Thoughts: I mistakenly read the sequel to this before the first, but still loved this. Anytime I see an Anthony Horowitz I grab the book knowing I’ll love it, but I forget how many series he has and need to do some research first. Susan is a book editor and receives a new mystery novel from her biggest client with one issue, the last chapter is missing. Things then get even more confusing when the author suddenly dies. The set up for the book is different from most because the book they receive and try to find the last chapter for is also included. It’s essentially two books so it’s a longer read but wraps up so well in the end it’s worth it. The sequel is the Moonflower Murders and deals with Susan trying to solve a real life mystery that another one of her authors wrote about.
Summary: When editor Susan Ryeland is given the manuscript of Alan Conway’s latest novel, she has no reason to think it will be much different from any of his others. After working with the bestselling crime writer for years, she’s intimately familiar with his detective, Atticus Pünd, who solves mysteries disturbing sleepy English villages. An homage to queens of classic British crime such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, Alan’s traditional formula has proved hugely successful. So successful that Susan must continue to put up with his troubling behavior if she wants to keep her job.
Conway’s latest tale has Atticus Pünd investigating a murder at Pye Hall, a local manor house. Yes, there are dead bodies and a host of intriguing suspects, but the more Susan reads, the more she’s convinced that there is another story hidden in the pages of the manuscript: one of real-life jealousy, greed, ruthless ambition, and murder.