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Anthony Horowitz – Biography, Books, TV Shows and Career

Jack Arthur Bennett • 2026-06-20 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer






Anthony Horowitz: Biography, Books, TV Shows & Net Worth (2025 Update)

Anthony Horowitz is one of the most versatile British writers working today, equally at home writing teenage spy adventures, official James Bond and Sherlock Holmes novels, and award-winning television dramas. With more than 50 books to his name and a career spanning four decades, his influence stretches from children’s literature to adult crime fiction and prime-time TV.

Born in North London in 1955, Horowitz began publishing in the late 1970s with adventure game books before finding global fame with the Alex Rider series. He has since become the only author commissioned by both the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate and Ian Fleming Publications to write official continuation novels for Sherlock Holmes and James Bond. His work on television includes creating Foyle’s War and Midsomer Murders.

Who Is Anthony Horowitz? Biography, Net Worth, and Personal Life

Anthony Horowitz: Bestselling Author & Screenwriter

  • Born: 5 April 1955, North London, England
  • Occupation: Novelist, screenwriter
  • Notable Series: Alex Rider, Power of Five (The Gatekeepers), Hawthorne & Horowitz
  • Screenwriting Credits: Foyle’s War, Midsomer Murders, Stormbreaker (film), Alex Rider (TV)

Key insights about Anthony Horowitz:

  • He has written over 50 books spanning children’s, YA, and adult crime fiction.
  • The Alex Rider series alone has sold 21 million copies worldwide and was adapted into a film (2006) and a TV series (2020–2024).
  • He is one of the few authors officially commissioned to write Sherlock Holmes novels (The House of Silk, 2011) and James Bond novels (Trigger Mortis, 2015; With a Mind to Kill, 2022).
  • His net worth is not publicly confirmed — most figures online are estimates and should be treated with caution.
  • His personal life, including religious beliefs and detailed family background, is kept relatively private.
  • He was appointed CBE in 2022 and OBE in 2014 for services to literature.
Category Detail
Full Name Anthony John Horowitz
Date of Birth 5 April 1955
Place of Birth Stanmore, Middlesex, England
Spouse Jill Green (married 1988), executive producer
Children Two sons, Nicholas and Cassian
Education Orley Farm Prep School, Rugby School, York University
Honours OBE (2014), CBE (2022)
Most Famous Series Alex Rider (14 books, 2000–2023)
Official Website anthonyhorowitz.com
First Published Work Adventure game books in late 1970s / early 1980s
Screenwriting Highlights Created Foyle’s War and Midsomer Murders

For readers interested in similar biographical profiles, the article on James O’Brien – Biography, Books, and Net Worth offers another look at a prominent British media figure.

All Anthony Horowitz Books in Order: Series and Standalone Novels

Alex Rider Series Reading Order

The Alex Rider series began in 2000 with Stormbreaker and has grown to 14 novels as of 2024, including the recent Nightshade Revenge. The commonly listed chronological order is:

  1. Stormbreaker
  2. Point Blanc
  3. Skeleton Key
  4. Eagle Strike
  5. Scorpia
  6. Ark Angel
  7. Snakehead
  8. Crocodile Tears
  9. Scorpia Rising
  10. Russian Roulette
  11. Never Say Die
  12. Nightshade
  13. Nightshade Revenge

Sherlock Holmes Novels

Horowitz was officially commissioned by the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate to write two Sherlock Holmes novels:

  • The House of Silk (2011)
  • Moriarty (2014)

James Bond Novels

Commissioned by Ian Fleming Publications, Horowitz has written three official James Bond novels:

  • Trigger Mortis (2015)
  • Forever and a Day (2018)
  • With a Mind to Kill (2022)

Hawthorne / Daniel Hawthorne Series

This adult crime series features a fictional version of the author as a sidekick. The books are:

  • The Word is Murder (2017)
  • The Sentence is Death (2019)
  • A Line to Kill (2021)
  • The Twist of a Knife (2022)
  • Close to Death (forthcoming)

Other Notable Series and Standalone Books

Horowitz also wrote The Diamond Brothers (children’s detective series), The Power of Five / The Gatekeepers (fantasy/suspense), and the adult novel Magpie Murders, later adapted for BritBox.

Complete bibliography note

Horowitz has written over 50 books in total. While the major series are listed above, readers should check his official website or Wikipedia page for the full bibliography, including standalone titles and non-fiction works.

Anthony Horowitz Movies and TV Shows: A Complete Guide

Television Work

Horowitz created the long-running detective drama Midsomer Murders and wrote its first seven episodes. He also created and wrote the BAFTA-winning wartime drama Foyle’s War. Additionally, he wrote scripts for Agatha Christie’s Poirot.

Film and TV Adaptations of His Work

The Alex Rider series was adapted into a feature film Stormbreaker (2006) and later into a television series that aired on Amazon Freevee/Prime Video from 2020 to 2024. Horowitz also adapted his own work for the screen, including the Alex Rider TV series.

Other Screenwriting Credits

Beyond his own creations, Horowitz has contributed to various British television dramas and adapted his adult novel Magpie Murders for BritBox. His IMDb profile lists additional credits in writing and producing.

Screenwriting range

Horowitz’s television work spans three decades, from early episodes of Midsomer Murders (2002) through to the recent Alex Rider series. His ability to write across genres — historical drama, detective fiction, and teen action — is unusual among British screenwriters.

How to Verify Information About Anthony Horowitz: Official Sources

For readers seeking accurate and up-to-date information, the most reliable sources are:

Unverified personal details

Some biographical questions — particularly regarding net worth and religion — are not answered by any of these official sources. Horowitz has not publicly confirmed his current religious practice, and net worth figures circulating online are estimates without reliable verification.

Key Milestones in Anthony Horowitz’s Career

  1. 1955 — Born in Stanmore, North London
  2. 1979–1983 — Published early adventure game books
  3. 1988 — Married Jill Green
  4. 2000 — First Alex Rider novel Stormbreaker published
  5. 2002 — Began writing for Midsomer Murders
  6. 2004 — Created Foyle’s War
  7. 2006Stormbreaker film adaptation released
  8. 2011 — Published official Sherlock Holmes novel The House of Silk
  9. 2015 — Published official James Bond novel Trigger Mortis
  10. 2020 — Alex Rider TV series premieres on Amazon Freevee
  11. 2022 — Awarded CBE; published third Bond novel With a Mind to Kill
  12. 2024 — Released new Hawthorne novel and Nightshade Revenge

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Anthony Horowitz?

Established Information Information That Remains Unclear
Born 5 April 1955 in North London Net worth — no verified figure exists; estimates vary widely and are unconfirmed
CBE awarded in 2022 for services to literature Religion — though sometimes assumed Jewish due to family background, Horowitz has not publicly confirmed current religious practice
Wrote official Sherlock Holmes and James Bond novels Future publishing schedule — details of upcoming books remain speculative
Married to Jill Horowitz (née Green) since 1988
Author of Alex Rider series (14 books as of 2024)

Why Does Anthony Horowitz Matter in Modern Literature?

Horowitz occupies a unique position as both a bestselling children’s/YA author and a critically acclaimed adult crime writer. His dual career as a screenwriter for major British television has given him narrative skills that carry over into his novels. Being chosen to write official continuations of both Sherlock Holmes and James Bond demonstrates significant industry trust and literary prestige. The Alex Rider series is widely credited with revitalising the spy genre for young readers, matching adult spy fiction in tone and complexity.

Where to Find Reliable Information About Anthony Horowitz

The most authoritative sources for biographical and career details are his official website (anthonyhorowitz.com) and his Wikipedia page. For television and film credits, IMDb provides a comprehensive filmography. Academic and cultural information is available via the British Library. Interviews and news profiles can be found through major newspapers such as The Guardian.

“I think the best mysteries are the ones that are impossible to solve until the very last page.” — Anthony Horowitz (paraphrased from multiple interviews)

— Various sources

For readers interested in similar biographical articles, you may find the Griff Rhys Jones – Biography, Career, Family & Net Worth a useful comparison to another British creative figure.

Final Overview of Anthony Horowitz’s Life and Work

From a teenage spy who captured millions of young readers to official novels for the two most famous characters in English literature, Anthony Horowitz has built a career that spans genres, age groups, and media. His work on Foyle’s War and Midsomer Murders cemented his reputation in television, while his books continue to sell in large numbers worldwide. While some personal details remain private, the public record — including his CBE and his role as a steward of both Sherlock Holmes and James Bond — places him among the most significant living British authors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anthony Horowitz

What age group are Anthony Horowitz books for?

His books span children’s (Alex Rider series, ages 9+), young adult (Power of Five), and adult audiences (Hawthorne series, James Bond, Sherlock Holmes).

Does Anthony Horowitz still write Alex Rider books?

Yes, the series continued with Nightshade Revenge (2023) and includes companion titles.

What is the best reading order for the Hawthorne series?

Start with The Word is Murder (2017), then The Sentence is Death (2019), A Line to Kill (2021), and The Twist of a Knife (2022).

Is Anthony Horowitz related to David Horowitz or Ben Horowitz?

No, he is not related to David Horowitz (conservative writer) or Ben Horowitz (venture capitalist).

Has Anthony Horowitz won any literary awards?

He has won the Red House Children’s Book Award (Alex Rider), the British Book Awards, and received a CBE for services to literature.

How many Alex Rider books are there?

As of 2024, there are 14 novels in the main Alex Rider series, including Nightshade Revenge.

Did Anthony Horowitz write Foyle’s War?

Yes, he created the series and wrote the episodes. It won a BAFTA.

What is Anthony Horowitz’s official website?

His official website is anthonyhorowitz.com, which contains his biography, book list, and news.

Will Anthony Horowitz write more James Bond novels?

No further Bond novels have been announced as of 2025, but his previous three — Trigger Mortis, Forever and a Day, and With a Mind to Kill — are available.



Jack Arthur Bennett

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Jack Arthur Bennett

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