On the eve of the Queen's coronation DI Stephens & Max Mephisto uncover an anarchist plot & a ticking bomb at the same time as solving the murder of a man close to them
- from the author of the bestselling Dr Ruth Galloway mysteries' Mixes cosiness & sharpness in a way that recalls the best of Agatha Christie' Sunday Express (on Smoke & Mirrors) Elizabeth II's coronation is looming but the murder of their wartime commander Colonel Cartwright spoils the happy mood for DI Edgar Stephens & magician Max Mephisto A playbill featuring another deceased comrade is found in Colonel Cartwright's possession & a playing card the ace of hearts the blood card The wartime connection & the suggestion of magic are for Stephens & Mephisto to be summoned to the case Edgar's ongoing investigation into the death of Brighton fortune-teller Madame Zabini is put on hold Max is busy rehearsing for a spectacular Coronation Day variety show
- & his television debut
- so it's Edgar who is sent to New York a land of plenty worlds away from still-rationed England He's on the trail of a small-town mesmerist who may provide the key but someone silences him first It's Edgar's colleague DS Emma Holmes who finds the clue buried in the files of the Zabini case that leads them to an anarchist group intent on providing an explosive finale to Coronation Day Now it's up to Edgar Max & Emma to foil the plot & find out who it is who's been dealing the cards