himself as the main character, Horowitz creates the notion that the contents of the books are real, and on many times I had to google whether or not they were! The murder mysteries themselves are very well-planned, and I did not guess the killer in the slightest - in fact, just after the killer is revealed, Horowitz writes that he guessed it was another side character who did it, and that's who I thought it was too! There are lots of red herrings placed throughout the story, but during the final reveal, I was very annoyed that I hadn't picked up on the clues。During an interview, Horowitz said that he had about 10 installments of H&H Mysteries planned, and wanted to delve deeper into the mystery that is Hawthorne himself, and I for certain will be reading every new novel written! 。。。more

Sasha Kuntsevich

I am very happy with this book! I love that Horowitz gave us a trapped murder mystery with Hawthorne。 Seeing the map of the island that was included in the beginning of the story was my first clue that I was going to enjoy this book and I definitely did。 I really hope the author writes more in this series even though he clearly states it’s a three book deal

Bill Lynas

The third novel featuring detective Daniel Hawthorne & real life author Anthony Horowitz (or at least, I assume, a fictionalised version of him) is as widly enetrtaining as the first two books in the series。 From the opening chapters there's plenty of humour & Horowitz is happy to send himself up & play sidekick to Hawthorne。In A Line To Kill the tiny Channel Island of Alderney is the setting for a literary festival, a murder & a whole host of suspects。 Horowitz delivers an Agatha Christie style The third novel featuring detective Daniel Hawthorne & real life author Anthony Horowitz (or at least, I assume, a fictionalised version of him) is as widly enetrtaining as the first two books in the series。 From the opening chapters there's plenty of humour & Horowitz is happy to send himself up & play sidekick to Hawthorne。In A Line To Kill the tiny Channel Island of Alderney is the setting for a literary festival, a murder & a whole host of suspects。 Horowitz delivers an Agatha Christie style plot & his narrative flows beautifully。 There's not as much humour as in the previous two Hawthorne/Horowitz novels, but I'm still looking forward to the next instalment。 。。。more

Meredith Whitford

This arrived in my Kindle at midnight last night,when back pain was keeping me awake and miserable。 I read it until 4:30 then slept well。 It's perhaps not quite as sparklingly clever as the 2 previous ones with the Hawthorne and Horowitz double-act, but as usual it's beautifully written, full of in-jokes about writing and publishing (and writers festivals), and I didn't spot whodunnit。 TheAlderney setting was fascinating and unusual, sad in places if you've read much on the German occupation of This arrived in my Kindle at midnight last night,when back pain was keeping me awake and miserable。 I read it until 4:30 then slept well。 It's perhaps not quite as sparklingly clever as the 2 previous ones with the Hawthorne and Horowitz double-act, but as usual it's beautifully written, full of in-jokes about writing and publishing (and writers festivals), and I didn't spot whodunnit。 TheAlderney setting was fascinating and unusual, sad in places if you've read much on the German occupation of the Channel Islands。 This is an outstandingly good book, which I recommend highly to anyone who wants really good writing in a cleverly conceived crime series。 。。。more

Bookmarked

In the Hawthorne and Horowitz series, the renown author of Alex Ryder adventures and a screenwriter of the iconic TV series of Midsomer Murders and Poirot steps out of the limelight to become a humble chronicler of his fictional detective’s murder cases。 It is very cleverly done。 The mixture of fiction and what seems like a memoir gives you a sense of immediacy with the author/character。 The story is set in Horowitz’s reality as a writer: a literary festival is held on a tiny, sparsely populated In the Hawthorne and Horowitz series, the renown author of Alex Ryder adventures and a screenwriter of the iconic TV series of Midsomer Murders and Poirot steps out of the limelight to become a humble chronicler of his fictional detective’s murder cases。 It is very cleverly done。 The mixture of fiction and what seems like a memoir gives you a sense of immediacy with the author/character。 The story is set in Horowitz’s reality as a writer: a literary festival is held on a tiny, sparsely populated island of Alderney。 A group of celebrities arrive and thus a pool of potential suspects is created。 The island is in the throes of an internal battle over the proposed powerlines which are advocated by a rich entrepreneur Charles Le Mesurier but opposed by most of the residents。 Soon, Charles is found dead and Hawthorne (shadowed by Horowitz) is on the case。 A few obligatory red herrings are thrown into the mix and Hawthorne himself seems to harbour his own secrets and ulterior motives that make him look less objective than he should be as an investigator。 A Line to Kill is a satisfying traditional whodunnit full of twists and spins, and sub-plots smoothly woven into the fabric of the main story。 The characters are well-drawn, introduced in small incremental steps giving the reader a chance to get to know them organically。 Horowitz has a well-practised hand when it comes to detail the use of which makes this murder mystery a proper nut to crack。 。。。more

Margaret

This is the third in Anthony Horowitz’s Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery series。 I have read the earlier books, The Word is Murder and The Sentence is Death and I think it really it best if you read these books in order to fully understand the main characters and their relationship。 Daniel Hawthorne, an ex-policeman, is now a private investigator, who the police call in to help with their more complicated cases。 Anthony Horowitz himself plays a major role as one of the main characters, recruited b This is the third in Anthony Horowitz’s Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery series。 I have read the earlier books, The Word is Murder and The Sentence is Death and I think it really it best if you read these books in order to fully understand the main characters and their relationship。 Daniel Hawthorne, an ex-policeman, is now a private investigator, who the police call in to help with their more complicated cases。 Anthony Horowitz himself plays a major role as one of the main characters, recruited by Hawthorne to write a book about him and the cases he investigates and he’d agreed to a three-book contract with Hawthorne。This third book is about the third case they investigate。 I loved the setting on the island of Alderney where the literary festival is being held。 I enjoyed the interplay between Hawthorne and the fictional Horowitz, a somewhat difficult relationship as Hawthorne is particularly secretive about his personal life and about the reason he left the police force。 In a way he is a Sherlock Holmes type of character keeping Horowitz very much in the dark about what he thinks about the identity of the murder。 He is not an easy person to like, single minded with a somewhat superior air about him, but he does get results。Like the two earlier books this is a complicated murder mystery, with a type of ‘locked room’ puzzle to be solved。 As you would expect it is full of red herrings and multiple twists and turns。 I was soon totally immersed in this fascinating novel。 The characters are fully formed, all with secrets they want to keep hidden and clues are all there, but so well hidden that I was once again totally bemused by it all。The fictional Horowitz is by now, thoroughly intrigued by Hawthorne himself – just what is he keeping hidden about himself, why did he really leave the police force? Will the writer Horowitz reveal the secret is his next book – if there is to be one? I do hope so。Thank you to Anthony Horowitz, Random House and NetGalley for an ARC of A Line to Kill。 。。。more

Mary Robinson

This is the third in the series in which Horowitz writes about a case in the first person - as an observer and "biographer" of Detective Daniel Hawthorne。 With each novel, we learn more about the elusive and secretive Hawthorne, this time as they together attend a literary festival on the small Channel Island of Alderney, ostensibly to promote the forthcoming first book, "The Word is Murder" Horowitz soon realizes that Hawthorne had ulterior motives in accepting the invitation to Alderney, as di This is the third in the series in which Horowitz writes about a case in the first person - as an observer and "biographer" of Detective Daniel Hawthorne。 With each novel, we learn more about the elusive and secretive Hawthorne, this time as they together attend a literary festival on the small Channel Island of Alderney, ostensibly to promote the forthcoming first book, "The Word is Murder" Horowitz soon realizes that Hawthorne had ulterior motives in accepting the invitation to Alderney, as did many of the other authors and even the events main sponsor。 Soon, the first known murder has taken place on the remote, insular island and Horowitz and Hawthorne are drawn into the investigation by the local police。 Well written with interesting plot twists and clues sprinkled throughout, this series continues to impress。 Highly recommend。 。。。more

tan jos

I was looking forward to reading the third instalment in this series after enjoying the previous two books and this didn’t disappoint 。 It’s full of the usual twists and turns, with more great characters and plot, all tied together with dry humour and more back story being slowly revealed about Hawthorne。 It was a quick fun read and I can’t wait until book 4。

Cat (TheUncommonRead)

When Anthony Horowitz and the subject of his latest books, Daniel Hawthorne, are invited to a literary festival on the Channel Island of Alderney, neither of them expect to be caught in the middle of a murder investigation。 After all, there’s never been a murder on Alderney。 With the island in lockdown, Horowitz and Hawthorne must find the murderer, before there are more deaths。 4。5 stars!This was by far my favourite of the Hawthorne and Horowitz series。 Out of the three, it feels the most Chris When Anthony Horowitz and the subject of his latest books, Daniel Hawthorne, are invited to a literary festival on the Channel Island of Alderney, neither of them expect to be caught in the middle of a murder investigation。 After all, there’s never been a murder on Alderney。 With the island in lockdown, Horowitz and Hawthorne must find the murderer, before there are more deaths。 4。5 stars!This was by far my favourite of the Hawthorne and Horowitz series。 Out of the three, it feels the most Christie-like, with the remote setting of the island, subtle feuds, multiple reveals, and the storytelling。 Horowitz is definitely the king of twists and turns, with multiple characters revealing secrets about themselves and those around them。 There were a couple of times I had to go back and re-read a section, just to make sure I’d read it right, and that was the only thing that stopped this from being a 5* for me。What I really loved about this one was how the threads from the previous two books began to come together。 The more time our dynamic duo spend on Alderney, the more we learn about Hawthorne, which was something I’d been dying to know about in the previous two books。 I enjoyed the Holmes-Moriarty-esque relationship between Hawthorne and Abbot, and Abbot's final move was one that made me gasp。 We also see the development of Anthony’s detective skills, which I loved。 I also enjoyed the way we see the impact of Hawthorne's actions through another pair of eyes, which helps to explore the human side of detective stories。 It's with this in mind that I dislike and respect Hawthorne in equal measure - he's not a very nice man: he's aloof, dismissive of Anthony, and seems incapable of sympathy。 And yet he admits that all he cares about is getting the job done, and finding the guilty party。 As with the other Hawthorne and Horowitz books, this is another slow-burn solve, but the pace of the murders and the plot is far quicker than The Word is Murder and The Sentence is Death, and that was what made this book better than its predecessors。 I was very much gripped by the book, thanks to the pace, and even stayed up late to finish it! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy。 。。。more

Gareth Johnstone

Free copy received from Jellybooks。com for a reviewThird in the series and having read the first two I was keen to read this one。 The meta-fiction of murder mysteries; Horowitz is a character/narrator and has a nice line in self-deprecating humour。 If the mystery isn't the most complex or challenging, the setting is wonderful。 The Channel Island of Alderney has (apparently) never had a murder before, outside of the Nazi Occupation of WWII。 A small literary festival brings a mixed bag of writers Free copy received from Jellybooks。com for a reviewThird in the series and having read the first two I was keen to read this one。 The meta-fiction of murder mysteries; Horowitz is a character/narrator and has a nice line in self-deprecating humour。 If the mystery isn't the most complex or challenging, the setting is wonderful。 The Channel Island of Alderney has (apparently) never had a murder before, outside of the Nazi Occupation of WWII。 A small literary festival brings a mixed bag of writers to the island and before long blood is spilled。 A very enjoyable read and I look forward to the next in the series。 。。。more

Connie

3。5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️I’ve not read any of the previous books in this series but found it easy to follow。 I did find it a little strange at first that one of the main characters is based on the author himself。 This was an enjoyable whodunnit with lots of suspects and the usual red herrings to keep you guessing。 Many thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review。

Jen

Like the first two in the series, I enjoyed this one。 There’s something so fun about these books。 I distinctly remember having my mind blown while reading the first one, trying to figure out whether it was autobiographical or just very, very meta。For those of you not yet in the know, these books revolve around the real Anthony Horowitz, working with fictitious ex-cop Hawhthorne, shadowing him while the latter is trying to solve murders about which Horowitz will then write a book。 Like I said, it Like the first two in the series, I enjoyed this one。 There’s something so fun about these books。 I distinctly remember having my mind blown while reading the first one, trying to figure out whether it was autobiographical or just very, very meta。For those of you not yet in the know, these books revolve around the real Anthony Horowitz, working with fictitious ex-cop Hawhthorne, shadowing him while the latter is trying to solve murders about which Horowitz will then write a book。 Like I said, it’s all very meta because all things relating to Anthony Horowitz are real while the rest is total fiction。 But what good fun!This third instalment follows the same outline; this time the two men are off to the small isle of Alderney, where, promptly upon their arrival, the island’s first ever murder happens。 Like the first two books, we’re left in the dark as much as Horowitz is and try to work out the whodunit along with him。 Hawthorne is enigmatic and secretive as ever, but for the first time I was starting to feel a bit irritated by that。 Surely by now the two could have had a big blow out during which some essential information about Hawthorne was finally revealed? But judging by the end that’s hopefully what’ll take place in the next book。 A mystery that could easily be read as a standalone but I’d recommend reading the whole series to get the full backstory and effect。 I’m already looking forward to book four。 。。。more

Martina

To be published in US by Harper on October 19, 2021。 Third in the series。 Death on an island。

Marilyn

Another installment of the series that does not disappoint。

Sarah-Hope

My take on Anthony Horowitz's work is mixed: I've never read any of the Alex Rider books he's best known for; I couldn't get through Moonflower Murders (too much like a Noel Coward farce, and we don't need any more of that sort of thing); however, I'm a big fan of his Holmes novels; and I genuinely enjoyed A Line to a Kill, the first of his Hawthorne and Horowitz novels I've read。The premise behind the Hawthorne and Horowitz series is brilliant。 A fictionalized version of Horowitz (how fictional My take on Anthony Horowitz's work is mixed: I've never read any of the Alex Rider books he's best known for; I couldn't get through Moonflower Murders (too much like a Noel Coward farce, and we don't need any more of that sort of thing); however, I'm a big fan of his Holmes novels; and I genuinely enjoyed A Line to a Kill, the first of his Hawthorne and Horowitz novels I've read。The premise behind the Hawthorne and Horowitz series is brilliant。 A fictionalized version of Horowitz (how fictionalized? we don't know) has signed a three-book contract to shadow former police detective, now consultant Daniel Hawthorne and to turn Hawthorne's cases into novels。 So, we have a fictionalized version of an author narrating the work of a fictional detective。 The relationship between Horowitz and Hawthorne is edgy。 Hawthorne reveals very little about himself to Horowitz and holds his cards very close to his chest during an investigation。 Horowitz admires Hawthorne's brilliance, but is put off by the many signals—not always subtle—that Hawthorne sends indicating that he find Horowitz an inferior intellect。 Nonetheless, Hawthorne clearly has a fondness for Horowitz。 I am very much hoping this awkward pair will remain together through many more novels。In A Line to Kill, the fictional version of Horowitz is a guest at a literary festival on a small island off the British coast, and for the first time, Hawthorne is traveling with him so they can present as a duo。 The line-up for this book festival sounds less than exciting: besides Horowitz and Hawthorne, there's a blind psychic; a French performance poet writing in a nearly dead ancient French dialect that no one attending the conference speaks; a cookbook writer and cooking show host who delights in advocating on behalf of some of Britain's least healthy dishes; a local historian who has published a number of books all focused on minutiae; and a rather well-known author of children's books。The wealthy owner of an online gambling empire who has an estate on the island is underwriting the book festival, while also promoting a major electricity project that will involve digging up the anonymous graves of hundreds of WWII-era soldiers who died in a Nazi work camp that was established on the island。 And when this gentlemen turns up brutally murdered the detecting begins, with Hawthorne planning to outsmart and embarrass the local police。 What is the poet hiding? Why all the tension between the chef and his assistant? How is the psychic getting her communications from the beyond? Why has the husband of the festival's organizer suddenly come out in favor of the electricity project that is generally loathed by the islanders? Why is there a notorious criminal living on the island? And who *hasn't* been infuriated and insulted by the festival's underwriter?Horowitz, the nonfictionalized one, makes good use of all the possibilities offered by his cast and plot。 The mystery spools out in multiple directions unearthing more and more conflicts among the writers and the islanders。 If you enjoy mystery novel that are simultaneously smart and tongue-in-cheek comic, you're in for a treat。I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own。 。。。more

RAD_Reads

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 Having revisited the 'Alex Rider' series in the last year, I found myself intrigued by the idea of Anthony Horowitz writing adult fiction。 I had found the twists and turns in his YA fiction brilliant so wanted to see what he was capable of for the older reader。 Venturing into 'A Line to Kill', however, I found myself wondering, 'Is this definitely the same Anthony Horowitz?' At the beginning of the book, Horowitz describes his love of going to meetings at Penguin Random House。 I found myself che Having revisited the 'Alex Rider' series in the last year, I found myself intrigued by the idea of Anthony Horowitz writing adult fiction。 I had found the twists and turns in his YA fiction brilliant so wanted to see what he was capable of for the older reader。 Venturing into 'A Line to Kill', however, I found myself wondering, 'Is this definitely the same Anthony Horowitz?' At the beginning of the book, Horowitz describes his love of going to meetings at Penguin Random House。 I found myself checking that this wasn't just an 'Author's Note' before the actual story began - why was Horowitz in the story? I found the fact that the author was the main perspective in the novel slightly confusing - it never sat quite right with me - but I can't deny it was something different: an author and his fictional doppelganger。Yes, if I had researched more about the series beforehand, I would have understood this trope before I dove in too deep, however I enjoy not knowing too much before I delve into a new story。 It stops me from thinking too far ahead and wondering about something mentioned in the blurb。What might have become clear by now is that I'm not one of those who typically likes to read a book that's part of a series unless I have started from book one and know as much about the characters' development up to this point as possible。 Reading 'A Line to Kill' without any background understanding or information about the previous books in the series, I was unsure how I would find it。 Horowitz seemed to read my mind, though, and understood the predicament I found myself in。 I enjoyed the conversation between his fictional self and his publisher when it was acknowledged, "It sounds like a sequel。 People will think they have to read the first one。" As a stand-alone novel, it does ok。 It develops the characters but there are still those references to previous books and storylines that frustrate me since I won't know anything more than the odd mention here and there。 Unless, of course, I now go back on myself and read the first two。The third in the Daniel Hawthorne series by Horowitz, 'A Line to Kill' follows the unlikely duo as they travel together to the island of Alderney for their first literary festival; strange in itself since their book has not yet been published so no one knows much about it and there are no books or merchandise to sell? Horowitz questions Hawthorne's interest and eagerness to attend。 Conversing with other writers and literary fans。 Sharing interests and answering questions about the writing process。 A literary festival seems like it should be Horowitz's comfort zone, yet from the get-go, he finds himself on the outside。 Hawthorne is the centre of attention, he's the 'real deal' and the one that the audience wants to question further。 Hawthorne shares more with his audience in a matter of minutes than he ever has with his 'mate' who has written about his previous experiences with the criminal world。It doesn't take long until Hawthorne and Horowitz find themselves with another murder to solve。 The first murder in Alderney! (Not that anyone ever thinks to mention that to them。) Multi-millionaire Charles le Mesurier is brutally murdered during a party at his 'humble abode' and there are more than enough suspects to be investigated。 His character drips with entitlement and sleaze, having been to private school but never grown up from the bully he was as a young boy。 Plenty would queue to take a stab at him。 'A Line to Kill'。The island is sealed and no one is allowed to leave。 Hawthorne and Horowitz learn more about the island politics - an ongoing battle about a new power line that would disturb not only the beautiful landscape of the island but also the graves of those from a concentration camp during World War 2。 These details reveal a number of suspects who may have wanted le Mesurier dead but the other guests at the literary festival are far from innocent。 Lingering within this crowd of suspects, never far from view, is the real reason why Hawthorne wanted to attend the festival in the first place: Derek Abbott。 A criminal from Hawthorne's past and the reason why he no longer works for the police。The novel does well to keep the reader questioning whodunnit。 As well as a double-murder (yes, le Mesurier is sadly joined by his wife on 'the other side of the mirror'), blackmail, fraud and much more are intertwined within this plot。 The conclusion of the novel does well to raise more questions around Hawthorne's past and leaves it open for Horowitz to dig deeper in a fourth instalment of the series。 。。。more

Cathy

This book is tremendous fun with plenty of in-jokes and gentle jibes at the publishing industry, as well as at the author himself。 I particularly enjoyed the opening scene in which, with his customary self-mockery, Anthony Horowitz attends a meeting with his publishers to discuss publicity for his book The Word is Murder (the first book in the series) and finds they are much more interested in Hawthorne than they are in him。Throughout the book, Hawthorne displays observational and deductive skil This book is tremendous fun with plenty of in-jokes and gentle jibes at the publishing industry, as well as at the author himself。 I particularly enjoyed the opening scene in which, with his customary self-mockery, Anthony Horowitz attends a meeting with his publishers to discuss publicity for his book The Word is Murder (the first book in the series) and finds they are much more interested in Hawthorne than they are in him。Throughout the book, Hawthorne displays observational and deductive skills that would give even Sherlock Holmes a run for his money。 Horowitz constantly reminds himself that, when it comes to solving crime, he is not in Hawthorne’s league and his role is merely that of chronicler of Hawthorne’s genius。 Of course, in actuality, Hawthorne is Horowitz’s creation and therefore any brilliance displayed by Hawthorne is the author’s own。 At one point, as Hawthorne examines the evidence, Horowitz asks, “Do you know who killed him?” and Hawthorne responds, “Is this for the book?” Slipping into author mode Horowitz reassures him, “Don’t worry。 If there is a book, I’ll leave the resolution until the last chapter。” So I loved the fact that the penultimate chapter is entitled ‘Keep Reading’。Alongside the humour, A Line To Kill is also an ingenious and intriguing murder mystery。 There is a plethora of suspects and possible motives, and the island of Alderney, accessible only by plane or ferry, plays the role of the ‘locked room’ so beloved of crime writers。 And, of course, not everyone turns out to be who they claim to be。The final chapter proves an author is always thinking about that next book and trying to come up with a title。 In Anthony Horowitz’s case, this has to be one with a grammatical allusion like previous books in the series, having already ruled out the suggested Hawthorne Investigates。 I for one certainly hope there is another investigation for Hawthorne and Horowitz before too long。 。。。more

Jane

Anthony Horowitz is the author of a popular teen spy series, adult mysteries, and a number of beloved TV series。 In his Hawthorne and Horowitz series, the author inserts himself, as himself, as a character into the stories, which is kind of bizarre but also fun。 The fictional Anthony Horwitz comes off as a bit of a clueless dolt。 He was approached in the first book by a disgraced detective hoping to get some money by contributing to a nonfiction crime series written by the fictional Anthony Horo Anthony Horowitz is the author of a popular teen spy series, adult mysteries, and a number of beloved TV series。 In his Hawthorne and Horowitz series, the author inserts himself, as himself, as a character into the stories, which is kind of bizarre but also fun。 The fictional Anthony Horwitz comes off as a bit of a clueless dolt。 He was approached in the first book by a disgraced detective hoping to get some money by contributing to a nonfiction crime series written by the fictional Anthony Horowitz。Got that? It’s a bit of a mind twister, but as I already mentioned, a lot of fun。 The series is a love letter to classic murder mysteries and detective stories。 Hawthorne is clearly the brains of the pair, but also deeply mysterious and often unlikable。 Still, he has the charisma, and the author gets ignored when Hawthorne is present。 This causes a strain between the duo, even while fictional Horowitz admires Hawthorne’s detecting skills。 The plot of A Line to Kill gives us a chance to meet a bunch of quirky writers at a small literary festival。 I had to wonder as a reader if any of them are based on writers Horowitz knows。 He also pokes fun at himself and his own reputation as a writer, and he seems to be having a joyful time doing it。 The author drops clues right and left, leaving the reader to wonder – is that important? Is that a red herring? And Hawthorne slowly puts it all together as the rest of us scratch our heads。I love Horowitz’s subtle humor and phrasing, as in this passage when a séance takes place: “So at ten o’clock, I made my way down to the hotel’s screening room, which was certainly not the sort of place Noel Coward would have chosen to set a séance。” (ch。 20 of the advance reader copy) Also this passage, when a body is discovered at the seaside: “Even before we got out of the car, we could tell something was wrong。 A small crowd had gathered on the very edge of the grass, all of them looking out to sea, and there was something about their body language, the way they stood, that warned us that although they might be birdwatchers, they were not now watching birds。” (ch。 22)If you like very English detective bromances where the bros don’t really seem to like each other, and detective stories that overwhelm you with characters and plot devices, you might enjoy this series。 I read an advance reader copy of A Line to Kill from Netgalley。 。。。more

Alison Walne

The author makes himself a character in the book; a writer chronicling the cases of a retired detective who acts as a consultant to the police。 The two attend a small literary festival on Aldernay。 The most engaging feature of the book is the relationship between the writer and the detective, and the way it changes throughout the book。 The solving of the crimes is believable, and the lesser characters are engaging, not always in a good way。 Cliffhanger at the end, made me realise I liked the cha The author makes himself a character in the book; a writer chronicling the cases of a retired detective who acts as a consultant to the police。 The two attend a small literary festival on Aldernay。 The most engaging feature of the book is the relationship between the writer and the detective, and the way it changes throughout the book。 The solving of the crimes is believable, and the lesser characters are engaging, not always in a good way。 Cliffhanger at the end, made me realise I liked the characters and would probably check out previous and upcoming titles in the series。 。。。more

Elite Group

A “sort of” modern Holmes/Watson whodunnitThis is the third in the Hawthorne/Horowitz series and although it can be read without having read the previous two, there are references to the other cases which might be a little puzzling to those readers who start with this novel。There is something slightly old fashioned about the writing; something slightly reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes or even Agatha Christie。 This in fact adds to its appeal as does the fact that the author appears in person as the A “sort of” modern Holmes/Watson whodunnitThis is the third in the Hawthorne/Horowitz series and although it can be read without having read the previous two, there are references to the other cases which might be a little puzzling to those readers who start with this novel。There is something slightly old fashioned about the writing; something slightly reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes or even Agatha Christie。 This in fact adds to its appeal as does the fact that the author appears in person as the slightly otherworldly sidekick to the incisive ex-copper and now private investigator, Hawthorne。Horowitz has been invited to a literary event on the island of Alderney on the condition that he also takes Hawthorne along too。 The book festival has been underwritten by a wealthy resident of the island and an eclectic group of speakers have been invited in addition to Horowitz。The description of the island is atmospheric and good enough to allow the reader to believe they have visited。 The characters are too large for my liking and are stereotypes rather than individuals。The plot keeps going at a rapid rate and clues are scattered liberally。 It’s just a question of picking out which ones are red herrings, and which should be taken seriously。 Like many of Agatha Christie’s novels, not everyone is who they purport to be and for this reader, it was this which was a stretch too far and which lost it a star。 Nonetheless, it’s an excellent read and I look forward to the next in the series。mr zorgElite Reviewing group received a copy of the book to review。 。。。more

Kim McGee

Once again we find ourselves in on the chase with the crime solving/book writing duo of ex-Inspector Daniel Hawthorne and Anthony Horowitz。 Don't worry if you haven't read the other two books as they can all be read as a standalone。 The two of them have been invited to attend a smallish book festival on an island off the coast of England。 Daniel agrees to go and Anthony is wondering why since he usually doesn't show much interest in the marketing stuff。 What should be a quiet seaside jaunt turns Once again we find ourselves in on the chase with the crime solving/book writing duo of ex-Inspector Daniel Hawthorne and Anthony Horowitz。 Don't worry if you haven't read the other two books as they can all be read as a standalone。 The two of them have been invited to attend a smallish book festival on an island off the coast of England。 Daniel agrees to go and Anthony is wondering why since he usually doesn't show much interest in the marketing stuff。 What should be a quiet seaside jaunt turns into anything but when a body messes up their plans。 With a real London Inspector there the local officials are happy to let him solve the whole thing and Anthony is close behind with his notebook hoping for material for the next book。 This is classic Agatha Christie material - a remote location, suspects are trapped and there are more than enough reasons and people who would want this man dead。 I enjoy the way that Anthony Horowitz can make light of the publishing industry as well as himself in a tongue-in-cheek way and enough name dropping that you want to consult Wikipedia to find out if he has changed the author's names。 The result is a bit of lightheartedness in a gruesome murder mystery。 Always fun, this will appeal to his many fans as well as those readers who want a classic story told in a fresh way。 My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy。 。。。more

Jayne Scott

A classic page turning ‘whodunnit’ written from an interesting perspective with the author as a main character。 Plenty of evidence and twists which kept me guessing, an eclectic range of characters set in the picturesque island of Alderney。 This is my first ‘adult’ book by Anthony Horowitz, having read many from the ‘Alex Rider’ series with my children, and once again the text simply transports you into the story。