Summary
Magpie Murders is Anthony Horowitz's latest novel, a marvelous construction of a whodunnit within a whodunnit. The framing narrative is that of an editor reviewing a new manuscript, which serves as the second narrative. With this architecture, the reader gets to consume both a mystery set in modern London and a classic '50s whodunnit in the style of Agatha Christie.
“As far as I’m concerned, you can’t beat a good whodunnit: the twists and turns, the clues and the red herrings and then, finally, the satisfaction of having everything explained to you in a way that makes you kick yourself because you hadn’t seen it from the start.
That was what I was expecting when I began. But Magpie Murders wasn’t like that. It wasn’t like that at all.
I hope I don’t need to spell it out any more. Unlike me, you have been warned.”
I can usually anticipate whether or not I'll like a book by the opening, and this book had 2:
“A bottle of wine. A family-sized packet of Nacho Cheese Flavoured Tortilla Chips and a jar of hot salsa dip. A packet of cigarettes on the side (I know, I know). The rain hammering against the windows. And a book.
What could have been lovelier?”
Indeed. Well, I'd pass on the salsa and cigarettes, but still.
“There was going to be a funeral.”
The manuscript opening is simple, eye-catching, and nostalgic for the classics of the murder mystery genre. Horowitz had already proven that he can successfully emulate the classics with his Sherlock Holmes works, House of Silk and Moriarty, so the second opening of Magpie Murders wasn't exactly surprising, but it was still exhilarating and reassured me that I was in good hands. Magpie Murders is an excellent blend of paying respect to the classics and turning genre expectations upside down, ensuring a read that's equally familiar and unexpected.
This book is an excellent sampling of the author's mastery over a variety of voices and presents a vibrant cast of characters. Regardless, a whodunnit is about the puzzle that it presents to the reader, and Magpie Murders doesn't disappoint-- it promises to entertain mystery lovers of all types. Easily one of the most engaging and memorable books I've read, I'd highly recommend anyone looking for a sharp new whodunnit pick up Magpie Murders.