The Sentence is Death, a review by Joanna

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The Sentence is Death

Anthony Horowitz

Audible

8h 35m

Released November 1, 2018

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This is the second book in the Hawthorne & Horowitz series, where the author uses the unusual device of making a version of himself one of the main characters into a fictional murder mystery. We listened to the audiobook again, and enjoyed it for the most part, although I found it a bit too similar to the first one.

Anthony is busy overseeing the filming of his book’s TV series, when cantankerous private detective Daniel Hawthorne rudely summons him to a new murder scene, insisting this can be their case for a second book. A successful divorce lawyer has been bludgeoned then stabbed with a bottle at his luxury London home. His client’s wife had recently threatened to do just that, but has a solid alibi, so the disagreeable duo must delve into the dead man’s past to discover just who hated him enough to destroy a £2000 bottle of wine!

Looking back at my review of the first book, I’m surprised to read that I thought the narrator (Rory Kinnear) handled both male and female voices perfectly, as this time I really struggled with his over the top portrayal of characters of both genders, but especially Cara the monstrous female DCI. I also disliked the snide way the author describes virtually every female character. Other than this, the story was good – even if I did guess whodunnit way too early, but not particularly from the clues given. Hawthorne remains an intriguing character and I do intend to continue the series, but may switch to the written version if hubby doesn’t want to carry on with them. 3.5 rounded up for all the witty banter and fun literary references.

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