Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz eBooks Summary

Table of Contents

Close to Death” by Anthony Horowitz is the fifth book in the Hawthorne and Horowitz mystery series. This novel features Detective Hawthorne investigating a murder in the seemingly idyllic gated community of Riverside Close. The story alternates between two timelines: the present, narrated by Horowitz himself, and five years earlier, focusing on the residents of Riverside Close.

Main Characters

Here are the main characters in “Close to Death” by Anthony Horowitz:

Detective Daniel Hawthorne: The brilliant and enigmatic private detective who is called upon to solve the murder in Riverside Close.
Anthony Horowitz: The fictionalized version of the author, who narrates the story and assists Hawthorne in the investigation.
Giles Kentworthy: The victim, whose disruptive behavior made him unpopular among the residents of Riverside Close.
Tom Beresford: A general practitioner living in Riverside Close.
Gemma Beresford: Tom’s wife, a jewelry designer.
May Winslow and Phyllis Moore: Widowed ex-nuns who own a bookstore in town.
Andrew Pennington: A retired barrister.

Central Conflict

The central conflict in “Close to Death” revolves around the murder of Giles Kentworthy in the gated community of Riverside Close. The conflict is driven by the tension between the residents and the Kentworthy family, who are seen as disruptive newcomers. Giles’ murder with a crossbow bolt at his front door sets off a complex investigation led by Detective Hawthorne.

The investigation uncovers various secrets and motives among the residents, each of whom had reasons to want Giles dead. The conflict is not just about solving the murder but also about uncovering the hidden dynamics and relationships within the seemingly peaceful community.

Key Events

Here are some key events in “Close to Death” by Anthony Horowitz:

Arrival of the Kentworthy Family: The Kentworthy family moves into Riverside Close, quickly becoming unpopular due to their disruptive behavior.
Neighborhood Meeting: The residents plan a meeting to address their concerns with the Kentworthys, but Giles and his wife Lynda do not attend, further angering the community.
Murder of Giles Kentworthy: Six weeks later, Giles is found murdered with a crossbow bolt at his front door, setting off the central mystery.
Investigation by Detective Hawthorne: Detective Hawthorne is called in to solve the murder, uncovering various secrets and motives among the residents.

Themes

“Close to Death” by Anthony Horowitz explores several key themes:

Community and Isolation: The novel delves into the dynamics of a gated community, highlighting how close-knit environments can both foster a sense of belonging and breed isolation and conflict.
Secrets and Deception: Many characters harbor secrets, and the story reveals how these hidden truths can lead to mistrust and ultimately, violence.
Justice and Morality: The investigation into Giles Kentworthy’s murder raises questions about justice and the moral complexities of the residents’ actions.
Would you like to explore any of these themes in more detail?

Narrative Style

“Close to Death” by Anthony Horowitz employs a unique narrative style that blends first-person and third-person perspectives. Here are some key aspects of the narrative style:

First-Person Narration: The story is partly narrated by a fictionalized version of Anthony Horowitz himself, providing a personal and engaging viewpoint. This allows readers to see the investigation through the eyes of someone who is both an insider and an outsider.
Third-Person Perspective: The narrative also shifts to a third-person perspective, especially when detailing events and interactions among the residents of Riverside Close. This provides a broader view of the community and its dynamics.
Dual Timelines: The novel alternates between two timelines—the present investigation and events from five years earlier. This structure helps build suspense and gradually reveals the backstory and motives of the characters.
Detailed Descriptions: Horowitz uses detailed descriptions to create a vivid picture of the setting and characters, enhancing the immersive experience for readers.

Author Point Of View

In “Close to Death”, Anthony Horowitz employs a unique narrative approach that blends his own perspective with that of the fictional detective, Daniel Hawthorne. Here are some key points about the author’s point of view:

Metafictional Element: Horowitz writes himself into the story as a character, providing a first-person account of the investigation. This metafictional technique blurs the lines between reality and fiction, making the narrative more engaging and immersive12.
Dual Perspectives: The novel alternates between Horowitz’s first-person narration and a third-person perspective that focuses on the residents of Riverside Close. This allows readers to gain insights into both the investigation and the community dynamics12.
Reflective and Observational: Horowitz’s narration often includes his reflections on the events and characters, adding depth to the storytelling. His observations provide a unique lens through which the mystery unfolds12.

Psychological Impact

“Close to Death” by Anthony Horowitz delves into several psychological impacts on its characters and readers:

Paranoia and Suspicion: The murder in a close-knit community breeds paranoia among the residents. Each character becomes suspicious of their neighbors, leading to heightened tension and mistrust.
Guilt and Regret: Characters grapple with feelings of guilt and regret over past actions and secrets. These emotions are explored deeply, affecting their behavior and interactions.
Fear and Anxiety: The presence of a murderer within the community instills fear and anxiety. The residents’ sense of safety is shattered, impacting their mental well-being.
Isolation: Despite living in a gated community, many characters experience isolation due to their secrets and personal struggles. This theme highlights the emotional distance that can exist even in close physical proximity.
Moral Ambiguity: The investigation forces characters to confront their moral choices, leading to internal conflicts and questioning of their own values and ethics.

Personal Reflection

Reflecting on “Close to Death” by Anthony Horowitz, I find that the novel offers a rich tapestry of themes and character dynamics that can resonate on a personal level. Here are a few reflections:

Community and Belonging: The story highlights how living in a close-knit community can be both comforting and challenging. It makes me think about the importance of fostering positive relationships with neighbors and the impact of community dynamics on our well-being.
Secrets and Transparency: The novel’s exploration of hidden secrets and their consequences reminds me of the value of honesty and transparency in our interactions. It prompts reflection on how keeping secrets can strain relationships and lead to misunderstandings.
Moral Ambiguity: The characters’ moral dilemmas and the investigation’s ethical questions encourage me to consider my own values and the complexities of making the “right” decisions in difficult situations.
Fear and Trust: The fear and suspicion that permeate Riverside Close after the murder highlight the fragility of trust. It makes me appreciate the importance of building and maintaining trust in our personal and professional lives.
Resilience and Coping: The characters’ varied responses to stress and trauma offer insights into resilience and coping mechanisms. It serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and seeking support when needed.