The Word Is Murder Audiobook by Anthony Horowitz – A Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery, Book 1

Summary

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the pages of this captivating audiobook. Whether you’re an avid reader or a newcomer to the world of audiobooks, this unique listening experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. With a perfect blend of engaging storytelling and skilled narration, this audiobook transports you into a realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy seamlessly blur.

Audiobook Info

• Author: Anthony Horowitz
• Narrator: Stephen Pilkington
• Duration: 12 hours and 15 minutes
• Publisher: Penguin Audio
• Release Date: October 3, 2017

Review

Every once in a while, a mystery comes along that not only teases your deductive skills but also dares to play with the very fabric of storytelling itself. “The Word Is Murder” by Anthony Horowitz stands tall among such rarities – a masterfully layered whodunit that’s as much about solving the case as it is about unraveling how stories are told.

Let’s begin with what truly distinguishes this audiobook: its deliciously meta structure. In a bold narrative twist, Anthony Horowitz steps right into his own story – yes, as himself – invited by ex-police detective Daniel Hawthorne to chronicle Hawthorne’s investigation into the bizarre murder of Diana Cowper (a woman who planned her funeral just hours before being killed). This self-referential approach could have derailed lesser authors, but Horowitz balances wit and intrigue like a seasoned acrobat. The interplay between author-narrator and enigmatic detective draws listeners ever deeper into the labyrinthine plot; at times you’ll find yourself questioning what’s fact and what’s fiction – a testament to Horowitz’s sleight-of-hand.

Characterization is another highlight: Daniel Hawthorne emerges as an unforgettable protagonist – brilliant yet abrasive, always two steps ahead yet shadowed by secrets he guards jealously. Meanwhile, Horowitz-as-character serves both as Watsonian chronicler and skeptical outsider – a surrogate for us all as we try (and fail) to outpace Hawthorne’s mind.

Turning our attention to narration: Stephen Pilkington delivers one of those rare performances that feel perfectly tailored for such intricately woven material. His voice work brims with clarity and emotional nuance – whether capturing Hawthorne’s clipped confidence or relaying moments when even Horowitz seems stumped by his companion’s methods. Pilkington paces each revelation so skillfully that suspense never lags – even when the plot delves into red herrings or character backstories. Listeners on Audible consistently praise his performance for drawing them fully into every dark alleyway and intellectual showdown.

While most will be spellbound by this novel blend of mystery-thriller-metafiction, some might find themselves briefly disoriented by its unconventional form or uneven pacing during slower interludes. However, these are minor bumps in an otherwise exhilarating ride packed with clever clues, sly humor, subtle social commentary – and more than enough twists to keep armchair detectives guessing until the final page.

It should come as no surprise that “The Word Is Murder” has garnered critical acclaim across platforms – from Goodreads Choice Award nominations to glowing professional reviews – all citing its originality, character depth, and sheer entertainment value.

Download & Listen

If you crave mysteries that break all conventions – or simply delight in hearing world-class narration bring ingenious characters alive – then “The Word Is Murder” deserves your full attention. Dive in today at KTAudiobooks.com for an immersive listening adventure where every clue counts…and every chapter keeps you second-guessing right up until “the end.”