When Guy Fletcher protests at a feeble joke he overhears in his grotty local pub, he finds himself headbutted and struck by an idea in quick succession. Is it possible to trace a joke all the way back to its original source? So begins his quest: to follow this sorry joke back to its creator. It's a meandering trail across the UK that takes him from a humourless Hungarian dentist in Muswell Hill to a hyperactive troupe of Boy Scouts in St Albans, from a group of giggling grave-diggers in Saffron Walden to a pickpocket in Stoke-on-Trent. (Just how does he get Guy's watch?) And there are some pretty odd things happening along the way. Guy is sure he's being followed by a sinister Englishman, Irishman and Scotsman. He has an unfortunate accident on a banana skin. There's a fly in his soup. An army of nuns swamp his train. And then there's the exploding house in Cambridge. Just as Guy thinks he's getting close to uncovering the original source of the joke, the trail stops cold. Or rather, the last link in the chain is crushed by a falling grandfather clock. Guy is on the verge of discovering something very unpleasant. Making jokes is no laughing matter...
Anthony Horowitz
Anthony Horowitz is a British author known for his works in the mystery and thriller genres. He is best known for his series of teenage spy novels featuring Alex Rider, which has been adapted into a successful film and TV series. Horowitz is also the author of the popular Sherlock Holmes novels, "The House of Silk" and "Moriarty." His writing style is characterized by fast-paced action, intricate plots, and well-developed characters. Horowitz has made significant contributions to literature by creating engaging and suspenseful stories that appeal to readers of all ages. His impact on the mystery and thriller genre is undeniable, with his works being praised for their originality and gripping storytelling.
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How do you solve a murder … when everyone has the same motive? (Hawthorne, 5)
