Where to start
Magpie Murders
2 versions · originally a book, 2017
Themes: Book within a book, Editor-detective, Author-editor relationship, Golden Age mystery influence, Literary Allusions.
Magpie Murders is a meta-fictional mystery that cleverly intertwines a modern-day editorial puzzle with a classic, vintage-style whodunit.
✦ Most fans start here
Magpie Murders (2017)
The original novel
✦ Start hereMagpie Murders
Anthony Horowitz · Book · 2017
The 2017 book offers a dense, layered reading experience that allows readers to meticulously examine the nested manuscript alongside Susan Ryeland, making it perfect for dedicated fans of literary puzzles.
2022 series
Magpie Murders
Anthony Horowitz · Series · 2022
The 2022 TV adaptation brings the dual-narrative structure to life through sharp visual storytelling, providing a polished, character-driven experience ideal for those who prefer watching the mystery unfold on screen.
Common questions
Should I read the Magpie Murders book before watching the television series?
You can choose either order as the 2022 television series is a direct adaptation of the 2017 book. Reading the book first provides the original context for the narrative, while watching the series offers a visual interpretation of the story written by Anthony Horowitz.
Is the Magpie Murders television show based on the 2017 book?
Yes, the 2022 television series is an adaptation of the 2017 novel Magpie Murders. The production remains faithful to the core structure of the original book, which features a story within a story and focuses on the mystery surrounding the manuscript.
How long has Magpie Murders been available as a book?
The book Magpie Murders was originally published in 2017. It established the foundation for the franchise before the television adaptation was released five years later in 2022.
What is the relationship between the Magpie Murders book and the 2022 TV series?
The 2022 television series serves as the screen adaptation of the 2017 book Magpie Murders. The series recreates the narrative structure found in the source material, ensuring that the television version reflects the plot and themes established in the original novel.