Elly Griffiths

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The Great Deceiver

The next gripping volume in The Brighton Mysteries series by bestselling author Elly Griffiths.

'Recalls the best of Agatha Christie' Sunday Express

Brighton, 1966.

Max, now divorced and living in London, is on the way to visit Ruby and her new-born daughter when he is hailed by an old magician friend Ted English, aka The Great Deceiver. Ted is terrified because his assistant, Cherry, has been found dead in her Brighton boarding house and he's convinced that he'll be accused of her murder. Max agrees to talk to Edgar, who is investigating the case. But what Max doesn't know is that the girl's family have hired private detective duo Emma Holmes and Sam Collins to do some digging of their own.

The inhabitants of the boarding house, most of whom are performing in an Old Time Music Hall show on Brighton pier, are a motley crew. The house is also connected to a sinister radio personality called Pal. Ruby, along with every woman in showbusiness, has heard some disturbing rumours about him.

When a second magician's assistant is killed, Edgar suspects a serial killer. He has the wild idea of persuading Max to come out of semi-retirement and take part in a summer show. But who can pose as his assistant? Step forward WDC Meg Connelly . . .

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Praise for The Brighton Mysteries

'Recalls the best of Agatha Christie' Sunday Express

'Subtle, charming and very good' Daily Mail

'Original, lively and gripping' Independent

'Wry, emotionally intelligent...satisfying' Sunday Times

'Full of period detail, smart plotting and likeable characters' Mail on Sunday

'Full of fun and expertly plotted' Sunday Express

'Beguiling Characterisation' Financial Times