My name’s Ernest Cunningham. I used to be a fan of reading Golden Age murder mysteries, until I found myself with a haphazard career getting stuck in the middle of real-life ones. I’d hoped, this Christmas, that any self-respecting murderer would kick their feet up and take it easy over the holidays. I was wrong.
So here I am, backstage at the show of world-famous magician Rylan Blaze, whose benefactor has just been murdered. My suspects are all professional tricksters: masters of the art of misdirection.
THE MAGICIAN
THE ASSISTANT
THE EXECUTIVE
THE HYPNOTIST
THE IDENTICAL TWIN
THE COUNSELLOR
THE TECH
My clues are even more abstract: A suspect covered in blood, without a memory of how it got there. A murder committed without setting foot inside the room where it happens. And an advent calendar. Because, you know, it’s Christmas.
If I can see through the illusions, I know I can solve it.
After all, a good murder is just like a magic trick, isn’t it?
Release Date: Oct 22, 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Mariner Books
Price: $9.99
In this shorter holiday mystery, Ernest Cunningham investigates the death of a wealthy philanthropist. The prime suspect is Lyle’s girlfriend, who happens to be Ernie’s ex-wife. Using fair-play clues, Ernie relates the details of his investigation, speaking directly to the reader. There are twenty-four chapters and twenty-four clues that are given in the format of an advent calendar.
Lyle was the benefactor of a popular magician, so he and other suspects who work on the magic show are professionals at fooling others. This makes it even more challenging for Ernie to prove his ex’s innocence and catch the real killer.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, but it would work just as well if you’re new to the series. Most of the characters in this story are new, and the author gives you what you need to know about the others. The magic show setting works well with the story and provides plenty of suspects and fun.
As Ernie questions suspects and uncovers clues, I have my suspicions, but I was not able to solve the crime successfully. The book has one of the most unique ways for a detective to lay out his case and reveal the true killer that I’ve ever seen, and it was dramatic and exciting. This is a funny, fast-paced mystery, and I already can’t wait for the next one in this clever series.
~ Christine
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