The Blood Card
The Blood Card by Elly Griffiths, published by HarperCollins Publishers on September 4, 2018, is a reprint edition comprising 384 pages. Set in May 1953, as the nation anticipates the coronation of Elizabeth II, the story unfolds with DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto confronting the murder of their former commander, Colonel Cartwright. The investigation is complicated by the death of a celebrated fortune teller, Doreen Barton, and the discovery of a mysterious playing card, the ace of hearts, which ties into a larger conspiracy.
Readers will find a blend of mystery and historical elements as Edgar and Max navigate the complexities of their cases, leading them from Brighton to America in pursuit of a mesmerist who holds vital clues. The narrative intertwines police procedural aspects with themes of international crime, as Sergeant Emma Holmes uncovers a connection to an anarchist group planning a dramatic disruption on Coronation Day. This edition offers a detailed exploration of the characters’ challenges and the unfolding mystery against a backdrop of post-war optimism and intrigue.
Official synopsis Publisher
May 1953. As the country prepares for the coronation of Elizabeth II, the optimistic mood is spoiled for DI Edgar Stephens and his wartime comrade, magician Max Mephisto, when they are informed by a high-ranking general that their old commander, Colonel Cartwright, has been murdered. This general found some puzzling items in Cartwight’s pockets, not least a playbill featuring Tony ‘The Mind’ Mulholland (deceased), and a playing card, the ace of hearts: the blood card. Edgar and Max have enough on their hands without this though: Edgar is investigating the death of Doreen Barton (aka Madame Zabini), a celebrated Brighton fortune teller, while Max is rehearsing for his appearance in a variety show to be broadcast on the night of the coronation – on television, no less. But the general’s will prevails. Edgar’s investigation leads him from Brighton to America, land of fast cars and seemingly unlimited food, on the trail of a small-town mesmerist who may provide the key – but someone else has got to him first, and now he won’t be mesmerising anyone ever again. It’s Sergeant 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 and Emma to foil the plot, and find out who it is who’s been dealing the cards …
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