A Line To Kill is the third book in the Hawthorne series by Anthony Horowitz. Published in 2021, it follows the previous books The Word is Murder and The Sentence is Death. In this installment, private investigator Daniel Hawthorne and his author sidekick, Anthony Horowitz, investigate the murder of a woman in a small coastal town while visiting a literary festival. The murder shocks the close-knit community and locks down the island. Now trapped on the island with a deadly killer Ex-police detective Daniel Hawthorne and Anthony Horowitz must question their fellow event attendees: is it the famous children’s author, or the French poet, or a celebrity chef-turned author. Hawthorne and Horowitz must sift facts from fiction in this gripping mystery.

Horowitz’s writing is excellent, and he once again expertly blends fact and fiction to create a compelling and intriguing narrative. He masterfully weaves together various threads of the story, incorporating red herrings and plot twists that keep the reader on their toes until the very end.

The character development in A Line To Kill is particularly noteworthy. Horowitz continues to develop the enigmatic Daniel Hawthorne, revealing new layers to his character and making him even more fascinating. The author also delves deeper into his own character, providing more insight into his life and his relationship with Hawthorne. Additionally, the secondary characters in the story are well-drawn and interesting, each with their own secrets and motives.

The novel’s pacing is just right, with the tension building gradually until the final reveal. Horowitz’s prose is intelligent and engaging, and his wit and humor make the story enjoyable to read. The author also includes several metafictional elements, such as references to his own work and real-life events, which add an extra layer of depth and interest to the story.

One of the standout features of A Line To Kill is the setting. Horowitz’s descriptions of the small coastal town are vivid and immersive, creating a sense of atmosphere that adds to the tension and suspense of the story. The author also incorporates themes of class and privilege, highlighting the differences between the wealthy residents of the town and the working-class locals.

The plot of A Line To Kill is complex and multi-layered, with numerous suspects and motives to consider. Horowitz expertly navigates these intricacies, revealing just enough information to keep the reader engaged without giving away the final twist. The resolution of the murder is satisfying and surprising, providing a satisfying conclusion to the story.

In terms of weaknesses, some readers may find the constant metafictional references to Horowitz’s own work and real-life events distracting. Additionally, while the character development is excellent, some of the secondary characters could have been more fully fleshed out.

A Line To Kill is another excellent addition to the Hawthorne series. Anthony Horowitz’s writing is exceptional, and his attention to detail and well-drawn characters make this a standout example of the genre. I highly recommend this book to fans of detective fiction and those who enjoy a good mystery.

You can pick up a copy of a Line to Kill from Amazon here.

The Word is Murder review

The Sentence is Death review