Magpie Murders

by Anthony Horowitz
Magpie Murders cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 8207
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781409158394
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2016-10-06
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Magpie Murders is a cleverly crafted mystery that combines the charm of a classic whodunit with a modern twist. The story revolves around editor Susan Ryland, who is tasked with editing the latest manuscript from bestselling crime writer Alan Conway. The manuscript tells the tale of detective Atticus Pünd solving a murder at Pye Hall, but hidden within the pages lies another story, one of real-life jealousy, greed, and ruthless ambition. /n/n The novel is praised for its ingenious plot and thrilling narrative, with comparisons to the works of Agatha Christie. It's a stylish thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end, making it a perfect choice for fans of mystery and suspense.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2017-12-10
excellent 4.00

This book is a delightful homage to classic crime fiction, with a clever structure that keeps readers engaged. The intricate plot and well-developed characters make it a standout mystery novel.

The reviewer found this book to be a fantastic read, particularly for fans of crime fiction. They appreciated the clever structure, which pays homage to classic mystery novels while adding a modern twist. The plot is intricate and well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed, and the reviewer enjoyed the way the author brought them to life. Overall, they found it to be a highly enjoyable and engaging mystery novel that they would recommend to others.

Quick quotes

    As a crime fiction fan, and a Christie fan, I really enjoyed this book.

    I first encountered it as an audiobook on my local library website and, ...

    It's a very clever book with an extremely intricate, skilfully crafted plot and his trademark wit.

Fictionophile · 2017-06-24
brilliant 4.25

This book is a masterful and suspenseful take on vintage English crime fiction, with a deviously dark plot that keeps readers guessing. The clever structure and richly detailed storytelling make it a standout in the genre.

The reviewer describes this book as a masterful and suspenseful take on vintage English crime fiction. They highlight the clever structure and richly detailed storytelling, which make it a standout in the genre. The plot is deviously dark and keeps readers guessing until the very end. The reviewer found the book to be highly engaging and enjoyable, with a unique blend of classic and modern elements that set it apart from other mystery novels. They would highly recommend it to fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    Masterful, clever, and relentlessly suspenseful, Magpie Murders is a deviously dark take on vintage English crime fiction in which the reader ...

    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, ...

Goodreads · 2016-10-06
ruthlessly suspenseful 4.00

This book is a deviously dark take on vintage crime fiction. It's masterful, clever, and ruthlessly suspenseful, making it a standout in the genre.

Goodreads' review of 'Magpie Murders' is full of praise for Horowitz's skill in crafting a suspenseful and intricate mystery. The book's devious dark take on vintage crime fiction is highlighted, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer appreciates the clever structure and the way Horowitz keeps the reader guessing. The characters are well-developed, and the plot twists are satisfying. It's a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a good mystery. The reviewer also mentions that the book is a great example of how to pay homage to the golden age of crime fiction while still making it feel fresh and exciting.

Quick quotes

    Masterful, clever, and ruthlessly suspenseful, Magpie Murders is a deviously dark take on vintage crime fiction.

    The reviewer appreciates the clever structure and the way Horowitz keeps the reader guessing.

    It's a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a good mystery.

Bookshelf Discovery · 1970-01-01
good 3.75

This book is a puzzle within a puzzle, with plenty of twists and great characters that make it a thrilling read. The reviewer tore through the last few chapters, eager to uncover the truth.

The reviewer found this book to be a thrilling and engaging read, with a puzzle within a puzzle that keeps readers on their toes. They appreciated the clever twists and well-developed characters, which added depth and intrigue to the story. The reviewer mentioned that they tore through the last few chapters, eager to uncover the truth and see how the pieces fit together. Overall, they found the book to be highly entertaining and would recommend it to fans of mystery novels.

Quick quotes

    This is a puzzle within a puzzle, with plenty of cracking twists, great characters and setting, and I tore through the last few chapters.

    I'll read more by this author.

    It made me concerned that a story I was enjoying might suddenly change into a fashionable, psychological thriller that I wouldn't, but by the end of that first ...

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