Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz is a gripping murder mystery novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The novel features a cleverly crafted plot with well-drawn characters and an intricate puzzle that is both engaging and satisfying.

The story is split into two parts, the first part is a manuscript of a detective novel, Magpie Murders, written by fictional author Alan Conway. The second part is the story of Susan Ryeland, an editor for the publishing company that releases Conway’s books. When the manuscript for Conway’s latest novel arrives, Ryeland is tasked with reading and editing it. However, as she nears the end of the manuscript, she discovers that the final chapters are missing. The manuscript then takes a surprising turn when it’s revealed that the author, Conway, has died, and the missing chapters are nowhere to be found.

With the help of her team, Ryeland embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of the missing chapters and uncover the truth behind the author’s death. She soon realizes that the clues to the mystery may be hidden within the manuscript itself, and she must dig deep to uncover the truth.

What makes Magpie Murders unique is its meta-fictional nature. Horowitz not only creates a murder mystery novel, but he also weaves a story within a story. The novel “Magpie Murders” is a classic whodunit that pays homage to Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot series, and the characters and setting of the manuscript will appeal to fans of classic detective fiction. The second part of the novel, which focuses on Ryeland’s investigation, brings a fresh and modern perspective to the story.

The characters in Magpie Murders are well-drawn and complex. Susan Ryeland is a likable and relatable protagonist who is smart, driven, and persistent in her pursuit of the truth. Her team of co-workers adds depth and humor to the story, and their interactions with each other and Ryeland feel authentic and engaging. The characters in the manuscript also add an interesting dimension to the story, as they are both suspect and detective at the same time.

The plot of Magpie Murders is complex and layered, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The manuscript’s murder mystery is a classic whodunit, complete with a cast of suspects with motives and secrets to hide. The second part of the novel is a modern mystery that follows Ryeland’s investigation into the author’s death, and it adds a fresh and interesting dimension to the story. The two parts of the novel work seamlessly together, and the final twist is both satisfying and surprising.

One of the strengths of Magpie Murders is Horowitz’s writing style. He has a way of creating suspense and tension that is both subtle and effective. The pace of the story is well-balanced, with enough action and intrigue to keep the reader engaged, but not so much that it feels overwhelming. Horowitz also has a knack for creating vivid descriptions of the characters and settings, which helps to bring the story to life.

Another strength of Magpie Murders is Horowitz’s attention to detail. The novel is meticulously plotted, with each clue and plot point carefully crafted to fit together like a puzzle. The reader is given all the information they need to solve the mystery, but the solution is not obvious, and the final twist is both satisfying and surprising. The attention to detail also extends to the manuscript within the story, which feels like a genuine detective novel from the golden age of detective fiction.

Magpie Murders is a well-written, engaging murder mystery that will appeal to fans of classic whodunits as well as modern mystery readers. You can buy a copy from Amazon here.