Marble Hall Murders is a brilliant novel-within-a-novel mystery that delivers a double whammy of intrigue—and the astounding feat is that I was fully drawn into both stories. Anthony Horowitz expertly guides the reader through a cast of richly developed characters, weaving in their backstories and personalities while gently reminding us of key plot points so we never feel lost.

The inner mystery is Pünd’s Last Case, which book editor Susan Ryeland is working on. It is delightfully Agatha Christie-esque with Detective Atticus Pünd stepping in as a Poirot-like figure. In the story-within-the-story, a wealthy family is vacationing in a chateau in the south of France. Rest assured, there is a will. And everyone has a plausible motive.

This is the third novel to feature Ryeland, and in this outing, she’s once again pulled into a real-life crime. Ryeland is a compelling character – perceptive, smart and occasionally irritating. She’s driven by a need to understand and uncover the truth, even when it puts her in danger. She insists she has “no choice,” though as one character wryly notes; she seems to bring death and misery wherever she goes.

As a bonus, Horowitz cleverly slips in some thought-provoking commentary on crime fiction and mystery writing through Ryeland’s voice. Both Horowitz and Ryeland know the final chapter must stick the landing—and in both mysteries he delivers.

The third in Horowitz's book-within-a-book mysteries, this continues to follow Susan Ryeland as she leaves Crete and returns to England, Paired with an author writing a new mystery, she soon discovers he is using the mindset of her earlier author (in the Magpie Murders) to pillory people in his own life, while hinting at the resolution to an unknown murder. It's quite enjoyable, if not a little overly long, but as its 2 books in 1, that's understandable!

Loved this one! I've read several books by this author, including the first two in this series, and this one may be my favorite! There's three mysteries here, and I only figured one of them out on my own. I love the book within a book. Now I can't wait for the mini series to come out! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, Horowitz dazzles in this third (and likely last) book in the Atticus Pund series. Using the same "book within a book" technique as in the previous two books, the author manages to weave complex mysteries together in styles that differ from each other. And, as in the previous books, this one contains clever clues and puzzles. Horowitz's talents are prodigious and at this point in his career, his readers expect no less than a fabulous book. But, once again he exceeds those expectations, much as Agatha Christie was able to exceed expectations as she shifted her focus from one principal crime-solver to another (think Poirot and Miss Marple). Fans of Horowitz's work, and particularly of the book's two predecessors, will clamor to read this one. Readers who discover Horowitz's work with this novel, will create demands for the others. Highly recommended.

Editor Susan Ryeland is back in London freelance editing. When the publisher gives her a manuscript she's back with her old fictional friend. Atticus Pund. This last case is written by Eliot, the grandson of a famous children's author who Eliot says was murdered. Like Alan Conway, who wrote the previous Atticus titles, Eliot says the clues are in his book.
Susan soon finds herself once again involved in two murders and threats against her own life.
Like the previous books in the series, this is a fast paced mystery - both the fictional one and the real one. Horowitz's characters are well-drawn and the two timelines meld together easily. Except for the threat on Susan's life, the guilty parties were a surprise. Another Horowitz hit.

This is third book in the "Susan Ryeland" series. I recommend Anthony Horowitz mysteries to library patrons often. They are consistently good cozy mysteries. I love the audiobooks, but there are a lot of characters, so it's helpful to have the book handy while listening.

Harper Books provided an early galley for review.

This is the third novel in Horowitz's Susan Reyland mystery series. I enjoyed the first two immensely, so I was excited to see this one coming.

It was comforting to settle back into Susan's publishing world, with all the meta references and such. I think that was part of what attracted me to this series in the first place. I like how Horowitz, through Susan, is able to discuss the publishing process and what goes into editing a submission.

Also, as with the previous two novels, we are treated to another story-within-the-story approach. Two books for the price of one. As a writer myself, I am in awe of how Horowitz is able to change up his styles so that he ends up writing as a totally different writer. In this case, it is through the style of Eliot who is troubled and using his art as an outlet. I like how Susan is able to point out the bumps in the work which, again, is a tribute to Horowitz who can write those into it. I liken it to watching a gifted singer purposely acting as a poor singer; it is a reversal of a honed craft.

This novel does a fantastic job of bringing together all the elements that came before in the series. All in all, it was a very enjoyable read. Will we ever see Susan and this world again? Never say never.

Another stellar installment in the Susan Ryeland series. Two mysteries in one in the style of the Golden Age of Detectives. Readers will find the mysteries sufficiently challenging to sustain interest with just the right dask of British mystery coziness thrown in. Recommended for mystery lovers and fans of the series.

"Murder links past and present once again in this mind-boggling metafictional mystery from Anthony Horowitz featuring detective Atticus Pünd and editor Susan Ryeland, stars of the New York Times bestsellers Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders.

Editor Susan Ryeland has left her Greek island, her hotel and her Greek boyfriend, Andreas, in search of a new life back in England.

Freelancing for a London publisher, she's given the last job she wants: working on an Atticus Pünd continuation novel called Pünd's Last Case. Worse still, she knows the new writer. Eliot Crace is the troubled grandson of legendary children's author Miriam Crace who died twenty years ago. Eliot is convinced she was murdered - by poison.

To her surprise, Susan enjoys reading the manuscript which is set in the South of France and revolves around the mysterious death of Lady Margaret Chalfont, days before she was about to change her will. But when it is revealed that Lady Margaret was also poisoned, alarm bells begin to ring.

The more Susan reads, the clearer it becomes that Eliot has deliberately concealed clues about his grandmother's death inside the book.

Desperately, Susan tries to prevent Eliot from putting himself in harm's way - but his behaviour is becoming increasingly erratic. Another murder follows...and suddenly Susan finds herself to be the number one suspect.

Once again, the real and the fictional worlds have become dangerously entangled. And if Susan doesn't solve the mystery of Pünd's Last Case, she could well be its next victim."

I was wondering if the third installment would be television only, and then here comes the third book! But poor Andreas...

3.75 stars rounded up

This is the third and likely final book in this series, which makes me a bit sad. I recommend reading the first two books before Marble Hall Murders as there are spoilers for the first two in here.

Editor Susan Reyland has returned to England from Greece and has been offered a freelance job editing the final Atticus Pund book, being written by Elliot Carce, whom Susan has worked with before. Susan had a bad feeling about this assignment, but she needed an income and this could lead to more editing work from this publishing house. Of course, this is a murder mystery, so someone dies and the death needs to solved.

I feel like this is the weakest entry in the series, but it is by no means bad. I still enjoyed it greatly and recommend it to those who like a good murder mystery or a peak into the publishing industry. Stand outs for me were the book within a book and the character of Susan herself. There were a few things that didn't make sense continuity wise, but they were minor items. I found this book to more predictable that the first two. I also figured out a major plot point way early in the book, which dampened my enjoyment a bit. Overall, I very much enjoy Anthony Horowitz's writing and I look forward to his future works.

Thank you to NetGally and Harper for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I anxiously awaited this title and was not disappointed! This book was satisfying with the story within a story like the previous books (Pund has a new mystery which connects to real life). I wish the Pund part of the story was a little longer, but there were a lot of clues and I was surprised at the big reveal. It looks like this will be the last in the Susan Ryeland series, which is too bad, but does do a good job of concluding Susan’s journey.

Susan Ryland is back from Greece and working on a continuation Atticus Pund mystery. The new author, Elliot Crace, is every bit as mercurial and difficult as Alan had been. Susan is drawn into Elliot's life and family drama (his grandmother was a famous children's author). Susan's delving leads her back to her former employer. What will happen? What trouble is Susan going to get onto this time?

Marble Hall Murders
Anthony Horowitz


A cozy, comforting, compelling murder mystery, for the reader, he pushes all the right buttons. The subjects and settings seem familiar , but somehow different. The plots become increasing complex and the characters more elaborate.There are the predictable twists that end in unexpected ways.
Be sure to read Magpie Murders which lays the foundation for this three book series. Another Horowitz success.

Susan Ryeland has returned to England and she's back working as a freelance editor of the final Atticus Pund book.
I, for one, was very happy to welcome back Susan. I seem to feel we have a personal relationship1. Her new author is Eliot Crace. Murder, Mayhem and interesting family dynamics make this a fabulous addition to Ryelands adventures.

SPOILER ALERT!!!

No matter how many friends tell you how good Anthony Horowitz's "Marble Hall Murders" is, do not crack it unless you have read "Magpie Murders" and "Moonflower Murders."

Of course Marble Hall is another brilliant story from Horowitz that can stand on its own, but it is so much better if you know the history of book editor Susan Ryeland. You are robbing yourself of two suspenseful reads if you just plow into book three.

Susan is back in England and editing a book by another very difficult author, comparable to the very difficult author in "Magpie Murders." For a third time, Horowitz provides a story within a story so the reader learns not only what's up with Susan but also watches 1950s private detective Atticus Pund (think Hercule Poirot but not so prissy) solve a very challenging puzzle.

Horowitz is the best. His television credits include "Midsomer Murders" and "Foyle's War." Magpie and Moonflower have both been produced by PBS for Sunday night viewing; Marble Hall is surely in the works already.

Love this series and this one is no exception. Part of it I figured out, but wasn't sure that Susan had and she was making me nervous. The other part I did not see coming! Of course Atticus Pünd plays a pivotal role and Alan Conway plays his part as well. Satisfying read in what I hope is not the last in this series.

Super engaging mystery that had me on the edge of my seat! I will certainly look for future publications from this author!

Susan Reyland is back and getting into more trouble in this latest installment. Returning to England, Susan is asked to edit a new Atticus Pund, written by Elliott Crace, a troubled young man, whose grandmother was a literary giant.

Normally, I inhale Horowitz’s books, and this one was no different. I always feel like I want to know what happens, and then feel down that I’ve finished it so quickly and there isn’t more to read. This story had a few lines of interest, and for the first time I immediately knew 1/3 of the culprits. I’m hoping this was intentional and that most other readers would have guessed it, and if not, I hope it doesn’t mean that there will be less challenges to come in future books. I never know who it was, but this one was like a light from a lighthouse to me. Even so, I always love reading a Horowitz book. I can’t wait for more, and each time they are over too quickly. Even if you can guess, it’s still worth it to read through to see if you were right. And it’s a good surprise and ending even as this book comes to a close. I anxiously await Mr. Horowitz’s next book, as he is one of the authors I look out for, and highly suggest this book if you’ve enjoyed any of his others. Thank you so much to Netgalley for an early reading copy.

I was absolutely delighted to see a new installment in the Susan Ryeland series! I enjoy the characters more and more in each fresh new installment, and Anthony Horowitz's writing is superb, as always.
In this book, Susan has left Greece to permanently move back to England. She is editing a new Atticus Pund book by Eliot Crace, a young author charged with continuing the Pund series. His grandmother was a famous and well-regarded children's book author, and Crace believes that she was actually murdered. He has hidden clues of the real-life crime inside his new Atticus Pund book. Soon, Susan finds herself involved in the investigation. The mystery well plotted and I really enjoyed the final outcome.

I LOVE many things about this series, but one element is definitely how this series features a book within a book! It is creative and clever how the two stories are intertwined. I will recommend Anthony Horowitz books to anyone but, I really enjoy suggesting this series in particular to mystery readers who stick to mostly classics, like Agatha Christie. Inevitably, they love it every time.

I hope there is more Susan Ryeland to come!