Close to Death

Close to Death by global bestselling author Anthony Horowitz is a masterfully crafted mystery novel, richly blending suspense and intrigue in the latest instalment of the beloved Hawthorne and Horowitz series.

Richmond Upon Thames, one of the most desirable areas to live in London, is known for its tranquil beauty and affluence. At the heart of this idyllic locale lies Riverview Close, a quiet, gated community that promises its inhabitants the perfect life. The serenity of Riverview Close, however, is shattered with the arrival of Giles Kenworthy. Moving in with his wife and rambunctious children, Kenworthy disturbs the peace with his ostentatious lifestyle, four gas-guzzling cars, boisterous parties, and a plan to instal a sprawling new swimming pool in his garden.

The once harmonious enclave becomes a hotbed of animosity as Kenworthy's neighbours, each with their reasons for detesting him, are pushed to their limits. The tension reaches a grim climax when Kenworthy is found dead, slain with a crossbow bolt through his neck. The shocking murder transforms Riverview Close into a complex web of lies, deception, and further death.

The local police, stumped by the maze of motives and suspects, reluctantly call in former Detective Daniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne, despite his formidable skills, is presented with what appears to be an unsolvable puzzle. With every neighbour having a compelling motive to commit murder, Hawthorne must navigate through layers of duplicity to uncover the truth. Each clue he uncovers propels him deeper into a dark mystery where every resident’s story seems as plausible as it is damning.

Close to Death is a brilliantly entertaining mystery that skilfully explores the themes of greed, revenge, and the hidden darkness within the supposedly idyllic lives of suburban dwellers. Anthony Horowitz’s expert storytelling ensures that readers are kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly following Hawthorne as he unravels the chilling truth behind the murder that rocked Riverview Close.