Cabaret Macabre

Mead presents another intricate, atmospheric installment in his historical mystery series. In 1930s England, illusionist-turned-investigator Joseph Spector is once again faced with a seemingly unsolvable series of deaths. From strychnine to stabbing, the mysterious murders just keep coming, putting the erstwhile magician and his powers of perception to the test. He again teams up with Scotland Yard’s George Flint. The pair have been hired by opposing parties who each suspect the other of attempting an assassination. Spector and Flint uncover secrets and scandal at every turn, and Spector’s unfailing wit and wisdom can always be relied upon to find a logical explanation. This third Joseph Spector novel (following The Murder Wheel) is as fun and fast-paced as its predecessors and features a new narrator, Philip Battley, who seamlessly takes up the role of the rational, refined Spector. His elegant but expressive delivery, paired with short chapters and ever-increasing suspense, creates a compelling listen.