Close to Death

A Novel

By: Anthony Horowitz

Narrated by: Anthony Horowitz, Rory Kinnear

In New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz’s ingenious fifth literary whodunnit in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series, Detective Hawthorne is once again called upon to solve an unsolvable case—a gruesome murder in an idyllic gated community in which suspects abound.

Riverside Close is a picture-perfect community. The six exclusive and attractive houses are tucked far away from the noise and grime of city life, allowing the residents to enjoy beautiful gardens, pleasant birdsong, and tranquility from behind the security of a locked gate.

It is the perfect idyll, until the Kentworthy family arrives, with their four giant, gas-guzzling cars, gaggle of shrieking children, and plans for a garish swimming pool in the backyard. Obvious outsiders, the Kentworthys do not belong in Riverside Close, and quickly offend every last one of the neighbors.

When Giles Kentworthy is found dead on his own doorstep, a crossbow bolt sticking out of his chest, Detective Hawthorne is the only investigator they can call to solve the case.

Because how do you solve a murder when everyone is a suspect?

Most complex Hawthorne yet

With all the hallmarks of Horowitz’s considerable skill, this book is, overall, a pleasure. I will confess to getting a little impatient toward the end—felt a bit deep in the weeds. It has a more serious tone, as well. But good writing, good pacing, and a rather complicated plot make for a good experience in the end.

The character of Hawthorn and Dudley.

This is the best of the series. Anthony Horowitz is a first class and decent human being. I’m happy that he has a close knit and loving family.

Wonderful Again!

Inventive structure, unpredictable storyline, crisp and vivid writing, wry humor, and terrific (as always) narration by the remarkable Rory Kinnear - for me, that's audiobook perfection. Thoroughly enjoyable from the first moment to the last, including Anthony Horowitz's afterword in his own voice. It's great to hear that there are more Hawthorne and Horowitz stories in the pipeline.

Classic - I adore this series

While the mystery was relatively easy to solve, the writing, the characters, and the good old fashioned British murder mystery is spot on. I adore this series. It took so long to find another mystery series i loved, I simply cannot wait for more of these books.

Fave from the Hawthorn series yet

I loved the plot, the storyline, how the characters were built and how it all fell into place in the end. I’ve listened to all of the previous Hawthorn books and this one takes the cake.