According to Horowitz, 'Moonflower Murders' stands out due to its postmodern take on the traditional detective genre. 'I wanted to create a story that pays homage to the classic detective novels while, at the same time, subverting expectations,' he explained. A central part of this narrative is the 'mystery within a mystery', an ambitious plot device that sets 'Moonflower Murders' apart from other shows in its genre.
The 'mystery within a mystery' is a multi-layered construct that adds complexity to the story and challenges the audience's perceptions. Susan Ryeland, a keen-eyed and exceptionally intelligent editor, must piece together seemingly unrelated events, re-examine the information, and rebrand the overall meaning of the tale in her own investigative narrative.