Book Review & Synopsis: Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
1988
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Book Review: Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

I’ve always loved a good mystery, and Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz had been on my radar for a while. With its clever premise—a mystery within a mystery—it sounded like the perfect homage to classic whodunits while offering something fresh and innovative. Needless to say, I was excited to dive in.

What’s it about?

Magpie Murders is a layered and intricate mystery that tells two stories in one. The novel opens with Susan Ryeland, an editor at Cloverleaf Books, settling down to read the manuscript of Magpie Murders, the latest novel by her star author, Alan Conway. Conway is famous for his Atticus Pünd series, a collection of bestselling detective novels set in 1950s England.

As Susan begins reading the manuscript, we are transported into the fictional world of Saxby-on-Avon, a quaint village rife with secrets. In this story-within-a-story, Atticus Pünd, a meticulous and brilliant private detective, investigates the suspicious death of a housekeeper, which is followed by the apparent murder of the wealthy Sir Magnus Pye. It’s a classic closed-circle mystery, complete with a colorful cast of characters who each have motives for wanting Sir Magnus dead.

However, as Susan nears the end of Conway’s manuscript, she discovers that the final chapters—the ones revealing the killer—are missing. Her frustration quickly turns into alarm when she learns that Conway has died under mysterious circumstances. What initially appeared to be a suicide begins to look more sinister, and Susan finds herself drawn into her own real-life mystery.

Susan’s investigation into Conway’s death parallels Pünd’s fictional case, with eerie similarities between the two. As she delves deeper into Conway’s life, she uncovers secrets about his relationships, his career, and the hidden clues he left behind in his manuscript. The line between fiction and reality blurs as Susan races to uncover the truth, both in the pages of Conway’s book and in her own life.

What This Chick Thinks

Reading Magpie Murders was like being handed a puzzle box with infinite layers. Anthony Horowitz’s writing is sharp and precise, paying homage to classic authors like Agatha Christie while injecting a fresh, modern voice. The dual narratives are expertly crafted, and I was equally invested in both Susan’s real-life mystery and Atticus Pünd’s fictional investigation.

The fictional manuscript, with its period-appropriate language and intricate plotting, felt like a love letter to golden-age detective stories. Atticus Pünd is a delightful homage to detectives like Poirot, with his measured demeanor and keen intellect. Meanwhile, Susan’s storyline brought a contemporary edge, exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, and the murky ethics of the publishing industry.

That said, the book’s complexity might not be for everyone. The dual structure means there’s a lot of ground to cover, and at times it felt like I needed a corkboard and red string to keep track of all the connections. But for mystery lovers who enjoy piecing together clues, it’s an absolute treat.

The ending is satisfying and clever, tying up both narratives while leaving just enough ambiguity to keep you thinking. Horowitz doesn’t just solve the mystery—he celebrates the very act of storytelling itself.

Final Thoughts

Magpie Murders is a must-read for fans of classic mysteries and metafiction. Anthony Horowitz’s inventive structure and richly detailed storytelling make it a standout in the genre. I’d give it an 8.5 out of 10—it’s smart, entertaining, and endlessly intriguing.

Try it if you like:

  • “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” by Agatha Christie
    For fans of intricate, cleverly plotted mysteries that keep you guessing.
  • “The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton
    A mind-bending mystery with a unique structure and complex characters.
  • “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman
    A charming and clever take on the classic whodunit, set in a modern-day retirement village.

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