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Magpie Murders

A Novel

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Magpie Murders

Written by: Anthony Horowitz
Narrated by: Samantha Bond, Allan Corduner
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About this listen

From the New York Times best-selling author of Moriarty and Trigger Mortis, this fiendishly brilliant, riveting thriller weaves a classic whodunit worthy of Agatha Christie into a chilling, ingeniously original modern-day mystery.

When editor Susan Ryeland is given the manuscript of Alan Conway's latest novel, she has no reason to think it will be much different from any of his others. After working with the best-selling crime writer for years, she's intimately familiar with his detective, Atticus Pünd, who solves mysteries disturbing sleepy English villages. An homage to queens of classic British crime such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, Alan's traditional formula has proved hugely successful. So successful that Susan must continue to put up with his troubling behavior if she wants to keep her job.

Conway's latest tale has Atticus Pünd investigating a murder at Pye Hall, a local manor house. Yes, there are dead bodies and a host of intriguing suspects, but the more Susan reads, the more she's convinced that there is another story hidden in the pages of the manuscript: one of real-life jealousy, greed, ruthless ambition, and murder.

Masterful, clever, and relentlessly suspenseful, Magpie Murders is a deviously dark take on vintage English crime fiction in which the listener becomes the detective.

©2017 Stormbreaker Productions Ltd. (P)2017 Orion UK
Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Thriller Traditional Detectives Mystery Exciting Cozy
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What listeners say about Magpie Murders

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A love letter to the classics mysteries.

love the mystery within the mystery vibe. I've enjoyed it immensly and looking forward foe another installment.

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Wonderful!

Well written and well read with a nice little side swipe 3/4 way through. It’s a mystery within a mystery and so much fun! Such a wonderful and brave author!

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Postmodern/meta Agatha Christie

This is a clever and wonderfully detailed play on classic whodunnits. Great fun. A rattling good yarn within a rattling good yarn.

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First book by Horowitz …. But not the last!

I was looking for Foyle’s War, not realizing that they were written for tv. I had heard of Magpie Murders so gave it a go and I certainly don’t regret it. So well written and totally absorbing. Can’t wait to find my next Horowitz read.

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Stunning, don’t hesitate!

One of the best murder mysteries I’ve read in a long time! I did figure out the ending, but only by carefully observing the beautiful little breadcrumbs Horowitz left behind. If you’re on the fence, I hope I can convince you to read this.

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Fantastic!

An incredible book. Keeps you entertained from beginning to end. One of the best narrations I have heard. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of great writing, great plot lines and fantastic twists and turns!

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Full of surprises!

The narrator made this book so accessible for me, basically a lazy reader who tends to skim descriptions…I recognize that I would miss the essence of this book by skipping the descriptive passages. With Audible narrator, I drank in the whole work!

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A Masterful Puzzle of Prose

"Magpie Murders" by Anthony Horowitz is a literary delight that ingeniously intertwines two gripping mysteries into one seamless narrative. Horowitz, a true maestro of mystery, invites readers on a thrilling journey through the pages of a manuscript within a manuscript, creating a literary puzzle that is as brilliant as it is captivating.

The novel introduces us to Susan Ryeland, an editor who becomes entangled in the mysterious death of her most successful author, Alan Conway. As Susan delves into Conway's latest manuscript, readers are treated to a classic whodunit, complete with a charming detective, a quaint English village, and a gallery of intriguing suspects. Horowitz skillfully emulates the style of Golden Age detective fiction, paying homage to the likes of Agatha Christie, while injecting his own modern flair.

The dual narrative structure is a stroke of genius, as the inner mystery mirrors and enhances the outer one. Horowitz crafts two distinct worlds that are equally compelling, ensuring that readers are immersed in both the fictional realm of Conway's manuscript and the real-life drama surrounding Susan's investigation. The seamless transitions between the two narratives create a sense of anticipation and keep the pages turning.

Horowitz's character development is top-notch. Susan Ryeland is a compelling and relatable protagonist, and the characters within Conway's manuscript are vividly brought to life. The clever nods to the conventions of classic murder mysteries add a layer of depth that will be appreciated by fans of the genre, while the sharp wit and modern sensibilities keep the story feeling fresh and accessible.

The plot is intricately woven, filled with clever twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the final revelation. Horowitz doesn't shy away from challenging his audience's detective skills, and the satisfaction of piecing together the puzzle is immensely rewarding.

"Magpie Murders" is a testament to Anthony Horowitz's storytelling prowess. It combines the best elements of traditional and contemporary mystery fiction, resulting in a novel that is both a loving homage to the classics and a standout in its own right. For lovers of whodunits, literary puzzles, and expertly crafted narratives, "Magpie Murders" is a must-read that showcases Horowitz at the height of his literary powers.

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Loved it!!

I started listening to this book and loved it instantly. The complexity of the story was very well done. I found myself trying to find time to listen. Well done!!! The reader’s voice is perfect. She made the story feel like it was her own!!!

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meta who-done-it

Appreciated the double narrator, and the story within a story element of the book. Well-casted and very engaging.

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