The latest in the Hawthorne and Horowitz Mysteries series, Close To Death is a fun, intriguing and clever mystery.
Breaking the literary version of the fourth wall, a fictionalised version of author Anthony Horowitz works to solve crimes with the help of private detective protagonist Daniel Hawthorne.
The latest in the long-standing Hawthorne and Horowitz series, Close To Death changes the format by giving the audience a glimpse into a past case. Instead of investigating alongside Hawthorne, this time, Horowitz is narrating events from old case notes, without knowing the solution himself.
Switching between the narrative of the old case and the present day, where Horowitz is trying to uncover the truth himself, the book is an intriguing read that will keep you engaged. It’s a riveting concept that wouldn’t work in the wrong hands, but Horowitz handles it with skill and aplomb.
The case in question, which is being retold from files at the behest of the fictional version of the author, who has another book in his contract and new case to help with, is that of the death of Giles Kenworthy, who’s what you might call a nightmare neighbour.
Having moved into an exclusive gated close, where his new neighbours include a celebrity dentist, a chess champion and a pair of elderly women who run an idyllic bookshop, the Kenworthy family set about making themselves hated.
The couple and their two teens alienate and upset their new neighbours. Issues such as the suspicious death of a dog and the planning of a large swimming pool threaten the peace of this luxurious and formerly peaceful private community.
The wealthy neighbours band together and try to negotiate with the Kentworthy’s, but the family’s racist tendencies, sense of entitlement and general rudeness soon completely turns the community
against them.
Then when patriarch Giles Kenworthy is murdered brutally with a crossbow, Hawthorne and his former associate are bought in to investigate. Soon, more bodies brings more problems, and the case combines with the present day, as Hawthorne tries to explain the intricacies of the case to Horowitz.
The reader is taken on a unique journey, and the writer handles the well and helps the reader become engaged in the mystery.
The characters are particularly important in this form of locked room mystery, and Horowitz crafts unique suspects who are equal parts relatable and inventive.
They’re a group of posh individuals, but they’re not the stereotypical twerps that are easily forgotten.
Most are malignant and manipulative, and all of them have something to hide. Horowitz’s skilful dialogue and great characterisation help to keep the pace moving and create an innovative,
unforgettable book.
So, if you’re staring at a sea of formulaic thrillers, then this is one that truly breaks the mould. A lot claim to, but few authors are skilful enough to actually achieve excellence, and Horowitz is one of the best.
