Read Anthony Horowitz Hawthorne Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 30, 2026

Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

The world of Anthony Horowitz is an intricate blend of sharp wit, layered narratives, and psychological tension. As a prolific writer, Horowitz has made a name for himself in both the realm of children’s literature with his Alex Rider series and as a master of adult thrillers, crafting compelling and intelligent mysteries. His Hawthorne series, a contemporary set of detective novels, stands out for its originality, style, and its self-aware approach to the genre. Focusing on a former police detective, Daniel Hawthorne, and his unlikely collaboration with an author named Anthony Horowitz (yes, the author himself), these books deliver a meta-narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. In this deep dive, we will explore the Hawthorne books in their full depth: examining the origins of the series, their distinctive qualities, the recommended reading order, and what makes them so captivating.

List Of Anthony Horowitz Hawthorne Books In Order

More On Anthony Horowitz Hawthorne Books In Chronological Order

1. The Word is Murder (2017)

So this is where it all starts! ’The Word is Murder’ introduces us to the brilliant but slightly unorthodox detective, Daniel Hawthorne. He’s got this quirky edge to him, not quite fitting in with your usual sleuth, and a lot of people don’t quite understand him. The plot kicks off with a woman’s strange death after attending her own funeral, and Hawthorne enlists a writer (that’s Horowitz himself, by the way) to help chronicle the investigation. This mix of real-life reflection, mystery, and dark wit grabs you right from the start. Plus, the dynamic between Hawthorne and the writer is such a fun twist!

2. The Sentence is Death (2019)

In this second book, things get even more thrilling! ’The Sentence is Death’ sees our detective duo, Hawthorne and Horowitz, diving into the murder of a celebrity divorce lawyer. But here’s the twist: the murder weapon? A bottle of expensive wine, and the victim is hit over the head with it. Sounds bizarre, right? But Hawthorne’s cool, calculated approach, combined with the twists and turns of the investigation, makes for a wild ride. You’ll definitely be kept guessing until the very end, and the relationship between the two characters-Hawthorne and the writer-keeps evolving in interesting ways.

3. A Line to Kill (2021)

By the time we get to ’A Line to Kill’, the stakes are higher, and the writing is sharper. Hawthorne and Horowitz head to the island of Alderney to investigate the murder of a rich businessman during a literary festival. The island setting adds an atmospheric edge to the story. The beauty of the Hawthorne series is how it always keeps you on edge, with every new book offering a fresh puzzle. The dynamic between Horowitz, who’s clearly caught up in this strange but fascinating world, and Hawthorne, whose own mysterious past starts to surface, just makes everything more exciting.

4. The Twist of a Knife (2022)

In ’The Twist of a Knife’, we get another deliciously intricate mystery that pulls you deeper into Hawthorne’s world. Here, Hawthorne is arrested for the murder of a theater critic (which is a bit of a shocker, right?). What makes this one especially intriguing is the idea that Horowitz himself might be in the line of fire. The layers of twists and false leads pile up, and by the end, you’ll be questioning everything. It’s a rollercoaster that mixes dark humor, intrigue, and some incredibly smart detective work. Plus, the back-and-forth banter between Hawthorne and Horowitz adds an extra layer of depth and fun.

Background On Anthony Horowitz Hawthorne Books

Before delving into the books themselves, it’s important to understand the premise of the Hawthorne series. The novels feature a fictionalized version of Anthony Horowitz, the author, who becomes involved with a private detective named Daniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne, a brooding, enigmatic ex-detective, has a knack for solving complex, often bizarre cases. He recruits Horowitz to write about his investigations, positioning the author not as an observer but as an active participant in the narrative. The interplay between the fictionalized Horowitz and Hawthorne creates a meta-storyline that is both witty and self-aware, blending real-world literary context with fictional mystery.

The series debuted with The Word is Murder in 2017, followed by The Sentence is Death in 2019, and later A Line to Kill in 2021. These books have earned praise for their sharp, witty writing, intriguing mysteries, and the clever use of Horowitz’s own literary persona. The books exist within a universe that feels part noir, part whodunit, but with a unique, modern twist. Through these novels, Horowitz effectively establishes himself not only as an author within the story but also as a central, sometimes skeptical, narrator of the detective’s journey.

The appeal of Hawthorne lies in the relationship between the two main characters-Hawthorne and the authorial stand-in, Horowitz. While Hawthorne remains a mostly stoic figure, a brilliant yet unapproachable detective, Horowitz’s narrative voice provides humor and insight, often commenting on his own involvement in the cases. The dual perspectives not only make the mysteries engaging but also add layers to the reader’s experience of the genre.

Reading Order Explained

The Hawthorne series follows a clear chronological order, and though each book is self-contained with its own case to solve, there is an overarching narrative about the evolving relationship between Daniel Hawthorne and Anthony Horowitz himself. To fully appreciate the development of both characters and the nuances of the storytelling, reading the books in the correct order is crucial.

1. The Word Is Murder (2017)

   This is the first book in the Hawthorne series, where readers are introduced to the enigmatic former detective, Daniel Hawthorne, and the rather bemused fictionalized version of Anthony Horowitz. The story begins with a seemingly simple case: a woman who arranges her own funeral, only to be murdered hours later. As Horowitz becomes embroiled in the investigation, it sets the tone for the odd, sometimes humorous relationship that will develop between him and Hawthorne throughout the series.

2. The Sentence Is Death (2019)

   In the second installment, the duo investigates the murder of a wealthy man, whose last words are tied to a bottle of wine worth millions. In this book, we see further development of the tension between Horowitz’s fictionalized character and Hawthorne. The stakes are raised, and the complexity of their professional relationship becomes more pronounced, with Horowitz often feeling like the sidekick to Hawthorne’s lead detective.

3. A Line To Kill (2021)

   The third novel deepens the meta-layer of the series, with Horowitz continuing to serve as an assistant to Hawthorne, all while dealing with his own personal and professional dilemmas. This time, the investigation revolves around a murder that takes place at a literary festival, making it all the more meta for the author himself. The tension between the characters, their personalities, and the investigation itself becomes even more intricate.

4. The Twist Of A Knife (2022)

   The latest entry in the series as of now brings Horowitz even closer to the world of Hawthorne. In this book, Horowitz finds himself at the center of a murder investigation after his own play, a theatrical production, is implicated in the killing of a theater critic. The narrative becomes a thrilling meta-commentary on Horowitz’s own life as a writer, with twists and turns that not only keep the readers guessing but also reflect on the process of creation and storytelling itself.

The recommended reading order is straightforward: start with The Word Is Murder, followed by The Sentence Is Death, A Line to Kill, and finally The Twist of a Knife. Each book builds upon the last, and while they can be enjoyed as standalone mysteries, the layered relationship between Horowitz and Hawthorne is most rewarding when experienced in sequence.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the most striking features of the Hawthorne series is its sharp, self-aware humor. Horowitz’s ability to weave his own literary persona into the narrative creates a unique reading experience. His frequent commentary on the process of writing, his relationship with Hawthorne, and even his own doubts about his abilities as a writer give the books an engaging quality that goes beyond the typical detective story. There is a delightful meta-quality to seeing Horowitz grapple with his own fame and his role in the investigation.

Additionally, Daniel Hawthorne, as a character, is fascinating in his complexity. He’s a brilliant detective with a morally gray edge, and his aloof nature creates a compelling foil to Horowitz’s more human, sometimes flawed, character. Their dynamic feels real and evolves in an interesting way across the books. Readers will find themselves not just invested in the mysteries at hand, but also in the development of their relationship, which mirrors the classic detective partnership dynamic but with a fresh, modern twist.

The mysteries themselves are intricately plotted. Horowitz’s experience in writing thrillers is evident, as each case is multifaceted and filled with red herrings. The twisty narratives keep the reader guessing, while also respecting the intelligence of the audience. The books feel like a love letter to the detective genre, yet they stand apart by offering something more than just a whodunit.

Lastly, the setting and tone of the novels are incredibly atmospheric. The books carry an almost filmic quality, with the dark, brooding feel of classic noir detective stories, combined with the dry humor of contemporary fiction. The British setting lends a certain charm and authenticity to the series, grounding the narrative in a familiar, yet slightly removed, reality.

Should You Read Anthony Horowitz Hawthorne Books In Order?

Yes, absolutely. While each book in the Hawthorne series can be enjoyed individually, reading them in order allows the reader to fully appreciate the evolving dynamics between the two central characters, Anthony Horowitz and Daniel Hawthorne. Each book peels back another layer of their relationship, their motivations, and their personal histories. Starting with The Word Is Murder sets up the world and introduces the main players, establishing the tone and style of the series. By the time you reach The Twist of a Knife, the intricate relationship between Horowitz and Hawthorne feels more layered, the stakes higher, and the narrative much more rewarding.

Skipping around or reading out of order would not only confuse the development of these relationships but would also detract from the broader narrative arc that unfolds across the books. For anyone invested in the progression of these characters, reading in order is essential to experiencing the full depth of the series.