The Unemployed Detective

What did you like most about The Word Is Murder?

Great story line, and an unusual approach, so it's part autobiography and part fiction. I liked Horowitz's musings on the world of literature, film and TV. I'm guessing that a lot of of his anecdotes involving famous names are true. And there are probably some in-jokes that went below my radar. Weaved into this is a great story involving an unemployed detective investigating murder with the help, or hindrance, of Horowitz. Some red herrings, plenty of clues to whodunnit and some laugh out loud moments as well I have enjoyed Horowitz's other novels, including his Magpie Murders and takes on Sherlock Holmes and James Bond, and his TV series,such as Foyle's War. I'm even tempted to try his Alex Rider novels for teenagers!I could also see this working as a TV programme, which I'd definitely watch.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Word Is Murder?

Knowing that I'd got the right person, though not the reason

Have you listened to any of Rory Kinnear’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Rory was one of the reasons why I chose this book, as he's an excellent actor, whom I can picture while he's telling the story. He can drop into different accents so it's easy to telll characters apart.

Also, he does a good line in slightly baffled characters and that perfectly fits the author's role in this novel.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it got me hooked in, and I found myself thinking about the characters and the storyline between listening.

Any additional comments?

Definitely think The Unemployed Detective is a better title.... hope there are more novels from Horowitz about this partnership

21 people found this helpful

Perfect piece of story telling.

This little masterpiece is a gem. The perfect marriage of a talented author and a gifted narrator. I could listen to Rory Kinnear read Anthony Horowitz all day long. In fact I think I will.

16 people found this helpful

The Intriguing Mr Horowitz

I have to say I am really enjoying following this author recently. His latest books have been varied and each has had a distinct character and quirkiness that I have enjoyed. I'm sure that if he keeps up this approach that there will be one that won't quite resonate with me as much as the others eventually, but it hasn't happened yet. In this case he has tried something which I am sure a lot of authors have toyed with but likely been warned off by sensible publishers and editors! including yourself in a work of fiction is certainly a bold step with many pitfalls. Luckily for us I think Horowitz has avoided at least the large majority of them and this emerges as an interesting whodunit in its own right.

After reading the Magpie Murders I commented then that it felt to me like there might be a hint of the autobiographical about it but this takes it to another level. I couldn't help musing about how much of this was based on the author's real-life experiences. For example did he ever get passed over for a big part in a play? What does add to the interest level though is that the author appears to reveal some of his thinking and while I didn't agree with all the opinions expressed it does add something. Mr Horowitz is clearly on an exciting journey with his writing, I'm really looking forwards to following in his footsteps.

Kinnear, is simply perfect providing the voices for this. He is very accomplished making the whole thing a very pleasurable listen. Finally I have to agree with Sarah's review that this does indeed feel "made for TV", I wonder if that's also part of the intent.

22 people found this helpful

Enthralling

I started this with some trepidation, the idea of a novel with its own writer as a character in a fictional story had the potential to be a bit of a car crash. But he really did pull it off. The elements of reality and fiction were pulled together neatly, and I really enjoyed all the overt, and the more subtle, nods to the conventions and the works of the Greats of the Detective genre.

3 people found this helpful

horowitz and kinnear-a great combination

Had this been a print book i might have skim read a paragraph here and there and missed an important connection. Kinnears marvelous narration kept me focussed on the intricacies of the plot. This is a very well unusually crafted as well as beautifully written detective story. Horowitz's stories will stand the test of time at least as well as Agatha Christie or Conan Doyle from whom he draws inspiration.

12 people found this helpful

Clever book

Very clever, keeps you thinking and a nice dry humour. I highly recommend it : sadly the narrator didn’t work for me , his voice was too harsh .

2 people found this helpful

great book

really enjoyed this book great story great characters really hope there will be alot more

8 people found this helpful

Fabulous!

I enjoyed this even more than The Magpie Murders, which I loved. Initially I was unsure about the author himself appearing in the book, but I think that this was, in the end, part of the appeal. It is a wonderful story, very convincing, and a plot of which Agatha Christie herself would have been proud.
Hawthorne and Horowitz make a very appealing detective duo.
The narration by Rory Kinnear is outstanding, one of the best I have heard.

4 people found this helpful

Superb!

I loved Magpie Murders, this is even better Mr Horowitz. If You really are a fan of Agatha Christie, you have eclipsed her with this unique, well-written, humorous piece.
Hurry up and write your next please!

4 people found this helpful

Lovely from start to finish

I first purchased Magpie Murders and was delighted with how Anthony Horowitz played around with the narration - very fresh. However, it was almost surreal how he takes that 10 steps further in this book. In retrospect, perhaps this was an ode to the genre on which the main characters were focused (true crime), but the level to which the author took it fascinated me (for instance, what would Mr. Spielberg have to say of his portrayal). Nice build-up and nice twists. In particular, I loved that Hawthorne was such a difficult character to take to, yet was so infuriatingly good at his job (and in contrast, how Mr. Horowitz was willing to admit his sleuthing skills were somewhat off the mark). I enjoyed this so much that I am going through some of the Sherlock books by Mr. Horowitz, putting off as long as possible Detective Hawthorne Book #2.

As always, Rory Kinnear was fabulous. And at times, I honestly forgot it was him - he just melted into the characters.

For those interested in mystery fiction, it can be quite hard to find a really decent novel (i.e., one that does not insult your intelligence). This book was a "hidden" gem.

1 person found this helpful