Review: Death and the Conjuror

Death and the Conjuror

by Tom Mead

 

About the Book

 

 

In 1930s London, celebrity psychiatrist Anselm Rees is discovered dead in his locked study, and there seems to be no way that a killer could have escaped unseen. There are no clues, no witnesses, and no evidence of the murder weapon. Stumped by the confounding scene, the Scotland Yard detective on the case calls on retired stage magician-turned-part-time sleuth Joseph Spector. For who better to make sense of the impossible than one who traffics in illusions?

Spector has a knack for explaining the inexplicable, but even he finds that there is more to this mystery than meets the eye. As he and the Inspector interview the colorful cast of suspects among the psychiatrist’s patients and household, they uncover no shortage of dark secrets—or motives for murder. When the investigation dovetails into that of an apparently-impossible theft, the detectives consider the possibility that the two transgressions are related. And when a second murder occurs, this time in an impenetrable elevator, they realize that the crime wave will become even more deadly unless they can catch the culprit soon. 

A tribute to the classic golden-age whodunnit, when crime fiction was a battle of wits between writer and reader, Death and the Conjuror joins its macabre atmosphere, period detail, and vividly-drawn characters with a meticulously-constructed fair play puzzle. Its baffling plot will enthrall readers of mystery icons such as Agatha Christie and John Dickson Carr, modern masters like Anthony Horowitz and Elly Griffiths, or anyone who appreciates a good mystery.

 

My Thoughts

 

I’ll admit; the cover is what drew me to this book. It’s so interesting and lovely. And when the synopsis claimed it to be reminiscent of Golden Era mysteries, I was sold.

 

I loved the setting, the thirties being one of my favorite eras. That period in time is portrayed well in the book and harkens back to the beloved Agatha Christie. I also liked the magician theme, adding to the mystique of the book.

 

However, I found it hard to connect with the characters. None of them seemed very well described to me and it made the book difficult to follow. This was disappointing because I wanted so badly to love this book.

 

While elements of this book weren’t for me, if you love Golden Era mysteries, then you might want to try Death and the Conjuror.

 

I received a complimentary copy from Mysterious Press through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.