I have just finished listening to the audiobook of Anthony Horowitz’s Magpie Murders, narrated by Samantha Bond and Alan Corduner.

Synopsis

‘Once again, Anthony Horowitz proves to be a captivating storyteller in this mysterious crime caper with an old-school twist. Crafting a narrative that is fuller and more intimate at second glance, there is much more than meets the eye.

When editor Susan Ryeland is given the tattered manuscript of Alan Conway’s latest novel, she has little idea it will change her life. She’s worked with the revered crime writer for years, and his detective, Atticus Pund, is renowned for solving crimes in the sleepy English villages of the 1950s.

As Susan knows only too well, vintage crime sells handsomely. It’s just a shame that it means dealing with an author like Alan Conway….

But Conway’s latest tale of murder at Pye Hall is not quite what it seems. Yes, there are dead bodies and a host of intriguing suspects, but hidden in the pages of the manuscript there lies another story: a tale written between the very words on the page, telling of real-life jealousy, greed, ruthless ambition and murder.

From Sunday Times best seller Anthony Horowitz comes Magpie Murders, his deliciously dark take on the vintage crime novel, brought bang up to date with a fiendish modern twist.’

My thoughts

I always go in with high expectations when it comes to Anthony Horowitz. He is after all a very accomplished and prolific writer. In my day job I see his books devoured by eager children who are swept away by the action and adventure of his Alex Rider series. I have watched countless episodes of his Agatha Christie adaptations on the television and Midsummer Murder, to name but a few. Oh yes, the man knows a thing or two about suspense. I even met him once, at a literary event I attended for Lovereading back in the day and he certainly was an imposing presence in the room. Magpie Murders has also now been adapted for TV and this time I wanted to first approach the story via the novel that came first. I find audiobooks convenient and enjoyable. I read an awful lot and have many books already on my tbr pile but audiobooks are a luxury I can enjoy whilst doing some needlework, driving, walking, in the bath, and also those moments when I can’t sleep but don’t want to put a light on or pick up my kindle to read. It’s almost the most relaxing form of reading I can imagine. You can literally lie back and enjoy being read to with minimum effort.

I was so glad I did as the narrators did a wonderful job. As did Anthony Horowitz. He, of course, did not disappoint and I thought it rather clever that he featured the telling of a book within a book. He pulled it off rather well and I felt I was getting two mysteries for the price of one. The characters are well written and the plot is engaging with plenty of red herrings along the way. The Atticus Pund storyline is set in the 1950s and Susan Ryland who is Alan Conway’s (Pund’s creator) editor is set in modern day. As well as creating a who-dunnit, Horowitz is analysing the classic murder mystery genre. With nods to Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, it felt like a celebration of this genre that continues to stand the test of time. Never out of fashion, and always a twist to be found in each and every new tale. Why do we love murder mysteries? Is it because we can explore the evil in the world, perhaps even try and make sense of it in the safely of our own comfortable chair. Safe from harm ourselves. The truth is these stories never really go out of fashion. Writers long gone are still read greatly, they continue to inspire creators of today with new stories as well as adaptations of their own. It would seem we just can’t get enough. I would recommend Magpie Murders? Absolutely. I shall also look forward to watching the TV adaptation. There are more books to enjoy too. Anthony Horowitz has an impressive and this, along with all the Agatha Christies I still have yet to read and reread, well I shall never be short of reading material. I am a great fan of Agatha Christie. What an author! What a mark she has made on the world of fiction. The fact that her work (and the likes of Conan Doyle) still inspire after all this time – well it is incredible. How fortunate we are now to be able to enjoy not only those original creators, but now the likes of Anthony Horowitz and all the others following in their (rather impressive) foot steps. Thank goodness it’s the autumn and I can enjoy those long nights curled up with a good book (or two).

If you’d like to find out more about the writer and his work, please visit his website: https://anthonyhorowitz.com/

Thank you for visiting Tales Before Bedtime today – happy reading!