Illusionist turned sleuth Joseph Spector investigates a sinister conundrum at a 1930s theatre in this thrilling new mystery novel from Tom Mead, author of Death and the Conjuror, one of Publishers Weekly's Mysteries of the Year 2022.

When Edmund Ibbs, a young lawyer, defends a woman accused of shooting her husband dead, he finds himself drawn into a web of conspiracy and murder.

Soon, Ibbs himself is accused of complicity in a killing, when a corpse unexpectedly appears as part of a magic act in a crowded theatre.

Also present is Joseph Spector, former illusionist turned highly respected amateur sleuth. Spector begins to investigate the mystery, but when a second body is discovered later the same night, all the evidence points to Ibbs being guilty.

With a host of hangers-on having something to hide, can Spector find the true culprit, or will he and Inspector Flint of Scotland Yard conclude that Ibbs is guilty after all?

'A wildly entertaining mystery brimming over with knotty puzzles, sleight of hand, wit and intelligence. It confirms Tom Mead’s status as a master of the locked-room mystery, and secures Joseph Spector as one of my favourite fictional detectives.' Tim Major

'In his captivating second novel Tom Mead establishes himself as the current master of the locked-room mystery. The characters are charming, the plot moves briskly along... A winner!' Aaron Elkins

'A delicious locked room feast of impossibilities set in the golden age of theatre and murder mysteries. I love the Mephistophelean Joseph Spector!' Ovidia Yu

Reviews for Tom Mead's Joseph Spector series:

'An intricate 'impossible' crime that completely fooled me.' Peter Lovesey
'A sharply drawn period piece with memorable characters.' New York Times
'Mead's debut is a novel to intrigue and delight.' John Connolly
'A true delight for mystery lovers!' Charles Todd
'A witty reconstruction of the classic locked room mystery, Tom Mead's debut is a sheer delight.' Maxim Jakubowski
'Mead maintains suspense throughout, creating a creepy atmosphere en route to satisfying reveals.' Publishers Weekly
'A real treat for mystery fans.' Ragnar Jónasson
'A fiendishly clever puzzle wrapped in a beautiful, dark atmospheric story.' Victoria Dowd