Book Review: The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

ByAnne Logan
14 Comments

I first heard of The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz through my dear friend FictionFan’s blog, she reviewed this book a few months ago and had some complicated feelings about it. When the publisher sent it to me for review, I decided to give it a go, even though FF recommended another one of Horowitz’s books to start with (the only reason I didn’t follow her advice was pure laziness, as this book was already in my hands). Although mine and FF’s tastes usually run quite similar, I have to disagree with her on this one, because I really loved this book. It’s got the water damaged pages to prove it-I even took it in the bath with me!

Author Anthony Horowitz-he must know J.K. Rowling!

The book is written by famous UK writer Anthony Horowitz-and its protagonist is…Anthony Horowitz. At least, the story is told from his perspective, and as readers we are told that Horowitz is writing this very book, so as I read, I assumed the Horowitz character was very similar to the real-life Horowitz. But let’s be clear about one thing, this book is most definitely fiction! It’s about the murder of Diana Cowper, a widow who was strangled from behind in her own home, but the strange thing is, she arranged her own funeral that same afternoon. Coincidence? Hardly! A disgraced ex-detective Hawthorne is brought on by the local police as a ‘consultant’ to help solve the case because of his past successes in solving murders, and he invites Horowitz to follow him around and write a book about this particular mystery. Strangely, and against his better judgement the author agrees, because truth be told Hawthorne is a real asshole.

I’m the kind of person that LOVES learning about the author’s real life, so I really enjoyed this glimpse into the writing life, even if it’s more fiction than reality. I found Horowitz’s voice witty and engaging, he didn’t seem too uppity, even though he’s quite successful and his eagerness to please Hawthorne rang true to me. In this particular case, Horowitz is meant to be a kind of Watson, and Hawthorne a Sherlock Holmes, and I did enjoy this dynamic, even if Horowitz didn’t come across as efficient as Watson typically does. In my mind, Watson is a vital part of Holmes’ success, whereas in this book, Hawthorne always seems one step ahead of Horowitz.

Another reason to read this book is the fact that the mystery is well plotted out, and the red herrings serve well to distract the reader as I did not see the ending coming! A satisfying read with some humorous banter throughout, I highly recommend this book.

Buy the book here
*Please note this post contains affiliate links, and if you choose to purchase the book through Amazon I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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14 Comments

  1. I’ve got this one on hold at the library, but I’m kinda far down on the list so when knows when I’ll get it? Sounds like one I think I’ll enjoy. His previous book, Magpie Murders, had a sort of “meta” thing going on too.

    Love the picture of Pearl and Smokey, by the way.

  2. When I was in my MFA program, we were told the #1 sin is to write about writing! I think what they meant was don’t write a character who is struggling with a novel, working shitty jobs to make ends meet, and/or in an MFA program. Truth is, I do love books about writing because when it’s cleverly done, there are great inside jokes and moments with which I empathize.

    1. Me too! I love reading fiction books about writers, the process, publishing, etc.

    2. I’m with you guys on this, and I think it just proves the point about MFA programs, that there is always an argument for the opposite “rule”. This isn’t the one of his that I had marked on my TBR but it sounds every bit as good to me. (Aw, the picture. :))

  3. Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it and I’m glad I didn’t put you off! Usually I love his writing but unlike you and Melanie, I really can’t be bothered with writers writing about writing, or writing about themselves! You’ll be glad to know apparently there’s going to be a whole series of these… :D

  4. I really enjoyed The Magpie Murders and just picked this one up but I wondered if it was as good. Sounds like I should definitely give it a go soon.

    Unrelated but how are you able to post such regular content with TWO small children!?!?!

    1. haha I watch very little television-like maybe an hour a week or so. And I try to schedule their nap times to coincide so I always have a bit of time to myself each day :)

    2. Ah, there it is, I love TV almost as much as I love reading. The pull is so much stronger these days. It’s so much easier to sit and exist while being entertained than try and focus properly on a book and then reviewing. I feel my brain stirring though so maybe my TV viewing days are numbered (probably not, I seriously love TV).

    3. oh god ya I watched a ton of tv with my first, I know exactly how you feel. We moved into a new house in November, and we haven’t mounted our television yet so that’s also contributed to my non-watching!

  5. I also liked this one! There’s a second book on the series, I think it’s called The Sentence is Death. I really liked Horowitz’s book Moriarty too.

    1. Ohhh I haven’t read The sentence is death yet, but I’ve heard its great

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