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gemmiejewel's review
4.0
Having discovered this series as part of a deal in my local book shop I was more than willing to give it a try. And I am so glad that I did.
A policeman (Stephens) and a magician (Mephisto) are old army friends and a crack crime solving squad as it turns out. When an old colleague is murdered, the killer leaves behind a clue (The Blood Card) which sparks off a mystery that takes place both in England and across the Atlantic.
Elly Griffiths captures the 1950’s setting beautifully and the host of characters are quirky and wonderful in their own special ways. The action keeps you guessing right up until the final twist which I did not see coming.
My only regret is that I did not know about this series sooner.
Four stars.
A policeman (Stephens) and a magician (Mephisto) are old army friends and a crack crime solving squad as it turns out. When an old colleague is murdered, the killer leaves behind a clue (The Blood Card) which sparks off a mystery that takes place both in England and across the Atlantic.
Elly Griffiths captures the 1950’s setting beautifully and the host of characters are quirky and wonderful in their own special ways. The action keeps you guessing right up until the final twist which I did not see coming.
My only regret is that I did not know about this series sooner.
Four stars.
beckybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
c713914's review
4.0
Another great installment in the magic men series - I love the style of mystery the author writes, although I find myself caring more about the characters and their personal stories than the mystery sometimes. That’s not a bad thing, just part of the characters becoming so familiar after 3 books. She does a good job of weaving the personal drama/fun in with the mystery.
brittanyw98's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.0
canadianbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
https://cdnbookworm.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-blood-card.html
jessicamap's review
3.0
Thank you to HMH Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
I was really hoping to like this book. Historical fiction and mystery? Sounds like something I'll enjoy. Unfortunately THE BLOOD CARD by Elly Griffiths fell a little flat for me. Granted it is book three in the Magic Men mysteries series, but usually these genres are easy to have them as standalones.
DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto are the unlikely crime solving duo in this series. With Mephisto's television debut quickly approaching - for Elizabeth II's coronation - their former commander, Colonel Cartwright, is found dead. Mephisto and Stephens must join forces in order to find out what happened to their wartime commander.
This book bounces back and forth from New York (Edgar ends up there to follow a lead) and London. I didn't feel too invested in the characters and probably would need to read books one and two to get to know the main characters. I was excited for the element of a magician being added to the mix, something unique for a mystery solving team. The book does move very slow. I was struggling to finish, but I pushed through! It did pick up a little bit at the end but it felt rushed.
I did enjoy the writing and the initial premise, but I felt like something was missing. I couldn't tell you what exactly, but something was lacking. I've heard great things about Griffith's other books, so I would definitely want to try her other series!
Overall, because of the writing, a more unique premise, and her setting the scene very well for the 1950's in Britain, I give this one 2.5 stars!
I was really hoping to like this book. Historical fiction and mystery? Sounds like something I'll enjoy. Unfortunately THE BLOOD CARD by Elly Griffiths fell a little flat for me. Granted it is book three in the Magic Men mysteries series, but usually these genres are easy to have them as standalones.
DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto are the unlikely crime solving duo in this series. With Mephisto's television debut quickly approaching - for Elizabeth II's coronation - their former commander, Colonel Cartwright, is found dead. Mephisto and Stephens must join forces in order to find out what happened to their wartime commander.
This book bounces back and forth from New York (Edgar ends up there to follow a lead) and London. I didn't feel too invested in the characters and probably would need to read books one and two to get to know the main characters. I was excited for the element of a magician being added to the mix, something unique for a mystery solving team. The book does move very slow. I was struggling to finish, but I pushed through! It did pick up a little bit at the end but it felt rushed.
I did enjoy the writing and the initial premise, but I felt like something was missing. I couldn't tell you what exactly, but something was lacking. I've heard great things about Griffith's other books, so I would definitely want to try her other series!
Overall, because of the writing, a more unique premise, and her setting the scene very well for the 1950's in Britain, I give this one 2.5 stars!
meggo's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun mystery read! I liked it, and thought the plot was great. But I didn’t love the main characters — not like them as people, but as characters — which I feel like is important to me when I’m reading a detective novel.
pgchuis's review against another edition
4.0
This was fun, and I enjoyed Edgar's trip to New York State. I only wish transatlantic flights were still so luxurious. This instalment was all about television and the 1953 coronation. I got a little confused in the middle, but the ending was exciting.
stackwoodlibrary's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable, the point in history - early 50's, tv just catching on - is a different for my usual fair.
scherzo's review against another edition
3.0
Use logic or check the internet if you care to avoid anachronisms:
When did americans start saying "have a nice day"?
"the phrase became a defining cultural emblem of the 1970s"
Was the ER cryptic crossword clue used before Elizabeth II was crowned?
When did americans start saying "have a nice day"?
"the phrase became a defining cultural emblem of the 1970s"
Was the ER cryptic crossword clue used before Elizabeth II was crowned?