A review by outsmartyourshelf
Death and the Conjuror by Tom Mead
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
A retired stage magician named Spector is asked to help solve a locked room murder. The dead body of Dr Anselm Rees, celebrity psychiatrist, has been discovered in his study. Both the door & windows were locked from the inside & the room is thoroughly searched by the police & no note or weapon is found virtually ruling out suicide. Witnesses can vouch for the fact that after the departure of the final visitor of the day, Rees dismisses his housekeeper for the night & continues his work, even taking a phone call, but soon after is found dead. Suspects include the doctor's prickly daughter, her boyfriend, & three anonymous patients referred to as Patient A, B. & C.
This sounded like an intriguing read. I used to love watching Jonathan Creek & this sounded along similar lines, someone to explain the sleight of hand that allows a murderer to almost get away with it. Unfortunately this story did not work for me. Although the two main characters (Spector & Inspector Flint) show promise for further adventures, there's no real introduction to the characters to let the reader get to know them, just straight into the story. The story line itself was too convoluted, plot points came from out of nowhere, & Spector was, at times, irritating & condescending. Finally, it was supposedly set in 1930s but it could have been from any time to be honest, as there's not enough scene setting. As a reader I like to be able to picture the scenes, it allows me to become invested in the story line, & when you can't, you find yourself with the experience I had reading this - my attention wandered constantly & a book that should have taken me two days to read at the max took five. 2.5 stars (rounded down on sites without half star ratings).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
This sounded like an intriguing read. I used to love watching Jonathan Creek & this sounded along similar lines, someone to explain the sleight of hand that allows a murderer to almost get away with it. Unfortunately this story did not work for me. Although the two main characters (Spector & Inspector Flint) show promise for further adventures, there's no real introduction to the characters to let the reader get to know them, just straight into the story. The story line itself was too convoluted, plot points came from out of nowhere, & Spector was, at times, irritating & condescending. Finally, it was supposedly set in 1930s but it could have been from any time to be honest, as there's not enough scene setting. As a reader I like to be able to picture the scenes, it allows me to become invested in the story line, & when you can't, you find yourself with the experience I had reading this - my attention wandered constantly & a book that should have taken me two days to read at the max took five. 2.5 stars (rounded down on sites without half star ratings).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, and Suicide