August 2017 Group Read -Magpie Murders, by Anthony Horowitz

[AngryGreyCat]

Formerly fanficfan - changed name to match my book blog.

I have this one and will be starting it in a couple days. I just have a few library books I have to get through first.

Some background on Anthony Horowitz:

He has been a screen writer for Foyle's War, Poirot, Midsomer Murders. He has also written film scripts and plays. His novels have ranged from the Alex Rider series (YA) to Sherlock Holmes books and a James Bond Novel. He is also a journalist.

He has written over 40 novels. Sits on the board of The Old Vic theatre and has been awarded an OBE for Literature.

Magpie Murders has had a lot of Press attention: The Guardian, USA Today, Time, NY Times, etc. Have all done write ups/reviews.

I received my copy for free from the publisher at BEA in exchange for a fair review.

Some questions to consider for discussion (Taken from LitLovers):

GENERIC DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Mystery / Crime / Suspense Thrillers

1. Talk about the characters, both good and bad. Describe their personalities and motivations. Are they fully developed and emotionally complex? Or are they flat, one-dimensional heroes and villains?

2. What do you know...and when do you know it? At what point in the book do you begin to piece together what happened?

3. Good crime writers embed hidden clues in plain sight, slipping them in casually, almost in passing. Did you pick them out, or were you...clueless? Once you've finished the book, go back to locate the clues hidden in plain sight. How skillful was the author in burying them?

4. Good crime writers also tease us with red-herrings—false clues—to purposely lead readers astray? Does your author try to throw you off track? If so, were you tripped up?

5. Talk about the twists & turns—those surprising plot developments that throw everything you think you've figured out into disarray.

Do they enhance the story, add complexity, and build suspense?
Are they plausible or implausible?
Do they feel forced and gratuitous—inserted merely to extend the story?
6. Does the author ratchet up the suspense? Did you find yourself anxious—quickly turning pages to learn what happened? A what point does the suspense start to build? Where does it climax...then perhaps start rising again?

7. A good ending is essential in any mystery or crime thriller: it should ease up on tension, answer questions, and tidy up loose ends. Does the ending accomplish those goals?

Is the conclusion probable or believable?
Is it organic, growing out of clues previously laid out by the author (see Question 3)?
Or does the ending come out of the blue, feeling forced or tacked-on?
Perhaps it's too predictable.
Can you envision a different or better ending?
8. Are there certain passages in the book—ideas, descriptions, or dialogue—that you found interesting or revealing...or that somehow struck you? What lines, if any, made you stop and think?

9. Overall, does the book satisfy? Does it live up to the standards of a good crime story or suspense thriller? Why or why not?

[Marianne]

Hello Angry Gray Cat: I have just picked up the book. Will start asap.
I have read the Sherlock Holmes book House of Silk by the Anthony Horowitz. I am looking forward to his take on Agatha Christie like mystery.

[AngryGreyCat]

Marianne wrote: "Hello Angry Gray Cat: I have just picked up the book. Will start asap.
I have read the Sherlock Holmes book House of Silk by the Anthony Horowitz. I am looking forward to his take on Agatha Christi..."

You are ahead of me. This is my first book by him.

[AngryGreyCat]

Just finished this one and quite enjoyed it. I will think about it a little more and post more details on the spoiler thread. I do think it felt a little long, but I couldn't point out what in particular should be cut.