Now You See Them

Now You See Them follows Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto in Brighton, England during 1964. The story centers on a series of missing girls and a murder investigation that pulls both men back into each other's orbits. Emma Holmes, now married to Edgar, has transitioned from police officer to homemaker but finds herself drawn into the investigation. The case connects to the world of television, modeling agencies, and changing social dynamics of the 1960s. The investigation unfolds against the backdrop of a transforming Britain, with the rise of pop culture and shifting roles for women. The characters must navigate both the criminal case and their own evolving relationships in this new era. This fifth installment in the Magic Men series examines themes of visibility and invisibility - both in magic acts and in society itself. Through its period setting, the novel explores how power structures and gender expectations were beginning to shift in mid-century Britain.

Readers appreciate the 1960s Brighton setting and the evolving relationships between the main characters in this fifth Magic Men Mystery. Many note that the focus on women's changing roles in 1960s police work adds depth to the plot. Several reviewers highlighted the engaging subplot involving Emma Holmes balancing her detective career with motherhood. "The personal lives of the characters have become as compelling as the mysteries," wrote one Amazon reviewer. Common criticisms include a slower pace compared to earlier books in the series and too many subplots that dilute the main mystery. Some readers found the resolution unsatisfying, with one Goodreads review noting "the ending felt rushed after such a complex buildup." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (4,521 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,832 reviews) BookBrowse: 4/5 (147 reviews) Most readers recommend starting the series from the beginning rather than with this book, as character relationships are key to the story.

The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths This mystery follows DS Harbinder Kaur investigating deaths connected to crime fiction writers in Brighton.

The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware A tarot card reader receives a mysterious inheritance and becomes entangled in a family's dark secrets.

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz An editor discovers her client's latest manuscript contains clues to a real-world murder.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Four retirees meet weekly to solve cold cases until a local developer's death presents them with a live investigation.

The Lake House by Kate Morton A police detective on leave discovers an abandoned estate with connections to a decades-old missing person case.

🔍 Edgar Award-winning author Elly Griffiths sets this novel in 1960s Brighton, capturing the essence of the mod culture and social upheaval that defined the era. 👥 This book is part of the Brighton Mysteries series (also known as the Stephens and Mephisto series), following the adventures of former magic act performers turned investigators. 🎭 The author drew inspiration for the series from her grandfather, a music hall comedian who performed in Brighton during the 1950s. 🌊 Brighton Beach, a key setting in the novel, was a central hub for clashes between mods and rockers in the 1960s—events that provide historical context for the story. 📚 While this is the fifth book in the series, Elly Griffiths is better known for her Ruth Galloway series, which has sold over one million copies worldwide.