Death and the Conjuror: A Locked Room Mystery for Fans of Golden Age Crime Fiction by Tom Mead takes readers back to the 1930s where a locked room murder in London baffles police. But, a magician named Jospeh Spector starts to unravel the cunning crime.
The victim is celebrity psychiatrist Anselm Rees. His body is discovered in his locked office. His throat had been cut. The list of possible “Persons of Interest” leads Tom Mead to provide a handy “Dramatic Personae” to help us keep track of the many suspects.
And, just as Golden Age Crime Fiction liked to do, Mead includes a Reader’s Challenge on p. 227 to solve the murder because all the clues had been revealed.
If you enjoy Locked Room mysteries in the John Dickson Carr and Edward D. Hoch tradition, you’ll enjoy Death and the Conjuror. GRADE: B
It sounded interesting enough to read, so I have it on hold at the library.
Jeff, I’m a fan of locked room mysteries. Tom Mead is no Ed Hoch, but this initial effort holds promise.
Not Too pastiche in the bad way, thus. Sounds like he’s sharing his fun.
Todd, obviously Tom Mead loves locked room mysteries. Maybe someday I try to write one myself…