Smoke and Mirrors

Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens investigates the murder of two children in 1950s Brighton. His friend Max Mephisto, a magician who once served with him during WWII, becomes involved when it appears the killings may connect to an old magic trick. The investigation leads them through Brighton's theater scene and the world of stage magic, where everyone seems to be hiding something. The winter setting and post-war atmosphere add tension as Edgar and Max race to prevent more deaths. The story explores the contrast between illusion and reality, both in magic shows and in human nature. Themes of deception, loyalty, and the lingering effects of war run through this atmospheric mystery set in a time when Britain was still recovering from WWII's impact.

Readers note the strong sense of 1950s Brighton atmosphere and the detailed magic show elements throughout the novel. The incorporation of real historical events and locations adds authenticity to the story. Readers liked: - Complex interweaving of multiple timelines - Character development of Max Mephisto and Edgar Stephens - Accurate depiction of post-war Britain - Technical details about magic tricks and performances Readers disliked: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Too many characters to track - Some found the resolution predictable - Several readers mentioned confusion about the timeline jumps Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,900+ ratings) Common reader comments: "The magic show details were fascinating but the plot dragged" "Characters felt more developed than in previous books" "Loved the historical accuracy but got lost in all the perspectives"

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🎭 Set in 1950s Brighton, the book draws inspiration from the real-life history of magic shows and variety acts that made Brighton's theater scene famous during the post-war period. 🔍 Author Elly Griffiths was inspired to write this series after her grandfather's stories about being a stage magician in the 1950s. ⭐ The novel's protagonist, Max Mephisto, is based on real-life magicians of the era who performed the dangerous "bullet catch" trick, including the legendary John Mulholland. 🌊 Brighton Pavilion, which features prominently in the book, was originally built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV and later became a crucial part of the city's entertainment district. 🎪 The book explores the decline of variety theater in the 1950s, as television began to replace live entertainment as the primary form of public amusement in post-war Britain.