The Blood Card
Author(s): Elly Griffiths

Elizabeth IIs coronation is looming, but DI Edgar Stephens is busy investigating the death of a local fortune-teller. Meanwhile, his old pal, the magician Max Mephisto, is rehearsing for his television debut, a coronation day variety show. But upon hearing that their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright, has been found dead in his flat, the two men join forces to find out what happened.
While Max is stuck in rehearsals, Edgar finds himself heading to New York, hot on the trail of a mesmerist hes sure has valuable information for themand his trusty sergeant, Emma, investigates some important leads at home. As the clock ticks down to coronation day, the team must scramble to keep Maxs small-screen debut from ending in a dangerously explosive finale.

Review(s):
“Griffiths excels at depicting the post-WWII transition from variety shows to television. A love triangle involving Holmes, Stephens, and aspiring magician Ruby French, the detectives fiance and Mephistos daughter, adds a human interest angle likely to engage both series fans and new readers.”–Publishers Weekly “Amusing, atmospheric, and thoroughly engaging, providing an insightful look at vaudeville and the art of legerdemain. Perfect for fans of the eccentric (and often endearing) characters created by Simon Brett and Christopher Fowler.”–Booklist “In the third case for the Magic Men (Smoke and Mirrors, 2016, etc.), half the fun is the journey through postwar England to the surprising denouement.”–Kirkus Reviews PRAISE FOR THE MAGIC MEN MYSTERIES: AbsorbingAnother great series. San Jose Mercury News Thoroughly enjoyable. The Guardian Clever, immensely likeable. The Wall Street Journal Enormously engaging. The Daily Mail Original, lively, and gripping. The Independent A wild ride full of mayhem, magic and murder. The Absolute ExcellentEvoking both the St. Mary Mead of Agatha Christie and the theater world Ngaio Marsh. Booklist Suspenseful. Publishers Weekly

ISBN:9781328511928