Susan Ryeland, a former publisher who retired to the island of Crete with her partner, finds herself entangled in a web of lies and deceit. When visited by the owners of Branlow Hall, she is charged with deciphering the eight-year-old murder of Frank Parris and the recent disappearance of Cecily Treherne, the owners’ daughter. Why her? Her late client, Alan Conway, wrote the novel Atticus Pünd Takes the Case, which Cecily claimed just before her disappearance contained clues to the actual culprit of the original crime. The consequences hang heavy as the guilt of an imprisoned man is in question, and Cecily is nowhere to be found. The reader joins Susan as she delves into Alan’s novel searching for meaning.
Horowitz has written an easy and enjoyable novel, dense with clues as to who the culprit is. The reader will definitely be searching for meaning in every corner of the story, the consequence of any novel in this genre. A slight lag in pacing does exists when moving into the first chapters of Atticus Pünd Takes the Case, but this soon abates.
Beyond these minor items, the novel is flawless. The story and characters are enthralling from start to finish. From a sympathetic protagonist to the list of potential suspects, the cast takes the reader through a range of emotions. Horowitz’s novel is also not without a sense of self-awareness, almost to the point of breaking the fourth wall at points. Ultimately, do not be surprised by the urge to leaf back through after finishing the story. The details are flawless, and the ending is satisfying. At 608 pages, Moonflower Murders may seem daunting, but most readers will speed through this cunning plot in little time.