Sleuthing stage magician Joseph Spector (Death and the Conjuror) returns to investigate a baffling series of impossible crimes."Even readers who live to match wits with canny authors and detectives are likely to be outwitted by this one."Kirkus"Can you solve the Ferris wheel murder case?"When a sensational killing rocks 1938 London, local newspaper ads offer a hefty sum to the person who can say whodunnit. A man has been shot dead at the top of a Ferris wheel, and his wife the only other person in their carriage insists on her innocence. But who else could have fired the deadly bullet and escaped unseen? The sheer implausibility of the claim is enough to whip the press into a frenzy and, for young and idealistic Edmund Ibbs, the lawyer representing the accused, that frenzy may be his only hope at discovering the truth of the mysterious murder.As he digs into the case, Ibbs unwittingly enters a shadowy web of conspiracy and murder, soon finding himself implicated in not one but two other seemingly impossible crimes. First, a corpse appears out of thin air during a performance by a famed illusionist, then a second victim is mortally wounded in a locked dressing room backstage. Edmund is in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time, attracting the suspicion of Scotland Yard inspector George Flint. His only hope at freedom comes in the form of retired stage magician Joseph Spector, a man steeped in the art of misdirection, who happens to be in the audience for the deadly show. Spector's mastery of illusion is capable of piercing the veil of deceit, but will his deductive powers be strong enough to explain this utterly confounding series of crimes?Featuring a puzzling plot with a brilliant and fairly clued solution, The Murder Wheel is a delightful homage to the Golden Age mystery sure to please fans of classic crime fiction; Tom Mead's atmospheric writing and memorable, complex characters prove him to be one of the best new talents in the historical mystery of today.

Sleuthing stage magician Joseph Spector (Death and the Conjuror) returns to investigate a baffling series of impossible crimes."Even readers who live to match wits with canny authors and detectives are likely to be outwitted by this one."Kirkus"Can you solve the Ferris wheel murder case?"When a sensational killing rocks 1938 London, local newspaper ads offer a hefty sum to the person who can say whodunnit. A man has been shot dead at the top of a Ferris wheel, and his wife the only other person in their carriage insists on her innocence. But who else could have fired the deadly bullet and escaped unseen? The sheer implausibility of the claim is enough to whip the press into a frenzy and, for young and idealistic Edmund Ibbs, the lawyer representing the accused, that frenzy may be his only hope at discovering the truth of the mysterious murder.As he digs into the case, Ibbs unwittingly enters a shadowy web of conspiracy and murder, soon finding himself implicated in not one but two other seemingly impossible crimes. First, a corpse appears out of thin air during a performance by a famed illusionist, then a second victim is mortally wounded in a locked dressing room backstage. Edmund is in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time, attracting the suspicion of Scotland Yard inspector George Flint. His only hope at freedom comes in the form of retired stage magician Joseph Spector, a man steeped in the art of misdirection, who happens to be in the audience for the deadly show. Spector's mastery of illusion is capable of piercing the veil of deceit, but will his deductive powers be strong enough to explain this utterly confounding series of crimes?Featuring a puzzling plot with a brilliant and fairly clued solution, The Murder Wheel is a delightful homage to the Golden Age mystery sure to please fans of classic crime fiction; Tom Mead's atmospheric writing and memorable, complex characters prove him to be one of the best new talents in the historical mystery of today.

In this latest locked room mystery from the author of Cabaret Macabre, amateur sleuth Joseph Spector pits his knowledge of stage magic against the seemingly supernatural when a seance at an isolated old hospital turns deadly.An apparent suicide in a London townhouse uncannily mirrors a similar incident from twenty-five years ago, prompting Scotland Yard's George Flint to delve deep into the past in search of the solution to a long-forgotten mystery.Meanwhile, Joseph Spector travels with a coach party through the rainy English countryside to visit an allegedly haunted house on a lonely island called Devil's Neck. The house, first built by a notorious alchemist and occultist, was later used as a field hospital in the First World War before falling into disrepair. The visitors hold a seance to conjure the spirit of a long-dead soldier. But when a storm floods the narrow causeway connecting Devil's Neck to the mainland, they find themselves stranded in the haunted house. Before long, the guests begin to die one by one, and it seems that the only possible culprit is the phantom soldier. Flint's and Spector's investigations are in fact closely linked, but it is only when the duo are reunited at the storm-lashed Devil's Neck that the truth is finally revealed.Tom Mead once again creates a brilliant homage to John Dickson Carr and the Golden Age of mysteries with this intricately plotted puzzle.

This latest puzzle mystery from the author of Death and the Conjuror and The Murder Wheel takes stage magician sleuth Joseph Spector to a grand estate in the English countryside.Victor Silvius has spent nine years as an inmate at The Grange, a private sanatorium, for the crime of attacking judge Sir Giles Drury. Now, the judge's wife, Lady Elspeth Drury, believes that Silvius is the one responsible for a series of threatening letters her husband has recently received. Eager to avoid the scandal that involving the local police would entail, Lady Elspeth seeks out retired stage magician Joseph Spector, whose discreet involvement in a case Sir Giles recently presided over greatly impressed her.Meanwhile, Miss Caroline Silvius is disturbed after a recent visit to her brother Victor, convinced that he isn't safe at The Grange. Someone is trying to kill him and she suspects the judge, who has already made Silvius' life a living hell, may be behind it. Caroline hires Inspector George Flint of Scotland Yard to investigate.The two cases collide at Marchbanks, the Drury family seat of over four hundred years, where a series of unnerving events interrupt the peace and quiet of the snowy countryside. A body is discovered in the middle of a frozen pond without any means of getting there and a rifle is fired through a closed window, killing a man but not breaking the glass. Only Spector and his mastery of the art of misdirection can uncover the logical explanations for these impossible crimes.An atmospheric and puzzling traditional mystery that pays homage to the greatest writers of the genre's Golden Age, Cabaret Macabre is the third book in Tom Mead's Joseph Spector series, hailed by the Wall Street Journal as "a recipe for pure nostalgic pleasure." The books can be enjoyed in any order.

In this locked room mystery from the author of Cabaret Macabre, amateur sleuth Joseph Spector pits his knowledge of stage magic against the seemingly supernatural when a seance at an isolated old hospital turns deadly.An apparent suicide in a London townhouse uncannily mirrors a similar incident from twenty-five years ago, prompting Scotland Yard's George Flint to delve deep into the past in search of the solution to a long-forgotten mystery. Meanwhile, Joseph Spector travels with a coach party through the rainy English countryside to visit an allegedly haunted house on a lonely island called Devil's Neck. The house, first built by a notorious alchemist and occultist, was later used as a field hospital in the First World War before falling into disrepair. The visitors hold a seance to conjure the spirit of a long-dead soldier. But when a storm floods the narrow causeway connecting Devil's Neck to the mainland, they find themselves stranded in the haunted house. Before long, the guests begin to die one by one, and it seems that the only possible culprit is the phantom soldier. Flint's and Spector's investigations are in fact closely linked, but it is only when the duo are reunited at the storm-lashed Devil's Neck that the truth is finally revealed. Tom Mead once again creates a brilliant homage to John Dickson Carr and the Golden Age of mysteries with this intricately plotted puzzle.

LIKE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES? YOU''LL LOVE TOM MEAD''S JOSEPH SPECTOR SERIES!An enthralling locked-room murder mystery inspired by Golden Age Crime Fiction, Death and the Conjuror is the critically acclaimed debut novel by Tom Mead. 1936, London. A celebrity psychiatrist is discovered dead in his locked study. There seems to be no way a killer could have escaped unseen. There are no clues, no witnesses, and no evidence of the murder weapon. Puzzled, Inspector Flint of Scotland Yard calls on retired stage magician turned part-time sleuth Joseph Spector. Spector has a knack for explaining the inexplicable, but even he finds more to this mystery than meets the eye. As Spector and the Inspector interview the colourful cast of suspects, they uncover no shortage of dark secrets... or motives for murder. And when a second impossible death occurs, they realise the cuplrit will not cease in their deadly mission unless they are caught.Readers love Death and the Conjuror: one of the Mysteries of the Year for both Publishers Weekly and the Guardian.''Pure escapism and an excellent puzzle, ingeniously expounded'' The Times''Splendidly tricksy'' Guardian''An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me'' Peter Lovesey''A real treat for mystery fans'' Ragnar Jónasson ''A beautiful, dark, atmospheric story'' Victoria DowdRead all the perfectly puzzling Spector Locked-Room Mysteries from Head of Zeus:#1 Death and the Conjuror#2 The Murder Wheel#3 Cabaret Macabre#4 The House at Devil''s Neck

LIKE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES? YOU'LL LOVE TOM MEAD'S JOSEPH SPECTOR SERIES!An enthralling locked-room murder mystery inspired by Golden Age Crime Fiction, Death and the Conjuror is the critically acclaimed debut novel by Tom Mead.1936, London. A celebrity psychiatrist is discovered dead in his locked study. There seems to be no way a killer could have escaped unseen. There are no clues, no witnesses, and no evidence of the murder weapon. Puzzled, Inspector Flint of Scotland Yard calls on retired stage magician turned part-time sleuth Joseph Spector. Spector has a knack for explaining the inexplicable, but even he finds more to this mystery than meets the eye. As Spector and the Inspector interview the colourful cast of suspects, they uncover no shortage of dark secrets... or motives for murder. And when a second impossible death occurs, they realise the cuplrit will not cease in their deadly mission unless they are caught.Readers love Death and the Conjuror: one of the Mysteries of the Year for both Publishers Weekly and the Guardian.'Pure escapism and an excellent puzzle, ingeniously expounded' The Times'Splendidly tricksy' Guardian'An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me' Peter Lovesey'A real treat for mystery fans' Ragnar Jónasson 'A beautiful, dark, atmospheric story' Victoria DowdRead all the perfectly puzzling Spector Locked-Room Mysteries from Head of Zeus:#1 Death and the Conjuror#2 The Murder Wheel#3 Cabaret Macabre#4 The House at Devil's Neck

The second delightfully difficult locked-room mystery from Tom Mead, featuring amateur sleuth Joseph Spector. A sparkling return to the Golden Age of Crime Fiction, where even the most fiendish of mysteries can be unlocked by a keen eye and a sharp mind...1938, London. Ambitious lawyer Edmund Ibbs has got his teeth into the case of a lifetime – defending the young woman accused of shooting her husband in the infamous ''Ferris Wheel Murder'' case. Despite a plethora of evidence against his client, Ibbs is certain he can secure her acquittal.But after a night of magic and illusion at London''s Pomegranate Theatre, Ibbs finds himself behind bars, accused of a double murder. The renowned prestidigitator Professor Paolini and the operator of said notorious Ferris wheel are dead, and as far as Scotland Yard''s Inspector Flint is concerned, all signs point to the lawyer''s guilt.Luckily for Ibbs, illusionist turned sleuth Joseph Spector also attended the theatre that night. Can Spector''s eye for detail pierce the veil of deceit in a world of illusion and misdirection, where seeing is not always believing?Reviews for The Murder Wheel''A delight to read.'' Daily Mail''Pure nostalgic pleasure.'' Wall Street Journal ''Highly entertaining.'' Sun''Ingenious... packed full of period detail.'' CrimeReads ''Gripping.'' BBC Bristol''Confirms Tom Mead''s status as a master of the locked-room mystery.'' Tim Major''Pitch perfect magical locked-room extravaganza.'' Barbara Nadel''A delicious locked room feast of impossibilities. I love the Mephistophelean Joseph Spector!'' Ovidia Yu''An absolute masterclass in the locked room mystery.'' Victoria Dowd

A sparkling return to the Golden Age of Crime Fiction, where even the most fiendish of mysteries can be unlocked by a keen eye and a sharp mind...1938, London. Ambitious lawyer Edmund Ibbs has got his teeth into the case of a lifetime – defending the young woman accused of shooting her husband in the infamous ‘Ferris Wheel Murder’ case. Despite a plethora of evidence against his client, Ibbs is certain he can secure her acquittal.But after a night of magic and illusion at London’s Pomegranate Theatre, Ibbs finds himself behind bars, accused of a double murder. The renowned prestidigitator Professor Paolini and the operator of said notorious Ferris wheel are dead, and as far as Scotland Yard’s Inspector Flint is concerned, all signs point to the lawyer’s guilt.Luckily for Ibbs, illusionist turned sleuth Joseph Spector also attended the theatre that night. Can Spector’s eye for detail pierce the veil of deceit in a world of illusion and misdirection, where seeing is not always believing?Reviews for Tom Mead's Spector Locked-Room Mystery series'In Joseph Spector, Tom Mead has created an amateur sleuth to rival Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot.' M.W. Craven'Great fun.' The Times'An affectionate tribute to the Golden Age locked-room mystery.' Irish Times'Highly entertaining.' Sun‘An absolute masterclass in the locked room mystery... I love this series.’ Victoria Dowd'A sharply drawn period piece with memorable characters.' New York Times

An English country house at Christmas proves the perfect hunting ground for a determined killer. Sleuth and illusionist Joseph Spector investigates his most complex case yet in this gripping new locked-room murder mystery.''Cabaret Macabre really had it all... The twisted and complex puzzle totally foxed me, and although I hate to admit it, I really didn''t have a clue whodunnit! Entertaining and fiendishly clever.'' Joy Ellis, #1 bestselling authorHampshire, Christmas 1938. When prominent judge Sir Giles Drury starts receiving sinister letters, his wife suspects Victor Silvius, a man who was previously locked up for attacking Sir Giles. Meanwhile, Silvius'' sister Caroline is convinced her brother is about to be murdered... by none other than his old nemesis, Sir Giles Drury. Caroline seeks the advice of Scotland Yard''s Inspector Flint, while the Drurys, eager to avoid a scandal, turn to Joseph Spector. Spector, renowned magician turned sleuth, has an uncanny knack for solving complicated crimes – but this case will test his powers of deduction to their limits. At a snowbound English country house in the midst of the Christmas season, a murder is committed in impossible circumstances. Spector and Flint''s investigations collide as they find themselves trapped by the snowstorm, in a place where anyone could be the next victim... or the killer.Reviewers on Cabaret Macabre:''An intricately plotted golden age locked room mystery. Inventive and intriguing.'' Ambrose Parry''So many intricate layers to this ingenious plot. It truly is the matryoshka of mysteries!'' Victoria Dowd''A twisty-turny, fun and very satisfying mystery.'' Alison Moore''Stunning. Magic and murder and cleverness. Joseph Spector will put a spell on you.'' Barbara Nadel, author of the Çetin Ikmen series, adapted into Paramount+''s The Turkish Detective''There are Agatha Christie-like twists aplenty.'' Michael Dirda, Washington PostReviews for Tom Mead''Ingenious'' Guardian''Great fun'' The Times''What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?'' Martin Edwards''A sharply drawn period piece'' New York Times''An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me'' Peter Lovesey

An English country house at Christmas proves the perfect hunting ground for a determined killer. Sleuth and illusionist Joseph Spector investigates his most complex case yet in this gripping new locked-room murder mystery.'Cabaret Macabre really had it all... The twisted and complex puzzle totally foxed me, and although I hate to admit it, I really didn't have a clue whodunnit! Entertaining and fiendishly clever.' Joy Ellis, #1 bestselling authorHampshire, Christmas 1938. When prominent judge Sir Giles Drury starts receiving sinister letters, his wife suspects Victor Silvius, a man who was previously locked up for attacking Sir Giles. Meanwhile, Silvius’ sister Caroline is convinced her brother is about to be murdered... by none other than his old nemesis, Sir Giles Drury. Caroline seeks the advice of Scotland Yard’s Inspector Flint, while the Drurys, eager to avoid a scandal, turn to Joseph Spector. Spector, renowned magician turned sleuth, has an uncanny knack for solving complicated crimes – but this case will test his powers of deduction to their limits. At a snowbound English country house in the midst of the Christmas season, a murder is committed in impossible circumstances. Spector and Flint’s investigations collide as they find themselves trapped by the snowstorm, in a place where anyone could be the next victim... or the killer.Reviewers on Cabaret Macabre:'An intricately plotted golden age locked room mystery. Inventive and intriguing.' Ambrose Parry'So many intricate layers to this ingenious plot. It truly is the matryoshka of mysteries!' Victoria Dowd'A twisty-turny, fun and very satisfying mystery.' Alison Moore'Stunning. Magic and murder and cleverness. Joseph Spector will put a spell on you.' Barbara Nadel, author of the Çetin Ikmen series, adapted into Paramount+'s The Turkish Detective'There are Agatha Christie-like twists aplenty.' Michael Dirda, Washington PostReviews for Tom Mead'Ingenious' Guardian'Great fun' The Times'What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?' Martin Edwards'A sharply drawn period piece' New York Times'An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me' Peter Lovesey

An English country house at Christmas proves the perfect hunting ground for a determined killer. Sleuth and illusionist Joseph Spector investigates his most complex case yet in this gripping new locked-room murder mystery.'Cabaret Macabre really had it all... The twisted and complex puzzle totally foxed me, and although I hate to admit it, I really didn't have a clue whodunnit! Entertaining and fiendishly clever.' Joy Ellis, #1 bestselling authorHampshire, Christmas 1938. When prominent judge Sir Giles Drury starts receiving sinister letters, his wife suspects Victor Silvius, a man who was previously locked up for attacking Sir Giles. Meanwhile, Silvius’ sister Caroline is convinced her brother is about to be murdered... by none other than his old nemesis, Sir Giles Drury. Caroline seeks the advice of Scotland Yard’s Inspector Flint, while the Drurys, eager to avoid a scandal, turn to Joseph Spector. Spector, renowned magician turned sleuth, has an uncanny knack for solving complicated crimes – but this case will test his powers of deduction to their limits. At a snowbound English country house in the midst of the Christmas season, a murder is committed in impossible circumstances. Spector and Flint’s investigations collide as they find themselves trapped by the snowstorm, in a place where anyone could be the next victim... or the killer.Reviewers on Cabaret Macabre:'An intricately plotted golden age locked room mystery. Inventive and intriguing.' Ambrose Parry'So many intricate layers to this ingenious plot. It truly is the matryoshka of mysteries!' Victoria Dowd'A twisty-turny, fun and very satisfying mystery.' Alison Moore'Stunning. Magic and murder and cleverness. Joseph Spector will put a spell on you.' Barbara Nadel, author of the Çetin Ikmen series, adapted into Paramount+'s The Turkish Detective'There are Agatha Christie-like twists aplenty.' Michael Dirda, Washington PostReviews for Tom Mead'Ingenious' Guardian'Great fun' The Times'What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?' Martin Edwards'A sharply drawn period piece' New York Times'An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me' Peter Lovesey

LIKE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES? YOU''LL LOVE TOM MEAD''S JOSEPH SPECTOR SERIES!This gripping locked-room mystery sees Joseph Spector investigate his most sinister case yet: murderous machinations at a haunted manor house.A former First World War field hospital, the spooky old mansion at Devil''s Neck attracts spirit-seekers from far and wide. Illusionist-turned-sleuth Joseph Spector knows the house of old. With stories spreading of a phantom soldier making mischief, he joins a party of visitors in search of the truth.But the house, located on a lonely causeway, is quickly cut off by floods. The stranded visitors are soon being killed off one by one. With old ally Inspector Flint working on a complex case that has links to Spector''s investigation, the two men must connect the dots before Devil''s Neck claims Spector himself as its next victim.Readers on Tom Mead:''Entertaining and fiendishly clever'' Joy Ellis''A master of the locked-room mystery'' Barbara Nadel''Ingenious'' Victoria Dowd''What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?'' Martin EdwardsRead all the perfectly puzzling Spector Locked-Room Mysteries from Head of Zeus:#1 Death and the Conjuror#2 The Murder Wheel#3 Cabaret Macabre#4 The House at Devil''s Neck

LIKE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES? YOU'LL LOVE TOM MEAD'S JOSEPH SPECTOR SERIES!This gripping locked-room mystery sees Joseph Spector investigate his most sinister case yet: murderous machinations at a haunted manor house.A former First World War field hospital, the spooky old mansion at Devil's Neck attracts spirit-seekers from far and wide. Illusionist-turned-sleuth Joseph Spector knows the house of old. With stories spreading of a phantom soldier making mischief, he joins a party of visitors in search of the truth.But the house, located on a lonely causeway, is quickly cut off by floods. The stranded visitors are soon being killed off one by one. With old ally Inspector Flint working on a complex case that has links to Spector's investigation, the two men must connect the dots before Devil's Neck claims Spector himself as its next victim.Readers on Tom Mead:'Entertaining and fiendishly clever' Joy Ellis'A master of the locked-room mystery' Barbara Nadel'Ingenious' Victoria Dowd'What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?' Martin EdwardsRead all the perfectly puzzling Spector Locked-Room Mysteries from Head of Zeus:#1 Death and the Conjuror#2 The Murder Wheel#3 Cabaret Macabre#4 The House at Devil's Neck

LIKE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES? YOU'LL LOVE TOM MEAD'S JOSEPH SPECTOR SERIES!This gripping locked-room mystery sees Joseph Spector investigate his most sinister case yet: murderous machinations at a haunted manor house.A former First World War field hospital, the spooky old mansion at Devil's Neck attracts spirit-seekers from far and wide. Illusionist-turned-sleuth Joseph Spector knows the house of old. With stories spreading of a phantom soldier making mischief, he joins a party of visitors in search of the truth.But the house, located on a lonely causeway, is quickly cut off by floods. The stranded visitors are soon being killed off one by one. With old ally Inspector Flint working on a complex case that has links to Spector's investigation, the two men must connect the dots before Devil's Neck claims Spector himself as its next victim.Readers on Tom Mead:'Entertaining and fiendishly clever' Joy Ellis'A master of the locked-room mystery' Barbara Nadel'Ingenious' Victoria Dowd'What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?' Martin EdwardsRead all the perfectly puzzling Spector Locked-Room Mysteries from Head of Zeus:#1 Death and the Conjuror#2 The Murder Wheel#3 Cabaret Macabre#4 The House at Devil's Neck

Sleuthing stage magician Joseph Spector (Death and the Conjuror) returns to investigate a baffling series of impossible crimes."Even readers who live to match wits with canny authors and detectives are likely to be outwitted by this one."Kirkus"Can you solve the Ferris wheel murder case?"When a sensational killing rocks 1938 London, local newspaper ads offer a hefty sum to the person who can say whodunnit. A man has been shot dead at the top of a Ferris wheel, and his wife the only other person in their carriage insists on her innocence. But who else could have fired the deadly bullet and escaped unseen? The sheer implausibility of the claim is enough to whip the press into a frenzy and, for young and idealistic Edmund Ibbs, the lawyer representing the accused, that frenzy may be his only hope at discovering the truth of the mysterious murder.As he digs into the case, Ibbs unwittingly enters a shadowy web of conspiracy and murder, soon finding himself implicated in not one but two other seemingly impossible crimes. First, a corpse appears out of thin air during a performance by a famed illusionist, then a second victim is mortally wounded in a locked dressing room backstage. Edmund is in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time, attracting the suspicion of Scotland Yard inspector George Flint. His only hope at freedom comes in the form of retired stage magician Joseph Spector, a man steeped in the art of misdirection, who happens to be in the audience for the deadly show. Spector's mastery of illusion is capable of piercing the veil of deceit, but will his deductive powers be strong enough to explain this utterly confounding series of crimes?Featuring a puzzling plot with a brilliant and fairly clued solution, The Murder Wheel is a delightful homage to the Golden Age mystery sure to please fans of classic crime fiction; Tom Mead's atmospheric writing and memorable, complex characters prove him to be one of the best new talents in the historical mystery of today.

Sleuthing stage magician Joseph Spector (Death and the Conjuror) returns to investigate a baffling series of impossible crimes."Even readers who live to match wits with canny authors and detectives are likely to be outwitted by this one."Kirkus"Can you solve the Ferris wheel murder case?"When a sensational killing rocks 1938 London, local newspaper ads offer a hefty sum to the person who can say whodunnit. A man has been shot dead at the top of a Ferris wheel, and his wife the only other person in their carriage insists on her innocence. But who else could have fired the deadly bullet and escaped unseen? The sheer implausibility of the claim is enough to whip the press into a frenzy and, for young and idealistic Edmund Ibbs, the lawyer representing the accused, that frenzy may be his only hope at discovering the truth of the mysterious murder.As he digs into the case, Ibbs unwittingly enters a shadowy web of conspiracy and murder, soon finding himself implicated in not one but two other seemingly impossible crimes. First, a corpse appears out of thin air during a performance by a famed illusionist, then a second victim is mortally wounded in a locked dressing room backstage. Edmund is in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time, attracting the suspicion of Scotland Yard inspector George Flint. His only hope at freedom comes in the form of retired stage magician Joseph Spector, a man steeped in the art of misdirection, who happens to be in the audience for the deadly show. Spector's mastery of illusion is capable of piercing the veil of deceit, but will his deductive powers be strong enough to explain this utterly confounding series of crimes?Featuring a puzzling plot with a brilliant and fairly clued solution, The Murder Wheel is a delightful homage to the Golden Age mystery sure to please fans of classic crime fiction; Tom Mead's atmospheric writing and memorable, complex characters prove him to be one of the best new talents in the historical mystery of today.

In this latest locked room mystery from the author of Cabaret Macabre, amateur sleuth Joseph Spector pits his knowledge of stage magic against the seemingly supernatural when a seance at an isolated old hospital turns deadly.An apparent suicide in a London townhouse uncannily mirrors a similar incident from twenty-five years ago, prompting Scotland Yard's George Flint to delve deep into the past in search of the solution to a long-forgotten mystery.Meanwhile, Joseph Spector travels with a coach party through the rainy English countryside to visit an allegedly haunted house on a lonely island called Devil's Neck. The house, first built by a notorious alchemist and occultist, was later used as a field hospital in the First World War before falling into disrepair. The visitors hold a seance to conjure the spirit of a long-dead soldier. But when a storm floods the narrow causeway connecting Devil's Neck to the mainland, they find themselves stranded in the haunted house. Before long, the guests begin to die one by one, and it seems that the only possible culprit is the phantom soldier. Flint's and Spector's investigations are in fact closely linked, but it is only when the duo are reunited at the storm-lashed Devil's Neck that the truth is finally revealed.Tom Mead once again creates a brilliant homage to John Dickson Carr and the Golden Age of mysteries with this intricately plotted puzzle.

This latest puzzle mystery from the author of Death and the Conjuror and The Murder Wheel takes stage magician sleuth Joseph Spector to a grand estate in the English countryside.Victor Silvius has spent nine years as an inmate at The Grange, a private sanatorium, for the crime of attacking judge Sir Giles Drury. Now, the judge's wife, Lady Elspeth Drury, believes that Silvius is the one responsible for a series of threatening letters her husband has recently received. Eager to avoid the scandal that involving the local police would entail, Lady Elspeth seeks out retired stage magician Joseph Spector, whose discreet involvement in a case Sir Giles recently presided over greatly impressed her.Meanwhile, Miss Caroline Silvius is disturbed after a recent visit to her brother Victor, convinced that he isn't safe at The Grange. Someone is trying to kill him and she suspects the judge, who has already made Silvius' life a living hell, may be behind it. Caroline hires Inspector George Flint of Scotland Yard to investigate.The two cases collide at Marchbanks, the Drury family seat of over four hundred years, where a series of unnerving events interrupt the peace and quiet of the snowy countryside. A body is discovered in the middle of a frozen pond without any means of getting there and a rifle is fired through a closed window, killing a man but not breaking the glass. Only Spector and his mastery of the art of misdirection can uncover the logical explanations for these impossible crimes.An atmospheric and puzzling traditional mystery that pays homage to the greatest writers of the genre's Golden Age, Cabaret Macabre is the third book in Tom Mead's Joseph Spector series, hailed by the Wall Street Journal as "a recipe for pure nostalgic pleasure." The books can be enjoyed in any order.

In this locked room mystery from the author of Cabaret Macabre, amateur sleuth Joseph Spector pits his knowledge of stage magic against the seemingly supernatural when a seance at an isolated old hospital turns deadly.An apparent suicide in a London townhouse uncannily mirrors a similar incident from twenty-five years ago, prompting Scotland Yard's George Flint to delve deep into the past in search of the solution to a long-forgotten mystery. Meanwhile, Joseph Spector travels with a coach party through the rainy English countryside to visit an allegedly haunted house on a lonely island called Devil's Neck. The house, first built by a notorious alchemist and occultist, was later used as a field hospital in the First World War before falling into disrepair. The visitors hold a seance to conjure the spirit of a long-dead soldier. But when a storm floods the narrow causeway connecting Devil's Neck to the mainland, they find themselves stranded in the haunted house. Before long, the guests begin to die one by one, and it seems that the only possible culprit is the phantom soldier. Flint's and Spector's investigations are in fact closely linked, but it is only when the duo are reunited at the storm-lashed Devil's Neck that the truth is finally revealed. Tom Mead once again creates a brilliant homage to John Dickson Carr and the Golden Age of mysteries with this intricately plotted puzzle.

LIKE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES? YOU''LL LOVE TOM MEAD''S JOSEPH SPECTOR SERIES!An enthralling locked-room murder mystery inspired by Golden Age Crime Fiction, Death and the Conjuror is the critically acclaimed debut novel by Tom Mead. 1936, London. A celebrity psychiatrist is discovered dead in his locked study. There seems to be no way a killer could have escaped unseen. There are no clues, no witnesses, and no evidence of the murder weapon. Puzzled, Inspector Flint of Scotland Yard calls on retired stage magician turned part-time sleuth Joseph Spector. Spector has a knack for explaining the inexplicable, but even he finds more to this mystery than meets the eye. As Spector and the Inspector interview the colourful cast of suspects, they uncover no shortage of dark secrets... or motives for murder. And when a second impossible death occurs, they realise the cuplrit will not cease in their deadly mission unless they are caught.Readers love Death and the Conjuror: one of the Mysteries of the Year for both Publishers Weekly and the Guardian.''Pure escapism and an excellent puzzle, ingeniously expounded'' The Times''Splendidly tricksy'' Guardian''An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me'' Peter Lovesey''A real treat for mystery fans'' Ragnar Jónasson ''A beautiful, dark, atmospheric story'' Victoria DowdRead all the perfectly puzzling Spector Locked-Room Mysteries from Head of Zeus:#1 Death and the Conjuror#2 The Murder Wheel#3 Cabaret Macabre#4 The House at Devil''s Neck

LIKE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES? YOU'LL LOVE TOM MEAD'S JOSEPH SPECTOR SERIES!An enthralling locked-room murder mystery inspired by Golden Age Crime Fiction, Death and the Conjuror is the critically acclaimed debut novel by Tom Mead.1936, London. A celebrity psychiatrist is discovered dead in his locked study. There seems to be no way a killer could have escaped unseen. There are no clues, no witnesses, and no evidence of the murder weapon. Puzzled, Inspector Flint of Scotland Yard calls on retired stage magician turned part-time sleuth Joseph Spector. Spector has a knack for explaining the inexplicable, but even he finds more to this mystery than meets the eye. As Spector and the Inspector interview the colourful cast of suspects, they uncover no shortage of dark secrets... or motives for murder. And when a second impossible death occurs, they realise the cuplrit will not cease in their deadly mission unless they are caught.Readers love Death and the Conjuror: one of the Mysteries of the Year for both Publishers Weekly and the Guardian.'Pure escapism and an excellent puzzle, ingeniously expounded' The Times'Splendidly tricksy' Guardian'An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me' Peter Lovesey'A real treat for mystery fans' Ragnar Jónasson 'A beautiful, dark, atmospheric story' Victoria DowdRead all the perfectly puzzling Spector Locked-Room Mysteries from Head of Zeus:#1 Death and the Conjuror#2 The Murder Wheel#3 Cabaret Macabre#4 The House at Devil's Neck

The second delightfully difficult locked-room mystery from Tom Mead, featuring amateur sleuth Joseph Spector. A sparkling return to the Golden Age of Crime Fiction, where even the most fiendish of mysteries can be unlocked by a keen eye and a sharp mind...1938, London. Ambitious lawyer Edmund Ibbs has got his teeth into the case of a lifetime – defending the young woman accused of shooting her husband in the infamous ''Ferris Wheel Murder'' case. Despite a plethora of evidence against his client, Ibbs is certain he can secure her acquittal.But after a night of magic and illusion at London''s Pomegranate Theatre, Ibbs finds himself behind bars, accused of a double murder. The renowned prestidigitator Professor Paolini and the operator of said notorious Ferris wheel are dead, and as far as Scotland Yard''s Inspector Flint is concerned, all signs point to the lawyer''s guilt.Luckily for Ibbs, illusionist turned sleuth Joseph Spector also attended the theatre that night. Can Spector''s eye for detail pierce the veil of deceit in a world of illusion and misdirection, where seeing is not always believing?Reviews for The Murder Wheel''A delight to read.'' Daily Mail''Pure nostalgic pleasure.'' Wall Street Journal ''Highly entertaining.'' Sun''Ingenious... packed full of period detail.'' CrimeReads ''Gripping.'' BBC Bristol''Confirms Tom Mead''s status as a master of the locked-room mystery.'' Tim Major''Pitch perfect magical locked-room extravaganza.'' Barbara Nadel''A delicious locked room feast of impossibilities. I love the Mephistophelean Joseph Spector!'' Ovidia Yu''An absolute masterclass in the locked room mystery.'' Victoria Dowd

A sparkling return to the Golden Age of Crime Fiction, where even the most fiendish of mysteries can be unlocked by a keen eye and a sharp mind...1938, London. Ambitious lawyer Edmund Ibbs has got his teeth into the case of a lifetime – defending the young woman accused of shooting her husband in the infamous ‘Ferris Wheel Murder’ case. Despite a plethora of evidence against his client, Ibbs is certain he can secure her acquittal.But after a night of magic and illusion at London’s Pomegranate Theatre, Ibbs finds himself behind bars, accused of a double murder. The renowned prestidigitator Professor Paolini and the operator of said notorious Ferris wheel are dead, and as far as Scotland Yard’s Inspector Flint is concerned, all signs point to the lawyer’s guilt.Luckily for Ibbs, illusionist turned sleuth Joseph Spector also attended the theatre that night. Can Spector’s eye for detail pierce the veil of deceit in a world of illusion and misdirection, where seeing is not always believing?Reviews for Tom Mead's Spector Locked-Room Mystery series'In Joseph Spector, Tom Mead has created an amateur sleuth to rival Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot.' M.W. Craven'Great fun.' The Times'An affectionate tribute to the Golden Age locked-room mystery.' Irish Times'Highly entertaining.' Sun‘An absolute masterclass in the locked room mystery... I love this series.’ Victoria Dowd'A sharply drawn period piece with memorable characters.' New York Times

An English country house at Christmas proves the perfect hunting ground for a determined killer. Sleuth and illusionist Joseph Spector investigates his most complex case yet in this gripping new locked-room murder mystery.''Cabaret Macabre really had it all... The twisted and complex puzzle totally foxed me, and although I hate to admit it, I really didn''t have a clue whodunnit! Entertaining and fiendishly clever.'' Joy Ellis, #1 bestselling authorHampshire, Christmas 1938. When prominent judge Sir Giles Drury starts receiving sinister letters, his wife suspects Victor Silvius, a man who was previously locked up for attacking Sir Giles. Meanwhile, Silvius'' sister Caroline is convinced her brother is about to be murdered... by none other than his old nemesis, Sir Giles Drury. Caroline seeks the advice of Scotland Yard''s Inspector Flint, while the Drurys, eager to avoid a scandal, turn to Joseph Spector. Spector, renowned magician turned sleuth, has an uncanny knack for solving complicated crimes – but this case will test his powers of deduction to their limits. At a snowbound English country house in the midst of the Christmas season, a murder is committed in impossible circumstances. Spector and Flint''s investigations collide as they find themselves trapped by the snowstorm, in a place where anyone could be the next victim... or the killer.Reviewers on Cabaret Macabre:''An intricately plotted golden age locked room mystery. Inventive and intriguing.'' Ambrose Parry''So many intricate layers to this ingenious plot. It truly is the matryoshka of mysteries!'' Victoria Dowd''A twisty-turny, fun and very satisfying mystery.'' Alison Moore''Stunning. Magic and murder and cleverness. Joseph Spector will put a spell on you.'' Barbara Nadel, author of the Çetin Ikmen series, adapted into Paramount+''s The Turkish Detective''There are Agatha Christie-like twists aplenty.'' Michael Dirda, Washington PostReviews for Tom Mead''Ingenious'' Guardian''Great fun'' The Times''What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?'' Martin Edwards''A sharply drawn period piece'' New York Times''An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me'' Peter Lovesey

An English country house at Christmas proves the perfect hunting ground for a determined killer. Sleuth and illusionist Joseph Spector investigates his most complex case yet in this gripping new locked-room murder mystery.'Cabaret Macabre really had it all... The twisted and complex puzzle totally foxed me, and although I hate to admit it, I really didn't have a clue whodunnit! Entertaining and fiendishly clever.' Joy Ellis, #1 bestselling authorHampshire, Christmas 1938. When prominent judge Sir Giles Drury starts receiving sinister letters, his wife suspects Victor Silvius, a man who was previously locked up for attacking Sir Giles. Meanwhile, Silvius’ sister Caroline is convinced her brother is about to be murdered... by none other than his old nemesis, Sir Giles Drury. Caroline seeks the advice of Scotland Yard’s Inspector Flint, while the Drurys, eager to avoid a scandal, turn to Joseph Spector. Spector, renowned magician turned sleuth, has an uncanny knack for solving complicated crimes – but this case will test his powers of deduction to their limits. At a snowbound English country house in the midst of the Christmas season, a murder is committed in impossible circumstances. Spector and Flint’s investigations collide as they find themselves trapped by the snowstorm, in a place where anyone could be the next victim... or the killer.Reviewers on Cabaret Macabre:'An intricately plotted golden age locked room mystery. Inventive and intriguing.' Ambrose Parry'So many intricate layers to this ingenious plot. It truly is the matryoshka of mysteries!' Victoria Dowd'A twisty-turny, fun and very satisfying mystery.' Alison Moore'Stunning. Magic and murder and cleverness. Joseph Spector will put a spell on you.' Barbara Nadel, author of the Çetin Ikmen series, adapted into Paramount+'s The Turkish Detective'There are Agatha Christie-like twists aplenty.' Michael Dirda, Washington PostReviews for Tom Mead'Ingenious' Guardian'Great fun' The Times'What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?' Martin Edwards'A sharply drawn period piece' New York Times'An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me' Peter Lovesey

An English country house at Christmas proves the perfect hunting ground for a determined killer. Sleuth and illusionist Joseph Spector investigates his most complex case yet in this gripping new locked-room murder mystery.'Cabaret Macabre really had it all... The twisted and complex puzzle totally foxed me, and although I hate to admit it, I really didn't have a clue whodunnit! Entertaining and fiendishly clever.' Joy Ellis, #1 bestselling authorHampshire, Christmas 1938. When prominent judge Sir Giles Drury starts receiving sinister letters, his wife suspects Victor Silvius, a man who was previously locked up for attacking Sir Giles. Meanwhile, Silvius’ sister Caroline is convinced her brother is about to be murdered... by none other than his old nemesis, Sir Giles Drury. Caroline seeks the advice of Scotland Yard’s Inspector Flint, while the Drurys, eager to avoid a scandal, turn to Joseph Spector. Spector, renowned magician turned sleuth, has an uncanny knack for solving complicated crimes – but this case will test his powers of deduction to their limits. At a snowbound English country house in the midst of the Christmas season, a murder is committed in impossible circumstances. Spector and Flint’s investigations collide as they find themselves trapped by the snowstorm, in a place where anyone could be the next victim... or the killer.Reviewers on Cabaret Macabre:'An intricately plotted golden age locked room mystery. Inventive and intriguing.' Ambrose Parry'So many intricate layers to this ingenious plot. It truly is the matryoshka of mysteries!' Victoria Dowd'A twisty-turny, fun and very satisfying mystery.' Alison Moore'Stunning. Magic and murder and cleverness. Joseph Spector will put a spell on you.' Barbara Nadel, author of the Çetin Ikmen series, adapted into Paramount+'s The Turkish Detective'There are Agatha Christie-like twists aplenty.' Michael Dirda, Washington PostReviews for Tom Mead'Ingenious' Guardian'Great fun' The Times'What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?' Martin Edwards'A sharply drawn period piece' New York Times'An intricate "impossible" crime that completely fooled me' Peter Lovesey

LIKE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES? YOU''LL LOVE TOM MEAD''S JOSEPH SPECTOR SERIES!This gripping locked-room mystery sees Joseph Spector investigate his most sinister case yet: murderous machinations at a haunted manor house.A former First World War field hospital, the spooky old mansion at Devil''s Neck attracts spirit-seekers from far and wide. Illusionist-turned-sleuth Joseph Spector knows the house of old. With stories spreading of a phantom soldier making mischief, he joins a party of visitors in search of the truth.But the house, located on a lonely causeway, is quickly cut off by floods. The stranded visitors are soon being killed off one by one. With old ally Inspector Flint working on a complex case that has links to Spector''s investigation, the two men must connect the dots before Devil''s Neck claims Spector himself as its next victim.Readers on Tom Mead:''Entertaining and fiendishly clever'' Joy Ellis''A master of the locked-room mystery'' Barbara Nadel''Ingenious'' Victoria Dowd''What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?'' Martin EdwardsRead all the perfectly puzzling Spector Locked-Room Mysteries from Head of Zeus:#1 Death and the Conjuror#2 The Murder Wheel#3 Cabaret Macabre#4 The House at Devil''s Neck

LIKE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES? YOU'LL LOVE TOM MEAD'S JOSEPH SPECTOR SERIES!This gripping locked-room mystery sees Joseph Spector investigate his most sinister case yet: murderous machinations at a haunted manor house.A former First World War field hospital, the spooky old mansion at Devil's Neck attracts spirit-seekers from far and wide. Illusionist-turned-sleuth Joseph Spector knows the house of old. With stories spreading of a phantom soldier making mischief, he joins a party of visitors in search of the truth.But the house, located on a lonely causeway, is quickly cut off by floods. The stranded visitors are soon being killed off one by one. With old ally Inspector Flint working on a complex case that has links to Spector's investigation, the two men must connect the dots before Devil's Neck claims Spector himself as its next victim.Readers on Tom Mead:'Entertaining and fiendishly clever' Joy Ellis'A master of the locked-room mystery' Barbara Nadel'Ingenious' Victoria Dowd'What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?' Martin EdwardsRead all the perfectly puzzling Spector Locked-Room Mysteries from Head of Zeus:#1 Death and the Conjuror#2 The Murder Wheel#3 Cabaret Macabre#4 The House at Devil's Neck

LIKE LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES? YOU'LL LOVE TOM MEAD'S JOSEPH SPECTOR SERIES!This gripping locked-room mystery sees Joseph Spector investigate his most sinister case yet: murderous machinations at a haunted manor house.A former First World War field hospital, the spooky old mansion at Devil's Neck attracts spirit-seekers from far and wide. Illusionist-turned-sleuth Joseph Spector knows the house of old. With stories spreading of a phantom soldier making mischief, he joins a party of visitors in search of the truth.But the house, located on a lonely causeway, is quickly cut off by floods. The stranded visitors are soon being killed off one by one. With old ally Inspector Flint working on a complex case that has links to Spector's investigation, the two men must connect the dots before Devil's Neck claims Spector himself as its next victim.Readers on Tom Mead:'Entertaining and fiendishly clever' Joy Ellis'A master of the locked-room mystery' Barbara Nadel'Ingenious' Victoria Dowd'What more could any fan of classic crime wish for?' Martin EdwardsRead all the perfectly puzzling Spector Locked-Room Mysteries from Head of Zeus:#1 Death and the Conjuror#2 The Murder Wheel#3 Cabaret Macabre#4 The House at Devil's Neck