In Anthony Horowitz’ acknowledgements at the end of Marble Hall Murders, we learn that his original intention was probably not to write a third novel about Susan Ryeland, the book editor with the worst luck in friends. “This is the third outing for Susan Ryeland and Atticus Pünd and you wouldn’t be holding it in your … Continue reading THE LONG GOODBYE: Marble Hall Murders
Anthony Horowitz
EVE OF POSSIBILITIES: Looking Back on ’24 and Forward to ’25
It’s New Year’s Eve, the final day of a most, er, dramatic year, and this is my 79th and final post of 2024. It's also the time when some of my fellow bloggers review their accomplishments, perhaps name a “Book of the Year,” and make prognostications about what’s coming up in 2025 that are hopefully vague … Continue reading EVE OF POSSIBILITIES: Looking Back on ’24 and Forward to ’25
ATTICUS REDUX: Moonflower Murders
Few modern authors have such a firm and delightful grasp on the conventions and stylings of classic detective fiction that Anthony Horowitz has. This has proven especially true in his television writing: Poirot and Midsomer Murders displayed a deft hand at adaptation, but it was Foyle’s War that really proved Horowitz’ mettle. If you haven’t watched that series, what are you … Continue reading ATTICUS REDUX: Moonflower Murders
A NOT SO BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Close to Death
“I had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Hawthorne for a short while before we came in and I can safely say that the next hour is going to be a treat. He is called in to solve only the most difficult cases and, from what I understand, he succeeds every time. He has made … Continue reading A NOT SO BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Close to Death
PAT ON THE BACK: Meeting (Some of) My 2022 Goals
“There is no Frigate like a Book to take us Lands away . . . “ These words by Emily Dickenson were emblazoned on the bookplates my grandparents gave me when, at an early age, I declared my love for reading. I pasted them into every volume I owned and used up my stock long ago. … Continue reading PAT ON THE BACK: Meeting (Some of) My 2022 Goals
ROOTING FOR WATSON: The Twist of a Knife
How fortunate are we that, somewhere along the line in his 43-yearlong writing career, Anthony Horowitz turned to the mystery genre and became one of the best purveyors of the modern mystery in the classic style. He has managed to do this for readers, for television viewers, and especially for kids. He can craft an … Continue reading ROOTING FOR WATSON: The Twist of a Knife
NO SHIRT, SHERLOCK: Elementary, Season One
Somewhere between the Hardy Boys and Agatha Christie, some kindly relative introduced me to the World’s Greatest Detective with a collection of six or seven of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous stories about Sherlock Holmes. I think the first story I read was “The Red-Headed League” where, even at the age of 8 or 9, … Continue reading NO SHIRT, SHERLOCK: Elementary, Season One
NEVER META-MYSTERY I DIDN’T LIKE: The Sentence Is Death
“The thing about you, Tony, is you write stuff down without even realizing its significance. You’re a bit like a travel writer who doesn’t know quite where he is.” Is there any modern author who embraces the style, tropes and fashions of classic crime fiction more frequently or creatively than Anthony Horowitz? Whether it’s in … Continue reading NEVER META-MYSTERY I DIDN’T LIKE: The Sentence Is Death
TWO REVIEWS, TWO QUESTIONS: Part Two
“’There’s a bloody footprint out on the terrace, if you care to take a look. It might give you a shoe size. I’d say the killer left down the fire escape into the alley, so perhaps you’ll catch him on CCTV. But we didn’t see anything. We got here too late.’ “’All right, then. You … Continue reading TWO REVIEWS, TWO QUESTIONS: Part Two
Ah Sweet Mystery! 