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horsley123's review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy from Net Galley for review.
Max Mephisto and his Magic Men are at the centre of another mystery set in post-War Brighton and London. As it is the third in a series of books the first few chapters catch up on the characters and their previous exploits, providing a whirlwind introduction or plodding recap depending on your previous reading history.
The story is set in the days leading up to the Coronation. The nation is beginning a love affair with the television and in the background there is a rumbling of dissatisfaction from those that were interned during the war years.
A man is murdered, next to his body is a playbill featuring a number of acts, some familiar to Max. The investigation brings together Max and Edgar who were both in the Magic Men during the War. Edgar is sent to the USA to interview one of the acts on the playbill who seemed to have links with the murder victim. This leads to some enjoyable scenes as Edgar is blown away by the contrast between the post-War UK and USA.
Back home Max and his daughter have been signed up to appear in the Coronation television spectacular. An underground network of anarchists appears to have plans to ruin the Coronation celebrations, can Max and his associates save the day?
It is an enjoyable romp through the world of Music Hall as Britain started upon a period of huge change including the introduction of television, women working when married and even joining the police force. The sense of jeopardy is perhaps lowered by the certainty that the Coronation did go ahead as planned, however this is another great story from Elly Griffiths.
Max Mephisto and his Magic Men are at the centre of another mystery set in post-War Brighton and London. As it is the third in a series of books the first few chapters catch up on the characters and their previous exploits, providing a whirlwind introduction or plodding recap depending on your previous reading history.
The story is set in the days leading up to the Coronation. The nation is beginning a love affair with the television and in the background there is a rumbling of dissatisfaction from those that were interned during the war years.
A man is murdered, next to his body is a playbill featuring a number of acts, some familiar to Max. The investigation brings together Max and Edgar who were both in the Magic Men during the War. Edgar is sent to the USA to interview one of the acts on the playbill who seemed to have links with the murder victim. This leads to some enjoyable scenes as Edgar is blown away by the contrast between the post-War UK and USA.
Back home Max and his daughter have been signed up to appear in the Coronation television spectacular. An underground network of anarchists appears to have plans to ruin the Coronation celebrations, can Max and his associates save the day?
It is an enjoyable romp through the world of Music Hall as Britain started upon a period of huge change including the introduction of television, women working when married and even joining the police force. The sense of jeopardy is perhaps lowered by the certainty that the Coronation did go ahead as planned, however this is another great story from Elly Griffiths.
raeallic's review against another edition
3.0
So far my least favorite in the seriesb but still a good enjoyable story. Really looking forward to the next!
cerisecarrot's review against another edition
3.0
Probably more a 3.5. Can’t get into the characters like I can Ruth, Nelson and Cathbad.
mezzoir's review against another edition
4.0
I Recommend This Book
Yes
Review
Last updated on 14 Aug 2017
Elly Griffiths is one of my favourite authors and I look forward to her Ruth Galloway novels. The Stephens and Mephisto series nearly passed me by and I think I only came across them whilst checking out when the next Ruth Galloway was to be published.
Whilst each of the three Mephisto and Stephens novels can be read as standalone books I recommend that they are read in order so that the reader gets a full appreciation of the main characters as more details about them and their backstory is revealed with each subsequent novel.
Murderers. magicians, gypsies and Queen Elizabeth - this books rocks along at a decent clip.
Its hard to imagine a time where TV was new and and flying long distance was the exception rather than the rule but Elly Griffiths peppers these novels with enough historical detail to make the reader quite nostalgic......
what_heather_loves's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"If you wonder why Madame Zabini was killed, ask Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens. Ask him what the Magic Men knew. Or ask the spirits, if they will speak to you."
Historical crime fiction, no. 3 of the Stephens & Mephisto series, brings former 'Magic Man' now police detective Edgar and well-known magician Max back together. Initially investigating the death of a Romany fortune teller in 1950s seaside town, Brighton, a threat to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II is of greater concern. A trip to New York for Edgar and the rise of television for Max present them with challenges and new adventures. As ever with this author, it's the recurring characters that keep me reading, a particular favourite being plucky detective sergeant Emma (who had better be noticed romantically by Edgar soon!). An engaging and atmospheric, historical mystery that flows and makes me want to read more.
jdew4516's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
teresaalice's review against another edition
4.0
I’m liking this series the more attached I get to the characters. Still, they ain’t no Ruth Galloway
melissa_who_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Enjoyed - about a terrorist threat on Coronation Day, and the ongoing threat of television. Very interesting for the historical background, and very interesting that the thing that brought television as a "must-have" into British homes was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Also, Edgar gets to visit America as part of his investigation.