Close to Death: A Novel (A Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery, 5)

Once again, brilliant British author Anthony Horowitz delights readers with his twisted and wicked sense of humor. Don’t be misled, this novel includes a murder. There are plenty of misdeeds committed by the seemingly genteel homeowners in an exclusive British enclave, Riverside Close. By the way, a Close is a court (cul-de-sac) with a narrow entry lane. Riverside Close is also a gated community.

There is a bird’s eye illustration at the front of the book that identifies the houses by name and lists the occupants. I suggest that you use a bookmark or a Post-it on this page for easy reference. As is usually the situation in a small neighborhood, at least one household is an unwelcome addition to the mix.

Close to Death is the fifth time author Horowitz, who inserts himself into the novel, calls on Detective Daniel Hawthorne for assistance in solving a brain teaser of a mystery. The two of them barely tolerate each other and yet, it takes both of them to crack this case. Be on the lookout for double entendres, word puzzles, and puns.

Readers just discovering the Hawthorne and Horowitz books, don’t worry about reading them in order. Highly recommended.