Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Quercus (2014)
Description
"Brighton, 1950. The body of a girl is found cut into three pieces. Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is convinced the killer is mimicking a famous magic trick--the Zig Zag Girl. The inventor of the trick, Max Mephisto, is an old war friend of Edgar's. They served together in a shadowy unit called the Magic Men, a special ops troop that used stage tricks to confound the enemy. Max is on the traveling show circuit, touring seaside towns with ventriloquists, sword-swallowers and dancing girls. He's reluctant to leave this world to help Edgar investigate, but advises him to identify the victim quickly -- it takes a special sidekick to do the Zig Zag Girl. Those words come back to haunt Max when the dead girl turns out to be Ethel, one of his best assistants to date. He's soon at Edgar's side, hunting for Ethel's killer. Another death, another magic trick: Edgar and Max are sure the answer to the murders lies in their army days. And when Edgar receives a letter warning of another "trick" on the way -- the Wolf Trap -- he knows they're all in the killer's sights" --… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member SandyAMcPherson
A mystery that has its roots in WWII covert operations but all the crime and intrigue action is in post-war Britain. The story's main protagonists collaborate to some degree in winding up a strange series of murders. The police detective (Edgar) was a rather plodding ex-Army character; his
Unusual in my case, I realized the murderer's identity well before the story was in the final stages. Having re-read the chapters preceding that understanding, I'm still not sure what gave away this person. I did not anticipate the final twist in the plot, however. This 'reveal' was quite amusing and unexpected.
Griffiths' writing in this novel did not measure up to the fluidity or succeed in developing the same engaging atmosphere which I encountered in her Ruth Galloway series. Part of the problem may be the clumsy intrusion of too much backstory; while the information was important, it wasn't adroitly included. Side excursions with other people (Edgar's Mother; various pubs with bit players) didn't move the story forward either. So a 4 ★ idea became a 3½ ★ rating.
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non-police associate in the mystery, Max, was much more fun as a lead character: a top-billed magician. Strange bedfellows whose back story is revealed in a series of historical reminiscences and descriptive paragraphs. Unusual in my case, I realized the murderer's identity well before the story was in the final stages. Having re-read the chapters preceding that understanding, I'm still not sure what gave away this person. I did not anticipate the final twist in the plot, however. This 'reveal' was quite amusing and unexpected.
Griffiths' writing in this novel did not measure up to the fluidity or succeed in developing the same engaging atmosphere which I encountered in her Ruth Galloway series. Part of the problem may be the clumsy intrusion of too much backstory; while the information was important, it wasn't adroitly included. Side excursions with other people (Edgar's Mother; various pubs with bit players) didn't move the story forward either. So a 4 ★ idea became a 3½ ★ rating.
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LibraryThing member shelleyraec
Elly Griffiths popular Ruth Galloway series has been on my to-read list for sometime but I’ve been loathe to start a new series given my current reading commitments. I pounced then on the opportunity to read her first stand alone, The Zig Zag Girl.
When the head and legs of a young woman are
The Zig Zag Girl is set largely in Brighton, England during the 1950’s and Griffiths skilfully evokes the post war era and the shabbiness of the neglected seaside town. Griffiths is said to have drawn on her own family history – her grandfather was a music hall comedian and her mother grew up ‘backstage’ – to authentically recreate the variety theater scene of the time.
Edgar is a likeable character, a little reserved and weary but thoughtful and steadfast. Max is more flamboyant, befitting a magician, and the two make a good team. The world of the theater allows Griffiths to introduce some additional colourful characters, and the ‘Magic Men’ are a quirky lot too.
The mystery is well thought out, using several red herrings to distract the reader from identifying the murderer too quickly. A little humour and a touch of romance lighten the more gruesome criminal elements of the story, and the background of the Magic Men provides added interest.
A clever, entertaining mystery, I really enjoyed The Zig Zag Girl, I think I need to make room in my schedule for The Crossing Places sooner, rather than later.
When the head and legs of a young woman are
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discovered in two black cases at Brighton train station, Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens doesn’t have to wait long to discover the whereabouts of her torso when a third box is delivered to him at work. Curiously the box is addressed using his military rank, Captain, and the state of the woman’s body reminds Edgar of a magician’s trick, known as the Zig Zag Girl, performed by an old army buddy, Max Mephisto. Assuming the coincidence is unlikely, especially when the girl is identified as Max’s pre-war stage assistant, Edgar tracks down Max, a popular theater magician and then the rest of the men he served with, a group known as the ‘Magic Men’ – recruited for a top secret special assignment during World War II. After another death, another gruesome magic trick gone awry, Edgar realises that the Magic Men are being targeted and he must race to unmask the killer before they perform their final deadly trick.The Zig Zag Girl is set largely in Brighton, England during the 1950’s and Griffiths skilfully evokes the post war era and the shabbiness of the neglected seaside town. Griffiths is said to have drawn on her own family history – her grandfather was a music hall comedian and her mother grew up ‘backstage’ – to authentically recreate the variety theater scene of the time.
Edgar is a likeable character, a little reserved and weary but thoughtful and steadfast. Max is more flamboyant, befitting a magician, and the two make a good team. The world of the theater allows Griffiths to introduce some additional colourful characters, and the ‘Magic Men’ are a quirky lot too.
The mystery is well thought out, using several red herrings to distract the reader from identifying the murderer too quickly. A little humour and a touch of romance lighten the more gruesome criminal elements of the story, and the background of the Magic Men provides added interest.
A clever, entertaining mystery, I really enjoyed The Zig Zag Girl, I think I need to make room in my schedule for The Crossing Places sooner, rather than later.
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
An excellent mystery set five years after the end of WWII, involving men who served together in a unique task force. These men include Stephens, now a policeman, and Mephisto, who has gone back to being a magician. The time period was well-evoked, as was the Brighton setting.
The tone was dryly
The tone was dryly
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humorous and I am keen to read the rest of this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member rosalita
I've greatly enjoyed Griffiths' other series featuring Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist who has a complicated relationship with the police department in contemporary Norfolk. This one is quite different, featuring Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens in 1950s Brighton, who teams up with a WWII
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colleague and celebrated magician Max Mephisto to solve a series of murders that relate back to their mysterious wartime posting. Unfortunately, it can't compare for me to the Galloway series. DI Stephens is meant to have a brilliant mind but he acts fairly stupidly throughout, and neither the setting nor the other characters caught my fancy. I guess I don't believe in magic. It's fine, but I prefer to wait for the next Ruth Galloway book rather than continue with this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member kimkimkim
Sadly nothing in this book worked for me. The characters were flat and unbelievable. The writing was not interesting and it was all just tedious.
LibraryThing member cathyskye
I am a long-time Elly Griffiths fan. I love her Dr. Ruth Galloway mysteries. When I saw a copy of The Zig-Zag Girl at my favorite bookstore, I didn't even look at the synopsis; I bought it and brought it home. I didn't think it looked like the usual cover (or title) of a Galloway mystery, so I
I rapidly fell under the book's spell. Griffiths brings to life the atmosphere of the post-war variety theatre (better known as vaudeville in the US) in all its slightly seedy, slightly down-at-heel, on-its-way-out glory. Television will soon supplant these magicians with their beautiful assistants in skimpy spangles, these ventriloquists, and comedians. In the near future all these performers are going to have to find another way to make a living.
As in her other series, Griffiths has created a superb cast of characters. Edgar the innocent, Max the knowing, and "Diablo" the wily old soak were the Magic Men during the war, using their wits and knowledge of stage tricks and illusions to build things on Scotland's northern coast that would keep the Germans from accurately projecting the area's fortifications and firepower. They haven't always gotten along, and each man has his own particular set of strengths and weaknesses. They just have to get used to working as a team again, and it's a pleasure to watch them do so.
Speaking of strengths, one of Griffiths' is portraying that wonderfully annoying sense of overdone gentility-- especially with Edgar's mother. Magicians like Max and Diablo are looked at with suspicion. They aren't really socially acceptable, which makes their work more difficult in some quarters and easier in others. That's why Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is so important. He's "official" and more welcome with the lace curtain set!
There was only one tiny disappointment (and I mean tiny) in reading this book. It involves the death of a certain character, and I won't go any further into the matter other than to say that it made the lightbulb go off over my head, and snap! I knew the identity of the killer. Fortunately The Zig-Zag Girl is much more than a whodunnit. It is a rich, character-driven portrait of an age and of a dying way of life-- with murder and deduction front and center. I can't wait for the next installment.
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wasn't shocked to learn that it's the first book in Griffiths' new Magic Men historical mystery series. A word of warning: this is the UK edition of the book. The Zig-Zag Girl (minus the hyphen) won't be available in the US until mid-September 2015.I rapidly fell under the book's spell. Griffiths brings to life the atmosphere of the post-war variety theatre (better known as vaudeville in the US) in all its slightly seedy, slightly down-at-heel, on-its-way-out glory. Television will soon supplant these magicians with their beautiful assistants in skimpy spangles, these ventriloquists, and comedians. In the near future all these performers are going to have to find another way to make a living.
As in her other series, Griffiths has created a superb cast of characters. Edgar the innocent, Max the knowing, and "Diablo" the wily old soak were the Magic Men during the war, using their wits and knowledge of stage tricks and illusions to build things on Scotland's northern coast that would keep the Germans from accurately projecting the area's fortifications and firepower. They haven't always gotten along, and each man has his own particular set of strengths and weaknesses. They just have to get used to working as a team again, and it's a pleasure to watch them do so.
Speaking of strengths, one of Griffiths' is portraying that wonderfully annoying sense of overdone gentility-- especially with Edgar's mother. Magicians like Max and Diablo are looked at with suspicion. They aren't really socially acceptable, which makes their work more difficult in some quarters and easier in others. That's why Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is so important. He's "official" and more welcome with the lace curtain set!
There was only one tiny disappointment (and I mean tiny) in reading this book. It involves the death of a certain character, and I won't go any further into the matter other than to say that it made the lightbulb go off over my head, and snap! I knew the identity of the killer. Fortunately The Zig-Zag Girl is much more than a whodunnit. It is a rich, character-driven portrait of an age and of a dying way of life-- with murder and deduction front and center. I can't wait for the next installment.
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LibraryThing member Twink
Elly Griffiths writes one of my favourite series - the Ruth Galloway mysteries. Having devoured the last one, I was resigned to a least another year 'til the next. And then....I discovered that she has started another series! The Zig Zag Girl is the first in the Magic Men Mysteries.
Post WWII
Stephens has kept his distance from the unit in the years following the war. But this murder and his investigation inevitably reunite him with the Magic Men. Notably Max Mephisto - the inventor of the Zig Zag Girl trick.
What I absolutely love about Griffith's books are her characters. They're appealing, unusual and engaging. Each has a rich background and personality - I liked them immediately and look forward to seeing them again. Edgar and Max each have a voice in the Zig Zag Girl, so we get a view from each of their perspectives.
What I also liked was that the mystery has to be solved the 'old fashioned way' - without the use of cell phones, computer databases and modern technology. Instead we're along for the ride as Stephens and Mephisto follow the clues and connections, making their own deductions.
Griffiths uses misdirection, one of a magician's tricks, to keep the mystery going, sending the reader's suspicions in the wrong direction. (But clever readers will suss it out) The setting is fascinating - the world of variety shows and magicians was fun and full of detail.
The Zig Zag Girl was a great introduction to a new set of characters - this reader will be looking for the second in this series. (But Ruth is still my favourite!)
Post WWII
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England in 1950 is the setting. Detective Edgar Stephens is assigned to a horrific crime. A young woman's body is delivered to the station - in three pieces in three boxes. And Stephens can't help but be reminded of a magic trick - The Zig Zag Girl. Now, why would he be reminded of that? Well, Stephens was part of a covert team during the war that used tricks and deception to discombobulate the 'Jerrys".Stephens has kept his distance from the unit in the years following the war. But this murder and his investigation inevitably reunite him with the Magic Men. Notably Max Mephisto - the inventor of the Zig Zag Girl trick.
What I absolutely love about Griffith's books are her characters. They're appealing, unusual and engaging. Each has a rich background and personality - I liked them immediately and look forward to seeing them again. Edgar and Max each have a voice in the Zig Zag Girl, so we get a view from each of their perspectives.
What I also liked was that the mystery has to be solved the 'old fashioned way' - without the use of cell phones, computer databases and modern technology. Instead we're along for the ride as Stephens and Mephisto follow the clues and connections, making their own deductions.
Griffiths uses misdirection, one of a magician's tricks, to keep the mystery going, sending the reader's suspicions in the wrong direction. (But clever readers will suss it out) The setting is fascinating - the world of variety shows and magicians was fun and full of detail.
The Zig Zag Girl was a great introduction to a new set of characters - this reader will be looking for the second in this series. (But Ruth is still my favourite!)
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LibraryThing member Beamis12
Brighton, 1950, variety shows are on the way out, magic shows not as popular as they had been, television soon to make its appearance. After the war Edgar wanted to make a difference in people's lives so though he was expected to return to Oxford, he decided instead to become a policeman. When a
The atmosphere of this novel is authentic and wonderful. So much about magic shows and the theater, even knowing that a magicians greatest friend is misdirection did not help me solve this case. I did have a few ideas but I guess I am just not clever enough. The characters are colorful, Max and Diablo alternately amusing or melancholy. Secrets from past, clues to follow left by the killer, murders done in ways mimicking magic acts, all leaving a trail, but remember red herrings and misdirection. The historical details are an additional bonus, all helping to immerse the reader in both this case and the time period.
A brilliant start to what I hope is a new series, by Galloway.
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body is delivered to the station in pieces, it becomes Inspector Edgar's case, a case that will bring him to Max Memphisto a famous magician and a man that Edgar served with in a secret unit called the Magic Men.The atmosphere of this novel is authentic and wonderful. So much about magic shows and the theater, even knowing that a magicians greatest friend is misdirection did not help me solve this case. I did have a few ideas but I guess I am just not clever enough. The characters are colorful, Max and Diablo alternately amusing or melancholy. Secrets from past, clues to follow left by the killer, murders done in ways mimicking magic acts, all leaving a trail, but remember red herrings and misdirection. The historical details are an additional bonus, all helping to immerse the reader in both this case and the time period.
A brilliant start to what I hope is a new series, by Galloway.
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LibraryThing member Susan.Macura
This is a fun mystery surrounding a group of men brought together during WW II to create scenarios to trick the Germans into believing that England was better equipped for war than they actually were. Now it is years later and suddenly there are a string of murders that seem to be connected to that
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infamous group. Edgar became a cop so he is right in the middle of these serial killings, while pal Max who continued to be a magician, is his not-always helpful sidekick. There are lots of twists and turns as this story unravels, as well as some trips back through memory lane so we understand the group’s history and dynamics, as well as why the killer acted. I am looking forward to the second installment of this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens, lives quietly in post-war Brighton. He is trying to forget his time during World War Two when he was recruited into MI5 and thrown together with a group of magicians and showmen in Inverness. The Magic Men, as they called themselves, were tasked with creating a
The investigation of this bizarre murder throws Edgar and Max together as the victim turns out to have a connection to Max. As the bodies start to mount it becomes clearer that there is some connection between their shared history in the army and current events. We follow Edgar and Max as they track down their motley crew of show men and army folk who came together in a secret mission.
The Zig Zag Girl is a very traditional form of murder mystery, which is fitting for its setting of 1950s Britain. The narrative switches between the points of view of Edgar and Max as a way of fleshing out the world of both the police investigation and the magician circuit. I really enjoy the Ruth Galloway series that Elly Griffith writes and I thought this was a wonderful start to a new, interesting mystery. It was a fast-paced read, with unexpected twists that takes you by surprise. I read that Elly Griffiths meant this book to be a tribute to her grandfather, and I have to say, it is a great one.
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fake military build up in the north of Scotland with timber and paint. But the past catches up with Edgar in the form of a body actually carved up in that manner of one if his old company's tricks. The Zig Zag Girl of the title is a trick invented by Max Mephisto, one of his colleagues during the war, in which it appears his assistant is cut into thirds. The investigation of this bizarre murder throws Edgar and Max together as the victim turns out to have a connection to Max. As the bodies start to mount it becomes clearer that there is some connection between their shared history in the army and current events. We follow Edgar and Max as they track down their motley crew of show men and army folk who came together in a secret mission.
The Zig Zag Girl is a very traditional form of murder mystery, which is fitting for its setting of 1950s Britain. The narrative switches between the points of view of Edgar and Max as a way of fleshing out the world of both the police investigation and the magician circuit. I really enjoy the Ruth Galloway series that Elly Griffith writes and I thought this was a wonderful start to a new, interesting mystery. It was a fast-paced read, with unexpected twists that takes you by surprise. I read that Elly Griffiths meant this book to be a tribute to her grandfather, and I have to say, it is a great one.
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LibraryThing member Eyejaybee
Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is not a conventional policeman. During the Second world War he had been in the army, and then transferred into the Secret Service where he had formed part of a group known as 'The Magic Men', whose role had been to explore different means of fooling the Germans.
Meanwhile, another former member of 'The Magic Men' is also in Brighton. This is Maximillian Massingham, known professionally as Max Mephisto, one of the leading stage conjurers of the day, and he is top of the bill in one of Brighton's theatres. Recognising the black chests as similar to those used by conjurers, Stephens makes use of this coincidence to seek Max's advice about the murder. They renew their friendship and start investigating the crime together.
This may all sound like fairly ordinary fare for crime investigations, but Elly Griffiths delivers her story with style, and holds the tension admirably. The period descriptions of post-war yet still austerity-bound Brighton give a suitably grim backdrop to the story, and the vignettes of music hall life are entertaining. I see that there are furthr novels in this series, and I shall certainly look forward to them.
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Now, in the early 1950s, he is in CID based at Brighton. It is in that capacity that he attends the scene of a gruesome murder in which a young woman has been cut into three sections. Her hed and legs are found in two separate black chests. Beguilingly, only the upper and lowest parts are there. The midriff is delivered to the police station a couple of days later, addressed specifically to Stephens, though quoting his former military rank rather than his police title.Meanwhile, another former member of 'The Magic Men' is also in Brighton. This is Maximillian Massingham, known professionally as Max Mephisto, one of the leading stage conjurers of the day, and he is top of the bill in one of Brighton's theatres. Recognising the black chests as similar to those used by conjurers, Stephens makes use of this coincidence to seek Max's advice about the murder. They renew their friendship and start investigating the crime together.
This may all sound like fairly ordinary fare for crime investigations, but Elly Griffiths delivers her story with style, and holds the tension admirably. The period descriptions of post-war yet still austerity-bound Brighton give a suitably grim backdrop to the story, and the vignettes of music hall life are entertaining. I see that there are furthr novels in this series, and I shall certainly look forward to them.
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LibraryThing member nbmars
I somewhat resented this book before I even started it, because it meant Griffiths was taking time away from the Ruth Galloway series, but I should not have worried! Although so far I still like the Galloway series more, this book did not disappoint.
The book is set in post-World War II England and
Edgar seeks out Max for advice, and Max is able to identify the dead woman as one of his former assistants. Furthermore, when they go to query another member of the Magic Men, he too is found dead by a murder resembling a magic trick. It begins to look like the Magic Men themselves as well as those associated with them are being targeted. Edgar and Max set out to find the other members of their crew and warn them, never knowing if they will be too late, or will themselves be the next victims.
Discussion: Griffiths did her research well as usual, and did a great job of bringing the post-War world to life, as well as the world of magicians and what it was like to perform on the road at that time. Also, as with her other series, she limns characters with complex psyches showing a mix of self-awareness, self-delusion, and self-deprecation that make them seem like actual people we all can recognize. For me, the characterizations are so good, they make the plot almost irrelevant.
Evaluation: This clever story employing the “misdirection” of magic as a criminal tactic as well as a plot device (in the sense of red herrings and other false trails) introduces some great characters as well. I look forward to more stories in this series.
The book is set in post-World War II England and
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features Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens of the Brighton police. As the story begins, a young woman’s body has been found that had been sawed in three pieces, reminiscent of “the Zig Zag Girl trick” used by magicians. In fact, one of Edgar’s friends, Max Mephisto, also known as “The Master of Illusion,” was thought to have invented the trick. Edgar and Max met while serving in Inverness as part of an MI5 group - “The Magic Men” - assigned with creating false trails for the Germans. Edgar seeks out Max for advice, and Max is able to identify the dead woman as one of his former assistants. Furthermore, when they go to query another member of the Magic Men, he too is found dead by a murder resembling a magic trick. It begins to look like the Magic Men themselves as well as those associated with them are being targeted. Edgar and Max set out to find the other members of their crew and warn them, never knowing if they will be too late, or will themselves be the next victims.
Discussion: Griffiths did her research well as usual, and did a great job of bringing the post-War world to life, as well as the world of magicians and what it was like to perform on the road at that time. Also, as with her other series, she limns characters with complex psyches showing a mix of self-awareness, self-delusion, and self-deprecation that make them seem like actual people we all can recognize. For me, the characterizations are so good, they make the plot almost irrelevant.
Evaluation: This clever story employing the “misdirection” of magic as a criminal tactic as well as a plot device (in the sense of red herrings and other false trails) introduces some great characters as well. I look forward to more stories in this series.
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LibraryThing member JJbooklvr
This is the first book in a new series and is a departure from the author's other mystery series. It centers on the Magic Men, who were a group in WWII, that were formed to try and confuse the Germans through misdirection and illusions. One of their former members, Edgar Stephens, is now a
Fans of historical mysteries and cozies will find a lot to like in this book. Through in some interesting characters and I am counting down to the release of book two, Smoke and Mirrors, which comes out this October.
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Detective Inspector in Brighton and when a woman is murdered in a way that resembles a magic trick he thinks it is related to his time in the war. Fans of historical mysteries and cozies will find a lot to like in this book. Through in some interesting characters and I am counting down to the release of book two, Smoke and Mirrors, which comes out this October.
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LibraryThing member stephengoldenberg
The best things about Elly Griffith's crime novel are the Brighton in 1950 setting, the skilfully presented dying days of the music hall and the back story of the 'magic men' (a 2nd world war camouflage unit based on one that really existed in North Africa). However, the actual plot increasingly
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strains credulity and, at the denouement, descends into the absurd. Not wishing to introduce spoilers, the eventual unveiling of the murderer left me confused as their back story was so sketchy that it rendered their motive barely comprehensible. Show Less
LibraryThing member John_Warner
When someone leaves two crates at the Brighton train station and later another addressed to him at the police station containing parts of a showgirl still in costume, police officer Edgar Stephens is reminded of an illusionist's act known as the zig zag girl in which an assistant appears to be
The novel is told from the perspective of either Edgar or Max. As the two visit the remainder of the Magic Men, I tried to discern the secret that connected the Magic Men that might reveal who the murderer was.I enjoyed this Christie-like mystery. The characters were well-developed but the plot was weak without much depth. However, if there is a sequel with the Magic Men, I will probably pick it up.
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divided into thirds only to be later rejoined without harm. Inspector Stephens would be intimately knowledgeable of the acts since he was one of several pre-WW2 magicians, known as the Magic Men, employed by the military during the war to use their skill in creating illusions for British intelligence. However, when one of the Magic Men and a housewife associated with one the Magic Men are later found murdered, Edgar realizes that someone has targeted the Magic Men. With the assistance of another of the Magic Men, Max Mephisto, they contact the others to warn them to be careful and hope to discover who has targeted the squadron. The novel is told from the perspective of either Edgar or Max. As the two visit the remainder of the Magic Men, I tried to discern the secret that connected the Magic Men that might reveal who the murderer was.I enjoyed this Christie-like mystery. The characters were well-developed but the plot was weak without much depth. However, if there is a sequel with the Magic Men, I will probably pick it up.
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LibraryThing member bsquaredinoz
Being a huge fan of Elly Griffiths’ series featuring archaeologist Ruth Galloway and being one of those readers always on the lookout for a standalone novel I had high hopes for THE ZIG-ZAG GIRL. Perhaps those expectations were the problem rather than the book itself. Whatever the case, as a
Set in post-WWII Britain it opens with the gruesome murder of a young woman in Brighton. The circumstances of the murder remind Edgar Stephens, the Detective Inspector in charge of the case, of a magic trick invented by an old friend of his. This prompts him to seek out that friend, Max Mephisto, a magician with whom he worked during the war as part of a secret service team building illusions to fool the enemy into thinking the Allies had more resources than was actually the case. It soon becomes clear to the two men that the murder, and others which follow it, are directly linked to their wartime experiences.
Essentially what a reader has to do with fiction is accept the version of the world that the author has created. Sometimes there is a lot of disbelief to suspend, sometimes only a little. But always some. Otherwise it wouldn’t be fiction. In this case I just couldn’t do it. I never, for example, understood why a brutal murder of a young woman was left to one middle-ranking copper and his civilian friend to solve. Even today such an event would warrant more involvement from authorities than that so surely 65 years ago it would been a higher profile case than is depicted. And when Edgar and Max’s wartime experiences were told in flashback there just seemed to be too many implausibilities and inaccuracies for me to buy into it all. To top it off the secret at the heart of the story seemed blindingly – screamingly – obvious to me so there wasn’t much in the way of suspense.
The characterisations were a little more successful than the plot though somewhat flat and distant. For me it was the difference between hearing a story about a couple of people who are acquaintances of friends rather than being engrossed in a story about people I care about.The main characters are all men of roughly the same age and none of them really stand out from each other. I don’t imagine I’ll be able to remember a single thing about Edgar or Max in a couple of months.
I applaud the author for having a go at something different but it won’t be a series I follow so I hope there is something else on the horizon from Ms Griffiths. This one was just too full of awkward and unlikely coincidences for me and the reality didn’t live up to the promise of the premise.
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historical mystery told in the third person from the perspective of male characters it is a very different type of story to Griffiths’ usual fare and is missing many of the elements I have enjoyed most about Griffiths’ writing.Set in post-WWII Britain it opens with the gruesome murder of a young woman in Brighton. The circumstances of the murder remind Edgar Stephens, the Detective Inspector in charge of the case, of a magic trick invented by an old friend of his. This prompts him to seek out that friend, Max Mephisto, a magician with whom he worked during the war as part of a secret service team building illusions to fool the enemy into thinking the Allies had more resources than was actually the case. It soon becomes clear to the two men that the murder, and others which follow it, are directly linked to their wartime experiences.
Essentially what a reader has to do with fiction is accept the version of the world that the author has created. Sometimes there is a lot of disbelief to suspend, sometimes only a little. But always some. Otherwise it wouldn’t be fiction. In this case I just couldn’t do it. I never, for example, understood why a brutal murder of a young woman was left to one middle-ranking copper and his civilian friend to solve. Even today such an event would warrant more involvement from authorities than that so surely 65 years ago it would been a higher profile case than is depicted. And when Edgar and Max’s wartime experiences were told in flashback there just seemed to be too many implausibilities and inaccuracies for me to buy into it all. To top it off the secret at the heart of the story seemed blindingly – screamingly – obvious to me so there wasn’t much in the way of suspense.
The characterisations were a little more successful than the plot though somewhat flat and distant. For me it was the difference between hearing a story about a couple of people who are acquaintances of friends rather than being engrossed in a story about people I care about.The main characters are all men of roughly the same age and none of them really stand out from each other. I don’t imagine I’ll be able to remember a single thing about Edgar or Max in a couple of months.
I applaud the author for having a go at something different but it won’t be a series I follow so I hope there is something else on the horizon from Ms Griffiths. This one was just too full of awkward and unlikely coincidences for me and the reality didn’t live up to the promise of the premise.
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LibraryThing member thornton37814
When a former magician's assistant is murdered, DI Edgar Stephens, who served in the Magic Men unit during World War II, recognizes it as an imitation of the Zig Zag Girl magic trick. He calls on his wartime friend and magician extraordinaire to assist him. When the murder of a person who served
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with them takes place, imitating yet another trick, they know someone connected with the unit is behind the murders. I enjoyed a great deal of the book, but the way the story ended and the naivety of Stephens made me lower my rating. There's a difference between providing lots of facts about the main characters and developing the characters. Sometimes the author erred by providing too many useless details without giving readers insights into what makes them tick and their strengths and flaws. The solution is not that difficult if readers pick up on the clues early in a couple of spots in the book. James Langton does a good job with the narration in the audiobook. It's a good book for a long drive. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carlathelibrarian
This story takes place in 1950. Edgar Stephens is a detective in Brighten, England. When a body turns up cut into 3 pieces, with one of those pieces sent to him addressed to Captain Stephens, he begins to think this is personal. With the help of Max Mephisto, a magician, he investigates. They
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believe the murders, (there are 2 more) have something to do with a group they belonged to during WWII called "The Magic Men". I enjoyed the book but some parts were slow. The story talks about their time with The Magic Men as well as the ongoing investigation. I am not too sure about this series, because I am not sure if I like crime procedurals based in the past. I do enjoy this author so will probably read the next on just to see if I like it. I did like the main characters of Edgar Stephens and Max Mephisto though, but I do not know if both of them are in the next book in the series or not. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lisa2013
Read as a buddy read with Hilary. I was not enthusiastic about the story’s premise and wasn’t even sure I’d read the whole book, but I liked it much more than I’d anticipated. Even so, without a reading partner it would have been harder to get through. I’m not planning to read any
I did like the book. For me it was 3 stars all the way through and I enjoyed it more and more as I read on. I thought the parts toward the end were stronger than those that came more toward the beginning.
The characters were kind of hard to tell apart/remember for a long time. Hilary used the term “they blend in a bit” and that is a perfect way of describing it. As I read I did care about them and their stories but I didn’t feel emotionally invested in them the way I do with books I tend to love and really like, such as those in this author’s Ruth Galloway series. The last chapters I got more interested in them and I loved the twist about two of them and how they were related.
I did guess the identity of the culprit and some of the reasoning, additional storyline about the murderer. They were my first choice from very early on. I was never sure though until close to the reveal. It was rather clever.
I see how this series might go, 4 particular connected characters solving crimes. Maybe 5, or 6, or more. I know more minor characters might keep appearing in the books. HUGE spoiler! Do not read if you haven’t read this book 1 and might someday: (view spoiler)
ETA: I realized I missed not having any dog and cat characters. So far they've appeared in other books I've read by this author.
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additional books in this series now but I might read further books some point.I did like the book. For me it was 3 stars all the way through and I enjoyed it more and more as I read on. I thought the parts toward the end were stronger than those that came more toward the beginning.
The characters were kind of hard to tell apart/remember for a long time. Hilary used the term “they blend in a bit” and that is a perfect way of describing it. As I read I did care about them and their stories but I didn’t feel emotionally invested in them the way I do with books I tend to love and really like, such as those in this author’s Ruth Galloway series. The last chapters I got more interested in them and I loved the twist about two of them and how they were related.
I did guess the identity of the culprit and some of the reasoning, additional storyline about the murderer. They were my first choice from very early on. I was never sure though until close to the reveal. It was rather clever.
I see how this series might go, 4 particular connected characters solving crimes. Maybe 5, or 6, or more. I know more minor characters might keep appearing in the books. HUGE spoiler! Do not read if you haven’t read this book 1 and might someday: (view spoiler)
ETA: I realized I missed not having any dog and cat characters. So far they've appeared in other books I've read by this author.
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LibraryThing member siri51
Ok (but not as good as the Ruth Galloway series) set in Atmospheric Brighton 1950's - some interesting magician characters and a mystery to solve.
LibraryThing member CarrieWuj
3.5 Clever murder mystery set in England (Brighton) just after WWII. Inspector Edgar Stephens has had a body delivered to his police station door - in three pieces and three cases, reminiscent of a magic trick in which a woman is sawed in parts. As gruesome as this sounds, the details are not
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overbearing or too gory which makes the story sail along. To solve this case, Ed enlist the help of his war buddy Max Mephisto, current touring stage magician. The two were in a special ops group in the War - the Magic Men who used sleight of hand to help defeat the Germans - the author explains in her endnote that there is some truth to this approach. Meanwhile additional murders add up, picking off other members of the group selectively and with the same magic-trick theme. The friendship between Ed and Max is the heart of the story and the droll British humor and stiff-upper-lip in the face of these horrific events is also a bonus. The mystery's solution is well-done - I didn't see it coming - due to some good red herrings along the way. And another surprise is included which sets up the coming series. A refreshing angle and niche on the murder mystery market. Show Less
LibraryThing member KateBaxter
This first book in author Elly Griffiths, Magic Men mystery series, was a great start to this police procedural series. Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is on scene of a murdered woman and the form of death is reminiscent of a magic trick devised by his friend, Max Mephisto. Edgar seeks Max's
I had previously enjoyed Ms. Griffiths' Ruth Galloway mystery series and thought that I'd try this new series. I was delighted to find that it did not disappoint and am now looking forward to subsequent installments.
Synopsis (from author's website):
Brighton, 1950. When the body of a girl is found, cut into three, Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is reminded of a magic trick, the Zig Zag Girl. The inventor of the trick, Max Mephisto, is an old friend of Edgar’s. They served together in the war as part of a shadowy unit called the Magic Men. Max is still on the circuit, touring seaside towns in the company of ventriloquists, sword-swallowers and dancing girls. Changing times mean that variety is not what it once was, yet Max is reluctant to leave this world to help Edgar investigate. But when the dead girl turns out to be known to him, Max changes his mind. Another death, another magic trick: Edgar and Max become convinced that the answer to the murders lies in their army days. When Edgar receives a letter warning of another ‘trick’, the Wolf Trap, he knows that they are all in the killer’s sights…
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assistance in identifying the killer. Max is hesitant until he recognizes the woman murdered after which, Max is all in to help nail the culprit. After a bit, patterns surface and connections are made. The suspense is even throughout much of the book. It really picks up pace in the last 60 pages, driving to a satisfying conclusion. I had previously enjoyed Ms. Griffiths' Ruth Galloway mystery series and thought that I'd try this new series. I was delighted to find that it did not disappoint and am now looking forward to subsequent installments.
Synopsis (from author's website):
Brighton, 1950. When the body of a girl is found, cut into three, Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is reminded of a magic trick, the Zig Zag Girl. The inventor of the trick, Max Mephisto, is an old friend of Edgar’s. They served together in the war as part of a shadowy unit called the Magic Men. Max is still on the circuit, touring seaside towns in the company of ventriloquists, sword-swallowers and dancing girls. Changing times mean that variety is not what it once was, yet Max is reluctant to leave this world to help Edgar investigate. But when the dead girl turns out to be known to him, Max changes his mind. Another death, another magic trick: Edgar and Max become convinced that the answer to the murders lies in their army days. When Edgar receives a letter warning of another ‘trick’, the Wolf Trap, he knows that they are all in the killer’s sights…
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LibraryThing member gbelik
I didn't enjoy this mystery populated by a group of magicians as much as I've liked her other series, but it was basically enjoyable.
LibraryThing member kmartin802
THE ZIG ZAG GIRL was an entertaining historical mystery. DI Edgar Stephens is taken back to his army days when he is called to investigate a murder in which a woman is cut into three pieces and nicely boxed. It reminds him of a magic trick often performed by his old friend Max Mephisto.
Edgar and
This story takes place in 1950 and the members of the Magic Men have long since dispersed back to their regular lives. Edgar joined the police. Max continues to travel the circuit doing his magic act. Tony has become a comedian and insists that he will soon be famous in America. Diablo is an aging magician down on his luck and alcoholic.
Max happens to be in Brighton when the boxes of woman are discovered, and Edgar goes to him for insight in solving the crime. Max becomes more closely involved when it is learned that the woman was once his favorite assistant. He helps Edgar investigate when Tony is found dead in yet another version of a magic trick and a letter comes threatening the rest of the Magic Men.
I enjoyed this historical mystery and liked both Edgar and Max who, finally, years after their service are ready to plan for their futures. I'm eager to see where this series goes next.
Edgar and
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Max were both part of a special unit during World War II called the Magic Men. They were based in Scotland with the goal of using magic tricks to convince the Germans that invading was a bad idea. Edgar wasn't a magician himself but rather a brilliant scholar pulled from Oxford for his skills at puzzle solving. Max Mephisto, the Great Diablo, and Tony Mulholland were the magicians. They served with a woman named Charis whom Edgar loved but who died in an accident. This story takes place in 1950 and the members of the Magic Men have long since dispersed back to their regular lives. Edgar joined the police. Max continues to travel the circuit doing his magic act. Tony has become a comedian and insists that he will soon be famous in America. Diablo is an aging magician down on his luck and alcoholic.
Max happens to be in Brighton when the boxes of woman are discovered, and Edgar goes to him for insight in solving the crime. Max becomes more closely involved when it is learned that the woman was once his favorite assistant. He helps Edgar investigate when Tony is found dead in yet another version of a magic trick and a letter comes threatening the rest of the Magic Men.
I enjoyed this historical mystery and liked both Edgar and Max who, finally, years after their service are ready to plan for their futures. I'm eager to see where this series goes next.
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LibraryThing member kmajort
Historical mystery? Set in the 50's in Brighton, with all of the amazing acts, shows, etc going on... murder reminding our hero of a old magic trick he'd once seen.
Worth a read, I enjoyed this, it was not the same ol' thing.
Will read more.
Worth a read, I enjoyed this, it was not the same ol' thing.
Will read more.
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014-11-06
Physical description
328 p.; 6.54 inches
ISBN
1848669852 / 9781848669857