Antony Horowitz has been one of my go to authors for some time and I’m now wondering how I’ve missed this series of novels. The Twist of the Knife is the fourth in the Hawthorne and Horowitz mysteries and although I’ve not read the others this was perfectly readable as a stand-alone novel. Horowitz writes himself into the novel as one of the main characters and in this case also the main suspect in the murder that ensues. Set within the world of the west end theatre the characters are colourful and believable. The book raced along with many twists and turns and several nods the the author’s other books. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will now be looking forward to reading the others in the series. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.

A classic whodunnit set in the world of writing and the theatre, with the author finding himself accused of the murder of a theatre critic who had written a savage review of his play. There is something old fashioned and formulaic about the story which left me feeling a bit detached and disengaged. Entertaining, but not especially memorable.

With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

This is another great Hawthorne and Horowitz crime story.,The fourth in the series and this time the story evolves around theatreland and the production of a play written by the aforementioned Horowitz who soon finds him self in deep water with an accusation of being the murderer. Once again, I’m the mould of a classic whodunnit, there are twists and turns and book by book another piece of the bigger puzzle “ who actually is Hawthorne?” is uncovered but still leaving a enigmatic presence. This unlikely crime fighting duo have forty eight sove a crime and a,good,rollicking read unfolds. Another winner in a great series

Fourth book in a series and definitely worth having read the previous books to fully understand the main character, Anthony, who, in this book is arrested on suspicion of murder. Daniel Hawthorne is the detective attempting to prove his innocence before time runs out.

It's mainly set in the theatre and the murder victim a particularly vicious theatre critic. It's a fun, easy read although, for me, it took some getting into. Overall, a decent whodunnit. The unusual premise of the author being the main character works well and I found it an entertaining 3* Good Read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK Cornerstone for the opportunity to preview.

I'm a huge fan of Anthony Horowitz, and this series in which he writes himself as a main character. Anthony's character is self-depreciating, slightly bewildered and a perfect vehicle for the dry comedy.

Daniel Hawthorne is a brilliant, slightly socially awkward, private detective and together they form an unlikely murder mystery solving duo.

This time Anthony is the main suspect for murder and it's a race against time to find the clues to identify the real killer before Anthony gets banged up.

I love the character of Anthony Horowitz in this, the wry observations and snippets of his real life. It eases you in as the plot unfolds.

It's a great murder mystery plot around the West End opening night of a play penned by Anthony, all the cast, and Anthony are potential suspects. Very cleverly handled as always, all the clues are there for the armchair reader sleuth and the brilliant Daniel Hawthorne to work out whodunnit.

I loved the first two in the series, was less sure about the third book, but this is Anthony Horowitz back on top form, both as the author and as main character.

If you've enjoyed the series so far you'll love this, or if you haven't had the pleasure you've got some very entertaining books to look forwards to.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone

The fourth novel in this unusual crime thriller series featuring rogue detective Hawthorne and the author himself. After feeling ambivalent about the previous instalment, I wasn't sure I'd want to read the next. However, I liked the premise of this one, in which Anthony is framed for the murder of a theatre critic. As he points out, it's usually the critics that kill the authors!

It was a good read, with twists, suspense, humour and a London setting. We still have a lot of mysteries about Hawthorne, which will no doubt be slowly revealed in subsequent books. I still think it's ingenious how real details about the author's life are woven into the fiction. My only criticism for this book is that the language was a little repetitive. For example, Hawthorne looked 'sadly' at someone many times.

I would recommend you read the others in the series first.

[Review will be on my blog, 11th August]

Despite enjoying Anthony Horowitz's writing - and I really do enjoy it - I still find the concept behind this series problematic. Even four books in, I still find the dissonance between real life and fiction within it jarring. The novels are written in the first person by Anthony Horowitz - he is a character in his own novel. He claims to be working with a private detective called Hawthorne, in order to write books about him. Together they solve various crimes. Along the way, Horowitz name drops as many of his other books and TV shows as possible, in what may be a clever way of promoting himself, but is irritating to read.

'The Twist of a Knife' begins with Horowitz declaring that he doesn't want to continue the series, to the disappointment of Hawthorne, who needs the money. Instead, our author is busy overseeing his play, 'Mindgame', transferring to the West End. A particularly horrible theatre critic savages the play in her review, and is found dead the next day - with Anthony the chief suspect. Suddenly he's calling on Hawthorne again, desperate for help in solving the crime before our plucky narrator ends up behind bars for something he didn't do.

The thing is, I enjoy Horowitz's writing and his plotting - the plot of this one is good and I didn't manage to work out 'whodunnit' or why. I enjoyed the book and looked forwards to reading it. I just wish he had chosen a fictional author to star in it rather than breaking the fourth wall by mixing up himself in it. A quick internet search confirms he did indeed have a play called 'Mindgame' with the same plot and characters he described, that debuted in the West End at the same theatre as in the book. The director and actors (and presumably the producers, stage managers etc.) in the novel are a fictitious. And that's what irritates me - it's hard to work out where fiction stops and reality begins.

It's a peeve that I'm sure some readers won't share and will wonder why it bothers me so much. But personally, I just find it irritating and that it undermines the value of the story in my eyes. Either write fiction, or write fact, but don't try to blur them up. It also annoys me when he puts real people into the books - it feels a bit like defamation. How do we know if it is a fair or true reflection of that person? Are the anecdotes about real famous folk as fictitious as his murder accusation, or are they real like his continual references to his own works?

All that said, I still read this book - and I read the others, and if he writes more (which looks likely) I'll read them too. They are still good books, especially if you love the sort of 'soft crime' that's more about fiendishly complex plots and figuring out a mystery than the gritty, ugly, emotional reality of a murder. This one is probably my favourite of this series so far (although I think it very unlikely that the chief suspect in a murder enquiry would have been able to trot around with a private detective questioning all the suspects and the victim's family unimpeded as he does). So if you overlook the irritation factor then it's still worth reading.

Horowitz says he doesn't read reviews, and I'm sure he'll never read this one, but if it should ever come to his attention - my advice as an ordinary reader is to just dial back the namedropping and the constant plugging of his books/TV. It's not necessary. If your book is good, people will go out and find our other works. And stopping the endless in-book self-promotion would make these better books.

I did not realise until I was reading this book that is one of a series of Horowitz and Hawthorne obviously written by Anthony Horowitz. I am pleased to say that for someone who loves a series but likes to start with book one this did not spoil the enjoyment of the read and can be read as a one off. Horowitz plays a role in this story which is unusual and different from crime books. Hawthorne is a difficult person and very private. He has lost his job with the Police Force. The story is about Horowitz writing books about crimes Hawthorne has solved even though he is not active in the Police. It does not stop him using Police technics to get people to open up to him. This particular story is set in the Vaudeville Theatre. Horowitz has written a play called “Mindgame”. It starts life in the provinces and eventually opening night in London arrives. At the after show party a review comes in which slates the play. It is written by a critic “Harriet Throsby” known to be poison with her remarks. The next day Harriet is found dead, killed by a dagger which each member of the cast had been given by the producer as an opening night gift. Anthony becomes under suspicion, his dagger is missing, he has no witnesses as to where he was at the time of the murder. The book continues with Anthony being hounded by the Police and he asks a reluctant Hawthorne to help prove his innocence. The book wends its way through the cast members, the Police who seem to have a problem with Anthony and Hawthorne saves the day. I really enjoyed this book and I loved all the characters, quirks and all. I will now read the ones that came before. A great read

'The Twist of a Knife' is another hugely enjoyable instalment in the Hawthorne detective series, in which author Anthony Horowitz appears as himself alongside ex-police detective Daniel Hawthorne. This is such an effective formula as it allows Horowitz to discuss and play around with the conventions of detective stories (about which he probably knows more than any other living writer) whilst an apparently real-life murder mystery unfolds around him.

This time, Horowitz varies the formula by making himself the prime suspect in the murder of theatre critic Harriet Throsby who has just written a scathing review of his new play, Mindgame. After three outings with Hawthorne, Anthony has been keen to bring their professional association to an end, but after he finds himself in police custody, he needs Hawthorne's help to clear his name. There follows a predictably elaborate and fast-paced investigation of Mindgame's cast and crew and of some secrets from Throsby's past before the novel's suitably theatrical dénouement.

This is another great read which delivers everything one could want from a whodunnit whilst avoiding clichés. In spite of the high stakes and some of the serious issues explored, it is fully of humour - often at the author's own expense. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC to review!

I have read and enjoyed a number of books by Anthony Horowitz, although not those featuring the Horowitz/Hawthorne double act, and was really looking forward to reading this one. It is a traditional “who dunnit’ with all the features one would expect from the genre - a murder, numerous suspects, a fiendishly clever private detective, a sprinkling of clues, a host of red herrings and a grand denouement with all the suspects brought together in one place. The added ingredient is the author as the main character and prime suspect - quite a clever device. An enjoyable read but I wasn’t on the edge of my seat at any time - perhaps a tad more pace or a cliffhanger or two would have added something to the storytelling.

Another hit for Anthony Horowitz ( though I can't criticize him he might kill me). A wonderful book hope he keeps on with this series loved every one of the books to me this is the best yet.
I received this book from the publishers via Netgalley for a review.

Anthony Horowitz is under suspicion as the theatre critic Harriet Throsby is found murdered the day after she gives a damming review of his new play "Mindgame" worse still the murder weapon turns out to be an ornamental dagger that belongs to Anthony and has his fingerprints on it. To make matters worse he is arrested by DI Cara Grunshaw (They have previous history in "The Sentence is Death") she is now out to get her own back. Now heading to prison the only person that can help is Daniel Hawthorne....but will he help?? especially as Anthony has told him that their three book deal has been fulfilled and that is an end to it. I really enjoy this series of books its a bit different having the author as one of the characters but it just works so well. Of course Hawthorne will help his mate Tony out. We find out a little more about Hawthorne. The story is a true whodunnit, unusual and complex, but utterly compelling, a real page turner in every sense!!!!

Any reviewer should be careful in judging this book. Anthony Horowitz is the star if his own book and when his play Mindgame is severely criticised by the Sunday Times critic on it first London appearance , she is murdered. He is the obvious suspect and is arrested. However he gets his friend Daniel Hawthorne,, a former detective and now partner in writing books, to investigate his case. The story is quaint but very readable. It ends with an old fashioned meeting of all the suspects while Hawthorne takes them through his review of the case and points his finger at the culprit. It is not, of course, Anthony Horowitz. This is not a book to keep readers on the edge of their seats but it jollies along pleasantly enough. I recommend it.

Another cracking story from Anthony Horowitz with a terrific ending - just like an Agatha Christie! I think this is my favourite of the Hawthorne series so far. I loved the theatrical setting, the endless name dropping and the shameless self promotion - I would have been disappointed had Midsomer Murders not got a mention somewhere. I was glad that Hawthorne was less condescending towards 'Tony' than he normally is perhaps in recognition of the fact that Tony was experiencing the worst of all nightmares - being accused of something he hasn't done. The story was credible, the characters believable, eccentric but not outrageous and the gradual raising of tension as evidence mounts up adds to the excitement. The action takes place over a short period of time and this is reflected in the fast pace of the narrative. Great fun and thoroughly enjoyable.

This latest entry in the series revolves around the opening of Horowitz’s debut production in the West End. But this time, the role he plays is more involved than ever before!

I always find Anthony Horowitz a zippy and easy read, and the same was true for this book. I think it's much better than his last entry in the series. These books are really to be enjoyed as murder mystery puzzles, as I don't always feel that the characters (including Anthony himself) say things or react how I would expect. But perhaps that's what the author is going for - that slightly heightened murder mystery feel, very much along the lines of Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders.

The books in this series are always fun and enjoyable, and I'm already looking forward to the next one. These books are a "must read" in our house.

I still find it slightly odd to be reading a fiction book in which the author is a character, but he's self deprecating enough to make it work. Another enjoyable murder mystery in this series.

The latest in Anthony Horowitz's Hawthorne and Horowitz books finds himself - or rather the fictional twinner of Horowitz - disavowing his reluctant partner Daniel Hawthorne and putting on a play about serial killers, only for it to be savaged by a particularly vicious critic who later turns up hours later dead from a stab wound and with Horowitz prime suspect.

It's the most Christie-esque of the Hawthorne books so far with a closed circle of suspects and theatre as a backdrop, making it an instant success in my guys. Some of the clunkier aspects of the books have been fazed out (e.g. unusual attitudes to homosexuality), save for one slightly awkward moment in Chapter 15 which attempts to discuss both cancel culture and cultural appropriation in a slightly cack-handed fashion.

This aside, Book 4 of the Hawthorne books is a triumph of whodunnit storytelling and a great murderous puzzle box of a story, one which bests the heights of its predecessors.

I love the Hawthorne series and even if I didn't think this one was as clever, meta, funny and readable as the rest of the series (I did) I wouldn't dare say so based on the author's apparent feelings towards critics as displayed in his latest where he, as a character in the book is accused of the murder of a theatre critic who didn't enjoy his play.
The meta levels of humour in the latest book in the series reach new levels - referencing so many aspects of the author's real/ fictional/ and who knows at this point? it's best to just go along with it...
Even the 'author's afterward' made me laugh and question what's real and what isn't.
Whatever. If, as is indicated for reasons I won't spoil, there are as many (un)planned books in the series as the novel suggests, I'm in all the way.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

This book is brilliant. I’m not too good at explaining without giving the plot away but the author is writing about himself and has created a story that contains a mysterious character that I’m not sure I even like! It’s a bit like Hitchcock putting himself into his films but this series of books is absolutely amazing. I loved it and can’t wait for the next one !

Unfortunately I didn't finish this book as I found it too slow. I have read other reviews which were glowing so I think the problem liés with me!