Loving these classic murder mysteries

  ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑  I loved the novel-in-a-novel concept. It worked so well even though, and I am ashamed to admit, I have not read Magpie Murders yet. Let's just gloss over that swiftly as reading it before Moonflower Murders might have been helpful but it didn't hinder progress without the previous book's insight.

Susan Ryeland is a terrific sleuth. As a book editor turned private detective (to support her struggling hotel in Greece), she's smart, well read and likeable in pragmatic way. Susan is looking into the disappearance of Cecily and how it might be connected with a murder that took place in her parent's upmarket hotel/spa years ago. This, as it turns out, may also be linked with an Atticus Pund novel written by troublesome author Conway, who starred in Magpie Murder. It seems confusing but it falls into place neatly with brilliant nods to Agatha Christie and other notable authors during the golden age of mystery.

This was an honestly good romp I didn't want to end. The mystery is a cracker and that of the novel within the book is also rich with detail and a ripping good yarn, too. A lot of effort for Mr. Horowitz but it has paid great dividends. I shall go forth and read Magpie whilst anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series.