"Magpie Murders" by Anthony Horowitz showcases a sophisticated narrative structure, deftly intertwining traditional mystery tropes with modern storytelling techniques. Horowitz exhibits a nuanced understanding of plot complexity and character depth, inviting readers into a richly layered literary world. The novel's dual narrative format, while initially demanding, rewards discerning readers with a deeply satisfying exploration of narrative intricacies. Through meticulous attention to detail and narrative craftsmanship, Horowitz demonstrates a keen ability to blend homage to classic genre conventions with contemporary sensibilities. "Magpie Murders" emerges as a testament to the author's literary prowess, offering a compelling and intellectually stimulating reading experience for aficionados of both traditional and modern crime fiction.

A fabulous start of a series which i am still reading right now and now has been made into a BBC drama which I enjoyed too.

I love this series especially the hardcover copies as the covers are so beautiful.

I will look forward to more of this series and any future works from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book

I would like to thank netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I picked this up after watching the ad for the tv show and it was enjoyable.

Sadly didn't love this book. I couldn't get to grips with the writing style, though I did think that the plot was intriguing. Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

This was the perfect read. All of my favourite Miss Marple style indulgences, tied up in a plot that's completely new. A unique revamp of a familiar genre.

Magpie Murders is a book that keeps on giving and is in fact two books for the price of one, a story within a story if you like – the first set after the Second World War in a sleepy English village and the second bring us bang up to date in modern times. I remember reading the first part of the book and I’d reached the middle of the book and wondered where Anthony Horowitz was going to take the story. I was initially confused but it soon became apparent as to what had happened!

There are numerous red herrings throughout, sleight of hand springs to mind, Horowitz is a crafty old bugger – in the nicest possible way! He has you leaning one way and then a few chapters down the line you begin questioning your own reasoning. Fascinating stuff!

I was immediately transported to the 1950’s and village life, the good and the bad, and to be honest I felt quite at home there, from squeaky bicycles to former criminals trying to go straight, a busy body and a lord of the manor who wasn’t exactly the most endearing of characters. Close your eyes and the imagination would run riot. Think Agatha Christie and you won’t go far wrong.

There is no Sherlock Holmes this time around although Pund does have his trusty sidekick!

I did find it rather interesting how the feel and pace of the book changed for the second half, set in the present. The narrative has a certain fluidity to it, easier to read and the characters allowed the pace of the book to intensify. Even though the second half felt very different to the first there’s still ample room for the author to throw in the odd curve ball and you end up finishing the book and thinking – why didn’t I see that?!!

Another good read from Anthony Horowitz. A quirky murder mystery that will definitely keep you guessing until the end. After all it’s all rather Elementary!

I have a big Anthony Horowitz fan so was eager to read something a little bit different from him. Unfortunately this book has been sat in my TBR for almost a year and is now stressing me out that I haven't read and reviewed it. Unfortunately, it just hasn't peeked my interest enough to move to the top of my list. I am so sorry for my lateness and lack of constructive comment. But please know I have bought a copy for our school library and will be encouraging pupils to read it. Sorry!

I'm a fan of Horowitz's Alex Rider and Power of Five series, so I was intrigued when I saw that he was writing a murder mystery.

Magpie Murder's features two murder mysteries - there's a story within the story. It was cleverly crafted and both stories held my attention. They were equally unpredictable as I honestly had no clue who the murderers were, and was trying to solve the mystery along with the two main characters. Plus, the story within the story gave me Agatha Christie vibes, whose Hercule Poirot books I adore.

All in all, Magpie Murders was an enjoyable read.

Brilliantly plotted and the handling of the 'mystery within a mystery' is both masterful and inventive. A real treat for whodunnit fans, I shall be recommending it widely.