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starthelostgirl's review against another edition
5.0
The first book in this series was rather disappointing when it came to investigating the mystery as well as the villain’s reveal. I found this book to be gripping, despite it still being a bit light on actual investigation. I just had to know how it ended though, and actually extended my lunch break by a half hour to finish the book! I love the setting and characters, which were what made me continue in this series.
melissa_who_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Really good procedural - did not guess who did it before Edgar Stephens. Very much enjoyed the new character of Emma Holmes. Two children go missing in Brighton, right before Christmas - and it all seems to be wrapped up in fairy tales, the theater, and pantomime ... if the detectives can figure out the clues that the young playwright left behind. When her sister goes missing, more clues and misdirection come into play. Max is on hand, playing in a Christmas pantomime on the pier, and with him the Great Diablo with his memories of a similar crime from long ago.
smittybooks2630's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.25
girl_of_books_and_wheels's review against another edition
5.0
Another spellbinding mystery featuring some old faces and some new. I loved the intricate details of the case and the character development.
silkmoth's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
jacki_f's review against another edition
3.0
This is the second in a series about a detective in 1950s Brighton and while it's a standalone story, it would be best to have read the first book beforehand so you are familiar with the characters and their history. Smoke and Mirrors is about the investigation into the disappearance of two children who were I really enjoyed it up until the denouement. The mystery takes a back seat to the characters and setting but that's fine - if you've read the Ruth Galloway series you will be familiar with Elly Griffith's writing style. What lets this book down is the motivation behind the villain's actions, which is far too ridiculous.
christinebeswick's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. It's a fairly dark, but fun whodunit, with the requisite twist at the end. Some of the attitudes and dialog were more 21st century that 1951 (I thought).