Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book came highly recommended to me by the former owner of a bookstore. In fact, he said it was “the best mystery novel he’d read in the 2000s, and a blueprint to how to write a mystery.” Of course, I bought the book, and further, I recommended it to my Mystery, Crime & Thriller Goodreads group as our February read. Since I recommended it, and it was selected, I am in charge of managing the book club discussion. As such, any thought of giving up before The End were out of the question.
Now, I’m not one to give up on a book midway (though I have been known to give up after a chapter), so I likely would have persevered regardless, but in my opinion, this book requires perseverance.
The concept is quite unique. We read a mystery novel, set in 1955 small town England, about Atticus Pund, a German detective who’s survived concentration camp, and penned by bestselling author Alan Conway. Unfortunately, it’s missing the last 3 chapters and Conway has apparently committed suicide before writing the conclusion.
We also have the present-day story behind the novel, told from the POV of his editor, Susan Ryeland, on the hunt for the last 3 chapters, which she is sure exist. The small press she works for, and a film contract, depend on it. She soon discovers many parallels between Conway’s fictional story, and his real life.
It all sounds fascinating, and it should be. But once Susan enters picture, about midway through, a lot of the text is repetitive, culling from the fictional work, and after a while, it becomes somewhat tedious. As for the methods of Atticus Pund, they mimic Hercule Poirot right down to the final “group” reveal. Deliberate and intentional, yes, but would Agatha Christie would be proud? Or annoyed? I’m not sure.
As for the former bookseller’s comments to me that “this is a blueprint to writing mysteries,” as an author of six mystery novels, I can’t say as I agree. It is certainly ONE way of writing a mystery, but it’s not mine. As with spandex one-size-fits-all tights, one size (or method) never fits all. Even so, Conway’s writing process is fascinating, and one of the bright spots of the book
There are other bright spots, and overall it is a good, if not great read. That said, I won’t be racing to read another book by Horowitz any time soon.
GOODREADS RATING SYSTEM:
5: It was amazing
4: really liked it
3: liked it
2: It was okay
1: didn’t like it
Interesting story. Sometimes, the hype doesn’t live up to the book. Thank you for sharing.
I’m in a virtual book club where this was the pick. A lot of folks seem to really like it. It’s got an average 3.94 on Goodreads, which is decent. I just found it a bit of a slog in parts.
I’ve read books that have been highly recommended and loved by others to find I’m not as fascinated by them. It reinforces my thoughts that not all books are for everyone regardless of how great they are.
That is so true, Diane. Reading is subjective. I remember reading (and loving) The Elegance of a Hedgehog. I was so sure my friend, who grew up in Paris, and was now a High School English teacher, would love it. She HATED it! This book was okay, just not what it was hyped up to be. But I wonder if I’d read it without the glowing endorsement if I would have liked it more. You go in expecting too much (happens with movies all the time). Anyway, thanks for stopping by.