I really wanted to like this book. It sounded as though it would have all the ingredients I look for in a book. Unfortunately, it fell flat.

A story, set in Brighton in the 1950s (I think), the book begins with the murder of the magician Max Mephisto’s assistant, Ethel. She is found cut into three pieces, in the same way that the zig zag magical illusion is done. Max is famous for this illusion, so he knows it is personal.

The group of people, known as the Magic Men, hunt for the killer, and when a member of their gang, Tony, is also murdered, they fear they are being picked off one by one.

I just couldn’t make myself get interested in the story, though. I also didn’t have a lot of compassion (or any other strong feelings) for any of the characters. It’s a shame. I feel like I should have enjoyed this. But I didn't.

People who enjoy mysteries, I guess.

I didn't feel anything for any of the characters. And, honestly, I got bored. Three or four times, I decided to stop reading. But I hate leaving books unfinished, so I always came back to it. And I got there in the end.

Never read this author again.

Annoyed. Bored.

Elly Griffiths.

I don't.

It's just not all that interesting. And, in the end, the murderer isn't a great surprise.

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Created Apr 24, 2025 at 5:08am • Submit your own review...