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Anthony-horowitz Quote by Anthony Horowitz

“In a whodunnit, when a detective hears that Sir Somebody Smith has been stabbed thirty-six times on a train or decapitated, they accept it as a quite natural occurrence. They pack their bags and head off to ask questions, collect clues, ultimately to make an arrest. But I wasn't a detective. I was…” quote by Anthony Horowitz
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““In a whodunnit, when a detective hears that Sir Somebody Smith has been stabbed thirty-six times on a train or decapitated, they accept it as a quite natural occurrence. They pack their bags and head off to ask questions, collect clues, ultimately to make an arrest. But I wasn't a detective. I was an editor—and, until a week ago, not a single one of my acquaintances had managed to die in an unusual and violent manner. Apart from my own parents and Alan, I hardly knew anyone who had died at all. It's strange when you think about it. There are hundreds and hundreds of murders in books and television. It would be hard for narrative fiction to survive without them. And yet there are almost none in real life, unless you happen to live in the wrong area. Why is it that we have such a need for murder mystery and what is it that attracts us—the crime or the solution? Do we have some primal need of bloodshed because our own lives are so safe, so comfortable? I made a mental note to check out Alan's sales figures in San Pedro Sula in Honduras (the murder capital of the world). It might be that they didn't read him at all.””

Anthony Horowitz

About This Quote

Source Interview: Podcast “The Writer’s Journey”, 2023

The speaker reflects on why people are drawn to murder mysteries despite their rarity in real life, suggesting a craving for excitement and problem‑solving.

In simple terms: People love murder stories because they offer thrills and puzzles.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the appeal of suspense and seek balanced excitement.

Themes

curiosity crime storytelling psychology entertainment

Mood

intrigued thoughtful analytical

Type

observational philosophical entertainment

When to use this quote

  • reading mystery novels
  • watching crime dramas
  • writing thriller plots
  • discussing true crime
  • analyzing societal safety

Key Concepts

primal desire media consumption risk perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the allure of mystery reveal about our need for challenge?
  • How might safe environments shape our entertainment choices?
A Different Perspective

The fascination may stem from cultural conditioning rather than innate bloodlust.

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