Close to Death cover art

Close to Death

How do you solve a murder … when everyone has the same motive? (Hawthorne, 5)

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Close to Death

By: Anthony Horowitz
Narrated by: Rory Kinnear
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A Sunday Times bestseller


How do you solve a murder... when everyone has the same motive? From global bestselling Anthony Horowitz, a brilliantly entertaining mystery in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series.

Richmond Upon Thames is one of the most desirable areas to live in London. And Riverview Close - a quiet, gated community – seems to offer its inhabitants the perfect life.

At least it does until Giles Kenworthy moves in with his wife and noisy children, his four gas-guzzling cars, his loud parties and his plans for a new swimming pool in his garden.

His neighbours all have a reason to hate him and are soon up in arms.

When Kenworthy is shot dead with a crossbow bolt through his neck, all of them come under suspicion and his murder opens the door to lies, deception and further death.

The police are baffled. Reluctantly, they call in former Detective Daniel Hawthorne. But even he is faced with a seemingly impossible puzzle.

How do you solve a murder when everyone has the same motive?

‘Anthony Horowitz is easily the greatest of our crime writersSunday Times
Sheer genius … A joy from start to finish’ Independent
'The master of the mystery' Style
'The king of the clever whodunnit' Good Housekeeping
'
Gloriously artificial, improbable, and ingenious. Fans of both versions of Horowitz will rejoice.’ Kirkus Reviews
'
‘An absolutely engrossing tale ... Kudos to anyone who can figure this one out!’ Starred Booklist

©2024 Anthony Horowitz (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Crime Fiction Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense

What listeners say about Close to Death

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Hawthorn Outsmarted??

A much more complex plot than previous Hawthorn stories but riveting nonetheless. As I listened to it I frequently wondered how it would end; when I got there I wasn’t disappointed.

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Love the Hawthorne series

Another great book in the Hawthorne series. Twists and turns at every corner - highly recommend!

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Top story, top performance.

Another bonzer book in the Hawthorne series. The jumping between past & present and real life & fiction was really well done and makes the book stand out from other murder mystery books. The characters are written in a way that I never lost track of who was who. Gripping from start to finish.

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Captivating

Another captivating story in the Hawthorne series and can’t wait for the next one. A look so, compelling narration by Rory Kinnear makes for a most enjoyable experience.

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Twist in the tale

Loved this as I do of all Anthony Howowiz books. The unfolding
Who dunnit murder story with Hawthorn back in the scheme of things who comes across as an unfeeling being, however narration at its best keeping the listener engaged easy to follow at moments and got to know ‘the neighbours’ like they were yours. Interesting characters highly recommend for light reading.

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One of my favourite authors

Horowitz voice is a masterpiece. I often want to slap him into being less humble as a character of himself but it's what makes the character funny and enjoyable. I love the rudeness and bluntness of Hawthorn and I'm permanently curious about his personal history. Hororowitz is a master of description, the way he constructs places is incredible.

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Hooray Another Hawthorne

Written by Horowitz, read by Kinnear - this is whodunnit heaven! Prepare to be absorbed into the lives and secrets of the residents of Riverview Close as they all come under suspicion of murder. Anthony Horowitz seldom disappoints as Watson to Hawthorne's taciturn Holmes. Rory Kinnear's narration is exceptional - he effortlessly morphs from one disparate character to another. My only criticism would be that the dry humour present in other Hawthorne mysteries is lacking in Close To Death - perhaps because Hawthorne takes more of a back seat in this book.

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Gripping Thriller

This wasn’t a meandering, we’ll let you in on the story just as soon as we’ve bored you to tears. This story had me turning the pages/ listening with anticipation at any opportunity. Car,train, doing the chores , cooking etc. wonderful twists! Can’t wait for the next episode.

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Another gem

Another well crafted story and beautifully narrated. Only problem is you really can’t do much else while listening or you miss something key!!

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They are just so good!

Not only the stories are captivating, the writing intricate and clear at the same time, but everything is also performed in such a spellbinding way that I cannot wait for the next 7 books

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