When you love mysteries, especially British mysteries, no one beats Anthony Horowitz. His new novel, Close to Death, is the fifth in the delightful and puzzling Hawthorne and Horowitz series.
Yes, there’s a murder. Yes, there’s a detective. And there’s the author himself trailing along with the detective. Yes, he is a protagonist in the story and the narrator.
This mystery is particularly enjoyable to read because of the author’s personal commentary. Each time he thinks he has the answer and has figured out who the killer is, he’s dead wrong. And, of course, the raspy, edgy Detective Hawthorne does not hold back on how wrong Horowitz is.
The author’s narration works so well in a mystery because the whole point of the mystery puzzle is to keep the reader guessing. When the narrator is guessing, too, and guessing wrong, the mystery is doubly perplexing.
Anthony Horowitz is a master storyteller.
Who Is Close to Death’s Anthony Horowitz?
You don’t need to know who the acclaimed author of Close to Death is, but knowing makes the reading more fun.
As Horowitz mentions more than once, he’s the author of the acclaimed Alex Rider series for young people. In the book, people may not have read anything he wrote, but they recognize his name because their kids love his books.
The Arthur Conan Doyle estate sanctioned Horowitz to write new Sherlock Holmes novels. Holmes is recognizable not just to mystery lovers but to fiction readers worldwide. And the Ian Flemming estate also approved him to continue the James Bond series.
Horowitz also created the multiple-award-winning television series Foyle’s War. Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle in southern England wages his own war against crime during the Second World War.
With these credits and awards to his name, you know Horowitz is bound to create another winner.
Close to Death is no exception. This is the fifth book in the popular Hawthorne and Horowitz series. The forerunners are (in order):
- The Word is Murder
- The Sentence is Death
- A Line to Kill
- A Twist of the Knife
A publisher will not continue a series if it’s not popular. As a mystery reader, you have a treat in store for you.
What Is Close to Death All About?
A gruesome murder of a new resident in a peaceful, upscale London residence community triggers the investigation. The new neighbor, Giles Kentworthy, is found dead with a crossbow bolt protruding from his chest.
In the peaceful community of Riverside Circle, Kentworthy has managed to irritate each one of his neighbors. He had an arrogant attitude, obstreperous children, parked one of his four gas guzzlers to obstruct the passageway, and plans to disrupt the peaceful garden by installing a swimming pool. Each of these activities upset one or more of the residents.
Ex-detective Hawthorne is called in despite his shadowy past because of his success in solving “unsolvable” crimes. Since Hawthorne and Horowitz have a book deal – yes, it’s part of the story – Horowitz tags along.
They meet all the neighbors. Since each one seems to have a motive to hate Kentworthy, the mystery puzzle expands.
As Horowitz attempts to come up with his reasons to “know” which suspect is the killer, Hawthorne shakes his head and manages to put him down. Part of the fun of reading this book is how Horowitz makes fun of himself at every turn.
Not only do you get all the joys of a British mystery, but you also gain sympathy for the author, who can’t solve the puzzle as the case builds.
If you listen to audiobooks, experience Anthony Horowitz in yet another way. He is the narrator.
If mystery books are your entertainment choice, Close to Death is a must-read for traditional mystery lovers who enjoy an extra twist. You, too, will wonder how to solve the case when everyone is a suspect.
About the Author
Zara Altair is a writer and author of historical mysteries set in 6th Century Italy. She is passionate about books, film, film history, and sharing her knowledge with others. Engage with Zara, her educational insights, and her tips for fellow writers by following her on X(Twitter) and Threads. Zara is a seasoned journalist and accomplished writer with deep expertise spanning entertainment, literature, film writing, neuroscience, and health. Zara blends critical analysis with a profound passion for storytelling.
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