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what_heather_loves's review
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
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.
silkmoth's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The third in the Brighton Mysteries series, this one is set around the Queen's coronation. It's interesting to get a perspective on the gradual shift from the austerity of post-war Britain, with the contrast of a whistle stop visit to the USA. I was really glad to see that this book is set a couple of years after the previous one. I dislike series where serious crimes are supposed to happen every couple of weeks.
ajnel's review
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Novel is set in Brighton, England in 1953 on the eve of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The festive atmosphere is crushed when Edgar and Max's former wartime commander is murdered and a mysterious general asks them to assist in an investigation. Clues, such as a playbill and Blood card (Queen of Hearts), hint at hidden connections to Edgar and Max's wartime posting. A truly atmospheric era murder mystery perfectly timed by Griffiths. Definitely the best novel in the series so far.
smittybooks2630's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
meganspiers100's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0