I enjoyed this clever mystery. I found the scenario of a psychiatrist being murdered, possibly by one of his patients, interesting and unique. As with many locked room mysteries, I was unable to solve it, but I enjoyed the twists and turns. If this is to become a series, I would like to learn more about the detectives to become more invested in them. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy the genre.

Tom Mead’s Death and the Conjuror is a Golden Age tribute and a locked-room mystery that becomes burdensomely complicated.
As someone who loves Golden Age mysteries in general and locked-room mysteries in particular, I should have been the perfect audience for this. From the beginning, though, I knew there were problems. The point of view shifts and slides all through the first chapter, and it doesn’t get better from there.
The mysteries themselves were interesting, and the solutions were satisfying, but the ‘detective reveals whodunit’ part went on and on—it was exhausting.
Also, it’s absolutely baffling to me that, in a world where anyone can learn how to format an ebook in a matter of minutes, publishers send out review copies that are so badly formatted that they’re practically illegible (as this one is).
Recommended for the truly devoted to the Golden Age mystery.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press, in return for an honest review. Renowned psychologist, Dr. Anselm Rees, visits the theatre with his daughter, Dr. Lidia Rees, and her insipid fiancée, Marcus. Moving to 1930s London from the Continent, Dr. A. Rees has been very careful with his patient selection and is currently only seeing three patients, A, B, and C. When Dr. A. Rees is found murdered in his study, there is a locked door and a locked window so how was the murder accomplished? Scotland Yard is baffled enough to call upon a magician who met Dr. Rees at the theater to help solve the crime. Joseph Spector is used to legerdemain, but this is a whole different level. What about the stolen painting from Mr. Benjamin Teasel’s house? Was this done by one of the three patients or had Dr. Rees’ daughter grown tired of her father and wanted a permanent change?
This is a strong homage to the Golden Age of classic English mysteries and the duo of Spector and Inspector Flint set the stage for many future adventures.

An enjoyable locked room mystery, with a great cast of characters, both those trying to solve the mystery, and those that could be suspected.
Short and sweet and just good fun trying to puzzle it all out.

“There are too many threads. I can’t tie it all together.” - page 214. This book was such a fun mystery. “Who did it?” was my question after every chapter! The writing reminded me of Sherlock Holmes and the movie Knives Out. I liked reading the real time events followed by the story untwisting what I missed aka solving the mystery. I understand the need for the magic/magician but I think it could have been just as good without it. Thanks for the advance read, NetGalley!

Reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, with so many twists and turns! Some words I had to look up but a great story that’ll keep you guessing. Highly recommend. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

An excellent homage to impossible murders and locked room mystery, a gripping and well written story that kept me turning pages and trying to solve the puzzle at the center of the story.
I loved Spector and Flint, they're a perfect detecting couple. The suspects are a fascinating group of people who's hiding secrets and could be the culprit.
It's a page turner I couldn't put down and loved.
I hope to read other stories featuring Spector and Flint.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Dr. Anselm Rees is found murdered in his study There was only one door and one window, and they are both locked from the inside. Not only did he seem like a nice man, but he hasn't been living in London for long. What could he have possibly done that would lead to his murder? Scotland Yard Detective George Flint enlists the assistance of a magician, Joseph Spector to solve this puzzling crime.

Was it the psychiatrist’s daughter Lidia or her fiancé Marcus? Or maybe one of his patients, Della an actress, Floyd a musician, or Claude a writer. Or was it related to a stolen painting from Benjamin Teasel’s house? Or perhaps one of his old patients known as the Snakeman. There were plenty of red herrings to consider, and in hindsight, it is easy to see how I went down the wrong trail. Also, I think my little grey cells got too caught up in how it was done, and I didn't spend enough time thinking about the who. Hercule Poirot would not have been amused at my lack of focus.
I did however fail to solve this intriguing case, so kudos to the author. I would love to see Joseph Spector in another book as his background was just so interesting. A well-written locked-room mystery that I enjoyed. 4.5 stars.

This book will have you scratching your head trying to piece together the mystery throughout the entire book. Perfect whodunit with great twists and turns! The first book for me to read by this author but not my last! Highly recommend!

This book captivated me from the very beginning! It was so well written, I loved the characters and the atmosphere. I love mysteries and this one did not disappoint. I can't wait to read more from this author!

“Death and the Conjuror” is an immensely enjoyable, atmospheric and immersive murder-mystery in traditional 1930s style.
Authentic details drop from the sparkling prose, and each of the vividly real characters wouldn’t be out of place in an Agatha Christie novel. There is also a welcome sprinkling of influences from William Hope Hodgson’s “Carnacki” stories.
As with all the best “locked-room” mysteries, Tom Mead’s puzzler remains a head-scratcher until the breathtaking denouement.
“Death and the Conjuror” is a delicious cocktail of crime and cleverness, and I absolutely loved it.

Oh my gosh I couldnt put this book down, it sounded so intrigying by the blurb and I wasnt disappointed. It was gripping and completely engaging right from the start.
It was well written with well developed and likeable characters that i am still thinking about now and a great storyline, that was intriguing and as someone who loves an escape room I found this so enjoyable.
Magic, magicians, murder and locked rooms what more could someone need, I was completely captivated.