Anthony Horowitz, the acclaimed author and screenwriter behind iconic series such as Midsomer Murders, Alex Rider, and Foyle's War, has revealed an exciting new project. During an appearance on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday, he shared that he is developing a television adaptation of his Hawthorne detective novels.
A New Detective Series in the Works
Horowitz, who adapted the Midsomer Murders books for television in 1997, has now set his sights on his Hawthorne series. The books follow a disgraced detective named Hawthorne who hires a writer to chronicle his investigations, splitting the proceeds equally. In a meta twist, the writer is Horowitz himself, acting as a modern-day Dr. Watson to Hawthorne's Sherlock Holmes.
Speaking to hosts Jon Kay and Sarah Campbell, Horowitz explained the plot of the latest novel: "The story is about a detective called Hawthorne who has been fired from the police and hires a writer to write books about his investigations with the idea that they'll split the money 50-50. Things take a meta turn because the writer who he employs is me, I'm inside the books as a sort of Dr Watson to his Sherlock Holmes. In the new book, we are filming, and this is also complicated, the first book in the series, which is called The Word is Murder. The whole thing takes place on the set of this film, which is going horribly wrong. Things get even worse when someone on the set is murdered, and Hawthorne has to investigate, and that's what the book is about."
TV Adaptation Confirmed
When Jon Kay expressed anticipation for a television adaptation, Horowitz confirmed: "Just to further complicate things, I am actually working on the TV series of Hawthorne! We haven't sold it yet, but we have been commissioned to write the screenplay. I work with my wife, Jill Green, who produces all of my work."
Marble Hall Murders Finale
Horowitz also discussed the upcoming final instalment of his BBC series Marble Hall Murders, set to air this September. He teased: "I think, dare I say it, it's the best of the three. I suppose I would say that but it's the end of the three. It is a trilogy, and this, I think, is going to be the last outing for it, but we really do roll out a great show this time."
Cameo Appearances
The writer revealed that he makes cameo appearances in all of his adaptations, including Foyle's War. He said: "It's the most fun I could have, I spend so much of my time on my own in a room, to get out and meet actors, see the cameras and all the rest of it, it's a joy."
BBC Breakfast continues weekdays on BBC One from 6am.
