Moonflower Murders (Susan Ryeland, #2)
By: Anthony Horowitz
My Rating: FOUR out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 16 and up

Moonflower Murders: Double the Mystery, Classic Whodunnit Clues, and Brilliant Meta-Storytelling!

I’m so glad I discovered Anthony Horowitz! Ever since that first milestone recommendation got me hooked on Magpie Murders, Horowitz has turned me into a die-hard fan of classic whodunnits, and I am so grateful. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the book-within-a-book plot device, and nobody executes it better than him.

What’s it about?

Former book publisher Susan Ryeland is living what should be the dream: running a picturesque little hotel on a Greek island with her longtime partner, Andreas. But the reality of island management is exhausting, and Susan secretly misses the buzz of London. Enter the Trehearnes, an English couple who arrive with an irresistible proposition. Eight years ago, a brutal murder took place at their luxury country inn on the very day of their daughter Cecily’s wedding. The late crime novelist Alan Conway (Susan’s former difficult author) based his third Atticus Pünd novel, Atticus Pünd Takes the Case, on that exact crime.

Cecily recently read the book and became convinced it contains hidden clues proving the man convicted of the murder is actually innocent. But now, Cecily has vanished without a trace. Intrigued and realizing her unique editorial insight is the key, Susan heads back to England to dissect the fictional mystery and solve a real-life disappearance.

What did I think?

Horowitz delivers another brilliantly constructed, two-for-one mystery masterclass. Just like in Magpie Murders, you actually get to read the complete, full-length fictional Atticus Pünd novel right alongside Susan’s real-world investigation. The vintage 1950s Agatha Christie-style mystery provides a delightful contrast to the modern, tense search across the English countryside.

The clues are hidden in plain sight, the suspects are plentiful, and the intricate puzzle will keep you guessing right up until the final reveal. It’s clever, devious, and so much fun to piece together. On to book 3!

Sensitive Content: Depictions of murder, crime scenes, blood, and violence consistent with a dark crime thriller. Thematic elements including toxic relationships, emotional distress, and brief sexual references. Depictions of xenophobia and prejudice expressed by certain characters. Moderate language and profanity; frequent alcohol use and smoking.

Should you read it?

Yep. If you loved Magpie Murders or are a fan of intricate, fair-play puzzle-box whodunnits that give you two fantastic mysteries for the price of one, this is an absolute treat. This dad says Moonflower Murders is best for 16 and up.

Happy Reading!