Griffiths: The Blood Card

On the eve of the Queen's coronation, DI Stephens and Max Mephisto uncover an anarchist plot and 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 and sharpness in a way that recalls the best of Agatha Christie' - Sunday Express (on Smoke and Mirrors)

Elizabeth II's coronation is looming, but the murder of their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright, spoils the happy mood for DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto. A playbill featuring another deceased comrade is found in Colonel Cartwright's possession, along with a playing card, the ace of hearts: the blood card. The wartime connection and suggestion of magic summon Stephens and Mephisto to this 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.

This leads Edgar to New York, where he seeks a small-town mesmerist who may provide crucial information. However, someone silences him first. It's Edgar's colleague, DS Emma Holmes, who discovers a clue buried in Zabini’s case files that points to an anarchist group intent on creating an explosive finale for Coronation Day.

The fate now rests with Edgar, Max, and Emma as they race against time to foil this dangerous plot and uncover who has been dealing these deadly cards...