2 minute read
World Book Day
Book Reviews
‘The Magpie Murders’ Anthony Horowitz
‘Split Second’ Sophie McKenzie
‘Call Me by Your Name’ André Aciman
Better known for his children’s books, Anthony Horowitz has recently branched into adult crime fiction. Deservedly a Sunday Times Bestseller, ‘The Magpie Murders’ is a gripping crime novel and a twist on the classic whodunnit. Fans of Agatha Christie will appreciate Horowitz’s perfect combination of intricate mystery, well-developed characters and unpredictable resolution. The book switches between two narratives: a female editor reading ‘The Magpie Murders’ for the first time whilst solving the enigma of its author, and the intriguing tale of the magpie murders themselves. Horowitz cleverly utilizes these narratives and as the book progresses, the reader realises that both crimes are subtly connected. The editor is an unlikely heroine and a believably flawed character, which I found particularly refreshing. The plot of the “book within the book” was somewhat unbelievable at times, although this did not detract from my overall enjoyment. I would highly recommend this novel - it ticks all the boxes: dark, witty and ingenious. This is a book with non-stop action from the very first page. The story is narrated from the perspectives of Charlie and Nat, both of whom witnessed the bomb explosion that destroyed a street-market.
‘Split Second’ is incredibly logical and interesting. For example, in the organisation that the book follows, nothing can be sent across the internet, so usernames and passwords are distributed to all to prevent getting tracked. Any book that opens with main characters speedily running through a congested, crowded market, trying to stop a deadly attack is surely bound to capture my attention and I was hooked on the story.
‘Spilt Second’ is the first book of a series, the second being ‘Every Second Counts’. I highly recommend reading this novel! If you love a good action-packed novel that will leave you hanging on to the edge of your seat, then go to the library and get it! It only takes a ‘split second!’
Rhea Johri, Year 8
This is the story of an unexpected and intimate romance between a seventeenyear-old boy named Elio and a summer guest, Oliver, at his parent’s home on the Italian Riviera. I had initially watched the recent movie adaptation and after being brought to tears, I knew I had to read the original novel. The ridiculous number of emotions one experiences whilst reading this book is honestly incredible: it’s romantic, devastating, somehow familiar and completely unforgettable. I’ve genuinely never read a novel that’s made my heart ache so much whilst reading it. It is still having an impact on me now, even months after completing it. There is no doubt that you will want to read this superb novel over and over again. It is a romance that’s not completely stereotypical, ensuring that you will never read anything like it again. The gorgeous setting will make you feel like you’re enjoying the sunny rays of a holiday Italy. It is practically essential that you read ‘Call Me by Your Name’.
