"In New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz’s ingenious literary whodunit, Horowitz himself becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation--and only one man can prove his innocence: his newly estranged partner in solving crime, Detective Daniel Hawthorne"--Dust jacket flap. Anthony Horowitz tells ex-detective Daniel Hawthorne that after three books, he's ending their collaboration. His new play, a thriller called Mindgame, is about to open in London's West End. The play is panned by critics-- Sunday Times critic Harriet Throsby is particularly savage, especially about the writing. The next day she is stabbed in the heart by an ornamental dagger-- one belonging to Anthony, and with his fingerprints all over it. When a second theatre critic is found to have died under mysterious circumstances, only one man can help him-- but will Hawthorne take the call? -- adapted from jacket

Originally published in the United Kingdom in 2022 by Century Penguin Random House UK. Sequel to: A line to kill.

Separate ways -- Mindgame -- First night -- The first review -- Daggers drawn -- One phone call -- The custody check -- Palgrove Gardens -- Seven suspects -- Dressing Room 5 -- Star quality -- Another knife -- A run of bad luck -- Premonitions -- Clerkenwell at night -- Frost and Longhurst -- Extract from Bad Boys by Harriet Throsby -- Moxham Hall -- Long shadows -- Past crimes -- The Jai Mahal -- Safe house -- Nothing personal -- Back to the vaudeville -- Final act -- The dotted line.