A Deadly Episode (by Anthony Horowitz)
Anthony Horowitz'sHawthorne and Horowitz series is a must-read for me whenever a new installment is released. A Deadly Episode is the sixth installment, and it brings not only the satisfying crime mystery I've come to expect, but also the sarcastic banter between the men that I humorously relish.
The first novel in the series, The Word Is Murder, is being adapted into a feature film. When the actor playing ex-Detective Inspector Daniel Hawthorne is stabbed to death on the set in Hastings, the real Hawthorne and his reluctant sidekick (the author himself) are pulled into the investigation. The set is filled with clashing egos, and it seems everyone has a motive.
A darker question is raised: what if the killer made a mistake, and the target was the real Hawthorne? A decade earlier, the detective may have gotten a case wrong, sending an innocent man to prison who consequently died there. The investigation splits between the film set on England's south coast and Yorkshire, the village where Hawthorne grew up, with Horowitz finally digging into the detective's guarded past.
I liked the book well enough, but it's not my favorite in the series. The moviemaking setting and focus on celebrities and film production just didn't grab me. That said, the core mystery was solid, and I enjoyed spending time with the familiar characters.
What really worked for me was the second half of the book. I was most engaged when the investigation shifted away from the film set and Hawthorne's past came into sharper focus. Visiting his village and uncovering more about his background added welcome depth, and I especially appreciated the thread involving an old case Hawthorne revisits. Those sections felt more personal and compelling.
Overall, A Deadly Episode delivers another clever, twisty mystery with the series' usual charm. It may not have been my top pick, but fans of Hawthorne and Horowitz will still find plenty to enjoy — especially if you're curious about the detective's history.
I borrowed the audiobook from my library and thoroughly enjoyed Rory Kinnear's narration — he's spot on as always, bringing just the right mix of wry humor and weight to Horowitz and Hawthorne.
You’re welcome to read my other reviews for books by Anthony Horowitz, which are linked below.
My zinnias are stealing the show this summer! Here are a few more photos of the Giant Mixed Colors and State Fair varieties.
As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, I earn from qualifying purchases linked back to Amazon. Every penny earned allows me to blog about books and keeps this site running.
