by Anthony Horowitz

• Fiction
• Murder Mystery
• Thriller
• Theatre

“The Twist of a Knife” unfolds a gripping murder mystery in the world of theatre, as a writer ventures into playwriting with “Mindgame.” Opening night dazzles with success, drawing esteemed critics like Harriet Throsby. However, her scathing review becomes the talk of the town, only to be followed by her murder the next day, stabbed with a gift from the play’s cast. While it’s the fourth installment in the Hawthorne series by Horowitz, it stands alone as a compelling tale.

Horowitz ingeniously inserts himself into the narrative as the writer and protagonist, adding a layer of realism akin to a true story. Initially, this blending of fact and fiction puzzled me, but it eventually captivated me. As the prime suspect in the police investigation, Horowitz finds an unexpected ally in ex-detective Daniel Hawthorne, whom he has been chronicling.

Though the writing style took some adjusting to, being both autobiographical and fictional, once accustomed, I found it immensely enjoyable. Horowitz occasionally digresses into seemingly unrelated anecdotes, but upon reflection, these diversions cleverly tie into the overarching narrative.

This book is a treat for fans of Agatha Christie, offering a similar cozy mystery vibe with a modern twist. Horowitz’s approachable style makes it accessible to those intimidated by Christie’s writing. Like a classic Christie novel, the mystery unfolds gradually, with the detective revealing the solution at the end. I was loaned this book on a recommendation, but now I’m eager to delve into Horowitz’s other Hawthorne stories. Plus, I didn’t manage to guess the culprit, adding to the allure of the read.