Death and the Conjuror

A sharply drawn period piece... Locked-room mysteries shine best with memorable characters, which is one of Mead's strengths * New York Times *
Secrets, red herrings and sleights of hand abound in an ingenious piece of intriguing escapism * Guardian *
Death and the Conjuror is an engrossing tale of murder and magicians, and a revealing exploration of the ever-popular locked-room mystery. Mead's debut is a novel to intrigue and delight -- John Connolly
[An] affectionate tribute to the golden age of impossible murder mysteries... This ingenious debut is also great fun * The Times *
[A] stellar debut and series launch... This homage to golden age crime fiction rivals the best of John Dickson Carr * Publishers Weekly *
With a deviously intricate locked-room plot, Death and the Conjuror unfolds as both an elegant tribute and a cunning update of the classic 'impossible crime' story. Somewhere, the great John Dickson Carr is smiling -- Daniel Stashower
Both a splendid homage to the Golden age of impossible crimes and its great exponent John Dickson Carr and a witty reconstruction of the classic locked room mystery with tongue in cheek bravado and a gallery of attendant, endearing characters, Tom Mead's debut is a sheer delight -- Maxim Jakubowski
An ingenious locked room mystery. This is a fiendishly clever puzzle wrapped in a beautiful, dark atmospheric story. Utterly captivating! -- Victoria Dowd
Tom Mead has created an intriguing set of puzzles on par with John Dickson Carr in Death and the Conjuror. A true delight for mystery lovers! -- Charles Todd
This ingenious (and fair-play) locked-room mystery should win over a new generation of readers to this delightfully devious style of classic mystery -- Gigi Pandian
Sparkling, exhilarating. The narrative is stuffed with provocative ideas and good humour. Tom Mead is a dazzling new talent. -- TP Fielden
The clever and complicated plots the unknown antagonist concocts will likely keep you guessing all the way through * Crime Fiction Lover *
Fans of Golden Age historical fiction will enjoy this new spin on a traditional pairing for professional policeman and amateur sleuth... All the elements you would expect are here, and the book is pleasingly referential * Historical Novel Society *
Pure escapism and an excellent puzzle, ingeniously expounded * The Times Audiobook of the Week *
Not just a worthy imitation of the Golden Age puzzlers, but also a gently tongue in cheek rejuvenation of a type of mystery novel that is both cosy and challenging * Crime Time *
There are some very fine descriptive images, a good pace, lots of variety and a skilful reveal. This is a most encouraging debut * The Critic *
Mead faithfully replicates all the loving artifice and teasing engagement of golden-age puzzlers in this superior pastiche * Kirkus Reviews *
Mead maintains suspense throughout, creating a creepy atmosphere en route to satisfying reveals. Puzzle mystery fans will eagerly await the sequel * Publishers Weekly *
'More red herrings than a North Sea trawler, suspects galore, a dearth of clues, a locked room, and no weapon. A classic 'who?' and 'how?' -- Adrian Magson
Inventive and engrossing * TripFiction *
Locked room mysteries are back in fashion and in Death and the Conjuror, Tom Mead gives us one to savour. With fluid prose, sharply defined characters, and an ingenious set of puzzles, this is a book that references the Golden Age of crime fiction in the best possible way. -- Vaseem Khan
Fans of Golden Age mysteries, the original kind or a more modern version, have a treat in store * Promoting Crime Fiction *
'A top of the range, good, old fashioned whodunnit. Great fun - and very clever! I enjoyed it enormously.' -- Daisy Waugh
'An enticingly brilliant and stylish mystery.' -- Frances Brody
Fans of Golden Age mysteries, the original kind or a more modern version, have a treat in store. * Mystery People *
A great homage to Golden Age mysteries and a fresh angle on them, this is a witty, enthralling and atmospheric page turner with a fabulous setting and a striking cast of characters * Historical Writers' Association *
Splendidly tricksy * The Guardian, Crime & Thriller Books of the Year 2023 *