The Word is Murder

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of antigay bias, death, and death by suicide.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What did you think of Horowitz’s decision to insert himself as a character alongside fictional detective Hawthorne? Have you encountered this metafictional approach in other works, like Paul Auster’s The New York Trilogy? How does it enhance or complicate the traditional mystery format?

2. The investigation moves from suspect to suspect as Anthony and Hawthorne pursue various leads. Did you find yourself more engaged by the murder mystery itself or by the evolving relationship between the two mismatched investigators?

3. In the novel, traditional detective fiction meets modern self-awareness as Horowitz balances genre conventions with contemporary sensibilities. How successfully do you think he managed to honor classic mystery elements while offering fresh perspectives on the form?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Anthony faces a moral dilemma when he discovers Hawthorne’s anti-gay bias, ultimately choosing to continue their partnership while challenging those views. How do you navigate situations where you must work closely with someone whose beliefs conflict with your core values?

2. Hawthorne insists that only facts matter in criminal investigation, while Anthony believes understanding emotions and motivations is equally crucial. Which investigative philosophy aligns more closely with how you approach problems or conflicts in your own life?

3. The case reveals multiple layers of deception, from Alan Godwin’s hidden affair to Cornwallis’s concealed identity. Have you ever discovered that someone you trusted was hiding significant aspects of their life? What impact did that revelation have on your relationship?

4. Diana Cowper arranged her funeral on the same day she was murdered, having lost hope after her cat disappeared and feeling increasingly isolated. What role do you think small daily connections and routines play in maintaining emotional stability during difficult periods?

5. Anthony finds himself lying to his wife about seemingly trivial details like where he acquired Damian’s shoes. In what ways do you think involvement in intense or high-stakes situations can alter our behavior in everyday relationships?

6. Grace admits she loved “the actor, more than the man” (224) when reflecting on her relationship with Damian. Have you ever found yourself drawn more to someone’s public talents or achievements than to their private character?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Cornwallis’s violent response to losing the role of Hamlet reflects extreme career disappointment in the competitive theater world. What does his reaction suggest about societal pressures surrounding success and failure in creative industries, and how realistic do you find his motivations?

2. The novel depicts Hawthorne’s casual homophobia as both a character flaw and a source of tension with Anthony. How effectively does Horowitz handle the challenge of portraying realistic prejudice without endorsing it, and what does this suggest about confronting bias in professional settings?

3. The Godwin family’s destruction following the car accident demonstrates how single traumatic events can devastate multiple generations. What perspectives does the novel offer on questions of accountability, forgiveness, and the long-term consequences of tragedy within families and communities?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Shakespeare’s Hamlet appears throughout the story in quotations, character names, and thematic parallels. What connections do you see between the play’s exploration of revenge, performance, and hidden truth, and the motivations driving the murders in this novel?

2. Diana’s plan to die by suicide adds complexity to her murder, making it both a crime of opportunity and a theft of personal agency. How does this revelation reshape your understanding of her character and the crimes committed against her family?

3. Hawthorne demonstrates brilliant deductive skills while remaining emotionally inaccessible to both Anthony and readers. What narrative techniques does Horowitz employ to keep Hawthorne mysterious yet compelling as a central character?

4. Anthony frequently references other detective fiction, comparing himself to Watson, Hastings, and other literary sidekicks. How does this genre awareness shape your expectations and reading experience throughout the investigation?

5. The story’s movement from London to Canterbury to Deal mirrors the investigation’s progression from surface clues to deeper truths. In what ways do these geographical shifts reflect the emotional and intellectual journeys of both investigators?

6. Cornwallis maintains his pleasant funeral director persona while harboring years of murderous resentment. What clues does Horowitz plant about his true nature, and how does he balance foreshadowing with genuine surprise in the revelation?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were designing a stage adaptation of this novel, how would you handle the metafictional elements and the multiple timeline shifts? What creative choices would you make to translate Anthony’s internal narration to live performance?

2. Anthony considers several potential titles before settling on The Word Is Murder. What alternative title would you choose for this story, and which themes or plot elements would your choice emphasize over others?

3. Imagine you could interview Robert Cornwallis five years before the murders began. Based on his final confession, what questions would you ask to understand his transformation from aspiring actor to vengeful killer? What intervention might have changed his path?

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