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 h

With Elizabeth II's coronation looming, DI Edgar Stephens is busy investigating the death of a local fortune-teller, and Max Mephisto is rehearsing for his television debut. But upon hearing that their wartime commander has been found dead, the two men join forces to find out what happened.

"In this nail-biting transatlantic mystery, threat of mass violence looms over Elizabeth II's coronation--can Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens and the magician Max Mephisto crack the case and save the crown?"--