An author insert? Yes. The Word is Murder is an actual author insert in a published novel. To be honest, I missed this in the description, and got a bit of a surprise, almost did a double take while driving. Which left me with the question: can an author insert be good?
The Word is Murder1 by Anthony Horowitz is murder mystery. Which is pretty on theme with what’s been catching my interest lately. However, it stands out because Anthony Horowitz is one of the main characters. He teams up with a retired detective who has served as a subject matter expert consultant on several of his writing projects, to solve a murder, and write a ‘True Crime’ book about it.
I’m going to be honest, I almost stopped the audiobook and went to my next TBR. I didn’t and I’m really glad. Anthony Horowitz writes a good mystery. He speckles the book with clues, things you notice, but don’t really notice, until the end. At the end you see each clue strung together, ready to be tied in a nice bow.
So. Can an author insert be good? Yes. Quick paced, layered characters, good dialogue, with distinct voices. It’s an easy read (or listen). And quite good. In fact I’ld put it on my ‘Should read Murder Mysteries list’.
I’m thinking ghost stories are just what I need. A little bit mystery, but a lot more creepy to set the mood for halloween. I’m making a list, anything that should be on my ‘Ghost Stories 2022’ list? I’m Diving into The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James. I loved her The Haunting of Maddy Clare.
I have marked The Word is Murder with a content warning 1.
