The book begins with information about the fictitious author of the bestselling Atticus Pünd series, Alan Conway. The books are examples of classic British crime fiction in the vein of Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, and there are eight novels in the series so far. The blurb indicates that Conway lives in Framlingham in Suffolk, England.

Editor Susan Ryeland, accompanied by chips, salsa, and a bottle of wine, reads Conway’s latest book, Magpie Murders, on a rainy evening. Susan’s boyfriend is travelling out of the country, and her house is less than tidy.

Before going any further, Susan informs readers that the book she is about to read has changed her life. She reflects on other books that have changed her life, such as Jane Eyre and Never Let Me Go, and ponders what it means for a book to have such an impact. She describes how Magpie Murders has upended her life to the extent that she no longer lives in her former home, and has lost her job, friends, and more. She warns the reader against the story to follow.