Smoke and Mirrors (2) (Magic Men Mysteries)

This is the second book in a mystery series about “The Magic Men,” set in postwar (early 1950s) England and featuring several men, including a stage magician and other theatrical performers as well as a policeman, who became friends while taking part in a government-sponsored attempt to use their tricks to fool the Germans during World War II. I’m a sucker for magicians and magic tricks (real or fake), and I quite enjoyed The Zig-Zag Girl, the first book in the series, so I was looking forward to the sequel.This book centers on the murder of two children during a dismal winter in Brighton, where Edgar, the policeman, is a detective inspector and Max, the stage magician, is performing in a pantomime (which in Britain means a sort of over-the-top children’s-theater performance, not silent acting a la Marcel Marceau as it does in the United States) based on the fairy tale of Aladdin and his lamp (Max plays the evil wizard). The third member of the troupe, the elderly and tipsy Great Diablo, soon joins the pantomime cast as well.The mystery is good and the writing is competent throughout. I enjoyed the fact that theatrical aspects, related both to the pantomime and to plays put on by the town children (spearheaded originally by one of the two murder victims), played an important part in the story, as did the dark side of traditional fairy tales (they really were “grim,” not Disney-cute, in their original versions, as the book points out). My only complaint lies in the author’s choice of main character. Her placing of Edgar in this role makes sense in that, as the local detective inspector, he is inevitably at the heart of the murder investigation—but unfortunately, although he is intelligent and conscientious, he’s just not (in my opinion) a very interesting person. I would rather have seen a lot more of Max, or even Diablo, and it would have been nice if they had had something to do with the solving of the mystery, as they did in the first book but didn’t here. I did, however, like Emma, one of Edgar’s two sergeants, and was glad to see her play a prominent part in the proceedings. I expect we will see more of her in future series offerings.

When two young children mysteriously disappear while on their way to buy some sweets, their bodies being found several days later, DI Edgar Stephens of the Brighton police enlists the aid of his two sergeants, Emma Holmes and Bob Willis, to discover all they can about the children, their families and their habits. As it happens, his old friend Max Mephisto, magician extraordinaire, is in Brighton to perform in the Pantomime, and soon his knowledge of show business will figure into Ed’s investigation, albeit in a very unusual way. When a third child goes missing, Ed knows he has very little time to solve the crime before that one, too, might turn up dead….”Smoke and Mirrors” is the second in the Magic Men series and although it’s not as compelling at Ms. Griffiths’ Ruth Galloway series, it is quite fun. Set in the early 1950s, there are a lot of surprisingly modern ideas thrown into this story. This one has more actual theatrical detail than either the first or third (which I read out of order) in the series, which was really entertaining; I don’t really want to say anymore about it because it dovetails nicely with the murder mystery, so suffice to say that the author doesn’t disappoint! I think one could read this novel without having first read “The Zig Zag Girl,” although the nature of the relationship between the two men is better understood if one does have that background in mind. Recommended.

Misdirection keeps not only DI Edgar Stephens and Max Mephisto guessing; but me as well. Whereas I was 99,9% sure early on in the first novel who was killing members of the original Magic Men; in this one I never saw the solution to the murder of two children coming. Surprise, surprise! As deftly as a magician's card trick or the use of smoke and mirrors, Griffiths didn't give a hint that might lead you to your own conclusion. Maybe other readers are more clever than I am? I find myself becoming attached--for lack of a better word--to the characters in these books. I am not yet as devoted to them as I am to the cast of characters in her Ruth Galloway novels, though. I am pleased, however, to have found more Griffiths to read while waiting for the next Ruth Calloway.

I really enjoyed this book. It is the 2nd in the Magic-men series. The setting is post WWII England - the early 1950's. In the very beginning of this story, 2 children go missing and it does not end well. There are clues left behind - candy at the scene. Max (the magician) says the candy is a misdirection. Edgar, the policeman (and his team) still try to solve the murders of the 2 school children. MAx and Edgar served in the war together on a special unit called the magic men - a unit of misdirection. Max has hints of Cathbad from the Ruth Galloway series. And I am pleased that he is there because I really like Cathbad - so I am glad there is a hint of him in this series

Love the Magic Men series--Elly Griffiths captures post-war Britain very nicely. The period charm is great, the characters interesting, the mysteries intriguing, and the Brighton background resonates (have been there many times). The only caveat is one grating inaccuracy--in the US someone refers to a radio as a "wireless". Also, am not sure that Albany, NY in the early 50s would be quite as much of a hick town as presented. But greatly enjoyed the book and hope there are many future additions to the series.

Enjoyed this book very much. While reading, I thought reading a Elly Griffith book is a comfort read for me. As a reader, I settle into the story and the character's lives. One starts to care for the characters and catch up with their lives. I become immersed in the story.In this second outing, Stephens and Mephisto are on the trail to find the murderer of two young children. There are many suspects. I did not have it solved until the author disclosed who the killer was. I am enjoying this series very much.

Not her best, but readable. Just reading her Magic Men series while I wait for the new Ruth Galloway adventure.

Loved it in an old English way. Well written and worth the read; took me back from Canada of today to the England that I loved in that time. Gobstoppers, humbugs and rock. Tweed jackets and school caps ....and rationing shared in kindliness. Thank you!

Interesting, different plot, well written, good characterization, but I personally prefer the archaeology themes.

Very good read, although for me, not quite as riveting as the Ruth Galloway series, but still well done.

It was a good Elly Griffiths story but not as good as her other series...