Magpie Murders audiobook

I thought I'd seen it all when it comes to murder mysteries. But then Magpie Murders comes along and completely blows me away! Author Alan Conway is well known for his famous Atticus Pünd detective series, so when editor Susan Ryeland receives his latest manuscript, she's excited to dig in. But it soon becomes clear that Conway enjoys hiding clues of real people inside his stories. And when she gets word that he has unexpectedly passed away, she starts to wonder. What secrets does Conway's latest manuscript hold, and could they have led to his death?This story is set up as a mystery within a mystery. We get to enjoy the Atticus Pünd manuscript in its entirety, and its style is reminiscent of Agatha Christie. And we get the whole mystery of Conway's death, as well as how the two of them tie together. It's absolutely brilliant how the book interweaves both a throwback to the golden age of crime and a more modern take on the same genre.The two mysteries are full of the things I love in a whodunnit: twists and turns, red herrings, and suspects that all have something to hide. The whole thing is riveting and so unapologetically fun. And when we get to the resolution, it is utterly satisfying and rewards the reader for having paid attention.When I come across a truly clever murder mystery, I both binge read it and consciously try to slow myself down to savor each delicious detail as it comes up. Looking back on mysteries I've read in recent years, I don't think I've enjoyed any other contemporary author's take on this genre as much as Anthony Horowitz's. If there ever was a book I wish I could scrub from my memory just to have the joy of reading it again, it would have to be this one.~~~~~~~~~~~~See also, my thoughts on:Moonflower MurdersHawthorne and Horowitz#1. The Word Is Murder#2. The Sentence Is Death#3. A Line To Kill~~~~~~~~~~~~

“As far as I'm concerned, you can't beat a good whodunnit: the twists & turns, the clues and the red herrings and then, finally, the satisfaction of having everything explained to you in a way that makes you kick yourself because you hadn't seen it from the start.”― Anthony Horowitz, Magpie Murders I'm no fan of whodunits. I've never read anything by Agatha Christie, P. D. James, Dorothy L. Sayers or Ellery Queen, not even Conan Doyle. Nor have I ever seen a film based on a whodunit. Detective stories and murder mysteries are simply not my taste. However, I decided to listen to the audio book of Magpie Murders since the book is about much more than a murder mystery - this is a novel focusing on what it means for an author to be a writer of murder mysteries. More exactly, Magpie Murders explores a number of relationships and connections for mystery writers - to note just three: between author and audience, between author and the author's prime creation, the detective, between author and the author's overarching literary vision and self-identity as a writer.Expanding to wider horizons, from murder mystery to philosophic and literary questions surrounding murder mysteries and their authors, Anthony Horowitz has propelled himself out into the postmodern metafictional universe of such as John Barth, Donald Barthelme and Robert Coover. Thus my interest. A word about Anthony Horowitz. In interviews this vivacious and charming British author comes across as someone who would make a most enjoyable dinner companion, exactly the type of person a university would love to visit campus to give a talk to students on what it means to immerse oneself in literature and dedicate years to writing. He is also clear about his love for whodunits and writers such as Agatha Christie, Conan Doyle, Ian Fleming and Ellery Queen. And as Mr. Horowitz states directly – both as a person and a writer, he's exactly the opposite of complete bastard Alan Conway portrayed in Magpie Murders.Turning to Alan Conway, we have a man who aspired to write literary fiction, to join the ranks of leading contemporary British authors such as Salman Rushdie, Martin Amis, David Mitchell and Will Self. But, alas, his serious efforts where tossed back in his face with rejection slips. Knowing Alan to be an exceptionally talented writer, his wife at the time suggested he write a popular detective novel. Alan did just that. Money and fame gushed in, enough money Alan could finally quit his dreaded teaching job and enough fame the publishing industry and the public clamored for more whodunits featuring Alan’s phenomenal Inspector Atticus Pünd, a detective right up there with the immortals, a detective to be mentioned in the same breath with Sherlock Holmes.But money and fame came with a price: Alan Conway had to abandon his dreams of becoming a serious literary writer, another Salman Rushdie or Martin Amis. And the more whodunits he wrote, the more his readers and publisher demanded even more Atticus Pünd. Alan responds: Very well, if all you people want your silly whodunits featuring Inspector Atticus Pünd you will have them. All nine volumes. I’ll have my revenge at the end when I reveal to the world the buried code, an anagram constructed from the titles of those nine volumes I wrote for you, the hidden message: your dear Atticus Pünd, hero of heroes, mastermind of masterminds, is nothing more than a piffling poopstick (my term, Alan Conway's term is more offensive). At this point we can ask: Why does Alan Conway judge Atticus Pünd a dunce? Pünd is an exceptional detective and wants to continue his detective work right up to the time of his death. What’s wrong with that? First, let us turn to the following quote from the nineteenth century German philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer: “The wise man will, above all, strive after freedom from pain and annoyance, quiet and leisure, consequently a tranquil, modest life, with as few encounters as may be; and so, after a little experience of his so-called fellowmen, he will elect to live in retirement, or even, if he is a man of great intellect, in solitude. For the more a man has in himself, the less he will want from other people,--the less, indeed, other people can be to him.” Perhaps it is Alan Conway’s observation that Atticus Pünd, a man aware of his impending death in a matter of weeks, is incapable of solitude and deep contemplation and thus clings to his need to play his role as detective to crack the case. And maybe Conway is extending such an immature clinging to an entire population incapable of moving on from their reading of superficial whodunits. Another equally valid reason harkens back to Alan Conway’s childhood. As we learn from his sister who grew up with him, her brother was a victim of child abuse – abused both physically and emotionally as a youngster, much of the abuse coming in the form of repeated canings at a boarding school. Beating children was both socially acceptable and legal at the time (such punishment in England was not outlawed until 1999). To compound the problem, Alan’s abuse was at the hands of the headmaster who also happened to be his father. Now that’s an explosive combination that can’t be discounted or downplayed. Having had such an abusive childhood and then being compelled to write about a detective rounding up clues in quaint English villages, it isn’t hard to imagine Alan Conway seething with rage at his writing desk as he pumped out whodunits, all the while his heart and creative spirit craving to write Will Self-like biting cynicism and caustic social commentary. We can picture the author fuming: “No, not this prison. I’m trapped by readers and the publishing industry – I can only write these trite detective mysteries. This is disgusting.”Questions worthy of consideration as we read The Magpie Murders: What does it mean for an author’s identity to be inextricably entwined with whodunits and their detective? How bound is an author of murder mysteries by the public – their publisher, the media, their readers? How does their success impact their vision and personal integrity as literary artist and creator? Thank you, Anthony Horowitz, for stepping out to the metafictional land of Robert Coover and John Barth to ask such questions. Short lively video of author Anthony Horowitz talking about Magpie Murders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgFyj...

The Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz is a 2017 Harper publication. Shrewd, cunning, intelligent, and ingenious! I love the golden age of mysteries, but, of course, I also love present -day mysteries, too. This book gave me both of those things in one novel! How is this for a setup? Susan Ryeland is an editor for Cloverleaf Books. She plans to spend her weekend reading the manuscript of Alan Conway’s latest Atticus Pudd mystery, entitled ‘Magpie Murders’. The reader is allowed to read along with Susan, and pretty soon I found myself enjoying an absorbing historical mystery, set in the mid-fifties, the style of which bears a strong resemblance to that of Agatha Christie. But, just as the murderer is about to be revealed, Susan makes the horrific discovery that the last few chapters of the manuscript were not included. In fact, they are missing!! If that weren’t bad enough, she soon hears that Alan Conway is dead, after allegedly committing suicide. It is more imperative than ever that Susan finds those missing chapters, because Cloverleaf Books’ livelihood depends on it. Her inquires soon leads her to realize ‘Magpie Murders’ holds the clue to why Alan Conway, died, and to where those the missing chapters are. To solve the true crime mystery of Alan’s death, and discover the solution to the ‘Magpie Murders’, she turns amateur detective, hoping to not only solve a crime, but hopefully, keep her publishing house afloat and save her job. One for sorrow,Two for joy,Three for a girl,Four for a boy,Five for silver,Six for gold,Seven for a secret,Never to be told.Mysteries are my first love. I read mysteries long before I dabbled in horror, or fell in love with romance novels. I love experiencing new authors and frequently dabble in various genres and sub-genres, but I rarely ever go more than a week without reading a crime novel of some kind. However, reading numerous crime stories for so many years has a few drawbacks too, because now I have learned the various formulas, devices, tactics and familiar plotlines, used by authors within this genre, meaning I can often puzzle out ‘whodunit’, although I may not have worked out the finer points. This ‘occupational hazard’, if you will, keeps me on the lookout for a book or an author that can challenge me, give my brain a good workout, keep me guessing, and stun me with that ‘gotcha’ moment. This book did all that, and kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish, plus, I got not one, but two mysteries, which are cleverly intertwined. Okay, frame stories aren’t exactly new, but this one is genius, I tell you, genius!! The story is chock full of details, anagrams, parallels, and crafty twists, and occasionally a bit of humor or an inside joke. It is perfect for even the most jaded mystery reader, and will certainly keep you on your toes. Despite the slightly expanded length, the story is very fast paced and hard to put down, even though I wanted to savor it as long as possible. Needless, to say, fans of golden age mysteries will not want to miss this one, but any and all mystery lovers should give this one a try. I don’t think you will be disappointed. 4.5 stars

Ok. So this book was made even cooler through an act of my own dumbassery.Here's what happened:I needed an audiobook to listen to real quick-like and this thing was (for whatever reason - more than likely a Goodreads friend recommendation that I forgot about) on my wishlist in the library. So I just downloaded it to my phone without even looking at the blurb. I didn't know who wrote it, I didn't know what it was about, I didn't know...well, anything other than it was some sort of a mystery.So, you know how with some audiobooks there's this introduction by...someone? Ok, that's what I thought Susan Ryland (publisher of the author of Magpie Murders) was. Yeaaaaaah, it was slightly weird when she said this book f-ed up her life, but (again) there's occasionally weird shit at the beginning of some of these audiobooks.Then we go straight into Alan Conway’s story with detective Atticus Pünd.Hell yeah, this was something straight out of a great Agatha Christie/Poirot novel!Good stuff! I'm about 8 plus hours in, and completely digging the whole plot. I've got my suspicions as to the killer and I'm just waiting for the little German detective to rip the disguise off of someone and reveal the murderer. Then, about 10 minutes before Pünd tells us whodunnit, this Ryland chick busts into the story and tells us that the she's got to basically solve another mystery before we can get back to the original mystery.Like I said, I'm 8 something hours into this thing! What the hell?! So I finally take look and apparently I'm only about halfway through this book. Now this isn't a spoiler. As I mentioned, if I'd just read the blurb I would have realized this was a mystery involving the editor of a famous mystery writer, and part of that mystery was the mysterious mystery involving his manuscript!If I say anything else it will probably give the whole thing away, so I'll just stop here.But it was a clever story within a story and I very much enjoyed it.Samantha Bond - NarratorAllan Corduner - Narrator

Magpie Murders is a cleverly crafted, superbly plotted, classic whodunnit mystery with a brilliant twist. “Whodunnits are all about truth: nothing more, nothing less. In a world full of uncertainties, is it not inherently satisfying to come to the last page with every i dotted and every t cross

fulfilling my 2019 goal to read (at least) one book each month that i bought in hardcover and put off reading long enough that it is now in paperback.Whodunnits are all about truth: nothing more, nothing less.thank goodness for this self-imposed 2019 project o’ mine, where i finally start chipping away at books that have been sitting unread on my shelves for years; books i bought in hardcover (sometimes on the very day they were released) and for one reason or another, never got around to reading and then suddenly time has passed, the paperback’s come out and i still haven’t read the hardcover i was so motivated to buy with MUST HAVE NOW grabby hands, and seeing them sitting on my shelves, all silent expensive accusations, makes me feel SO guilty. but this one shall judge me no more!i’d forgotten everything i’d ever known about this book - what its deal was, why i wanted to read it so badly in the first place, other than ‘people were dancing in the streets over it a few years back,’ and going in memory-wiped was a real treat for me. this is one of those books that is just plain fun. to save myself time since you’ve probably already read it (or to allow you your own journey of discovery if you haven’t), it's enough to divulge that it is a mystery within a mystery written by someone who loves …wait for it… mysteries. it’s both a love letter to and a loving dissection of the genre, paying conscious tribute to mystery’s tropes and traditions: the red herrings, the clues and codes, the least-suspected suspect, the misunderstood conversation, the unseen observer - all the deductive breadcrumbs of a conventional english cosy mystery, whose most appealing feature is the relationship between the reader and the detective: In just about every other book I can think of, we’re chasing on the heels of our heroes — the spies, the soldiers, the romantics, the adventurers. But we stand shoulder to shoulder with the detective. From the very start, we have the same aim — and it’s actually a simple one. We want to know what really happened…here, we get two mysteries; one bound up inside the other, both literally and figuratively. (incidentally, the attention to detail of the book-within-a book was very much appreciated - ♥ the blurbs! ♥) once the second mystery hits, and the inspirations and parallels and similarities between the two start playing out, it becomes such a fun ride, and conway’s bitter humor, private jokes and judgments tucked into the story as he bites at the genre that feeds him were a hoot. this is a fun, breezy book. it’s not reaching for the stars, but it’s a solid whodunnit with metafictional flourishes that don’t detract from the actual mystery plot(s), which are fair play, tie up nicely, and i only regret i didn’t get to read it under the proper conditions described in the book’s opening chapter:A bottle of wine. A family-sized packet of Nacho Cheese Flavoured Tortilla Chips and a jar of hot salsa dip. A packet of cigarettes on the side (I know, I know). The rain hammering against the windows.And a book.What could have been lovelier? alas, i had to settle for dunkin’ donuts coffee, a rattling subway car, interruptions by buskers with keytars and loud cellphone conversations in a variety of languages, and zero cigarettes or booze. #StillShePersisted come to my blog!

"A bottle of wine. A family-sized packet of Nacho Cheese Flavoured Tortilla Chips and a jar of hot salsa dip. A packet of cigarettes on the side (I know, I know). The rain hammering against the windows. And a book. What could have been lovelier?"Ah, yes! Simply substitute your favorite beverage and snack of choice, perhaps a guilty pleasure, your preferred reading retreat, and you can immediately relate to the allure of an escape with one of your treasured books. I know simple words like that never fail to grab the attention of this bookworm. I immediately knew I would love this unique and very clever read by Anthony Horowitz! This is really a brilliant mix of both a golden age whodunit with more of a contemporary crime mystery. It would appeal not only to mystery fans, but also to lovers of literary writing and book worshippers in general. A novel nested within another, Magpie Murders is a real page-turner; and I would be hard-pressed to say which thread I loved more – that of private detective Atticus Pünd or of Susan Ryeland, editor at Cloverleaf Books. The way Horowitz manages to weave together the two threads is impressive really; just as you are pulled out of one narrative to jump into the other, you will be left gasping but just as thrilled to be caught up in the next. The characters are very well-drawn and the two mysteries contain plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. I changed my mind constantly regarding the true culprit(s) – everyone seemed to have the perfect motive for murder! I adored Atticus Pünd, despite the fact his creator seemed to harbor such contempt for him. He may remind you of other beloved literary detectives if you are familiar with the genre. A Holocaust survivor, Atticus has both a realistic as well as a somewhat guarded view of the world around him. "… there was something about the pace of change that concerned him, the sudden onrush of machines in every shape and size. As televisions, typewriters, fridges and washing machines became more ubiquitous, as even the fields became crowded with electric pylons, he sometimes wondered if there might not be hidden costs for a humanity that had already been sorely tested in his lifetime. Nazism, after all, had been a machine in itself. He was in no rush to join the new technological age." Susan Ryeland is equally likable; she speaks to the reader in each of us with her love of books. "I had far too many books, of course. Every inch of shelf space was taken. There were books on top of books. The shelves themselves were bending under the weight." Who can’t relate to that problem?! I’m not going to give you any further plot details; you absolutely have to read it for yourself in order to fully appreciate the ingenuity to be revealed once you crack open this book. This one is the whole package – suspense, interesting characters, charming settings (both the historical as well as the more modern), wit, and heaps of literary references. Magpie Murders is a 5-star, thoroughly entertaining read. Highly recommended."I’m not sure it actually matters what we read. Our lives continue along the straight lines that have been set out for us. Fiction merely allows us a glimpse of the alternative. Maybe that’s one of the reasons we enjoy it."

What is it about Anthony Horowitz’s writing that sets me to thinking about books and my love of them?    Of course if I am thinking about books it is typically the physical representation of such that consumes my thoughts.  I mean it’s something I look for and take comfort in when I am visiting someone else’s home.  I have books in practically every room of my house.  I love to leave them lying about, because come on they are beautiful and evocative of past explorations or they lay basking in the glow of impassioned anticipation.  I mean I even have kept a copy of White Oleander on my shelves.   It is in absolutely horrific shape, whoever had it before it came into my hands was not kind or mindful.  Still, Fitch’s prose is so beautiful, so unforgettable, that I still go back and sneak a peek every now again and usually when I do, I find myself thinking that I really need to buy a better copy of this work.  Still I hold on to my well thumbed, dog-eared, decrepit and mysteriously stained and abused book that I first read. Books add warmth and depth and I take comfort in their company and the ever changing displays of them that litter my home.  But even I have to acknowledge all the benefits of today’s E readers.  I am often compelled to have a book right away, even when I know I may not get to it for a while.  I love knowing that it is right there, easily available when I am ready.  Digital makes that so easy and fast and compact.  I have hundreds of books on a device that takes up less room than one hard copy. And I can read it anywhere at any time of day or night, regardless of lighting and it travels like a true champion. Oh my goodness I do love books, in all shapes, styles and configurations.  I have a soft trade copy of Magpie Murders, with a black and red cover and ruffled pages.  It lay itself wide open for my reading pleasure throughout. I love that!   In this story Horowitz pays homage to Agatha Christie and his work is brilliant.  It is the kind of story that you know right from the get go that you can settle into and get comfortable.  All will be revealed in due course.  It is actually two mysteries, one nested into another and even though I was annoyed and impatient when I got pulled away from Atticus Pund, I soon found myself lost in another story and equally reluctant to let go.     And Horowitz delivers on both counts and had me more than once turning back the pages and scratching my head.  I loved it!  Up next……..Moriarty

5+++ stars!!! Brilliant! Unique! Fantastic! Loved this book! This was such a unique and outstanding story! A book within a book - it doesn't get any better than that!! I am so impressed with this author, Anthony Horowitz's, talent and creativity in developing and constructing this remarkable novel. The flow and format of this book were exceptional - simply brilliant!I cannot recommend this book highly enough! It's definitely one of my favourites of 2017! To find our full Traveling Sister Read review, please visit Brenda and Norma's fabulous blog at:https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....

BlurbWhen editor Susan Ryeland is given the tattered manuscript of Alan Conway's latest novel, she has little idea it will change her life. She's worked with the revered crime writer for years and his detective, Atticus Pund, is renowned for solving crimes in the sleepy English villages of the 1950s

Traveling Sister Group Read with Brenda, Lindsay, Susanne, JanB, Holly, Linda, Jaline and PorshaJo4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!This book was such a fun, enjoyable, well-plotted, and a brilliantly written novel that was an extremely intriguing Golden Age style mystery that had a mystery novel structured into a mystery novel. Which I found quite satisfying and exciting to read! I loved that I was reading a book within a book! Would highly recommend!All of our Traveling Sisters Reviews can be found on our sister blog:http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...

This was an awesome, fun-filled Traveling Sisters Group Read with Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Susanne, JanB, Holly, Linda, and PorshaJo, and all the reviews can be found at “Two Sisters Lost In a Coulee Reading": http://wp.me/p87LDU-ONThis book is just so phenomenally good! There are two mysteries going on at the same time – and the way these are woven together is exquisitely exceptional. It starts out with an editor (Susan) reading a client’s book prior to setting to work on it. So, we read along with her.Then, a series of events pull us out of the mystery book she is reading and into a more immediate mystery – one that Susan becomes caught up in solving. The novel Susan is reading is written along the classic lines of Agatha Christie’s Poirot novels. It is fascinating and filled with enough suspects, clues, and red herrings to make any classic mystery fan happy. (I’m putting my hand up here!)The mystery that Susan becomes involved in solving is more along modern lines – and the tension is strung a little tighter. There are still suspects, clues, and red herrings, but the pace gradually speeds up, the tautness intensifies, and there are a few heart-racing moments.I do not want to give the plot(s) away as I know there are many people who want to read this. Believe me – you have a wonderful reading experience ahead of you! I am amazed by the author’s ability to weave so many characters and storylines together so seamlessly. This is simply an outstanding book and I recommend it to everyone! Even if you are not a fan of mysteries, this book is worth reading just to experience a master writer’s spellbinding work!