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The Brighton Mysteries #3
The Blood Card
Elizabeth II's coronation is looming, but the murder of their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright, spoils the happy mood for DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto. A playbill featuring another deceased comrade is found in Colonel Cartwright's possession, and a playing card, the ace of hearts: the blood card. The wartime connection and the suggestion of magic are enough for him to put Stephens and Mephisto on the case.
Edgar's investigation into the death of Brighton fortune-teller Madame Zabini is put on hold. Max is busy rehearsing for a spectacular Coronation Day variety show - and his television debut - so it's Edgar who is sent to New York, a land of plenty worlds away from still-rationed England. He's on the trail of a small-town mesmerist who may provide the key, but someone else silences him first. It's Sergeant Emma Holmes who finds the clue, buried in the files of the Zabini case, that leads them to an anarchist group intent on providing an explosive finale to Coronation Day.
Now it's up to Edgar, Max and Emma to foil the plot, and find out who it is who's been dealing the cards . . .
Edgar's investigation into the death of Brighton fortune-teller Madame Zabini is put on hold. Max is busy rehearsing for a spectacular Coronation Day variety show - and his television debut - so it's Edgar who is sent to New York, a land of plenty worlds away from still-rationed England. He's on the trail of a small-town mesmerist who may provide the key, but someone else silences him first. It's Sergeant Emma Holmes who finds the clue, buried in the files of the Zabini case, that leads them to an anarchist group intent on providing an explosive finale to Coronation Day.
Now it's up to Edgar, Max and Emma to foil the plot, and find out who it is who's been dealing the cards . . .
304 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2016
857 people are currently reading
2700 people want to read
About the author
Elly Griffiths
74 books9,468 followersElly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton. Though not her first novel, The Crossing Places is her first crime novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 618 reviews
December 12, 2020
EXCERPT: London, 15 May 1953
It was raining when Max came out of the news cinema, but even this could not dent his good spirits. He simply adjusted his trilby and kept his head down as he crossed Piccadilly Circus. Rain in the town was not the same as rain in the provinces: memories of sleet-washed seaside promenades, of deckchairs sodden and flapping in the wind, of Sunday afternoons so grey and endless that they seemed like a foretaste of purgatory. But in London the red buses were still running, people were still darting through the traffic and somewhere - the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane to be exact - his name was spelled out in lights.
ABOUT 'THE BLOOD CARD': Elizabeth II's coronation is looming, but the murder of their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright, spoils the happy mood for DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto. A playbill featuring another deceased comrade is found in Colonel Cartwright's possession, and a playing card, the ace of hearts: the blood card. The wartime connection and the suggestion of magic are enough for him to put Stephens and Mephisto on the case.
Edgar's investigation into the death of Brighton fortune-teller Madame Zabini is put on hold. Max is busy rehearsing for a spectacular Coronation Day variety show - and his television debut - so it's Edgar who is sent to New York, a land of plenty worlds away from still-rationed England. He's on the trail of a small-town mesmerist who may provide the key, but someone else silences him first. It's Sergeant Emma Holmes who finds the clue, buried in the files of the Zabini case, that leads them to an anarchist group intent on providing an explosive finale to Coronation Day.
Now it's up to Edgar, Max and Emma to foil the plot, and find out who it is who's been dealing the cards . . .
MY THOUGHTS: This is Book 3 in The Brighton series, or Magic Men Mysteries. I have not read them in order, but have loved them just the same. At some point I will go back and read them in order, but for now I am content to just enjoy each one.
The world is changing post World War II, and with the coronation of the new Queen imminent, television is becoming popular to the detriment of the Variety Show. Max and daughter, Ruby are each scheduled to appear in the Coronation Day Variety Show, their television debut. Is it a show that is going to go off with a bang?
Griffiths excels at writing amusing, atmospheric and engaging novels, and she has certainly hit her target with The Blood Card. I have enjoyed catching up on the adventures of magician Max Mephisto and his friend DI Edgar Stephens, who is engaged to be married to Max's daughter and fellow magician Ruby. Both DS Emma Holmes and Ruby play major roles in this book. DS Holmes has apparently unrequited feelings for Edgar and is resentful of his having Ruby in his life. But I notice that Edgar is beginning to spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about Emma . . . so watch this space!
Characters from Max's past come out of the woodwork in The Blood Card, and we learn a little more about his childhood. There are cryptic clues, crosswords, cross words, and all manner of goings on. There are Romanies, Tarot Card readers, masters of deception (who even manage to deceive Max!), and much misdirection.
Griffiths portrayal of this era is engaging, the plot flows easily and is interesting, and her characters are delightful. I have only one book left to read in this series now, Smoke and Mirrors, #2. I do hope that this series is not going to stop with the 5 books. I want to travel with this strange assortment of characters well into their old age.
A fun read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheBloodCard
THE AUTHOR: Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton.
DISCLOSURE: I listened to the audiobook of The Blood Card written by Elly Griffiths, narrated by Luke Thompson and published by Quercus via Overdrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
It was raining when Max came out of the news cinema, but even this could not dent his good spirits. He simply adjusted his trilby and kept his head down as he crossed Piccadilly Circus. Rain in the town was not the same as rain in the provinces: memories of sleet-washed seaside promenades, of deckchairs sodden and flapping in the wind, of Sunday afternoons so grey and endless that they seemed like a foretaste of purgatory. But in London the red buses were still running, people were still darting through the traffic and somewhere - the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane to be exact - his name was spelled out in lights.
ABOUT 'THE BLOOD CARD': Elizabeth II's coronation is looming, but the murder of their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright, spoils the happy mood for DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto. A playbill featuring another deceased comrade is found in Colonel Cartwright's possession, and a playing card, the ace of hearts: the blood card. The wartime connection and the suggestion of magic are enough for him to put Stephens and Mephisto on the case.
Edgar's investigation into the death of Brighton fortune-teller Madame Zabini is put on hold. Max is busy rehearsing for a spectacular Coronation Day variety show - and his television debut - so it's Edgar who is sent to New York, a land of plenty worlds away from still-rationed England. He's on the trail of a small-town mesmerist who may provide the key, but someone else silences him first. It's Sergeant Emma Holmes who finds the clue, buried in the files of the Zabini case, that leads them to an anarchist group intent on providing an explosive finale to Coronation Day.
Now it's up to Edgar, Max and Emma to foil the plot, and find out who it is who's been dealing the cards . . .
MY THOUGHTS: This is Book 3 in The Brighton series, or Magic Men Mysteries. I have not read them in order, but have loved them just the same. At some point I will go back and read them in order, but for now I am content to just enjoy each one.
The world is changing post World War II, and with the coronation of the new Queen imminent, television is becoming popular to the detriment of the Variety Show. Max and daughter, Ruby are each scheduled to appear in the Coronation Day Variety Show, their television debut. Is it a show that is going to go off with a bang?
Griffiths excels at writing amusing, atmospheric and engaging novels, and she has certainly hit her target with The Blood Card. I have enjoyed catching up on the adventures of magician Max Mephisto and his friend DI Edgar Stephens, who is engaged to be married to Max's daughter and fellow magician Ruby. Both DS Emma Holmes and Ruby play major roles in this book. DS Holmes has apparently unrequited feelings for Edgar and is resentful of his having Ruby in his life. But I notice that Edgar is beginning to spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about Emma . . . so watch this space!
Characters from Max's past come out of the woodwork in The Blood Card, and we learn a little more about his childhood. There are cryptic clues, crosswords, cross words, and all manner of goings on. There are Romanies, Tarot Card readers, masters of deception (who even manage to deceive Max!), and much misdirection.
Griffiths portrayal of this era is engaging, the plot flows easily and is interesting, and her characters are delightful. I have only one book left to read in this series now, Smoke and Mirrors, #2. I do hope that this series is not going to stop with the 5 books. I want to travel with this strange assortment of characters well into their old age.
A fun read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.8
#TheBloodCard
THE AUTHOR: Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway novels take for their inspiration Elly's husband, who gave up a city job to train as an archaeologist, and her aunt who lives on the Norfolk coast and who filled her niece's head with the myths and legends of that area. Elly has two children and lives near Brighton.
DISCLOSURE: I listened to the audiobook of The Blood Card written by Elly Griffiths, narrated by Luke Thompson and published by Quercus via Overdrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 2, 2017
This is the third installment in this series by the creator of The Ruth Galloway series, which I love. The more I read of this series, the more I am liking this one too. Taking place in post war Britain, a short time before the coronation of Elizabeth, DI Stephens and Memphisto set out to solve another mystery. This time it concerns someone highly respected and close to them to n the past.
The atmosphere of the times is vividly rendered, the ending of variety shows at theaters, and the introduction of these shows being televised, where Memphisto along with Ruby take part. Ruby excited, Memphisto, hesitant. Anarchists abound, and trouble is everywhere. The Romany and fortune telling also play a part. Di Stephens will for the first time travel to America to track down a lead in the person of Wild Bill Hitchcock. Will they be able to stop whatever is planned before the coronation?
I love these characters, they are so varied and likable. Enjoy the blend of history with a non gory mystery. Enjoyed the afterward where the author explains what places were real and what was not. Found it fascinating that she wrote her first story at she eleven, and her lead character was Edgar Stephan's. Perseverance pays off.
ARC from Edelweiss.
The atmosphere of the times is vividly rendered, the ending of variety shows at theaters, and the introduction of these shows being televised, where Memphisto along with Ruby take part. Ruby excited, Memphisto, hesitant. Anarchists abound, and trouble is everywhere. The Romany and fortune telling also play a part. Di Stephens will for the first time travel to America to track down a lead in the person of Wild Bill Hitchcock. Will they be able to stop whatever is planned before the coronation?
I love these characters, they are so varied and likable. Enjoy the blend of history with a non gory mystery. Enjoyed the afterward where the author explains what places were real and what was not. Found it fascinating that she wrote her first story at she eleven, and her lead character was Edgar Stephan's. Perseverance pays off.
ARC from Edelweiss.
October 25, 2016
This is a wonderful historical thriller located in the world of theatre variety shows and the gypsy community. It is the third in the series but the first I have read and it works very well as a standalone. It is set in the period leading to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. It moves from London, where magician Max Mephisto is performing at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and Brighton, where DI Edgar Stephens is looking into the death of Madame Zabini, a fortune teller, on the pier. Max and Edgar are summoned by General Petre who takes them to the murder scene of their old war time commander, Colonel Peter Cartwright. There is a playing card left with the body, the Ace of Hearts, known in the theatrical community as the blood card. Petre asks them to look into the murder discreetly. Max and Edgar are horrified at what seems like a senseless murder and determine to get to the bottom of the matter. Nothing turns out to be as it seems, and as befits a novel that involves magicians, there are plentiful sleights of hand.
Max is bemoaning the demise of the world of variety theatre and is less than impressed with the incoming world of television that is responsible for this. His daughter, Ruby, is a magician on the threshold of fame and Edgar is planning to marry her. Edgar finds himself in New York where he encounters a land of plenty in direct contrast to austere and rationing Britain. He is there to interview William Hitchcock, a mesmerist, and his connections to Cartwright, only to find he has been killed in suspicious circumstances. Through his newly acquired agent, Joe Passolini, Max is contracted to appear on a variety show, with Ruby, to be televised on coronation day by the BBC. DS Emma Holmes finds promising leads in the Zabini case that connect with the Cartwright killing. Max and Edgar follow their war time connections with the Magic Men and find links with possible anarchist groups. The investigation bring danger and a thrilling finale in London.
Elly Griffiths has penned an atmospheric, entertaining and engaging period thriller. There are twists, suspense and tension. The characters are colourful and well developed. The historical period captures the Britain of that era well. The introduction to the world of television is highlighted well, for example, in its impact on Edgar's mother. I can highly recommend this excellent read. Thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
Max is bemoaning the demise of the world of variety theatre and is less than impressed with the incoming world of television that is responsible for this. His daughter, Ruby, is a magician on the threshold of fame and Edgar is planning to marry her. Edgar finds himself in New York where he encounters a land of plenty in direct contrast to austere and rationing Britain. He is there to interview William Hitchcock, a mesmerist, and his connections to Cartwright, only to find he has been killed in suspicious circumstances. Through his newly acquired agent, Joe Passolini, Max is contracted to appear on a variety show, with Ruby, to be televised on coronation day by the BBC. DS Emma Holmes finds promising leads in the Zabini case that connect with the Cartwright killing. Max and Edgar follow their war time connections with the Magic Men and find links with possible anarchist groups. The investigation bring danger and a thrilling finale in London.
Elly Griffiths has penned an atmospheric, entertaining and engaging period thriller. There are twists, suspense and tension. The characters are colourful and well developed. The historical period captures the Britain of that era well. The introduction to the world of television is highlighted well, for example, in its impact on Edgar's mother. I can highly recommend this excellent read. Thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
July 13, 2021
I’m a huge fan of Elly Griffiths as she is such a talented mystery writer. This series is a well done historical police procedural involving DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto.
This time, the coronation of Elizabeth II looms as Edgar is investigating two deaths, both that seem to have ties to magic. The story even takes Edgar across the pond to America and it was interesting to see the two countries contrasted at this time in history.
Griffiths’ strength is to give us well defined characters, even the secondary ones. She imparts enough of their personal lives that you have a true sense of who they are.
She also does a fabulous job of giving the reader a real sense of the time and place. The story highlights how the rise of tv was leading to a real sea change in the lives of regular folks. It has even more impact for Max, as it portends the end of variety theatre. Even minor scenes, like the plane trip across the pond or a gypsy funeral are given in such detail as to be able to picture them clearly.
I recommend this book and this series to those that enjoy historical police procedural.
James Langton was the perfect narrator. He gave each character a distinct voice (quite a feat as one character was an impressionist and had a wide variety of voices himself).
This time, the coronation of Elizabeth II looms as Edgar is investigating two deaths, both that seem to have ties to magic. The story even takes Edgar across the pond to America and it was interesting to see the two countries contrasted at this time in history.
Griffiths’ strength is to give us well defined characters, even the secondary ones. She imparts enough of their personal lives that you have a true sense of who they are.
She also does a fabulous job of giving the reader a real sense of the time and place. The story highlights how the rise of tv was leading to a real sea change in the lives of regular folks. It has even more impact for Max, as it portends the end of variety theatre. Even minor scenes, like the plane trip across the pond or a gypsy funeral are given in such detail as to be able to picture them clearly.
I recommend this book and this series to those that enjoy historical police procedural.
James Langton was the perfect narrator. He gave each character a distinct voice (quite a feat as one character was an impressionist and had a wide variety of voices himself).
May 6, 2021
Another enjoyable book in this series which is steadily growing on me!
The Blood Card is set in 1953 in England, just before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. The historical facts are wonderful. Imagine a plane journey from London to New York which took 15 hours and landed in Canada to refuel. On the plane they were allowed to smoke and there was a dining room and a bar. I just love information like that.
The character of DI Edgar Stephens seems to be taking over the series although Max Mephisto is still very much present. Ruby is extremely irritating however and Edgar loses points for being so blind about her.
There is an interesting mystery which is very well written as we expect from this author, lots of great characters and some lovely historical detail. Just my kind of book and I look forward to the next one.
The Blood Card is set in 1953 in England, just before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. The historical facts are wonderful. Imagine a plane journey from London to New York which took 15 hours and landed in Canada to refuel. On the plane they were allowed to smoke and there was a dining room and a bar. I just love information like that.
The character of DI Edgar Stephens seems to be taking over the series although Max Mephisto is still very much present. Ruby is extremely irritating however and Edgar loses points for being so blind about her.
There is an interesting mystery which is very well written as we expect from this author, lots of great characters and some lovely historical detail. Just my kind of book and I look forward to the next one.
March 10, 2019
The third in the Stephens & Mephisto series might not be as strong as it’s predecessor, but theirs still so much to enjoy.
This series is slowly becoming one of my favourites!
I was first drawn to it because of the Brighton setting, though with the Queens coronation imminent quite a large section of this book is set in London.
I actually really liked that aspect of the story, as it tells the reader that they are firmly in 1953.
With plenty of households acquiring television sets at this time, it was perceived as a real threat to the theatre. There’s plenty of nods and winks, including a few jibes towards reality tv!
I’m glad that theatres are still thriving to this day.
Brighton still felt very integral to the story, including the death of a fortune teller named Madame Zabini.
Most of the action takes place across the more well known parts of the town, it was a nice touch that all of the pubs visited still have the same names to this day.
A nice snapshot to a bygone age, though the places and the people that inhabit it felt very really.
This series is slowly becoming one of my favourites!
I was first drawn to it because of the Brighton setting, though with the Queens coronation imminent quite a large section of this book is set in London.
I actually really liked that aspect of the story, as it tells the reader that they are firmly in 1953.
With plenty of households acquiring television sets at this time, it was perceived as a real threat to the theatre. There’s plenty of nods and winks, including a few jibes towards reality tv!
I’m glad that theatres are still thriving to this day.
Brighton still felt very integral to the story, including the death of a fortune teller named Madame Zabini.
Most of the action takes place across the more well known parts of the town, it was a nice touch that all of the pubs visited still have the same names to this day.
A nice snapshot to a bygone age, though the places and the people that inhabit it felt very really.
April 15, 2019
The year is 1953, just a few days before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 2nd. Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens along with his old friend and former comrade in arms the magician, Max Mephisto are called by General Petre a murder scene. The victim is Edgar and Max’s former wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright. A playbill and a playing card, the ace of hearts known as the blood card, are prominent on the body. This leads to Edgar being called to drop the current case he is investigating of a Brighton Fortune teller, to make a hasty trip to New York, trying to locate a mesmerist who may hold the key to the mystery. Could the death of the commander and the fortune-teller be related? If so how? And what about the cryptic crossword clue Max finds, could that imply a more serious threat?
Although this book is the third in a series involving Stephens and Mephisto, it is the first I have read in the series. That didn’t matter a bit as I quickly became got to know the characters and became involved in the story. I liked all the added information about theatre, vaudeville and magic tricks as well as the usual police procedures. There are a couple of interesting relationships between some of the major characters. It was also interesting to see the contrast between post war England with its rationing and post war USA. The advent of television and the anticipation and excitement that caused is interesting too.
The story moves along at a good pace with new information being carefully blended in. I have only read two other books by this author, both in the Ruth Galloway series. I enjoyed this one a bit more than either of those. Perhaps because I liked these characters more plus all the magic tricks info. I liked Max, Edgar, Ruby and Emma, the interactions between them and the way the plot is fitted together. A really good read that kept my interest throughout.
Although this book is the third in a series involving Stephens and Mephisto, it is the first I have read in the series. That didn’t matter a bit as I quickly became got to know the characters and became involved in the story. I liked all the added information about theatre, vaudeville and magic tricks as well as the usual police procedures. There are a couple of interesting relationships between some of the major characters. It was also interesting to see the contrast between post war England with its rationing and post war USA. The advent of television and the anticipation and excitement that caused is interesting too.
The story moves along at a good pace with new information being carefully blended in. I have only read two other books by this author, both in the Ruth Galloway series. I enjoyed this one a bit more than either of those. Perhaps because I liked these characters more plus all the magic tricks info. I liked Max, Edgar, Ruby and Emma, the interactions between them and the way the plot is fitted together. A really good read that kept my interest throughout.
November 19, 2017
I was quite thrilled to get the chance to read the latest DI Stephens & Max Mephisto book. I have become quite fond of this series and I love the combination of a DI and a magician "working" together.
In The Blood Card are Edgar and Max drew into the world of anarchists after they find out that their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright has been murdered. It seems that there is a plot to blow something up on Coronation Day. But, and who could be behind it all? Could a clue be found in America?
Once again has Elly Griffiths written an interesting book, and beside the case is it always fun to follow Edgar and Max in their personal lives trials and tribulations. Edgar is still set to marry max daughter Ruby, but is she so sure about that? And, Sergeant Emma has her own problems with her deep feelings for Edgar that she is trying to hide. Max meanwhile has been talked into doing a magic show on TV on Coronation Day. Could his future be on TV?
I liked the book however, it lost some speed in the middle of the book. I just felt that the case just wasn't intriguing enough, and the investigation just felt like it was idling along. Until the explosive ending. That I loved. I just wish that book had been as interesting in the middle as it was in the beginning and the end would this. For me, what was keeping the story going was the everyday problems that the main characters faced. I like them all, and I like reading about what's happening in their lives. It's just in this book, the case of the anarchists was just not always that thrilling.
As for the Edgar, Ruby and Emma situation? I like both gals, and I like Edgar. But, will Ruby be happily married, that's the question? The addition in this book with the character Tol was interesting. He is charming, and Emma seems to be drawn to him. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what will happen next!
3.5 stars
I want to thank Quercus for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
In The Blood Card are Edgar and Max drew into the world of anarchists after they find out that their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright has been murdered. It seems that there is a plot to blow something up on Coronation Day. But, and who could be behind it all? Could a clue be found in America?
Once again has Elly Griffiths written an interesting book, and beside the case is it always fun to follow Edgar and Max in their personal lives trials and tribulations. Edgar is still set to marry max daughter Ruby, but is she so sure about that? And, Sergeant Emma has her own problems with her deep feelings for Edgar that she is trying to hide. Max meanwhile has been talked into doing a magic show on TV on Coronation Day. Could his future be on TV?
I liked the book however, it lost some speed in the middle of the book. I just felt that the case just wasn't intriguing enough, and the investigation just felt like it was idling along. Until the explosive ending. That I loved. I just wish that book had been as interesting in the middle as it was in the beginning and the end would this. For me, what was keeping the story going was the everyday problems that the main characters faced. I like them all, and I like reading about what's happening in their lives. It's just in this book, the case of the anarchists was just not always that thrilling.
As for the Edgar, Ruby and Emma situation? I like both gals, and I like Edgar. But, will Ruby be happily married, that's the question? The addition in this book with the character Tol was interesting. He is charming, and Emma seems to be drawn to him. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what will happen next!
3.5 stars
I want to thank Quercus for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
June 15, 2019
Ruby was definitely the star of Il Teatro…waiters scurried to take her coat, pull out her chair. Offer her wine and olives on the house. Edgar felt invisible, dazzled by the light of the main attraction. Not that he minded. He liked being in the background: it was one of the reasons he had become a plain clothes policeman.
England, 1953. As the country prepares to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, DI Edgar Stephens of the Brighton police receives a summons to Whitehall from a General Petre. There he meets up with magician Max Mephisto, the star billing at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane – who he served with during the war in a clandestine group known as the Magic Men. The General takes them to the Kensington apartment of their commanding officer, Colonel Cartwright, found murdered there in a crime scene with several theatrical flourishes, a playbill from before the war and a playing card, the Queen of Hearts – known as the “Blood Card” among the magic circle – by the body. Cartwright was a code-breaker during the war and Edgar finds a partially-filled cryptic crossword from the Evening Standard pushed under the bedclothes, notated with names of the Magic Men and a phone number of a mesmerist living in New York.
Edgar receives permission from his superintendent and a passport arranged by the General to fly to New York to follow up what appears to be a dead end, while in Brighton DS Emma Holmes leads the investigation into the death of a Romany woman, Doreen Barton - a fortune-teller known by the name of Madame Zabini - attending the elaborate funeral on behalf of the police, learning that many Romanies had been persecuted in Nazi-held Europe. But could the two deaths be connected? A playbill of acts before the war, found in the gypsy caravan, offers a clue, but as Emma investigates she also becomes a target.
An enjoyable series of police procedural wrapped in the theatre, at a time when variety shows are under threat from television, with the BBC taking over the Empire Theatre in Shepherds Bush. Can it survive? Morph to a new medium, reach a new audience? Max Mephisto has his doubts, though his daughter Ruby, an aspiring magician herself, relishes the challenge.
Here we have the spectre of former Magic Men Tony “The Mind” Mulholland; the Great Diablo takes a backseat while Emma loves Edgar and Edgar loves Ruby, and Max’s affair with his landlady Joy Markham sees no sign of diminishing. ‘Max is ever so good with his hands...’. Which proves the case in the dramatic finale...
Interspersed are some interesting historical facts on playing cards, (and their Italian equivalent), Tarot cards, and even occultist Aleister Crowley rates a mention. A mesmerist, an illusionist, contortionists, anarchists, take your pick. A good solid read, and perhaps the best in the series.
England, 1953. As the country prepares to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, DI Edgar Stephens of the Brighton police receives a summons to Whitehall from a General Petre. There he meets up with magician Max Mephisto, the star billing at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane – who he served with during the war in a clandestine group known as the Magic Men. The General takes them to the Kensington apartment of their commanding officer, Colonel Cartwright, found murdered there in a crime scene with several theatrical flourishes, a playbill from before the war and a playing card, the Queen of Hearts – known as the “Blood Card” among the magic circle – by the body. Cartwright was a code-breaker during the war and Edgar finds a partially-filled cryptic crossword from the Evening Standard pushed under the bedclothes, notated with names of the Magic Men and a phone number of a mesmerist living in New York.
Edgar receives permission from his superintendent and a passport arranged by the General to fly to New York to follow up what appears to be a dead end, while in Brighton DS Emma Holmes leads the investigation into the death of a Romany woman, Doreen Barton - a fortune-teller known by the name of Madame Zabini - attending the elaborate funeral on behalf of the police, learning that many Romanies had been persecuted in Nazi-held Europe. But could the two deaths be connected? A playbill of acts before the war, found in the gypsy caravan, offers a clue, but as Emma investigates she also becomes a target.
An enjoyable series of police procedural wrapped in the theatre, at a time when variety shows are under threat from television, with the BBC taking over the Empire Theatre in Shepherds Bush. Can it survive? Morph to a new medium, reach a new audience? Max Mephisto has his doubts, though his daughter Ruby, an aspiring magician herself, relishes the challenge.
Here we have the spectre of former Magic Men Tony “The Mind” Mulholland; the Great Diablo takes a backseat while Emma loves Edgar and Edgar loves Ruby, and Max’s affair with his landlady Joy Markham sees no sign of diminishing. ‘Max is ever so good with his hands...’. Which proves the case in the dramatic finale...
Interspersed are some interesting historical facts on playing cards, (and their Italian equivalent), Tarot cards, and even occultist Aleister Crowley rates a mention. A mesmerist, an illusionist, contortionists, anarchists, take your pick. A good solid read, and perhaps the best in the series.
November 15, 2020
I am very much enjoying this cosy mystery series set in Brighton/London England in 1953.
It's a police procedural of sorts; one of the main characters is a police officer and the other is a professional magician.
Love the setting, love the characters and like the nystery too!
It's a police procedural of sorts; one of the main characters is a police officer and the other is a professional magician.
Love the setting, love the characters and like the nystery too!
October 14, 2021
The Blood Card is the third book in the Stephens and Mephisto Mystery series by British author, Elly Griffiths. It’s May, 1953 and the former Magic Men are busy with their lives; DI Edgar Stephens is investigating the death of gypsy fortune-teller, Madame Zabini (Doreen Barton) in Brighton; magician Max Mephisto is performing at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane.
They’re puzzled to be summoned to Whitehall by General Petre, even more so when he explains they are to look into the murder of their former CO, Colonel Peter Cartwright. Certain things about the murder scene have led Petre to call them in: a playing card left on the body; a newspaper cutting about an American mesmerist; and a 1939 Liverpool Empire playbill.
Petre stresses urgency: there is a threat to the imminent coronation of the new Queen. Max makes an international phone call which yields only a cryptic clue. Ed is sent to Albany, NY, arrives too late for his purpose, is almost the victim of a hit-and-run driver and has his motel room ransacked.
Back in Brighton, DS Emma Holmes is keeping a close eye on the Barton family when it transpires there may be a connection to Cartwright’s murder. Soon enough, Max and Ed conclude that all is not as it seems with the now-elusive General Petre, and the connection between the two deaths strengthens.
Griffiths gives the reader characters that are real and flawed; some are vain and selfish; others distracted by misdirection and convinced by illusion. Her plot is clever and original and has a few twists that even the most astute reader may fail to anticipate. The atmosphere of post-war Britain is skilfully evoked with description, dialogue and the attitudes common at the time.
The immediate post-war era ensures the absence of mobile phones, internet, DNA and even many personal vehicles; thus the detective work relies on heavily on legwork, personal visits and intelligent deduction.
Before the puzzles are solved and the murderers apprehended, there are communists, mafiosi and anarchists to investigate, there is arson, assault and attempted kidnapping, a bomb has to be defused on live TV and a knife thrower saves a young magician. Ed’s short stay in America is quite entertaining, and there are plenty of unresolved situations to draw the reader to the next book, The Vanishing Box. Excellent Historical crime fiction.
They’re puzzled to be summoned to Whitehall by General Petre, even more so when he explains they are to look into the murder of their former CO, Colonel Peter Cartwright. Certain things about the murder scene have led Petre to call them in: a playing card left on the body; a newspaper cutting about an American mesmerist; and a 1939 Liverpool Empire playbill.
Petre stresses urgency: there is a threat to the imminent coronation of the new Queen. Max makes an international phone call which yields only a cryptic clue. Ed is sent to Albany, NY, arrives too late for his purpose, is almost the victim of a hit-and-run driver and has his motel room ransacked.
Back in Brighton, DS Emma Holmes is keeping a close eye on the Barton family when it transpires there may be a connection to Cartwright’s murder. Soon enough, Max and Ed conclude that all is not as it seems with the now-elusive General Petre, and the connection between the two deaths strengthens.
Griffiths gives the reader characters that are real and flawed; some are vain and selfish; others distracted by misdirection and convinced by illusion. Her plot is clever and original and has a few twists that even the most astute reader may fail to anticipate. The atmosphere of post-war Britain is skilfully evoked with description, dialogue and the attitudes common at the time.
The immediate post-war era ensures the absence of mobile phones, internet, DNA and even many personal vehicles; thus the detective work relies on heavily on legwork, personal visits and intelligent deduction.
Before the puzzles are solved and the murderers apprehended, there are communists, mafiosi and anarchists to investigate, there is arson, assault and attempted kidnapping, a bomb has to be defused on live TV and a knife thrower saves a young magician. Ed’s short stay in America is quite entertaining, and there are plenty of unresolved situations to draw the reader to the next book, The Vanishing Box. Excellent Historical crime fiction.
April 1, 2019
I wasn’t that keen on the second book in Griffiths’ Stephens & Mephisto series but I was still interested enough to keep reading on. So, did I think Griffiths redeemed herself with number three? Well…
The mystery plot started out good. One of Max and Edgar’s war time colleagues is found dead, murdered. Next to the body is an old playbill and a playing card. Although the crime wasn't really Edgar’s jurisdiction, an army general asks he and Max to look into the murder and this has Ed flitting off to the US to follow up on a lead. The American scenes are so much fun, exploring the modern developments that were becoming more commonplace in 1953 (cars, planes and televisions especially) as well as the differences between the US and UK cultures overall.
Meanwhile, seemingly unrelated, a gypsy woman’s body is found. The woman's family refuses to believe she has committed suicide and, with Edgar in America, it’s up to Emma to investigate. As much as I like Emma as a character I, again, find it difficult to believe a female police officer would be given so much responsibility in the 50s.
The time setting did allow Griffiths to intertwine the Queen’s coronation into her plot. The threat to disrupt the day was clever but I did maybe think some of the tension didn’t work for me because I already knew Lizzie would make it through the day unharmed. How the English public was reacting to the day was an entertaining part of the book though.
I also thought Griffiths was clever in using issues which are still relevant in the 2010s, especially America’s lack of gun control and the threat of terrorism. It was interesting to see the different way the public and police handled what were essentially terrorist threats in the book.
Griffiths included Max’s knowledge of theatre into the storyline but overall, however, Max is used much too sparingly. When he does appear, it’s usually to have thoughts about Ruby and Edgar. I would really love to see him actually doing some crime solving instead. I also missed The Great Diablo. His one scene in the book was absolutely hilarious and he should be used much more. The new gypsy character, (Tol, sorry if the spelling is incorrect as I listened on audio) I liked too, I must admit. Bob, however, could be relegated to the scrap heap.
What I didn’t like was the rushed ending to the mystery/thriller plot. The mystery was not really solved by anyone, as such, and everything was presented in one huge info dump at the end. It also grated on my nerves the way characters even repeated the key points (usually telling other characters what had happened) as if the reader was dumb and might not have understood something.
The ending to a couple of the Ruth Galloway books had similar problems but I think it didn’t bother me as much with those as I was always caught up in the soap opera of the characters’ personal lives. Here too, I think Griffiths tried to distract the reader away from the weak wrap up of the mystery plot by focusing on Emma and Edgar’s personal lives. Unlike in the Ruth books, I’m unsure how I feel about this romantic storyline. As a rule, I'm not a big love triangle fan. I somehow tolerate the Ruth/Nelson/Michelle one but this time around I’m just thinking Griffiths should have presented me with something new. The domesticity of Max’s relationship with Mrs M is much more fun and actually quite sweet, for example.
Again, I’ll probably still read the next in the series but I’m far from being smitten. There just seems to be some vital ingredient missing but I can’t seem to put my finger on what, especially given the way Griffiths follows almost the exact same formula in these books as she does in the Ruth ones which I adore.
I must mention I listened to the audio version of the book and didn’t really like the narrator. It distracted me how many times the three leads - Max, Edgar and Emma - changed their accents/voices/tones. Minor characters, I can understand but I would like the three leads to have some consistency.
I've rated this one 3 1/2, which is 1/2 star more than book two.
The mystery plot started out good. One of Max and Edgar’s war time colleagues is found dead, murdered. Next to the body is an old playbill and a playing card. Although the crime wasn't really Edgar’s jurisdiction, an army general asks he and Max to look into the murder and this has Ed flitting off to the US to follow up on a lead. The American scenes are so much fun, exploring the modern developments that were becoming more commonplace in 1953 (cars, planes and televisions especially) as well as the differences between the US and UK cultures overall.
Meanwhile, seemingly unrelated, a gypsy woman’s body is found. The woman's family refuses to believe she has committed suicide and, with Edgar in America, it’s up to Emma to investigate. As much as I like Emma as a character I, again, find it difficult to believe a female police officer would be given so much responsibility in the 50s.
The time setting did allow Griffiths to intertwine the Queen’s coronation into her plot. The threat to disrupt the day was clever but I did maybe think some of the tension didn’t work for me because I already knew Lizzie would make it through the day unharmed. How the English public was reacting to the day was an entertaining part of the book though.
I also thought Griffiths was clever in using issues which are still relevant in the 2010s, especially America’s lack of gun control and the threat of terrorism. It was interesting to see the different way the public and police handled what were essentially terrorist threats in the book.
Griffiths included Max’s knowledge of theatre into the storyline but overall, however, Max is used much too sparingly. When he does appear, it’s usually to have thoughts about Ruby and Edgar. I would really love to see him actually doing some crime solving instead. I also missed The Great Diablo. His one scene in the book was absolutely hilarious and he should be used much more. The new gypsy character, (Tol, sorry if the spelling is incorrect as I listened on audio) I liked too, I must admit. Bob, however, could be relegated to the scrap heap.
What I didn’t like was the rushed ending to the mystery/thriller plot. The mystery was not really solved by anyone, as such, and everything was presented in one huge info dump at the end. It also grated on my nerves the way characters even repeated the key points (usually telling other characters what had happened) as if the reader was dumb and might not have understood something.
The ending to a couple of the Ruth Galloway books had similar problems but I think it didn’t bother me as much with those as I was always caught up in the soap opera of the characters’ personal lives. Here too, I think Griffiths tried to distract the reader away from the weak wrap up of the mystery plot by focusing on Emma and Edgar’s personal lives. Unlike in the Ruth books, I’m unsure how I feel about this romantic storyline. As a rule, I'm not a big love triangle fan. I somehow tolerate the Ruth/Nelson/Michelle one but this time around I’m just thinking Griffiths should have presented me with something new. The domesticity of Max’s relationship with Mrs M is much more fun and actually quite sweet, for example.
Again, I’ll probably still read the next in the series but I’m far from being smitten. There just seems to be some vital ingredient missing but I can’t seem to put my finger on what, especially given the way Griffiths follows almost the exact same formula in these books as she does in the Ruth ones which I adore.
I must mention I listened to the audio version of the book and didn’t really like the narrator. It distracted me how many times the three leads - Max, Edgar and Emma - changed their accents/voices/tones. Minor characters, I can understand but I would like the three leads to have some consistency.
I've rated this one 3 1/2, which is 1/2 star more than book two.
September 5, 2017
The Blood Card by Elly Griffiths is the third book in the new Stephens and Mephisto or Magic Men series. As an ardent fan of Griffiths' first series, Ruth Galloway Mysteries, I didn't know if I could love this second series as much. Rather like a mother pregnant with her second child wondering if a new child could ever be as thrilling as the first. Well, having had two children, I know that the second child brings out every bit as much love as the first. And, having now read three books in Elly Griffiths' second series, I know that I have plenty of love to go around for it, too. Set in the early 1950s, the historical aspect of England shortly after WWII is fascinating, and the added presence of the variety acts, especially magic, that had long been a part of the British theater of performance create a setting that is constantly evolving amidst the changes of a new world after war.
The story begins at a pivotal point in British history after the war, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, a new era of a woman once again on the throne of England. Preparations for the coronation are busy everywhere throughout England, from the ceremony and events in London to the celebrations throughout the towns and villages of the country. The few days before this spectacular event finds Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens investigating the death of a Brighton Gypsy fortune-teller, who met her fate of drowning by either her own hand or someone else's. Max Mephisto, Edgar's friend and former teammate in the Magic Men unit for diversion and misdirection in WWII army operations, is performing his famous magic act in London at the Theatre Royal. A mysterious call from a General Petre brings both men to the London address of their former commander, Colonel Cartwright, who has been murdered. With Cartwright's body having already been removed by the police, Edgar and Max are asked to look around for clues. The most significant is the discovery of the ace of hearts playing card, which Max recognizes right away as the "blood card." There is also an old playbill for a variety performance show, a crossword puzzle, and a news article featuring a story about an American mind-reader. Not easy clues to decipher, but ones which the friends are determined to follow. Petre also tells Max and Edgar that General Cartwright was on the trail of an anarchist scheme to disrupt the coronation when he was killed.
Before he can say Bob's your uncle, under the direction of General Petre, Edgar is on a plane to Albany, New York to decipher why his old commander had the article about the American performer in his possession, with the man's phone number on it. Edgar's experiences in Albany further convince him that there is a connection to the murder investigation. Meanwhile, Max is busy contacting past members of the Magic Men to try and uncover if there's a connection to Cartwright's death. Max is also preparing for his television debut in a variety show to be part of the coronation celebration. His daughter Ruby is also on the show, and they both could be in danger's way. And Emma Holmes, Edgar's Sergeant on the Brighton Police force, is conducting a dogged inquiry into the death of the Gypsy woman, Madame Zabini, and in the process discovers disturbing and important information tied to an anarchist scheme. Edgar, Max, and Emma arrive at a shocking conclusion in their investigations, but the timing may be too late.
The two areas which I was especially enamored of in book #3, besides, of course, the story itself, were the historical features and the further development of minor characters. With so much written about WWII itself, this series is a breath of fresh air in its setting of the early 1950s when rationing was still in effect, television was just becoming a desired item (which the televised coronation did much to promote), variety stage shows were undergoing a shake-up, and air travel was new to most people. Griffith's description of the flight Edgar took to New York was marvelous. So different than modern day plane trips, the amenities described are unbelievable. I won't spoil the description here, as it's such a delight to read. The reactions to having a television set in the home, from it being front and center to it being hidden away with curtains drawn across it to conceal it, are as entertaining as the forum itself.
The Blood Card takes us further into the supporting characters' lives, too. Emma Holmes, who is one of my favorites in the series, has her role expanded into sharp investigator, infatuated admirer of Edgar's (but in a dignified manner), and unsettled daughter. Ruby, who is Edgar's intended is given more insight as to her motivation, ambition, and feelings for Edgar. The variety of entertainers is always enchanting, with their talents and quirks exposed. I felt that this book has brought so much together for the reader of the series, connected so many dots, with, of course, many story threads that could go down many different paths. Elly Griffiths is a master pacer, and her delivery of these developments is perfect timing.
I do hope that those who are devoted fans of the Ruth Galloway series are giving the Magic Men series its proper attention, too. Elly Griffiths is no one-trick pony. She is a creative source for multiple stories and multiple characters. To limit her to one set is to deny great storytelling to be shared in all its glory. This reader will take all she can get from this author because it's all exceptional reading.
The story begins at a pivotal point in British history after the war, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, a new era of a woman once again on the throne of England. Preparations for the coronation are busy everywhere throughout England, from the ceremony and events in London to the celebrations throughout the towns and villages of the country. The few days before this spectacular event finds Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens investigating the death of a Brighton Gypsy fortune-teller, who met her fate of drowning by either her own hand or someone else's. Max Mephisto, Edgar's friend and former teammate in the Magic Men unit for diversion and misdirection in WWII army operations, is performing his famous magic act in London at the Theatre Royal. A mysterious call from a General Petre brings both men to the London address of their former commander, Colonel Cartwright, who has been murdered. With Cartwright's body having already been removed by the police, Edgar and Max are asked to look around for clues. The most significant is the discovery of the ace of hearts playing card, which Max recognizes right away as the "blood card." There is also an old playbill for a variety performance show, a crossword puzzle, and a news article featuring a story about an American mind-reader. Not easy clues to decipher, but ones which the friends are determined to follow. Petre also tells Max and Edgar that General Cartwright was on the trail of an anarchist scheme to disrupt the coronation when he was killed.
Before he can say Bob's your uncle, under the direction of General Petre, Edgar is on a plane to Albany, New York to decipher why his old commander had the article about the American performer in his possession, with the man's phone number on it. Edgar's experiences in Albany further convince him that there is a connection to the murder investigation. Meanwhile, Max is busy contacting past members of the Magic Men to try and uncover if there's a connection to Cartwright's death. Max is also preparing for his television debut in a variety show to be part of the coronation celebration. His daughter Ruby is also on the show, and they both could be in danger's way. And Emma Holmes, Edgar's Sergeant on the Brighton Police force, is conducting a dogged inquiry into the death of the Gypsy woman, Madame Zabini, and in the process discovers disturbing and important information tied to an anarchist scheme. Edgar, Max, and Emma arrive at a shocking conclusion in their investigations, but the timing may be too late.
The two areas which I was especially enamored of in book #3, besides, of course, the story itself, were the historical features and the further development of minor characters. With so much written about WWII itself, this series is a breath of fresh air in its setting of the early 1950s when rationing was still in effect, television was just becoming a desired item (which the televised coronation did much to promote), variety stage shows were undergoing a shake-up, and air travel was new to most people. Griffith's description of the flight Edgar took to New York was marvelous. So different than modern day plane trips, the amenities described are unbelievable. I won't spoil the description here, as it's such a delight to read. The reactions to having a television set in the home, from it being front and center to it being hidden away with curtains drawn across it to conceal it, are as entertaining as the forum itself.
The Blood Card takes us further into the supporting characters' lives, too. Emma Holmes, who is one of my favorites in the series, has her role expanded into sharp investigator, infatuated admirer of Edgar's (but in a dignified manner), and unsettled daughter. Ruby, who is Edgar's intended is given more insight as to her motivation, ambition, and feelings for Edgar. The variety of entertainers is always enchanting, with their talents and quirks exposed. I felt that this book has brought so much together for the reader of the series, connected so many dots, with, of course, many story threads that could go down many different paths. Elly Griffiths is a master pacer, and her delivery of these developments is perfect timing.
I do hope that those who are devoted fans of the Ruth Galloway series are giving the Magic Men series its proper attention, too. Elly Griffiths is no one-trick pony. She is a creative source for multiple stories and multiple characters. To limit her to one set is to deny great storytelling to be shared in all its glory. This reader will take all she can get from this author because it's all exceptional reading.
May 23, 2021
This is the third book in the Stephens and Mephisto series by author Elly Griffiths. I really enjoy the Ruth Galloway series by this author but have never felt the same when reading this series. I have read the previous two books in the series and they were both good reads but I didn’t feel the same enthusiasm as the Ruth Galloway ones. This one was a lot better and perhaps it is just taking me time to get into the characters.
Set in 1953, the year of the Queen’s coronation and all the preparations are in full flow ready for the big day. But the murder of their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright changes the mood of DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto. A playbill featuring another deceased comrade is found in Colonel Cartwright’s possession, and a playing card, the ace of hearts, the blood card. With a connection of wartime and the suggestion of magic Stephens and Mephisto appear to be the perfect fit to solve this crime.
Another cosy historical thriller with a twisty plot and full of fascinating characters.
Set in 1953, the year of the Queen’s coronation and all the preparations are in full flow ready for the big day. But the murder of their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright changes the mood of DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto. A playbill featuring another deceased comrade is found in Colonel Cartwright’s possession, and a playing card, the ace of hearts, the blood card. With a connection of wartime and the suggestion of magic Stephens and Mephisto appear to be the perfect fit to solve this crime.
Another cosy historical thriller with a twisty plot and full of fascinating characters.
October 6, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
The Coronation of Elizabeth II is the background to this interesting and unconventional mystery story. DI Edgar Stephens is involved in an investigation into the death of a fortune teller on the pier in Brighton. Max Mephisto is preparing for his television debut on Coronation day. Both are shocked by the murder of their old war time commander Colonel Peter Cartwright and both find themselves summoned to London and tasked with investigating the crime.
For Edgar the investigation takes him to New York in search of a medium who may hold the key to the whole business but his visit puts him in danger. His colleague Sergeant Emma Holmes finds herself in danger in Brighton as she does some investigation into the case of the fortune teller on her own. Underlying both investigations is the fear that an anarchist group wants to disrupt the Coronation.
This is an entertaining mystery with an interesting background of historical events. I like Edgar and Max as characters and it is good to see Edgar's police colleagues playing a bigger part in the story as well. I enjoyed the insights into the magic tricks and the theatre and television background. If you want to read a historical mystery story which is out of the ordinary then you could try this book or this series. This is the third book in the series though the books could be read in any order.
The Coronation of Elizabeth II is the background to this interesting and unconventional mystery story. DI Edgar Stephens is involved in an investigation into the death of a fortune teller on the pier in Brighton. Max Mephisto is preparing for his television debut on Coronation day. Both are shocked by the murder of their old war time commander Colonel Peter Cartwright and both find themselves summoned to London and tasked with investigating the crime.
For Edgar the investigation takes him to New York in search of a medium who may hold the key to the whole business but his visit puts him in danger. His colleague Sergeant Emma Holmes finds herself in danger in Brighton as she does some investigation into the case of the fortune teller on her own. Underlying both investigations is the fear that an anarchist group wants to disrupt the Coronation.
This is an entertaining mystery with an interesting background of historical events. I like Edgar and Max as characters and it is good to see Edgar's police colleagues playing a bigger part in the story as well. I enjoyed the insights into the magic tricks and the theatre and television background. If you want to read a historical mystery story which is out of the ordinary then you could try this book or this series. This is the third book in the series though the books could be read in any order.
September 2, 2019
This book is superb. I enjoyed the first two in the series, but this third 'episode' in the story of DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto outranks even those. Elly Griffiths' attention to detail is honed to perfection. She certainly does her research. One of my favourite parts was Edgar's flight to America, peppered with snippets of information from what now feels like another world. I'd forgotten about passengers' postcards - having received some from my late father when he travelled abroad in the nineteen fifties. Her description of arriving in America, its rationing-free food, its luxuries - are all spot on, and they slowly draw the reader into this past era where Edgar's amazement and enjoyment are easily understood.
An excellent plot together with so many likeable characters make this book into a treat - which I didn't want to end, and this is surely the sign of something special.
Five well-deserved stars.
Would I read it again? Of course I would... but not until the series has finished and I've read what is yet to come.
An excellent plot together with so many likeable characters make this book into a treat - which I didn't want to end, and this is surely the sign of something special.
Five well-deserved stars.
Would I read it again? Of course I would... but not until the series has finished and I've read what is yet to come.
November 28, 2016
I have to say I feel bad about this as I do love Ella Griffins books... usually, but this one I found slow I kept waiting for something to happen, but nothing did till very end and everything was so rushed, there was so much that could have cut out, and yet added more to the story, I have found this series of books really hard going, and yet the potential is there. I do prefer her other series, as that has what is missing here, the characters are good but often not life like, it's hard to put your finger on what it's lacking but it is lacking something.
November 25, 2016
I am starting to love the Stephens and Mephisto books as much as Ruth and Nelson. So good and pacy and cosy and funny all at the same time. I love Edgar. I have very strong views about who I want him to end up with.
June 3, 2019
I really enjoyed the period aspects of this while not caring about the mystery and being sad that it has to be Ruby vs Emma.
November 3, 2016
When Colonel Peter Cartwright, their commander from the war, is found dead with the ace of hearts, the blood card, next to him Max Mephisto and DI Edgar Stephens are summoned to London and put in charge of a secret investigation into his death.
Racing back to his current investigation in Brighton where Edgar is probing the mysterious death of fortune teller Madame Zabini he is soon off on his first aeroplane trip to New York, a fifteen hour journey on the trail of the murderer.
The links to the world of the theatre are really strong in this, the third outing of Stephens and Mephsito and reach back in time. Max and Edgar are tracking down some old-timers from the world of the variety shows which are now beginning to fear their fate with the advent of television. And it is time to be worried with a terrific surge in families buying sets to watch the Queen’s Coronation. Max was unable to take the trip to New York as he has dipped his toe into the world of television and is performing a magic show live for the small screen, a show that will follow the main event of the day. His new agent Joe Passolini has promised that millions will watch Those Were The Days, the greatest variety show to reach into the drawing rooms of the UK.
The two plots, one dealing with deaths of those linked to the theatre and another strand devoted to the gypsy’s who deliver the entertainment on the pier. Stephens and his Sergeants Bob Willis and Emma Holmes are far from convinced that Madame Zabini’s death was suicide, as Bob succinctly put it:
‘You’d think, being psychic, she’d know if someone was going to do her in’
When her son receives a letter asking him to ask Stephens what the Magic Men knew, the operation he was part of with Max during the war, the feeling that something was not quite right just intensifies. The problem is apart from handing over the note the family aren’t terribly forthcoming, having an aversion to the police.
My love of these two crime fighters hasn’t abated one little bit and this proved to be a fun read, all deaths happen ‘off-page’ to cause minimum distress to the reader. The plot has an old-fashioned feel to it, matching the time period perfectly, consisting of cryptic crossword puzzles and a network of characters where even the most shadowy, could be kindly be described as ‘misunderstood’ That’s not to imply there isn’t any action, there is, and the descriptions are brilliant. The portrayal of the build up and ultimately to the day of the coronation itself, one full of excitement as the new Elizabethan age dawned was fantastic I felt I was right there with the people who partied despite the rationing, which was still in place, and shows went on to please the new audience in front of their televisions.
Elly Griffiths manages to sneak plenty of historical facts into this engaging and evocative mystery of an era that doesn’t get as much exposure as the preceding decades. She effortlessly transports us to the time and I’m delighted that her female characters are so strong despite being true to their time. For those who have read the previous books, it is an absolute delight to see the character progression, the bonds that have been forged in times of adversity lending a depth to such a fun read. So it isn’t only long live the Queen but long live Max Mephisto and DI Edgar Stephens!
I was delighted to receive an advance review copy of this book ahead of publication next week and this review is my thanks to the publishers Quercus Books, and of course the fabulous Elly Griffiths.
Racing back to his current investigation in Brighton where Edgar is probing the mysterious death of fortune teller Madame Zabini he is soon off on his first aeroplane trip to New York, a fifteen hour journey on the trail of the murderer.
The links to the world of the theatre are really strong in this, the third outing of Stephens and Mephsito and reach back in time. Max and Edgar are tracking down some old-timers from the world of the variety shows which are now beginning to fear their fate with the advent of television. And it is time to be worried with a terrific surge in families buying sets to watch the Queen’s Coronation. Max was unable to take the trip to New York as he has dipped his toe into the world of television and is performing a magic show live for the small screen, a show that will follow the main event of the day. His new agent Joe Passolini has promised that millions will watch Those Were The Days, the greatest variety show to reach into the drawing rooms of the UK.
The two plots, one dealing with deaths of those linked to the theatre and another strand devoted to the gypsy’s who deliver the entertainment on the pier. Stephens and his Sergeants Bob Willis and Emma Holmes are far from convinced that Madame Zabini’s death was suicide, as Bob succinctly put it:
‘You’d think, being psychic, she’d know if someone was going to do her in’
When her son receives a letter asking him to ask Stephens what the Magic Men knew, the operation he was part of with Max during the war, the feeling that something was not quite right just intensifies. The problem is apart from handing over the note the family aren’t terribly forthcoming, having an aversion to the police.
My love of these two crime fighters hasn’t abated one little bit and this proved to be a fun read, all deaths happen ‘off-page’ to cause minimum distress to the reader. The plot has an old-fashioned feel to it, matching the time period perfectly, consisting of cryptic crossword puzzles and a network of characters where even the most shadowy, could be kindly be described as ‘misunderstood’ That’s not to imply there isn’t any action, there is, and the descriptions are brilliant. The portrayal of the build up and ultimately to the day of the coronation itself, one full of excitement as the new Elizabethan age dawned was fantastic I felt I was right there with the people who partied despite the rationing, which was still in place, and shows went on to please the new audience in front of their televisions.
Elly Griffiths manages to sneak plenty of historical facts into this engaging and evocative mystery of an era that doesn’t get as much exposure as the preceding decades. She effortlessly transports us to the time and I’m delighted that her female characters are so strong despite being true to their time. For those who have read the previous books, it is an absolute delight to see the character progression, the bonds that have been forged in times of adversity lending a depth to such a fun read. So it isn’t only long live the Queen but long live Max Mephisto and DI Edgar Stephens!
I was delighted to receive an advance review copy of this book ahead of publication next week and this review is my thanks to the publishers Quercus Books, and of course the fabulous Elly Griffiths.
November 8, 2016
The Blood Card – A Proper Whodunit
The third in the Stephens and Mephisto series, The Blood Card from Elly Griffiths, is a good old fashioned whodunit and such a brilliant read. The prose just draws you in and like Mephisto completes some excellent sleight of hand, the clues are there but can the reader see them?
It is 1953, and in a few weeks- time the coronation of Queen Elizabeth is set to take place at Westminster Abbey while the world watches. DI Edgar Stephens is investigating a mysterious death of a famous Brighton fortune teller who has a caravan on Brighton Pier, when he is summoned to London to a mysterious meeting with General Petre, where he meets former comrade-in-arms Max Mephisto.
They have been summoned by General Petre, as their former commanding officer Colonel Cartwright has been murdered, and a playing card, the ace of hearts, the Blood Card, was found on the body. This was enough to bring the former comrades in to the investigation, especially as Stephens discovers a clue on the Standard’s cryptic crossword puzzle.
The search for clues takes Stephens to Albany in New York State, on his first flight, while searching someone has killed one of their lines of inquiry and at the same time tries to kill Stephens in the process. With his motel room, turned over he stays with a local before heading back to New York and his flight.
Back in London Max Mephisto is searching for clues, while worrying about his daughter who is beginning to make her way in the ‘industry’. Both are offered a job, one of those rare tv jobs on coronation day, a variety show, at was the Shepherd’s Bush Empire but now the BBC TV theatre.
When Stephens meets up with Mephisto they seem to be no further forward, and the Met Police, think Stephens has gone nuts thinking there is going to be an attack at the coronation. When they try to find General Petre he seems to have gone missing, and a Roma family in Brighton seem to be at the heart of the plot.
It is Stephens trusty colleague Detective Sergeant Emma Holmes that discovers an anarchist plot to put a spectacular end to coronation day. This knowledge unknowingly places Holmes in danger, as she is attacked on the way home and hospitalised.
As coronation day arrives Stephens and Mephisto can put together the clues and find the answer to where the anarchist plot will take place. All they need to do now is discover who the people are involved and put a stop to the plot. It begins a race against the clock to make sure that they day passes without anarchists stealing the day and the memories away.
Elly Griffiths has written a wonderful old fashioned whodunit that will continue to deliver for years, in excitement, interest and wonderful characters. This is the sort of book the great Agatha Christie could have written, and carries on the great tradition of brilliant female crime writers.
The third in the Stephens and Mephisto series, The Blood Card from Elly Griffiths, is a good old fashioned whodunit and such a brilliant read. The prose just draws you in and like Mephisto completes some excellent sleight of hand, the clues are there but can the reader see them?
It is 1953, and in a few weeks- time the coronation of Queen Elizabeth is set to take place at Westminster Abbey while the world watches. DI Edgar Stephens is investigating a mysterious death of a famous Brighton fortune teller who has a caravan on Brighton Pier, when he is summoned to London to a mysterious meeting with General Petre, where he meets former comrade-in-arms Max Mephisto.
They have been summoned by General Petre, as their former commanding officer Colonel Cartwright has been murdered, and a playing card, the ace of hearts, the Blood Card, was found on the body. This was enough to bring the former comrades in to the investigation, especially as Stephens discovers a clue on the Standard’s cryptic crossword puzzle.
The search for clues takes Stephens to Albany in New York State, on his first flight, while searching someone has killed one of their lines of inquiry and at the same time tries to kill Stephens in the process. With his motel room, turned over he stays with a local before heading back to New York and his flight.
Back in London Max Mephisto is searching for clues, while worrying about his daughter who is beginning to make her way in the ‘industry’. Both are offered a job, one of those rare tv jobs on coronation day, a variety show, at was the Shepherd’s Bush Empire but now the BBC TV theatre.
When Stephens meets up with Mephisto they seem to be no further forward, and the Met Police, think Stephens has gone nuts thinking there is going to be an attack at the coronation. When they try to find General Petre he seems to have gone missing, and a Roma family in Brighton seem to be at the heart of the plot.
It is Stephens trusty colleague Detective Sergeant Emma Holmes that discovers an anarchist plot to put a spectacular end to coronation day. This knowledge unknowingly places Holmes in danger, as she is attacked on the way home and hospitalised.
As coronation day arrives Stephens and Mephisto can put together the clues and find the answer to where the anarchist plot will take place. All they need to do now is discover who the people are involved and put a stop to the plot. It begins a race against the clock to make sure that they day passes without anarchists stealing the day and the memories away.
Elly Griffiths has written a wonderful old fashioned whodunit that will continue to deliver for years, in excitement, interest and wonderful characters. This is the sort of book the great Agatha Christie could have written, and carries on the great tradition of brilliant female crime writers.
July 29, 2017
The Blood Card is the third in Griffiths newer series. I'm enjoying this mid-century stories but not as much as her original characters including Ruth Galloway, Nelson, and Cadfael etc also though the Stephens and Mephisto books are well worth following I don't find them as engrossing to the same degree. I do like the post World War ll setting and the potential it affords for interesting perspectives. For this series I think it's more important to read them in the order they were written for the most enjoyment.
In this book D I Stephens travels to the US and I like how she contrasted the two societies. She also did a good job dolling out clues and the tie-in with Elizabeth ll's coronation (which also afforded attitudes comparisons between the U.K. and the US). All too often the last 20 to 50 pages of mysteries feel like a mopping up of what you expected but Griffiths never phones it in. She keeps it interesting not only summing up the surprise but also revealing more about the characters.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance reading copy.
In this book D I Stephens travels to the US and I like how she contrasted the two societies. She also did a good job dolling out clues and the tie-in with Elizabeth ll's coronation (which also afforded attitudes comparisons between the U.K. and the US). All too often the last 20 to 50 pages of mysteries feel like a mopping up of what you expected but Griffiths never phones it in. She keeps it interesting not only summing up the surprise but also revealing more about the characters.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance reading copy.
March 25, 2018
The third novel in this highly enjoyable series takes place in 1953 and starts just two weeks before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Once again, D.I. Edgar Stephens and his wartime pal magician Max Mephisto find themselves embroiled in a mystery following the murder of their former commander, Colonel Peter Cartwright Beside his body is a newspaper clipping with an uncompleted crossword and a playing card, the Ace Of Hearts (the eponymous "Blood Card").
This novel sees the modern world encroaching ever further into the lives of our two heroes; Max reluctantly agrees to take part in a pilot for a television show featuring music hall acts whilst Ed (with a mixture of excitement and horror) undertakes a trans-Atlantic flight to interview a former mesmerist turned, ironically, a TV repair man in Albany, New York.
As with the two previous novels, this is a thoroughly engrossing romp with plenty of twists and red herrings plus a fascinating cast of new eccentric characters.
This novel sees the modern world encroaching ever further into the lives of our two heroes; Max reluctantly agrees to take part in a pilot for a television show featuring music hall acts whilst Ed (with a mixture of excitement and horror) undertakes a trans-Atlantic flight to interview a former mesmerist turned, ironically, a TV repair man in Albany, New York.
As with the two previous novels, this is a thoroughly engrossing romp with plenty of twists and red herrings plus a fascinating cast of new eccentric characters.
March 26, 2017
I really enjoyed the history part of this book. I also like the way the author is developing more of the side characters. I did find some parts of the book a little slow going but overall it was a good read. Will definitely be continuing with this series although I am not as enthralled as I am with the Ruth Galloway series.
November 28, 2016
Long live the Queen!
It's 1953, and Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is investigating the death of a fortune-teller who drowned off the Brighton pier. It looks like an accident, but the possibilities of suicide and murder have to be ruled out. However, Edgar's investigation is interrupted when he is called to London by General Petre to look into the mysterious death of Colonel Cartwright, who used to be one of Edgar's superior officers during the war. General Petre has called on Max Mephisto to help too, since Max also worked with Colonel Cartwright, and there are aspects of the murder that suggest it may have something to do with the Magic Men – the outfit Max and Edgar were involved in, which used illusion to fool the Germans into thinking the Allies had greater defences than they actually did. It soon transpires that Colonel Cartwright was afraid that a plan was afoot to disrupt the coronation of the new young Queen, Elizabeth II, so Edgar and Max are under pressure to solve the case before that event takes place in a couple of weeks time.
I've enjoyed the previous books in this new series of Elly Griffiths' a great deal, so had high hopes for this one. The Brighton setting just after the end of WW2 is brilliantly evoked, especially the rather seedy tone of the theatres and musical halls, and the performers who live a nomadic life around the various seaside towns of England, with, if they're lucky, an occasional booking amidst the bright lights of London's West End. Max is currently performing at the Theatre Royal in London, and has been tempted somewhat against his better judgement to appear on the new-fangled television – a medium he fears will lead to the final death of the already fading variety theatre. The TV show is scheduled to be shown on the evening of the Queen's coronation.
Edgar meantime is still trying to pin Ruby down to setting a date for their wedding, but Ruby is not ready to give up her aspirations to become as great a stage magician as her father, Max. And Edgar's colleague, Emma, is still harbouring feelings of unrequited love for him. Which is all a little annoying, since this book is set two years after the last one, and yet none of these characters seem to have moved on emotionally from how they were left then. Shades of the tedious Ruth/Nelson saga from Griffiths' other series beginning to creep in, I fear. I wish Griffiths could either leave the romance out of her books, or else move it along – she seems to stick her characters into a situation and then leave them there forever. Hopefully she'll resolve this triangle in the next book, or I'm afraid it will become as dull as poor old Ruth's never-ending non-love story.
The plot of this one takes Edgar to America, which provides quite a bit of humour as Edgar tries to understand a society that feels very foreign to him. The picture Griffiths paints of America at that time feels very much based on movies of the period – it doesn't give quite the same aura of authenticity as the Brighton scenes. But it adds an extra element of interest by expanding out from the rather restricted setting of an English seaside town.
For me, the plot of this one is too convoluted and loses credibility before it reaches the end. While it's very well written and has a great dramatic ending, my disbelief was stretched well past breaking point before it got there. However, the recurring characters remain as enjoyable as ever, and as usual there are plenty of quirky new ones introduced to keep the interest level up. I also enjoyed the glimpse of the early days of television, when it was all still experimental and, of course, broadcast live, giving it plenty of potential for unexpected drama.
Overall, this isn't my favourite of the series, but it's still a good outing for Edgar, Max and the other recurring characters, and I look forward to seeing where they go next – with my fingers firmly crossed that they don't remain stuck in their emotional ruts for too much longer.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Quercus.
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It's 1953, and Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is investigating the death of a fortune-teller who drowned off the Brighton pier. It looks like an accident, but the possibilities of suicide and murder have to be ruled out. However, Edgar's investigation is interrupted when he is called to London by General Petre to look into the mysterious death of Colonel Cartwright, who used to be one of Edgar's superior officers during the war. General Petre has called on Max Mephisto to help too, since Max also worked with Colonel Cartwright, and there are aspects of the murder that suggest it may have something to do with the Magic Men – the outfit Max and Edgar were involved in, which used illusion to fool the Germans into thinking the Allies had greater defences than they actually did. It soon transpires that Colonel Cartwright was afraid that a plan was afoot to disrupt the coronation of the new young Queen, Elizabeth II, so Edgar and Max are under pressure to solve the case before that event takes place in a couple of weeks time.
I've enjoyed the previous books in this new series of Elly Griffiths' a great deal, so had high hopes for this one. The Brighton setting just after the end of WW2 is brilliantly evoked, especially the rather seedy tone of the theatres and musical halls, and the performers who live a nomadic life around the various seaside towns of England, with, if they're lucky, an occasional booking amidst the bright lights of London's West End. Max is currently performing at the Theatre Royal in London, and has been tempted somewhat against his better judgement to appear on the new-fangled television – a medium he fears will lead to the final death of the already fading variety theatre. The TV show is scheduled to be shown on the evening of the Queen's coronation.
Edgar meantime is still trying to pin Ruby down to setting a date for their wedding, but Ruby is not ready to give up her aspirations to become as great a stage magician as her father, Max. And Edgar's colleague, Emma, is still harbouring feelings of unrequited love for him. Which is all a little annoying, since this book is set two years after the last one, and yet none of these characters seem to have moved on emotionally from how they were left then. Shades of the tedious Ruth/Nelson saga from Griffiths' other series beginning to creep in, I fear. I wish Griffiths could either leave the romance out of her books, or else move it along – she seems to stick her characters into a situation and then leave them there forever. Hopefully she'll resolve this triangle in the next book, or I'm afraid it will become as dull as poor old Ruth's never-ending non-love story.
The plot of this one takes Edgar to America, which provides quite a bit of humour as Edgar tries to understand a society that feels very foreign to him. The picture Griffiths paints of America at that time feels very much based on movies of the period – it doesn't give quite the same aura of authenticity as the Brighton scenes. But it adds an extra element of interest by expanding out from the rather restricted setting of an English seaside town.
For me, the plot of this one is too convoluted and loses credibility before it reaches the end. While it's very well written and has a great dramatic ending, my disbelief was stretched well past breaking point before it got there. However, the recurring characters remain as enjoyable as ever, and as usual there are plenty of quirky new ones introduced to keep the interest level up. I also enjoyed the glimpse of the early days of television, when it was all still experimental and, of course, broadcast live, giving it plenty of potential for unexpected drama.
Overall, this isn't my favourite of the series, but it's still a good outing for Edgar, Max and the other recurring characters, and I look forward to seeing where they go next – with my fingers firmly crossed that they don't remain stuck in their emotional ruts for too much longer.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Quercus.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
November 24, 2016
It is always with great pleasure when I pick up an Elly Griffiths book and this one does not disappoint. She deservedly was awarded the Dagger in the Library 2016 in recognition to her work across two brilliant series. This third Stephens & Mephisto caper demonstrates once more the breadth of her talent.
Part police procedural, part mystery this is a complex novel on various levels. At its heart is the Coronation of Queen Elisabeth II and a possible threat to disrupt that event and the days celebration.
I loved the numerous ideas running through this book that add depth and contrast to the story and make the experience of the reader so much more enjoyable and complete. There is the demise of Variety with the surge for TV sets ahead of the reign of a new monarch and witnesses her great day. There is the contrast in the freedom and colour in America compared to the rationing for some in the UK and the asterity of rebuilding the economy. There is the role of women in the police force and the question as to whether one could be a magician. Only men in the Magic Circle. Go girl.
It is good that all these social questions are seemlessly interwined within a terrifying plot to undermine the establishment and demonstrate that anarchy still resides in the hearts of some who do not recognise the systems of government and its agencies.
When their former CO in the Army is brutally murdered DI Ed Stephens and Magician Max Mephisto are tasked with the delicate investigation into a plot aimed to co-incide with the upcoming coronation. It seems that only within the ranks of "The Magic Men" can some hope be found to thwart a plot among a group of communists and subversives found in foreign elements as seen in musical theatre and isolated groups like the romany.
When detective Stephens appears to see a link with the murder of a fortune teller in Brighton his home patch he seems draw further into the events that will culminate on the Queen's special day.
The title is apt and brilliantly used in all its meanings but I thought the most sensitively told part of the story was the mention of how Italians domicile in the UK were treated and compared to how the USA behaved. to their citizens. I know this has a special significance for the author and she raises the issues quite obliquely but centrally to the story to leave us to think beyond just this story.
Set in 1953 the book pays homage to a number of historical points from locations in Brighton to the Promettes. If you are going to set your crime fiction in a recent historical period it is important that you maximise the influences while staying true to the age. So I loved the thought of subliminal messages and the taking over of our lives by the box around which the chairs now faced. Sadly there is now one in every room in the home.
Elly is nothing if not a tease in things pertaining to romance and she has a field day here with Stephens; even more so than her other love interest in her Norfolk series, Nelson. The poor detective here, besotted by Ruby, Max's daughter is unaware of the unrequited love of his college Emma a police detective of great promise allowed to think and detect rather than make tea and look after crying witnesses. We can see this love triangle at work, poor Stephens a man of his time cannot see that women are changing and he might lose out on both. I'm sure female readers will lap this up, as a bloke I am slightly embarassed as Ruby & Emma appear to have the upperhand.
Will the cards hold the future for any or all of these wonderful characters; you will need to read and see for yourself. A good thought to hold on to is that Elly has started book 4. I can't wait.
Part police procedural, part mystery this is a complex novel on various levels. At its heart is the Coronation of Queen Elisabeth II and a possible threat to disrupt that event and the days celebration.
I loved the numerous ideas running through this book that add depth and contrast to the story and make the experience of the reader so much more enjoyable and complete. There is the demise of Variety with the surge for TV sets ahead of the reign of a new monarch and witnesses her great day. There is the contrast in the freedom and colour in America compared to the rationing for some in the UK and the asterity of rebuilding the economy. There is the role of women in the police force and the question as to whether one could be a magician. Only men in the Magic Circle. Go girl.
It is good that all these social questions are seemlessly interwined within a terrifying plot to undermine the establishment and demonstrate that anarchy still resides in the hearts of some who do not recognise the systems of government and its agencies.
When their former CO in the Army is brutally murdered DI Ed Stephens and Magician Max Mephisto are tasked with the delicate investigation into a plot aimed to co-incide with the upcoming coronation. It seems that only within the ranks of "The Magic Men" can some hope be found to thwart a plot among a group of communists and subversives found in foreign elements as seen in musical theatre and isolated groups like the romany.
When detective Stephens appears to see a link with the murder of a fortune teller in Brighton his home patch he seems draw further into the events that will culminate on the Queen's special day.
The title is apt and brilliantly used in all its meanings but I thought the most sensitively told part of the story was the mention of how Italians domicile in the UK were treated and compared to how the USA behaved. to their citizens. I know this has a special significance for the author and she raises the issues quite obliquely but centrally to the story to leave us to think beyond just this story.
Set in 1953 the book pays homage to a number of historical points from locations in Brighton to the Promettes. If you are going to set your crime fiction in a recent historical period it is important that you maximise the influences while staying true to the age. So I loved the thought of subliminal messages and the taking over of our lives by the box around which the chairs now faced. Sadly there is now one in every room in the home.
Elly is nothing if not a tease in things pertaining to romance and she has a field day here with Stephens; even more so than her other love interest in her Norfolk series, Nelson. The poor detective here, besotted by Ruby, Max's daughter is unaware of the unrequited love of his college Emma a police detective of great promise allowed to think and detect rather than make tea and look after crying witnesses. We can see this love triangle at work, poor Stephens a man of his time cannot see that women are changing and he might lose out on both. I'm sure female readers will lap this up, as a bloke I am slightly embarassed as Ruby & Emma appear to have the upperhand.
Will the cards hold the future for any or all of these wonderful characters; you will need to read and see for yourself. A good thought to hold on to is that Elly has started book 4. I can't wait.
August 10, 2017
This is the third book in the Magic Men series and it is starting to grow on me. At first I was a little resentful because I loved the Ruth Galloway series so much that I resented the author taking her attention away from that. Maybe she recharges her batteries by writing another series and this could not be more different. This is about two men, Edgar Stephens a policeman in Brighton, and Max Mephisto, a fairly famous vaudevillian magician, who served together in the secret Magic Men Unit in WWII.
This is set in 1953 during the preparation times For Queen Elizabeth's coronation. 1953 is my very favorite years as it was the year I was born so what could be better than that? Edgar and Max are approached by a General D.N. Petre to investigate the murder of their former wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright. There is also a suspicion that there is a plot to cause trouble for the coronation. As part of the investigation Edgar is sent to America to investigate a lead featuring Bill Hitchcock.
It is the description of the air flight that took my breath away. No wonder people used to dress up when they flew because their air travel is almost unrecognizable to what we endure. There were two levels to the plane and the lower deck had a bar and a dining area. Picturing my recent International flight of food served on a small tray, it sounded like heaven. There were even sleeping bunks and chairs that had leg space. It was almost unimaginable.
The case involves former members of their unit and a gypsy family. Max is involved in a TV show slated for the night of the coronation which was a really new daring thing. People were going out to buy the newfangled machines to watch the ceremony and the TV show was designed to cash in on that. Ma's daughter, Ruby, even has a slot on the star studded show.
The book was just a lot of fun and gave a real sense of time and place. In addition to the amazing airplane flight, I discovered that England was still on rationing which I did not know. When Edgar gets to America, he relishes getting to eat all the meat he wants. As a treat for the coronation, the rationing for sweets is lifted. I had no idea that this went on so long.
This is just a fun entertaining book. If you're interested in the 1950's, you might really enjoy this. I know I did.
This is set in 1953 during the preparation times For Queen Elizabeth's coronation. 1953 is my very favorite years as it was the year I was born so what could be better than that? Edgar and Max are approached by a General D.N. Petre to investigate the murder of their former wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright. There is also a suspicion that there is a plot to cause trouble for the coronation. As part of the investigation Edgar is sent to America to investigate a lead featuring Bill Hitchcock.
It is the description of the air flight that took my breath away. No wonder people used to dress up when they flew because their air travel is almost unrecognizable to what we endure. There were two levels to the plane and the lower deck had a bar and a dining area. Picturing my recent International flight of food served on a small tray, it sounded like heaven. There were even sleeping bunks and chairs that had leg space. It was almost unimaginable.
The case involves former members of their unit and a gypsy family. Max is involved in a TV show slated for the night of the coronation which was a really new daring thing. People were going out to buy the newfangled machines to watch the ceremony and the TV show was designed to cash in on that. Ma's daughter, Ruby, even has a slot on the star studded show.
The book was just a lot of fun and gave a real sense of time and place. In addition to the amazing airplane flight, I discovered that England was still on rationing which I did not know. When Edgar gets to America, he relishes getting to eat all the meat he wants. As a treat for the coronation, the rationing for sweets is lifted. I had no idea that this went on so long.
This is just a fun entertaining book. If you're interested in the 1950's, you might really enjoy this. I know I did.
February 19, 2020
The Blood Card is author Elly Griffiths' third book in the Magic Men or Stephens and Mephisto mystery series. Set in Brighton, England, the summer of 1953, Edgar Stephens, a Brighton CID detective, and his friend and former military comrade, Max Mephisto, are drawn into an unofficial investigation into the stabbing death of their former Magic Men unit commander.
June 1953 was an auspicious time for England and Great Britain in general -- Elizabeth's coronation as queen was to occur, and for the first time, the ceremonies would be broadcast into her subjects' homes via television. There are fringe forces that Stephens and Mephisto encounter during their investigation that may wish to make the coronation day a booming success - literally.
An interesting plot with slowly-building suspense and a diverse cast of characters who each seem true-to-life. This is an enjoyable soft-crime series that can be read as stand-alones.
June 1953 was an auspicious time for England and Great Britain in general -- Elizabeth's coronation as queen was to occur, and for the first time, the ceremonies would be broadcast into her subjects' homes via television. There are fringe forces that Stephens and Mephisto encounter during their investigation that may wish to make the coronation day a booming success - literally.
An interesting plot with slowly-building suspense and a diverse cast of characters who each seem true-to-life. This is an enjoyable soft-crime series that can be read as stand-alones.
September 17, 2017
Not a book for someone exasperated by coincidences (too many to go into here), but likable characters and cool information about magic and other variety hall acts. The especial draw in this episode was the post WWII British take on America, from the prevalence of un-rationed foods, to the joys of a motor court, freewheeling highway travel, the beauty of diners and the different attitude of immigrants to their adopted country compared to Britain. Also, a plee to DI Stephens: Emma is the girl for you! Forget what the fortune teller says, she has a horse in the race.
February 17, 2019
I like the characters in the Magic Men series. I thought this was a particularly interesting book with the murders, the hunt for anarchists, the various entertainers, and finally Max switching from live entertainment to television.
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