A Line to Kill: A Novel

The Sherlockian duo of Hawthorne and Horowitz confronts another challenge in A Line to Kill, the third in Anthony Horowitz’s delightful literary mystery series. As in the previous books, Horowitz finds himself caught up in an investigation despite his primary objective to write about Hawthorne and his exploits. His self-deprecating, unwitting narrative “self” reports the astounding talents of the former detective as he uncovers the truth behind crimes. As Horowitz becomes enlightened, so does the reader. In this installment, the two men are assigned a “command performance” at a literary festival. The island of Alderney seems like an odd place to host such an event, and Anthony is also curious as to why Hawthorne would willing agree to take part. Once on the island, things take a deadly turn, and the pair is confined to Alderney with the rest of the odd festival attendees. The police request Hawthorne’s help in solving a murder that is linked to the festival. There is a lot of surreptitious activities and connections in Horowitz’s homage to Christie’s “locked room” scenario. Everyone, even Hawthorne himself, has ulterior motives that propel the action forward and provide interesting twists. The final reveal is carefully plotted and satisfying. Horowitz has once again created a unique series with an innovative approach, despite how much of the classical tropes are employed. Funny and fast-paced, A Line to Kill seamlessly brings nostalgia and class to the mystery genre that has grown to display more style than substance.

I just thoroughly enjoy reading Anthony Horowitz. He has a sly wit and is clever with his characters and plot. His early Midsomer murders, Agatha Christie and the screenplay for his movies, Injustice comes to mind, always have an unexpected twist. Keep writing please!