This was the first book I'd read in this series and it was ok but it wasn't amazing. I enjoyed the Hawthorne chapters about the murder investigation, they kind of had an Agatha Christie feel about them. However, the Horowitz parts just felt completely unnecessary and didn't really add anything to the overall story. The ending didn't really feel satisfying and fell a bit flat. Just average for me.

From The Cover📖

Richmond Upon Thames is one of the most desirable areas to live in London. And Riverview Close - a quiet, gated community – seems to offer its inhabitants the perfect life.

At least it does until Giles Kenworthy moves in with his wife and noisy children, his four gas-guzzling cars, his loud parties and his plans for a new swimming pool in his garden.

His neighbours all have a reason to hate him and are soon up in arms.

When Kenworthy is shot dead with a crossbow bolt through his neck, all of them come under suspicion and his murder opens the door to lies, deception and further death.

The police are baffled. Reluctantly, they call in former Detective Daniel Hawthorne. But even he is faced with a seemingly impossible puzzle.

How do you solve a murder when everyone has the same motive?

REVIEW⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m a massive fan of the Hawthorne & Horowitz series and was thrilled to get an ARC of the fifth instalment.
If you are unfamiliar with the series, here is a quick background précis: Anthony Horowitz has applied a neat little twist on the genre and appears in his own novels as the sleuthing sidekick to ex-police detective Daniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne now works privately as a consultant to the investigating police force on certain problematic crimes. Anthony Horowitz has been employed by Hawthorne to write up his cases, much as Dr Watson was tasked with chronicling the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The duo do, at times, exhibit characteristics similar to those found in other literary detective teams such as Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings, but it is the comparison with a latter day Holmes & Watson that is generally most fitting.

I love the premise of these books it so unique and clever , Antony Horowitz puts himself front and centre in the books writing a fictional version of himself full of wit and not without a bit of self promotion which can be forgiven, he weaves aspects of his real life into the fictional narrative, which works extremely well as he takes a humorous tone and rips the mick out of himself.

On this occasion there is less direct interaction between Hawthorne & Horowitz. Horowitz (the fictional version in the story, rather than the real-life writer) finds himself under pressure from his publisher to deliver the next book in the series. As he rightly observes, given that he is essentially basing his Hawthorne books on true crimes, he cannot simply conjure up a murder for Hawthorne to investigate. This leads him to quiz Hawthorne about an historical murder case instead. In the hope a book can be written. This was such clever way of remaining true to the fundamentals of the series, whilst legitimately introducing a fresh angle of approach. I loved this change of pace and really liked that it mixes things ups.

The opening pages introduce us to Riverview close and its residents, taking place six weeks before the murder told in the third person POV we met a cast of suspects all of which are brilliantly characterised. There is a keen sense of a "Golden Age" whodunnit about this mystery. A predominantly closed community in an upmarket location, the cast of characters( the dentist, the old ladies- you get the picture) and even the inclusion of the map of the setting at the beginning of the book are very much in keeping with the works of Agatha Christie. These opening chapters hook you in and set the tone of the whole book. It gave me pure classic Sunday night golden age of crime tv dramas…. These books needs to be adapted ASAP!!!

From here we go from the chapters Anthony has written on the case for the novel, written much like his magpie murder series, these sections are well paced and the plot is strong there are many twists and turns with a lot of the usual intrigue around Hawthorne, to chapters written in the first person POV told by Anthony while he tries to write the novel which leads him to start his own investigation into the case and of Hawthorne. There after we switch between the two till we reach a very satisfying conclusion that leaves the way for more from the unlikely duo.

Again Horowitz here shows what a master writer he is, he really has the most marvellous imagination, his writing is quick smart has real style. The plots, characters, setting and the real truly are some of the best around.

I loved this book it is great edition to the series of books, it could be read as a stand alone but I would advise reading previous novels first, it is a slight twist on the previous but is just as much as a up all night read.


On a side note with a slight spoiler………. May and Phyllis’s bookshop/coffee shop is the stuff of my dreams, I need a “stolen from Bertram’s hotel” tea towel

This is an intriguing approach to a murder mystery. The writer is creating a book based on real life murders but he was not involved in solving -or not solving them! Private detectives review the conclusions reached by the lead detective and discover a lot he missed. It is all based round a small rural group of houses. One has to downgrade for financial reasons and sells his home to an inconsiderate , thoughtless income. That leads to neighbour strife and the murder of the incomer. The review of the case triggered by the book reveals more than one murder and leads to a review of the supposed suicide of the murderer. This book is different and that is a huge asset. I recommend it.

This is not the typical Hawthorne and Horowitz story, in fact they don't appear together very often at all.

Horowitz needs to write a book featuring Hawthorne but no crimes have happened so he decides to write about a crime that happened 5 years previously, so begins the investigation into Riverside Close and what happened to the residents.

I really enjoyed this book, so much so, that I devoured it on a long train journey.

I think we found out more about Hawthorne's character in this book and also about his previous interactions with colleagues.

I am not always a fan of Hawthorne (I am of the books!!) but found him more personable in this story.

Highly recommended

Although this is the fifth in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series, this was my first and will most definitely not be my last. It can be interesting to come into a series which is already established and see if you're able to pick up the ongoing threads or if there are bits that just pass you by - this one set up the backstory perfectly so I could see exactly what was happening but was subtle enough not to annoy those who have been with them from the start. I loved the premise that the author is a character in his own book, working alongside a detective to record the solving of crimes. There are so many crime novels written now that it can be difficult to find an original way to present them, but this really worked for me.

I believe this story is slightly different from the others in that the crime is not unfolding before the characters. Instead it's an old case that Hawthorne solved with a (previously unknown) partner and the story is being used to allow Horowitz to produce a book and fulfil his contractual requirements. The background and evidence is given to Horowitz piecemeal so he doesn't know the full story as he writes and has to try and work out what is happening, allowing us to do the same. There's a split time frame between the crime - a neighbour dispute that leaves one dead with all the others in the close as suspects as they have reasons to hate the victim - and the writing which also allows the story of the detective and author to develop separately. The crime becomes a locked room mystery and there are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings to keep you guessing to the end.

I loved this book, it was original and fresh and very easy to read, not because it's at all simplistic but because you can tell you're in the hands of an expert and the writing flows beautifully. Horowitz the character is presented as slightly slower than the detective and occasionally out of his depth but the author himself is a genius for managing not to tie himself in knots with the style and instead producing an excellent mystery that entertained and intrigued me from start to finish,

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

The new mystery featuring Hawthorne and Horowitz ....I love the dynamic between these two! It is set in Richmond London in a gated community, and all is well until a new family arrive and manage to upset all of their new neighbours. So, when one of them is shot with a crossbow bolt the list of suspects is very long. Very much a cosy murder and we try and solve it along with Anthony. Hawthorne is as great as ever, he is such a wonderful character and we get learn a bit more about him. Very much in the style of Agatha Christie which is a good thing....can't wait for the next instalment.

Anthony Horowitz is the Midas of literary formula - and I mean this as a huge compliment! There is such a comfort to be found in a series that inhabits its own characters and meets hte readers expectations while being different enough every time to wrongfoot and delight. Hugely enjoyable, rip-roaring stuff.

I've never been a fan of closed door mysteries - but then niether does the author which is why it is surprising there is a whole book dedicated to such a mystery in itself.

It is a clever conceit to have the author in the book and to have Hawthorn as his alter ego. A really nice turn on the usual Detective and his side kick.

Maybe the fact I had not read the first two novels did not help.. So by the end I was neither shaken or stirred.

Rather the whole thing felt like a technocratic exerise. A shame. I wanted to like it more.

Can Anthony write a dud book? On the basis of the books that have gone before and this latest one, it appears not. Close To Death is a sensational book, with the right balance between characters and plot. It was a riveting read and I am now going to reread it again, it was that good.

Horowitz and Hawthorne are back for their fourth outing and it’s an absolute pleasure from start to finish to step back into their world. However, ‘Close to Death’ also works equally well as a stand-alone murder mystery because Anthony Horowitz fills in their backstory with all
the skill you’d expect from such a master of his craft.

This time it’s a locked door mystery facing the detective/writer duo and in a slight tweak to the formula, it focuses on a murder, Hawthorne (and his erstwhile side-kick, Dudley) have already investigated. Horowitz is therefore writing the story in flashbacks using Hawthorne’s notes, recordings and interview transcripts. I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy this at first but I was quickly absorbed by a mystery that zips along at a thrilling pace filled with red herrings, wrong turns and the tetchy but enduring chemistry between Horowitz and Hawthorne. I read this in two gripping sittings and I’m already anticipating their next case (and hopefully a tv adaptation which would work so well if it ever came to fruition) Thank you, AH, and more please!

Absolutely Tremendous…
The fifth in the Hawthorne series and it really could not have come soon enough. When police are baffled following an odd and grotesque death in an affluent neighborhood, a reluctant decision is made to call in the enigmatic Hawthorne. Riverford Close is teeming with suspects and motives abound - although they all appear to be of the same ilk. What secrets lurk behind the closed doors of this seemingly respectable gated community? Once again, with a genius construction the mystery moves forward - as the author writes, Hawthorne seeks to uncover the truth. A truly delicious read with a deftly drawn and credible cast and a swiftly moving narrative. With nods to both contemporary crime writing and the Golden Age of crime in abundance, this was a tremendously satisfying and wholly entertaining one sit read for this reader.

The latest in the Hawthorne series sees the author step back from the story a little compared to the previous entries. If you're familiar with the series you'll know Anthony Horowitz places a version of himself in these books and his willingness to poke fun at himself and the publishing industry is a huge part of the fun.
Here, rather than actively investigating a case alongside the enigmatic ex-detective, the author is writing up a previous case - a gated community/ locked room/ 'now I've got you all together I'll explain everything' plot that nods warmly to golden age crime fiction.
There's a huge amount to enjoy in this (as one would expect from any book by Horowitz) and one sentence involving a police dog made me laugh out loud and if by book five we might be hoping to have a little more about the mysterious Hawthorne's past we get just that: a little more... however many more books it takes for it all to come out I'm more than happy to go along for the ride.

I loved this book and the fact that there were several suspects all of who had a motive just added to the fabulous who duunit part of the story. I kept turning page after page wondering who could have done it? Did they all play a part in the murder or was it just one of them? Did the others know who it was and we’re covering for them or did they know nothing? The ending was good and the whole book was very cleverly written.

Rating: 4.3/5

Anthony Horowitz is one of my "go to" authors. He invariably produces highly entertaining, skilfully plotted stories. "Close to Death" is the fifth book in the Hawthorne & Horowitz series and while there is some benefit to to the reader in being familiar with earlier books in the series, it is by no means a necessity.

If you are unfamiliar with the series, here is a quick background précis: Anthony Horowitz has applied a neat little twist on the genre and appears in his own novels as the sleuthing sidekick to ex-police detective Daniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne now works privately as a consultant to the investigating police force on certain problematic crimes. Anthony Horowitz has been employed by Hawthorne to write up his cases, much as Dr Watson was tasked with chronicling the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The duo do, at times, exhibit characteristics similar to those found in other literary detective teams such as Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings, but it is the comparison with a latter day Holmes & Watson that is generally most fitting.

On this occasion there is less direct interaction between Hawthorne & Horowitz. Horowitz (the fictional version in the story, rather than the real-life writer) finds himself under pressure from his publisher to deliver the next book in the series. As he rightly observes, given that he is essentially basing his Hawthorne books on true crimes, he cannot simply conjure up a murder for Hawthorne to investigate. This leads him to quiz Hawthorne about an historical murder case instead.

Once again, there is a keen sense of a "Golden Age" whodunnit about this mystery. A predominantly closed community in an upmarket location, the cast of characters and even the inclusion of the map of the setting at the beginning of the book are very much in keeping with the works of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, et al. The author again weaves aspects of his real life into the fictional narrative, which works extremely well. There is a different feel about this book compared with the others in the series. As a result of using an old case of Hawthorne's, Anthony Horowitz is able to feature a different investigator as Hawthorne's sidekick. This is a clever way of remaining true to the fundamentals of the series, whilst legitimately introducing a fresh angle of approach, rather than simply trotting out more of the same tried (tired) and tested formula.

With "Close to Death" Anthony Horowitz has constructed a wonderfully engaging and clever murder mystery in the "locked room" style - even though there is a wonderful section where the author gives his own insights into the "locked room" subgenre and questions whether it can ever be truly convincing in modern day fiction. As you can expect from this author, there is ample misdirection and not a little humour. The clues are all there - you just need to piece them together.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

I had somehow missed that Horowitz had brought out an entire new adult mystery series so I didn’t realise at first that this was number 5 in the series! But it honestly didn’t impact on my enjoyment of the book at all and while there were obviously references to past books in the series this can easily be read as a standalone.

This is a really solid mystery novel and I really enjoyed the twist Horowitz adds through his self inserts and the whole narrative of him being a writer covering the mystery - I just think this adds a lot of interest to the novel which I really appreciated as this is quite a saturated genre. This duo-writing approach was really well done and I loved how this working with the pacing of the read.

The mystery itself follows a fairly predictable pattern if you’ve read a lot of mystery novels and I did see the ending and the twists coming - but I’m not mad about that (as I do usually know the ending of most mysteries way before the end).

I want to call this a cosy crime novel but I’m not sure if I can since it’s technically a murder mystery? It definitely gives cosy read vibes though!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC

The Utter Joy of Sparkling Horowitz and his somewhat confused fictional alter ego

I held off reading this as long as I could, delaying the gratification I knew I would find, till I could wait no more. Then I really, really tried to slow down my reading, like making sure I was really savouring a sweet, delicious morsel to the last. The propulsive impetus to turn pages faster and faster warred massively with not wanting to reach the end of the glorious journey. What FUN, what dastardly, wicked cleverness there is with a Hawthorne and Horowitz book. How I love failing to solve the mysteries, deceived by red herrings, grasping the obvious and wrong solution even more than our slightly confused writer does!

For those who have never read one of these Hawthorne/Horowitz outings before, Anthony Horowitz, a marvellously witty and flexible writer of both children’s and adult fiction, also a screenwriter, inserts himself as a character in his own books, a slightly backseat and clumsy sidekick to a maverick ex-policeman, now maverick private investigator, Daniel Hawthorne. Horowitz himself as Watson to Hawthorne’s Holmes. Horowitz the author of these books inserts enough of his real life into the fiction to bedazzle the reader into believing more of the fictional Horowitz may be true, and to create shivers of delight that they aren’t. The reader is played as skilfully by Horowitz the writer as Horowitz is played by Hawthorne.

For those, like me, who have absolutely and joyously surrender to the Games A-Foot of all of this, Close To Death is slightly different to the previous outings, in that the now famous Hawthorne is not actively engaged on a case which Horowitz is engaged to write. Instead, forced by the mechanics of book deals, Horowitz is pressed to explore a case in Hawthorne’s back catalogue. We have the joyous tropes of a version of the country house murder AND the locked room murder. And another trope from Golden Age Fiction where all the characters have motive and opportunity. Not to mention some of them have pasts which might come up to bite them The setting is an exclusive small gated community in Richmond, where the neighbour from hell moves in, changing harmony to mayhem.

Without spoilers, it seems that Horowitz may finally have cracked a mystery……..or has he? Delicious to the very last

After four successful cases (well, two stabbings aside), all has gone quiet from Daniel Hawthorne. When Anthony needs another novel, he decides to look back at one of Hawthorne's old cases - after all, it's a case he solved so it should make a perfect novel! An unruly neighbour was killed in a quiet Richmond close five years ago, and any one of the nine neighbours could have killed him, but which one did? What follows Anthony's quest to find out more about Hawthorne's life before they met could lead him towards more danger than he's faced before.

This is another fantastic novel in the series - casting himself as the Dr Watson to Hawthorne's Holmes was a masterstroke once more! 5*.

I’m a massive fan of the Hawthorne & Horowitz series and was thrilled to get an ARC of Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz.

I love the premise of these books, Antony Horowitz puts himself front and centre in the books writing a fictional version of himself working with a former Met Police Detective Daniel Hawthorne as he investigates complex cases.

This is the fifth instalment of the series and takes a different path from the previous books. In this book Horowitz is writing about a past case that Hawthorne worked on. I loved this change of pace and really liked that it mixes things ups.

I particularly like the way in which the two men work together in a publishing marriage of convenience. Horowitz is keen to learn more about Hawthorne, but Hawthorne is quite indifferent to Horowitz. They are such an unlikely double-act.

In this book, Horowitz writes chapters, checking in with Hawthorne periodically for more notes, as well as doing his own research in Richmond. And, as ever, he’s trying to learn more about the elusive Hawthorne.

I was completely engaged and loved the way Horowitz introduced all the residents of Riverview Close in Richmond. It becomes very clear that all the residents have a motive to murder Giles Kenworthy, who recently moved to the close and unsettled the tranquility of the close. This time it’s up to Horowitz has to solve the murder.

After this fifth book, Horowitz still has books to write in his publishing contract with Hawthorne. So, I can’t wait to read the next instalment in the Hawthorne & Horowitz series!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Random House UK, for making this book available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

How do you solve a problem like Giles Kenworthy? If you’re one of his neighbours living in Riverview Close, by potentially shooting him with a crossbow. That’s what happens to the noisy neighbour, whose gas guzzling cars, loud parties and plans for a new swimming pool finally tips someone over the edge. But in Riverview Close, everyone is under suspicion… and there’s a lot more going on that civilised conversation and neighbourhood watch. Step forward former detective Daniel Hawthorne – his fifth outing with Horowitz as narrator – who recounts one of his previous cases with the dry humour and biting wit that we’ve come to expect from him. From the start, it’s a puzzle that only continues to worse – if everyone has the same motive for murder, who is responsible? It gives me such joy to read Anthony’s books and this series is one I always look out for.

Once again, this book knocks it out of the park
What I love about this series is that it really reads as it is meant to, you are following Anthony the writer, and Hawthorne the detective!

As always, well written with great characters and story!