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knitswithbeer's review against another edition
5.0
Thoroughly enjoyable as ever.
Really thought I'd worked it out this time, but only partly.
Really thought I'd worked it out this time, but only partly.
rpc_2024's review
3.0
I really enjoyed the first two books about the policeman and his magician friend but the third book was a little slow and very convoluted. The interlude in America did not seem to add to the story significantly . The personal stories of Max, Ed, Ruby and Emma remain interesting and the period detail around the Coronation kept me reading to the end. I would read another in the series.
jilliwwatson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
greatexpectations77's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I'm very into the little romance developing here, and I'm glad that the Roma family got brought in to round out the cast. I think this book also made me more sympathetic toward Max for his actions near the end. Also very enjoyed the little jaunt to the US haha
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Blood, Death, Gun violence, Alcohol, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Racism, Abandonment, and Grief
sprinkledwithwords's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
My favourite of the series so far. I felt like the ending was a bit of a let down - not nearly tense enough! I did really enjoy it though and now that we know the main characters Max & Edgar we are getting to know the secondary characters too which is great!
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
5.0
1953 and the country is excited by Coronation fever. Across the country households are investing in the latest technology, the television, to watch the ceremony. In Brighton DI Edgar Stephens is investigating the suspicious death of a local Roma fortuneteller when he is summoned to London and charged with investigating the death of his former wartime commanding officer. Meanwhile Max Mephisto, also investigating the crime, has been booked to appear at a huge live television show after the Coronation. Taking in a trip to the USA, the seaside jauntiness of Brighton, anarchists and communists, Stephens and Mephisto have to stop a bomb attack designed to derail the Coronation celebrations.
I am a big fan of Griffiths' writings, she has a knack of creating a clever and exciting plot that works on many levels but making sure that the sense of time and place is absolutely right. I loved the detour into upstate New York, the contrast between the life in the US and post-war drabness of life in England. The characters are becoming more rounded in this third outing for the team and I enjoyed a little more backstory on Emma. An unusual setting with modern resonance about the changing nature of entertainment makes this a fabulous book.
I am a big fan of Griffiths' writings, she has a knack of creating a clever and exciting plot that works on many levels but making sure that the sense of time and place is absolutely right. I loved the detour into upstate New York, the contrast between the life in the US and post-war drabness of life in England. The characters are becoming more rounded in this third outing for the team and I enjoyed a little more backstory on Emma. An unusual setting with modern resonance about the changing nature of entertainment makes this a fabulous book.
abeth_parker's review against another edition
3.0
There's a bit of a time jump from book two to this novel. Queen Elizabeth is about to take the throne, and one of our main characters is working on a television show.
This mystery is close to home, as one of the victims is tied to Max and Edgar's past in the army.
I really enjoy the character of Emma, and almost want the series to be based around her.
I honestly didn't see the solution coming. But, I really do want Edgar to open his eyes to what's before him (if you know, you know).
This mystery is close to home, as one of the victims is tied to Max and Edgar's past in the army.
I really enjoy the character of Emma, and almost want the series to be based around her.
I honestly didn't see the solution coming. But, I really do want Edgar to open his eyes to what's before him (if you know, you know).
jennatandy28's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This novel was pretty slow in the first half but I was very invested for the rest of the novel. The character development continues to be good in this series and I love that Emma has become a main character, she is very relatable to me. I really enjoyed Max more this novel and I love Edgar as always. I’m excited to see what the next novel has in store for these characters!