Anthony Horowitz’s latest novel – the first in a series – has it all. There’s a challenging mystery in which a wealthy middle-aged widow appears to predict her own murder; an intriguing protagonist in the form of disgraced ex-copper Daniel Hawthorne, who has a nose for investigation; and a surprising and effective metafictional element as the author is dragged into the investigation under the ruse of writing about Hawthorne. Horowitz brings his considerable experience to bear, providing insights and annecdotes about the writing life, that give this extraordinary novel an added depth that it is difficult to see others matching. Read our full review here.