Anthony Horowitz, the master of clever, layered mysteries, does it again with Moonflower Murders, the brilliant follow-up to his acclaimed novel Magpie Murders. Published in 2020, this second book delves deeper into the world of Susan Ryeland, a former book editor turned amateur sleuth, in a tale that combines a murder mystery with a metafictional twist. Packed with twists, humor, and suspense, Moonflower Murders reaffirms Horowitz’s reputation as one of the best contemporary crime writers.
The Story in a Nutshell
At the heart of Moonflower Murders is Susan Ryeland, who left her publishing career behind after solving the murder mystery that unraveled in Magpie Murders. Now living in Crete and running a struggling hotel with her partner, Susan’s peaceful life is disrupted when a couple, Lawrence and Pauline Treherne, approaches her with an unusual plea.
The Trehernes’ daughter, Cecily, has gone missing after reading a book by the late Alan Conway, whose mysteries Susan once edited. Cecily believed the book, Atticus Pünd Takes the Case, contained a clue that could prove an innocent man was wrongly convicted of murder eight years earlier. Intrigued and in need of a change of pace, Susan agrees to revisit her old life, traveling to the Trehernes’ boutique hotel in England to investigate.
What unfolds is a murder mystery within a murder mystery. As Susan delves into the past crime and its connections to Conway’s novel, readers are treated to a fully integrated “book within a book,” complete with its own characters and clues.
What Makes Moonflower Murders Unique?
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The Metafictional Twist
Horowitz employs a clever narrative device, embedding an entire Alan Conway novel into the story. This “book within a book” gives readers the chance to piece together clues alongside Susan, creating an interactive experience. -
A Tribute to Golden Age Mysteries
Horowitz’s work is a love letter to classic detective fiction. Atticus Pünd, the protagonist of Conway’s novels, is reminiscent of Hercule Poirot, while the setting and intricate plotting evoke the charm of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. -
Complex Characters and Relationships
Susan is a relatable and flawed protagonist, grappling with personal challenges and her own doubts about the path she’s chosen. The Trehernes and their hotel guests provide a rich tapestry of suspects, each with their own secrets and motivations. -
Layered Storytelling
The dual mysteries—Susan’s investigation and the events in Atticus Pünd Takes the Case—interweave seamlessly, offering double the intrigue and rewarding careful readers who enjoy spotting connections.
Themes and Messages
Beyond its captivating mystery, Moonflower Murders explores themes of truth and deception, the nature of justice, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. It also reflects on the publishing world, small-town dynamics, and the personal toll of pursuing the truth.
Why You Should Read It
For fans of Magpie Murders, Moonflower Murders delivers everything that made the first book a hit—sharp writing, clever plotting, and an engaging protagonist—while building on its predecessor’s foundation. It’s also a standalone mystery, making it accessible for newcomers to the series.
Whether you love classic whodunits, enjoy puzzles within puzzles, or simply crave a good story with rich characters and an unpredictable ending, Moonflower Murders is a must-read.
On Screen Adaptation
The success of Horowitz’s books has extended beyond print. In 2022, Magpie Murders was adapted into a television series starring Lesley Manville as Susan Ryeland. Following its popularity, fans eagerly awaited the adaptation of Moonflower Murders, which promises to bring the same sharp storytelling and engaging characters to life.
Anthony Horowitz once said that his goal as a writer is to “make readers smile, turn pages, and wonder what happens next.” With Moonflower Murders, he has undoubtedly succeeded, leaving readers both satisfied and hungry for more.