The Amazing Harvey: A Mystery

by Don Passman

Struggling magician Harvey Kendall is suspected of a murder he could not have committed, and he must now use his talents to pull off the greatest escape of his career, in a novel by Don Passman

On the brink of stardom, struggling magician Harvey Kendall is fingered in a vicious murder when his DNA is found on the victim, placing him at the scene of the crime. With one unexpected twist and turn after another, readers are left on the edge of their seats wondering just what is trick and what is truth in the life of this man with a cutting (and often hilarious) sarcastic wit and smart-alec style. Because of Harvey's background in illusion, he's a natural sleuth, noticing things that are often overlooked by everyone else. Knowing full well he is innocent, Harvey sets out on a dangerous path to vindicate himself and find the real killer before the case turns into a disappearing act from which he will never return. In a race against the clock, Harvey must prove his innocence by convincing everyone what exactly is truth and what is pure illusion in what will be the greatest escape act in the life and career of The Amazing Harvey.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Magic

336 pages, Hardcover

First published February 25, 2014

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was captivating from the first page. As a reader, I immediately connected with the main character, Harvey, and wanted him to win his criminal case. I enjoyed the writing as well as the depth the author goes for the audience to understand the emotions behind his characters. I did not guess the ending and was greatly shocked on who the killer was.
This was a great quick and fun mystery that I would love to read again someday.

[Cecilya · Rating 1 out of 5]

i tried and tried to read this book. i only made it half way through within about half a month of reading. i read the little bit in the jacket "oh wow framed for murder - a magician - im so on board!" the murder really just feels like an after thought, and i wanted more of the focus to be there. Also, the main character, Harvey, is kind of a d-bag most of the time. THEN the discussion of the morality of abortion is brought up for a GOOD BIT of the book and yeah... i just couldn't do anymore. i was able to push through the boredom and general disinterest in the story because i really wanted to know how his DNA ended up with the victim but the aggressive pro-life junk just killed it for me. i'm dropping out.

[Dr. T Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like a mystery story that trades on a unique characteristic of the protagonist, and this story delivered. The Amazing Harvey is accused of a crime and manages to use the skills he's learned as a magician to solve the case before he ends up in jail. I found the main character to be enjoyable. The characterizations were a little uneven - some characters seem nicely fleshed-out, while others felt a bit one-dimensional. But overall, this story was a solid beach read, without a doubt (even though my fish-belly-paleness hates the beach).

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel is supposed to be a mystery, yet the mystery seems to be an after thought to Harvey whining about his lot in life. Harvey does not even seem at all bothered by what he is accused of until it’s almost too late. He keeps on going, meeting people who are given very little development. You think they will connect to the mystery somehow, yet the mystery resolves suddenly, the answer seemingly coming out of nowhere, coming from one detail mentioned earlier in the novel that isn’t elaborated on. The premise sounded good, but the lack of detail and attention given to the mystery really holds this novel back.

[Jasmine Walston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read for me. The main character's amusing dialogue had a way of keeping dark subjects light. Overall I enjoyed it, though there were a few scenes that felt unnecessary (maybe they were a way of magician's misdirect that I just didn't register?)

[A. Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot and the Los Angeles backdrop throughout the story. This is more of a 4.5 Star rating.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable - quick read.

[Robin Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it to be an entertaining quick read.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

it takes forever to get along with the story

[Judy Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and delightful.

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harvey Kendall is a magician who is waiting for his big break. Unfortunately, this means he must work as a substitute teacher in Los Angeles, far from the greener pastures (for magicians anyway) of Las Vegas. He becomes the primary suspect in the murder of a woman he has never met. His DNA is found on the body. Armed with his magic skills (which make him a natural as a detective) Harvey now has to find the difference between illusion and reality. His life rides on it. This book works as a first effort. Harvey's self-deprecating humor and enthusiasm for magic make him a sympathetic and even lovable hero. Not the greatest mystery but a fun diversion and a promising beginning if there are to be more cases for Harvey to solve.

[Dottie Gariti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book and I look forward to many more with this character. I like self-deprecating humor a lot, and this one is full with it. Harvey is a struggling magician and the author goes a little overboard describing some of the tricks, sometimes the book could almost be a magician's manual, but it adds to the story. The way the crime is solved is a little, or a lot, contrived but the basic premise has been in some other mysteries lately so it was not surprise. In fact if someone watches crime drama or reads mysteries often you could find yourself screaming out the solution early on. Harvey is so likable though it doesn't matter, I hope the next one is in the works.

[Pix Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book. As a magician also, some of the stuff felt trite, and some felt a little precious, but all in all, the thinking of the main character is entirely believable. I thought the crime was an interesting one, the plot moved well, and very little of the story felt terribly contrived. I like it enough to want to see more of Harvey, so all in all, I call it a win.

Nothing heavy, some interesting thinking on the plot, and a set of folks that I'd definitely want to hang out with, and that make me hope Passman has more up his sleever for Harvey's world.

[Kirk Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amazing Harvey was a pleasant read, funny in a lot of places, with a mystery that really help together in the end. Harvey is a character I wouldn't mind spending time with again, and I hope this is the beginning of a series. That being said, I think the book could have used a bit of editing. It was a little repetitive in places and the pace was uneven. Some scenes breezed by and others were described in somewhat excruciating detail. But really, these are minor quibbles. If you want a light read, it's a book I can recommend.

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little mystery. Good characters. Harvey and Hannah were interesting (but I wasn't a huge fan of Carly.) Loved Lisa the Magic Cockatiel. Also enjoyed the Los Angeles setting. Have been dying to visit the Magic Castle for most of my life, and thought it was fun when Harvey did his magic show at the Sportsmen's Lodge. My sister-in-law and her husband had their wedding reception there and my husband and I loaded in equipment through the back entrance, just like Harvey did. It was fun to re-visit the ponds and pathways. Would absolutely read any more books with Harvey in them!

[Harold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Don Passman, who is my law partner, so this review is probably biased, but this is a fun light read. A mystery, solved by a magician who performs at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, this is a breezy, cheeky, fun read. Don is a magician, both in prose and in life, and he knows tricks. If you live in LA the book is made even better by the familiarity of the landscape. All in all, a giggle.

[Joe Slavinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An very entertaining whodunit, with characters you really care about. The Amazing Harvey is a small-time professional magician, who supplements his income by substitute-teaching(in his magician's jacket with sequin lapels!). Harvey's everyday struggles become even more unpleasant, when his DNA is found in the body of a murder victim he has never met. This book is written with feeling, and a healthy dose of humor. I would recommend this book to anyone, not just mystery fans.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic mystery where an innocent person is arrested for murder and sets out to prove they are innocent. The fact he is a magician and has to work a couple of shows adds a bit more fun. In the end, he gets off through a detail that is touched upon throughout the story. If I had been a doctor, I may have even figured some of it out earlier.
A light, fun read.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harvey is a magician, but even he can't figure out how his DNA got into a murder victim he had never met. Needless to say, the cops believe the DNA is proof that Harvey is the killer. Even if you've got mirrors and cards up your sleeve, you won't figure out how this one was done until Harvey does. I'm hoping for sequels.

[Neil MacNeill · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very light summer read that was entertaining enough. Just a bit awkward in places and obviously not crafted by a master, it still held my interest and I have to admit the main characters were decently drawn. A good beach book, and maybe worth 2-1/2 stars.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun mystery that features a struggling magician who finds himself in a bit of trouble and has to use all the tricks he knows to get out of it. Here's my interview with the author: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/sa...

2014/14

[Peejay(Pamela) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite entertaining.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a cast of characters...good show...

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining - interesting murder mystery based on DNA - insights into a magician's thought processes.

[Jeri Gabrielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the brink of stardom, struggling magician Harvey Kendall is accused of murder when his DNA is found on the victim--a woman he has never met.

[Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average mystery.

[Joan Leicht · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me. I enjoyed the main character plot was interesting and had a good twist.

[Steve Gross · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is uneven - long parts that don't seem to mean anything. It would have been passable except for the huge amount of profanity, 99% of it unnecessary. Harvey is not a nice person.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read. Different angle than more typical mysteries.

[Donna]

nice character development and interesting plot twists

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