Is The Word Is Murder Worth Reading Online?

The first thing that struck me about 'The Word is Murder' was how Anthony Horowitz plays with the meta-narrative—it’s a detective story where he inserts himself as a character, which is such a wild twist. I’ve read a ton of mysteries, from Agatha Christie’s classics to modern stuff like 'Knives Out', and this one stands out because it feels like a puzzle within a puzzle. The protagonist, Daniel Hawthorne, is this brilliantly abrasive detective, and Horowitz’s fictionalized version of himself is constantly exasperated by him, which adds this layer of humor. The plot’s clever, too—it starts with a woman planning her own funeral and then being murdered hours later. If you’re into mysteries that don’t take themselves too seriously but still deliver solid twists, this is a fun ride. I binged it in two sittings because the pacing is just that addictive.

That said, if you’re looking for something deeply emotional or gritty, this might not hit the spot. It’s more of a cerebral, playful take on the genre. The online format works fine—I read it as an ebook—but I’d recommend it more for the story than the medium. Horowitz’s writing style is breezy, so it’s easy to digest digitally. Bonus if you’re a fan of his other work, like 'Magpie Murders'; you’ll catch little nods.

I picked up 'The Word is Murder' after seeing it recommended in a Reddit thread about unconventional detective stories, and wow, it’s weird in the best way. Imagine a book where the author is both the narrator and a hapless sidekick to this Sherlock-esque but way ruder detective. Hawthorne is the kind of character you’d hate in real life but love on the page—he’s got zero social skills and a knack for saying the most awkward things at the wrong time. The mystery itself is twisty, but what really hooked me was the self-awareness. Horowitz pokes fun at the publishing industry, his own career, and even the tropes he’s using. It’s like if 'Deadpool' decided to write a whodunit.

Reading it online was totally fine; the chapters are short, so it’s perfect for scrolling during commutes. Just don’t go in expecting profound character arcs—it’s more about the clever structure and the meta-humor. If that’s your jam, you’ll adore it. If not, maybe try something more traditional like 'the silent patient'.