by Anthony Horowitz, 2022, Audiobook narrated by Rory Kinnear, Harper Audio

This book is a bit different in that the author, Horowitz, isn’t investigating a murder with Hawthorne, but is pursued as the primary suspect in a murder. When a critic of his failing play writes a scathing review and is subsequently murdered, Horowitz becomes the primary suspect and the evidence is overwhelming. Anthony has only one phone call and he naturally calls Hawthorne to help extricate him and find the real killer. But much to his chagrin, Hawthorne seems to think the Anthoney might just be the killer.

The first couple chapters of the book are boring as Horowitz cites his background in the theatre and connections to various playwrights. Once the murder occurs, however, the story takes off. Will Horowitz spend the rest of his life in prison for a murder he didn’t commit or will Hawthorne finally identify the real murderer?