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Posie Parker Mystery #14
Murder through the Mirror
A MAGIC SHOW WITH DEATH AS THE STAR GUEST…
A snow-bound and freezing London, December 1925
Posie Parker, London’s premier female Private Detective, is only just back in town when she receives an unexpected visitor.
The mysterious magician, Count Olli Onneri, pupil of the legendary American magician Harry Houdini, invites Posie to take part in the opening night of his show at the nearby Holborn Empire. She will be helping him with a ‘magic mirror’ trick, the like of which has never been seen before.
When Posie accepts - in the cynical hope of reviving her flagging public profile - she enters a world which is not just about pretty doves being pulled out of hats, but one in which real danger lurks.
Before the show, Count Onneri confesses to Posie that he is receiving death threats delivered to his sumptuous suite at the Ritz. All of the threats arrive inscribed on mirrors. But why? And why is he so scared of a theatre dressing-room he claims he has never been in before?
Up on stage, all is not well either. When Olli Onneri is brutally killed in front of his own audience during his ‘magic mirror’ trick, Posie vows to investigate, and quickly.
Who exactly was Olli Onneri? Why was he so rich? Who exactly are the strange team he has assembled around him?
As Posie’s husband, Chief Inspector Lovelace, starts to pursue suspects, and investigate Count Onneri’s American connections, why can’t Posie shake off the feeling that the motive for the murder is right in front of them, in the Holborn Empire itself?
In a case where nothing is quite as it seems, the long shadows of the past must be stripped away in order to get at the truth.
But sometimes, the truth can be devastating.
A totally gripping 1920s historical cozy novella! Fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey are in for a treat.
'Murder through the Mirror' is the fourteenth book in the delightfully classic English Posie Parker Mystery Series, although this novella can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story in its own right. This is a clean read, with no graphic violence, sex, swearing or strong language. If you love an action-packed historical cozy crime with a feisty protagonist, download a sample or buy 'Murder through the Mirror' now.
A snow-bound and freezing London, December 1925
Posie Parker, London’s premier female Private Detective, is only just back in town when she receives an unexpected visitor.
The mysterious magician, Count Olli Onneri, pupil of the legendary American magician Harry Houdini, invites Posie to take part in the opening night of his show at the nearby Holborn Empire. She will be helping him with a ‘magic mirror’ trick, the like of which has never been seen before.
When Posie accepts - in the cynical hope of reviving her flagging public profile - she enters a world which is not just about pretty doves being pulled out of hats, but one in which real danger lurks.
Before the show, Count Onneri confesses to Posie that he is receiving death threats delivered to his sumptuous suite at the Ritz. All of the threats arrive inscribed on mirrors. But why? And why is he so scared of a theatre dressing-room he claims he has never been in before?
Up on stage, all is not well either. When Olli Onneri is brutally killed in front of his own audience during his ‘magic mirror’ trick, Posie vows to investigate, and quickly.
Who exactly was Olli Onneri? Why was he so rich? Who exactly are the strange team he has assembled around him?
As Posie’s husband, Chief Inspector Lovelace, starts to pursue suspects, and investigate Count Onneri’s American connections, why can’t Posie shake off the feeling that the motive for the murder is right in front of them, in the Holborn Empire itself?
In a case where nothing is quite as it seems, the long shadows of the past must be stripped away in order to get at the truth.
But sometimes, the truth can be devastating.
A totally gripping 1920s historical cozy novella! Fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey are in for a treat.
'Murder through the Mirror' is the fourteenth book in the delightfully classic English Posie Parker Mystery Series, although this novella can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story in its own right. This is a clean read, with no graphic violence, sex, swearing or strong language. If you love an action-packed historical cozy crime with a feisty protagonist, download a sample or buy 'Murder through the Mirror' now.
148 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2023
About the author
L.B. Hathaway
23 books351 followersCambridge-educated, British-born L.B. Hathaway writes historical fiction. She worked as a lawyer at Lincoln’s Inn in London for almost a decade before becoming a full-time writer. She brings her love of detective novels set in the Golden Age of Crime and an obsession with English history to her own writing.
The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend.
Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible.
The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend.
Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 16, 2025
Seriously, when did Posie become the Premiere female investigator? Even her husband the Scotland Yard Boss is not that good?
I mean when I decide on liking this series was way before this all started. If I read something now I probably will be like what crap! why is she the know it all? why is she the only one that notices everything? Why isn't Scotland Yard firing her husband to hire her???
I mean when I decide on liking this series was way before this all started. If I read something now I probably will be like what crap! why is she the know it all? why is she the only one that notices everything? Why isn't Scotland Yard firing her husband to hire her???
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November 23, 2023It’s been a while since I visited the world of Posy Parker, and it was an entertaining escape once again.
April 12, 2024
I've discovered the Posie Parker series with the 12th book (review), then I read the 13th. This 14th is also surprisingly good for a self-editing author, but here too, I have my objections. Despite the author's care regarding period appropriateness (see the customary "Historical Note" at the end), a few things are questionable.
1. "They all wore special thick rubberised suits and masks, protecting themselves from dangerous substances." (Chapter 4) and "Ignoring the many men up on stage in white coats..." (Chapter 6).
Now, the first recorded use of protective gear in forensics was indeed in the 1920s, when scientists began using gloves to prevent contamination of evidence. But full-body protective suits became more common after 1950, especially as modern synthetic materials were not available previously.
Also, the police task force would have had a very limited number of such people, so "the many men" sounds more like post-1980s to me.
2. "ginormous" (Chapter 5) was not in use before the 1940s, simply because it was invented around 1942.
1. "They all wore special thick rubberised suits and masks, protecting themselves from dangerous substances." (Chapter 4) and "Ignoring the many men up on stage in white coats..." (Chapter 6).
Now, the first recorded use of protective gear in forensics was indeed in the 1920s, when scientists began using gloves to prevent contamination of evidence. But full-body protective suits became more common after 1950, especially as modern synthetic materials were not available previously.
Also, the police task force would have had a very limited number of such people, so "the many men" sounds more like post-1980s to me.
2. "ginormous" (Chapter 5) was not in use before the 1940s, simply because it was invented around 1942.
May 27, 2023
Wonderful story
It's good to read a new Posie Parker story and this one is a pip. Its nearly Christmas and there is magic in the air, sinister magic. Posie is asked onstage to view a mirror for a magic act only to see the magician die in front of the audience. This starts a case of unbelievable tales starting on who really was the magician, where did his money come from and most importantly who murdered him and why. This wonderful book is packed with new interesting characters and our favorite characters are working hard trying to find the answers. Very enjoyable.
It's good to read a new Posie Parker story and this one is a pip. Its nearly Christmas and there is magic in the air, sinister magic. Posie is asked onstage to view a mirror for a magic act only to see the magician die in front of the audience. This starts a case of unbelievable tales starting on who really was the magician, where did his money come from and most importantly who murdered him and why. This wonderful book is packed with new interesting characters and our favorite characters are working hard trying to find the answers. Very enjoyable.
January 28, 2023
Good but...
If Posie insists on gloating, even quietly, about always being right then I predict a sad end to her marriage. Richard may be proud of her now, but 10 or more years down the line he'll probably be completely hacked off be it. Being married to an insufferably smug person would enough to send most partners running for the hills. I, and probably Richard, would welcome her being human and wrong occasionally.
If Posie insists on gloating, even quietly, about always being right then I predict a sad end to her marriage. Richard may be proud of her now, but 10 or more years down the line he'll probably be completely hacked off be it. Being married to an insufferably smug person would enough to send most partners running for the hills. I, and probably Richard, would welcome her being human and wrong occasionally.
March 19, 2025
Eh. The mystery was a bit obvious, though not necessarily in a bad way. Poise was a bit judgy in a strange way...maybe internalized misogyny? I'm not entirely sure. I did not like the characterization of the perpetrator. It felt old fashioned and not in a fun way.
Poise's husband is kinda terrible. Like ew jealous much?
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a good job.
This was my first Poise mystery, and I didn't really like it, but I also kind of want to read another one.
Poise's husband is kinda terrible. Like ew jealous much?
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a good job.
This was my first Poise mystery, and I didn't really like it, but I also kind of want to read another one.
September 14, 2025
I listened to the audio of Murder Through the Mirror while on a replacement bus service (I can't read on a bus). It's been a while since I read a Posie Parker mystery so it was good to be back with her,
This shorter mystery was fun to listen to, and I enjoyed the narration (although I did have to speed it up the smallest amount for my tastes (and I do mean only .1).
The mystery itself was intriguing and I was desperate to hear the resolution once Posie had deciphered everything.
This shorter mystery was fun to listen to, and I enjoyed the narration (although I did have to speed it up the smallest amount for my tastes (and I do mean only .1).
The mystery itself was intriguing and I was desperate to hear the resolution once Posie had deciphered everything.
January 29, 2023
nice sleight of hand
Posey Parker amuses me no end. She puzzles out a murder mystery involving a magician who claims he worked with Houdini. She upstages her husband, the head of Scotland Yard presenting the answer to the assembled witnesses suspects and police underlings with a flourish, a wink and a nod. Very satisfying.
Posey Parker amuses me no end. She puzzles out a murder mystery involving a magician who claims he worked with Houdini. She upstages her husband, the head of Scotland Yard presenting the answer to the assembled witnesses suspects and police underlings with a flourish, a wink and a nod. Very satisfying.
January 29, 2023
Amazing as Always
I have been eagerly awaiting another Posie mystery and this did not disappoint. I read it the day I bought it. Hathaway’s storytelling draws you in immediately. Now I’m wondering how long I will have to wait for the next one!!!
I have been eagerly awaiting another Posie mystery and this did not disappoint. I read it the day I bought it. Hathaway’s storytelling draws you in immediately. Now I’m wondering how long I will have to wait for the next one!!!
April 18, 2023
I always look forward to a new Posie Parker story even if it is a novella but the author packs a complicated, twisting plot into the shorter form. Who did it? You have a choice of characters to choose from each with a complex back story. It was a great afternoon’s read.
September 12, 2023
Very interesting story about magic tricks, including a mirror and the back stage of a theather. And the fact that Posie solves the mystery before her husband Richard can.
Good information about the history of Hodiuni and some of his allousions.
Good information about the history of Hodiuni and some of his allousions.
March 23, 2024
I appreciate the continued excellence in story telling narration, setting and quality of mystery that I can always count on in this series of audiobooks. The recurring characters never let me down, and I enjoy how their relationships evolve and resolve and occasionally dissolve.
December 28, 2025
Quick short read. I always enjoy being with Posie. The mystery was good, of course solved by Posie. That is my one mini complaint. For all that she claims to love her husband so much, she almost enjoys too much beating him to the solution.
October 5, 2026
The best thing about this series is how short some of the stories are. I like an interesting murder that is solved relatively quickly and that's wat happens here. As is typical, there are interesting historical figures involved. Houdini is featured in this one.
January 28, 2023
love this author's books
January 29, 2023
Nice quick read to tide over until next longer book.
February 3, 2023
Good easy read…
My only disappointment with this story is that it was too short. I’m a fan of Posie Parker and have read all the books.
Will certainly recommend the series.
My only disappointment with this story is that it was too short. I’m a fan of Posie Parker and have read all the books.
Will certainly recommend the series.
February 28, 2023
charming
A charming Christmas mystery if a mystery can be called charming. Harry Houdini and a lock picker both seem to mesh together. And, Posie is always a enjoyable character.
A charming Christmas mystery if a mystery can be called charming. Harry Houdini and a lock picker both seem to mesh together. And, Posie is always a enjoyable character.
March 7, 2023
Posie does it again. Murder, mystery and intrigue. I enjoyed reading this latest book set in London in 1920's. Posies solves the crime about magic, theft and revenge
March 11, 2023
4.75 stars Enjoyed this novella. It was short but there were no "extra" words to just take up space. A good read as always.
March 21, 2023
Enjoyable, light novella. Grusome murders, with a magic show background.
April 7, 2023
Magic, betrayal and murder.
May 4, 2023
Good entry in this series!
May 21, 2023
2.5 stars
October 19, 2023
A lovely Christmas short story
March 18, 2024
Very quick read. Good characters, not fully fleshed out but good. Interesting cold and current case blended. Topic of magic and Houdini added to the story. This would also be a good YA read.
April 14, 2024
This is not one of LB Hathaway better Posie Parker novels. It was alittle too farfetched as it reached the final point of discovering the the perpetrator of crimes. No real back story and tenuous links that wree not well developed. A pity, howevr I will continue to enjoy future mysteries. Hathawy's Agatha Christie style is entertaing.
April 30, 2024
Audible Review
Good
Love this series! Mystery and murder and a brilliant investigator who is better than her husband!
Good
Love this series! Mystery and murder and a brilliant investigator who is better than her husband!
September 18, 2025
I like a good Posie Parker but this felt short and rushed.
December 13, 2025
Magical Mystery
Magic and mirrors what a combination for a magician, magic and murder with some glamorous individuals all makes a very interesting plot
Magic and mirrors what a combination for a magician, magic and murder with some glamorous individuals all makes a very interesting plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews