Marble Hall Murders (by Anthony Horowitz)
I was thrilled about the third installment of the Susan Ryeland series by Anthony Horowitz and promptly placed a hold with my local library as soon as it became available. I am a huge fan of Horowitz’s detective novels.
In Marble Hall Murders, readers encounter Susan Ryeland as she departs her hotel and boyfriend in Greece, embarking on her journey back to London. As a freelance publisher, she is assigned to work with author Eliot Crace on an Atticus Pund continuation novel titled, Pund’s Last Case. Susan is less than enthusiastic about the prospect of working on another Pund novel, especially with Eliot, known for being a challenging writer. Eliot is the grandson of the renowned children’s book author Miriam Crace, whom Eliot believes was poisoned to death two decades ago.
A novel within a novel. Horowitz provides readers with a novel directly involving Susan Ryeland, and a second novel, Pund’s Last Case. Readers witness Susan engrossed in the manuscript, which revolves around the suspected poisoning of Lady Margaret Chalfont—a beloved woman on the brink of changing her will. Intrigued, Susan begins to suspect that Eliot is drawing parallels between his book and what he believes happened to his grandmother. To prevent a potential scandal and media frenzy, Susan embarks on an investigation into the death of Miriam Crace. However, as an additional murder occurs, Susan finds herself becoming a prime suspect.
Marble Hall Murders is an exceptional crime novel, and Horowitz’s talent as a mystery writer is truly remarkable. I can only fathom the immense challenge of simultaneously crafting two novels and seamlessly weaving them together, as Horowitz has accomplished. I was utterly captivated by the story and eagerly listened to the audiobook whenever possible. Susan Ryeland’s character is particularly endearing. Horowitz has crafted a strong, independent woman with realistic vulnerabilities, making Ryeland a compelling and relatable protagonist.
As previously mentioned, I borrowed the audiobook of Marble Hall Murders from my local library using the Libby app. The narrations by Lesley Manville and Tim McMullen were exceptional.
You’re welcome to read my other reviews for books by Anthony Horowitz, which are linked below.
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