Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly spun and endlessly suspenseful thriller set in present-day London and a quaint English village in the 1940s. The story begins when book editor Susan Ryeland receives a manuscript from bestselling author Alan Conway, featuring his classic detective character, Atticus Pünd. As Atticus investigates two related deaths in the small town of Saxby-on-Avon, Susan discovers the last chapter missing and Alan’s suspicious death, drawing her into a real-life mystery.

Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders receives high praise for its clever, multi-layered narrative and homage to classic mystery novels. Critics appreciate its intricate plot and engaging characters, though some find the dual storyline structure occasionally confusing. Overall, it’s a well-regarded, inventive take on the genre.

A reader who enjoys Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz typically favors intricate, cleverly plotted mysteries with a classic whodunit feel. Fans of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot series and The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins will appreciate Horowitz's nuanced storytelling and meta-narrative structure.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Gritty / Challenging

- Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz employs a unique narrative structure; it features a story within a story, with the novel written by the fictional author Alan Conway being crucial to solving the mysteries in both narratives.
- Anthony Horowitz was inspired by classic Golden Age mystery authors like Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, which is evident in the intricate plotting and cleverly planted clues throughout Magpie Murders.
- The book pays homage to the detective fiction genre by weaving in numerous references to classic detectives, as well as incorporating a fictionalized critic of the genre within its story, showcasing Horowitz's playful yet respectful engagement with literary tradition.

Anthony Horowitz

Adult

Novel

Susan Ryeland

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Magpie Murders reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Magpie Murders | SuperSummary

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Overview

Dive into Magpie Murders, a mystery within a mystery, as editor Susan Ryeland unravels secrets in a crime novel with deadly real-life twists. Full summary here.

Magpie Murders Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-“Crouch End, London”

Get ready to explore Magpie Murders and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Magpie Murders Prologue-“Crouch End, London” Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “Sorrow” - Part 2: “Joy”

Parts 1-2

Magpie Murders Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “A Girl” - Part 4: “A Boy”

Parts 3-4

Magpie Murders Parts 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Silver” - Part 6: “Gold”

Parts 5-6

Magpie Murders Parts 5-6 Summary & Analysis

“Crouch End, London”-“Intensive Care”

Magpie Murders “Crouch End, London”-“Intensive Care” Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “A Secret Never to Be Told”

Part 7-“Agios Nikolaos, Crete”

Magpie Murders Part 7-“Agios Nikolaos, Crete” Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Magpie Murders Character Analysis

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Themes

Magpie Murders Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Magpie Murders Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Magpie Murders Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Magpie Murders Essay Topics

Magpie Murders

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Magpie Murders?

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