Anthony Horowitz is one of the most profilic mystery writers of our time. Horowitz has written dozens of novels, graphic novels, and many episodes of incredible TV including Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Midsomer Murders, and Foyle’s War, the latter two which he created. He’s even the estate approved writer of both James Bond novels and Sherlock novels. Yet somehow in his busy schedule, Horowitz still found time to write the delightful novel Magpie Murders, which cleverly presents a twist on the format of the mystery novel. Not to let that achievement stand alone Horowitz then appropriately adapted his own story to the small screen, released by PBS Masterpiece Mystery. Though its often true that when an author is too protective of their work it may set it up for failur; however, Horowitz and his team deliver a wonderful adaptation that speaks to the strength of the story, Horowitz’s skills, and the power of TV as a storytelling medium.
Tim McMullan as Atticus Pünd in ‘Magpie Murders’ (Source: PBS Masterpiece Mystery)
In Horowitz’s book, Magpie Murders begins with Atticus Pünd, a Poirot-like detective who turns down the plea of a young couple hoping to wed when the son’s mother dies in mysterious circumstances. Pünd later however sees in the news that the head of the manor himself, Sir Magnus Pye, has also now perished, Pünd travels to the quaint British village to try to solve the mystery at hand. (Spoilers for the book format.) At this point in the book, it is now revealed that Pünd is the creation of crumudgeoingly author Alan Conway, who received some distressing news as he has what appears to be terminal cancer. Conway then delivers his latest (and what he knows to be his last) novel featuring Pünd, Magpie Murders, to his publisher Cloverleaf Books. Before his longtime author gets a chance to read the manuscript however, Conway appears to fall from his terrace to his death. Now Conway seeks to quickly read the latest book, only to discover the final chapter is missing. Now Ryeland must discover the mystery of the final chapter, and perhaps along the way find a greater mystery at foot surrounding the life and final days of Conway.
Horowitz developed the book so that the reveal of Ryeland as the true narrator is a twist of its own right. However, as Horowitz himself discussed in one of the clips following each episode of the TV series, he felt that he couldn’t simply bury Ryeland as the narrator and not lose the audience. Therefore in this moment, and many to come, Horowitz had to make rather ingenious choices to interweave the plot afresh to both captivate the audience and to tell the story anew. Even though I recalled much of the book myself, including the solutions to the mystery, this breathed new life into the story and made the show a refreshing, yet familiar watch, and if you’ve never read the book it’ll feel just as fresh as the novel did.
Conleth Hill as Alan Conway in ‘Magpie Murders’ (Source: PBS Masterpiece Mystery)
Of course the structure and writing aren’t the only strengths of the book, as the casting and performances really sell the series as well. Lesley Manville, best known recently for her work on The Crown, delivers a strong performance as Ryeland. She’s very much the heart of the investigation, and it’s a delight to spend time alongside her. Tim McMullan is the heart of the fictionial world as Pünd (though their roles intersect). McMullan perfectly gives Pünd the gravitas one would imagine a character at the end of his fictional life to have, while letting his charm shine through in a way you could see why a reader would want to devour a whole series of Pünd novels. Joining Manville and McMullan are a bevy of wonderful actors and actresses who creatively play double roles, an illusion to Conway’s use of real people as inspiration for his characters. Matthew Beard is perhaps my favorite of those double cast, as I enjoy both his portrayal as Conway’s lover and Pünd’s assistant. However, there are so many strong performances it’s hard to have the time to list them all.
What’s so delightful ultimately about Magpie Murders is that now we have two equally delightful versions of the same story, which offer an entertaining and engaging experience to all audiences. Whether you watch only the series, read only the novel, or do both, you’ll come away delighted and with not just one but two great mysteries to engage with.
Lesley Manville as Susan Ryeland and Tim McMullan as Atticus Pünd in ‘Magpie Murders’ (Source: PBS Masterpiece Mystery)
