Magpie Murders Book Summary - Magpie Murders Book explained in key points

Magpie Murders summary

Brief summary

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz is a captivating mystery within a mystery. When editor Susan Ryeland starts reading a manuscript, she uncovers a story that mirrors real-life murder. Prepare for a twisty and clever whodunit.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Magpie Murders
    Summary of key ideas

    Unraveling a Literary Mystery

    In Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz, we are introduced to Susan Ryeland, an editor at Cloverleaf Books, who is given the manuscript of the latest novel by her bestselling author, Alan Conway. The novel, also titled Magpie Murders, is a classic whodunit set in a quaint English village, featuring Conway's famous detective, Atticus Pünd.

    As Susan delves into the manuscript, she becomes engrossed in the story of a murder at Pye Hall, a manor house in the village of Saxby-on-Avon. The victim, Mary Blakiston, is found dead at the bottom of the stairs, and the local police are convinced it's an accident. However, Pünd, the German detective, suspects foul play and begins his investigation.

    A Murder Within a Murder

    As the plot of Magpie Murders unfolds, we are introduced to a host of intriguing characters, each with their own motives and secrets. The story within the manuscript is a classic murder mystery, complete with red herrings, hidden clues, and a surprising twist at the end. However, just as Susan is about to reach the conclusion of the manuscript, she discovers that the last few chapters are missing.

    Desperate to know the ending, Susan contacts Alan Conway, only to find out that he has died in what appears to be a suicide. However, Susan is not convinced and begins to suspect that Conway's death might be connected to the missing chapters of his manuscript. She decides to investigate the mystery herself, using the clues hidden within the incomplete novel.

    Uncovering the Truth

    As Susan delves deeper into the real-life mystery surrounding Alan Conway's death, she uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal. She realizes that the characters and events in the manuscript are not just figments of Conway's imagination, but reflections of the people and incidents in his own life. The missing chapters hold the key to the truth, and Susan is determined to find them.

    Her investigation takes her back to Saxby-on-Avon, where she meets the real-life counterparts of the characters in the novel. She uncovers long-buried secrets and shocking revelations, leading her to the truth behind both the fictional and real-life murders. In a thrilling climax, Susan finally unravels the mystery, piecing together the missing chapters and solving the case.

    A Cleverly Crafted Tale

    In conclusion, Magpie Murders is a cleverly crafted tale that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. Anthony Horowitz skillfully weaves two interconnected murder mysteries, keeping the readers guessing until the very end. The novel is a homage to classic whodunits, with a modern twist that makes it a compelling and unique read. It's a story within a story, a murder within a murder, and a mystery that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Magpie Murders about?

    Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz is a gripping mystery novel that entwines two compelling murder mysteries into one spellbinding narrative. With ingenious storytelling and a clever twist, it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

    Magpie Murders Review

    Magpie Murders (2016) is a captivating mystery novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here's why this book is worth your time:

    • With its dual storyline, the book offers not just one, but two intriguing mysteries that unravel in a clever and unexpected way.
    • By masterfully intertwining the classic whodunit style with a modern twist, the author creates a unique and refreshing take on the genre.
    • Through its meticulously crafted plot and well-developed characters, the book ensures a thrilling and immersive reading experience that never gets boring.

    Who should read Magpie Murders?

    • Readers who enjoy classic whodunit mysteries
    • Those who appreciate clever and intricate storytelling
    • People who love to be kept guessing until the very end of a book

    About the Author

    Anthony Horowitz is a prolific British author known for his captivating storytelling and diverse range of works. With a career spanning over four decades, Horowitz has written numerous successful books for both children and adults. Some of his most notable works include the Alex Rider series, the Diamond Brothers series, and the Sherlock Holmes novels. Horowitz's talent for crafting gripping mysteries and engaging characters has earned him a dedicated fan base around the world.

    Categories with Magpie Murders

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Magpie Murders FAQs 

    What is the main message of Magpie Murders?

    The main message of Magpie Murders is unraveling complex mysteries, filled with suspense and intrigue.

    How long does it take to read Magpie Murders?

    Reading Magpie Murders takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Magpie Murders a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Magpie Murders is an engaging read worth your time. It offers a cleverly crafted plot that keeps you guessing till the end.

    Who is the author of Magpie Murders?

    The author of Magpie Murders is Anthony Horowitz.

    What to read after Magpie Murders?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Magpie Murders, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
    • The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
    • A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
    • Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
    • The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
    • The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
    • The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
    • Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
    • Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
    • The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda