lindseyinthelibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I obviously like this series enough to keep reading. I love classic whodunnits and think the reveal is the best part. They made Hawthorne less despicable and more human in this book, but still interesting and mysterious.
patreceluvbooks's review against another edition
challenging
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
apelsz's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alexandramarion's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
worldsgassiest's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
nzlisam's review against another edition
5.0
Horowitz and Hawthorne’s bromance is officially over – kaput, terminated, canceled, executed at dawn. Or, is it?
Tired of ex- detective Daniel Hawthorne’s dismissive treatment of him, and his secretiveness, author Anthony Horowitz informs Hawthorne, in no uncertain terms, that he has no intention of shadowing him, and writing any more books about him. He’s fulfilled their three book deal – The Word is Murder is published and doing well, The Sentence is Death is with his agent, and he’ll start writing A Line to Kill later in the year. Horowitz has already moved on to writing Moonflower Murders, and is anticipating the London opening of his play, Mindgame. Note: all the above mentioned books are already published by the way, which makes me think that either this novel is set a few years ago, or more likely it’s a fictional timeline, just like all the characters except Anthony Horowitz, although he is a mostly made up version of himself (with me so far?). Also, Mindgame is a real play by Horowitz, performed way back in 1999, further evidence that this is a fictional timeline.
The opening night of Mindgame is a success, the one blight on the horizon, a critic’s nasty review, largely focusing on Horowitz’s failure as a writer. But, when said critic, is stabbed to death the next morning, and with several pieces of evidence against him, Horowitz is the main suspect. He needs a genius Sherlock-type mind to get him out of this fix. But, will Hawthorne be there for him, when he’s never been in the past.
Horowitz and Hawthorne #4 is now my favourite in the series. In fact it was so fast-paced, perplexing, tense, and engaging that upon finishing I was convinced that it was a lot shorter than previous instalments, but nope, it was 400 pages. I loved how the mystery was connected to Horowitz, both personally and professionally – it really increased the stakes and urgency. The resolution to the mystery was surprisingly emotional as well, and I was so invested that I actually shed a few tears. But, there were lots of amusing lines and moments to balance things out. I found it hilarious that (tiny spoiler ahead) Anthony Horowitz wrote his wife believing that he was guilty of murder.
I adored all the Agatha Christie-ness, the suspect interviews, the unusual clues that didn’t seem to fit with anything, and the players gathered together for the final reveal, and Hawthorne’s reason for it. Just like in the previous book, A Line to Kill, a little more was revealed regarding Hawthorne’s past.
Loved, loved, loved The Twist of a Knife, and cannot wait for the next. This series never disappoints.
Tired of ex- detective Daniel Hawthorne’s dismissive treatment of him, and his secretiveness, author Anthony Horowitz informs Hawthorne, in no uncertain terms, that he has no intention of shadowing him, and writing any more books about him. He’s fulfilled their three book deal – The Word is Murder is published and doing well, The Sentence is Death is with his agent, and he’ll start writing A Line to Kill later in the year. Horowitz has already moved on to writing Moonflower Murders, and is anticipating the London opening of his play, Mindgame. Note: all the above mentioned books are already published by the way, which makes me think that either this novel is set a few years ago, or more likely it’s a fictional timeline, just like all the characters except Anthony Horowitz, although he is a mostly made up version of himself (with me so far?). Also, Mindgame is a real play by Horowitz, performed way back in 1999, further evidence that this is a fictional timeline.
The opening night of Mindgame is a success, the one blight on the horizon, a critic’s nasty review, largely focusing on Horowitz’s failure as a writer. But, when said critic, is stabbed to death the next morning, and with several pieces of evidence against him, Horowitz is the main suspect. He needs a genius Sherlock-type mind to get him out of this fix. But, will Hawthorne be there for him, when he’s never been in the past.
Horowitz and Hawthorne #4 is now my favourite in the series. In fact it was so fast-paced, perplexing, tense, and engaging that upon finishing I was convinced that it was a lot shorter than previous instalments, but nope, it was 400 pages. I loved how the mystery was connected to Horowitz, both personally and professionally – it really increased the stakes and urgency. The resolution to the mystery was surprisingly emotional as well, and I was so invested that I actually shed a few tears. But, there were lots of amusing lines and moments to balance things out. I found it hilarious that (tiny spoiler ahead) Anthony Horowitz wrote his wife believing that he was guilty of murder.
I adored all the Agatha Christie-ness, the suspect interviews, the unusual clues that didn’t seem to fit with anything, and the players gathered together for the final reveal, and Hawthorne’s reason for it. Just like in the previous book, A Line to Kill, a little more was revealed regarding Hawthorne’s past.
Loved, loved, loved The Twist of a Knife, and cannot wait for the next. This series never disappoints.
mes91's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Just love the narrative voice of Horowitz in this series and his relationship and constant frustration with Hawthorne and this time him being in the hot seat made it a very quick read.
jakobmarleymommy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0