A Line to Kill: a locked room mystery

In this clever and suspenseful mystery, author Anthony Horowitz once again casts himself as the reluctant Watson to the brilliant but abrasive private investigator Daniel Hawthorne. Invited to a literary festival on the idyllic, isolated island of Alderney, the duo expects a straightforward promotional trip. However, when a wealthy local developer is found dead under highly suspicious circumstances, the island is placed under lockdown, and everyone present—including a colorful cast of eccentric writers, locals, and Horowitz himself—becomes a suspect in a deadly game.

What makes this novel so remarkable is its brilliant meta-fictional structure, blending real-world publishing details with classic golden-age detective tropes. Horowitz’s self-deprecating humor and sharp observations of the literary world provide a delightful contrast to the dark, intricate puzzle at the heart of the plot. The atmospheric setting of Alderney, with its rugged cliffs and claustrophobic community, serves as the perfect backdrop for a traditional locked-room style mystery where secrets lurk behind every polite smile.

This book is a perfect match for fans of classic whodunits, particularly those who appreciate the ingenious plotting of Agatha Christie combined with a modern, self-aware twist. It is an ideal read for anyone who loves cozy yet gripping crime fiction, literary satire, and brilliant investigative puzzles that keep you guessing until the final pages are turned.