Moonflower Murders: A Novel

Anthony Horowitz once again displays his admirable talents and razor-sharp wit with Mayflower Murders, the second of his Susan Ryeland/Atticus Pund Mysteries. As in the first of the series, Magpie Murders, Horowitz generously offers two mysteries in one in this sequel. This outing reintroduces Susan Ryeland, a former book editor who worked with famous author Alan Conway, now serving as a small hotel owner in Crete. She is exhausted by the daily grind of her new life and uncertain about her future relationship with co-owner and lover Andreas. As she is pondering her options and regretting leaving the publishing world, she is approached by a couple with an intriguing proposition. The Trehearnes are looking for their missing daughter, whose last known activities included discovering something revelatory in one of Conway’s books. Apparently, Conway’s “Atticus Pund Takes the Cake” is a mystery heavily influenced by a true crime that took place eight years ago at their hotel, Farlingaye Hall. Their daughter, Cecily, was married on the same day as a murder took place on the property in Suffolk. The case was quickly closed with the arrest of an immigrant employee. Cecily hinted that she was researching something she found in the fictional story that convinced her that it was a wrongful conviction. She disappeared before she could tell anyone what she had discovered. Since Conway is deceased, the Trehearnes hope that Susan might be able to help them uncover what Cecily may have deduced from the Pund novel. Her curiosity piqued, Susan views this timely invitation as way to take some time to re-evaluate her choices, make some much-needed cash, and learn a bit more about her former irascible author. She is also moved by Cecily’s story and wants to help find out what has happened to the young woman. Upon arriving at Farligaye Hall, Susan feels distinctly unwelcome. As she digs into the history of the true crime, she also begins poring through the Atticus Pund novel searching for clues. At this point, Horowitz inserts the Pund novel in its entirety. The fictional tale seems at first glance to offer little connection to the other storyline, but through Susan’s eyes the reader shares in her revelation about what is hidden there. Written in the mode of the best of Agatha Christie’s works, Moonflower Murders updates the humor and allusions for a modern audience. Both mysteries are captivating and satisfyingly complex, and the Susan Ryeland character is well-portrayed and realistic. This series would be perfect for lovers of the golden age mysteries, and those familiar with that genre will be rewarded with many winks and easter eggs. Horowitz certainly seems like he was having fun writing these books, and his fans will share in this enjoyment when they pick up these titles. Thanks to the author, Harper and Edelweiss for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

A smile slips onto my face as I sit down in anticipation of another delightful Anthony Horowitz book. I know I won't be disappointed and as I proceed, I'm not. I'm never sure if I should read quickly to find out the twists and turns or more slowly so as to savor it. So I do both.