Death and the Conjuror

Death and the Conjuror is a locked-room murder mystery inspired by crime fiction of the Golden Age. It was selected as one of Publishers Weekly's Mysteries of the Year. Inspector Flint calls on retired stage magician Joseph Spector to help solve the case, as he has a knack for explaining the inexplicable. They uncover dark secrets and motives for murder, and when a second murder occurs, they realize the crime wave will become even more deadly unless they can catch the culprit soon. Reviews for the book are positive, with one reviewer calling it "pure escapism and an excellent puzzle" and another praising its "ingenious expounding."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Death and the Conjuror is a captivating locked-room murder mystery inspired by the crime fiction of the Golden Age. Written by Tom Mead, this debut novel has received critical acclaim and has been selected as one of Publishers Weekly's Mysteries of the Year. Set in 1936, London, the story revolves around the mysterious death of a celebrity psychiatrist who is found dead in his locked study. Despite the seemingly impossible circumstances, Inspector Flint, the Scotland Yard detective assigned to the case, turns to retired stage magician Joseph Spector for help. Spector, known for his ability to explain the unexplainable, finds himself drawn into a web of secrets and motives as he and the Inspector interview a colorful cast of suspects.

As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a plethora of dark secrets and motives, making the task of catching the culprit increasingly daunting. When a second murder occurs in an impenetrable elevator, the stakes are raised even higher, and the duo realizes that they must act fast to prevent further casualties.

Reviews for Death and the Conjuror have been nothing short of exceptional. The Times praises it as pure escapism and an excellent puzzle, ingeniously expounded. The Guardian describes it as an intricate impossible crime that completely fooled me, while Peter Lovesey praises it as an ingenious piece of intriguing escapism. The New York Times calls it a real treat for mystery fans, and Ragnar Jónasson describes it as a beautiful, dark, atmospheric story. Victoria Dowd concludes by calling it a beautiful, dark, atmospheric story.

Death and the Conjuror is a must-read for fans of mystery and crime fiction, offering a thrilling and suspenseful journey into the world of the Golden Age. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and atmospheric setting, this novel promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Weight: 190g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804540916