Fun escape

I'm hooked on John Gaspard's comedy-mysteries, especially as a welcome escape from world events. Eli Marks and his Uncle Harry make a fine team, with Harry providing occasional bits of wisdom about magic and Eli being the protagonist who, after the occasional stupid move, figures everything out. Eli's social ineptitude, more like that of a teenager than a divorced man of thirty-something, is occasionally irritating; but all faults are forgivable in these books. Characters and plot are engaging, as is the use and knowledge of stage magic. I do find irritating the way narrator Jim Cunningham uses a hoarse or rough voice to designate older characters. Uncle Harry sounds more like he's in his 90s than 70s unless he's supposed to have been a lifetime smoker but the narration is a good match for Eli.

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Another great book !!!

The conversation is correct, the things spoken of are timely. Clean reading but still has all the mystery components.
Great book.

Narrator is BRILLIANT. Flawless switching between characters. Discernible characters.

One thing I’ve noticed is that in all the cozy mysteries the narrator read the word “rifling “ (RY-full-ing) as rif -LING. To rifle through one’s belongings… Not riffle. Also the word Winding… as in a long and winding road, they pronounce it as wind 💨 (whin -d, instead of wYne-d). It’s the long I sound. It’s odd that so many readers say it the same way…

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Excellent cozy

I really enjoyed this book, and the series so far. Engaging without being disturbing. The protagonist is likable, and the writing clever.

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Magic and Mayhem

This is the first I have experienced in this author’s series , and it was delightful enough to leave me wanting more. Though the plot took a while to develop, once launched , there were a number of engaging plot lines and memorable characters.. writing style a little uneven but I really enjoyed the ‘card tricks’ and the way that magical maxims contributed to the process of discovery and the solution. Definitely a gift among the Plus offerings!

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Excellent in All Respects

The author skillfully intertwines magic, murder mystery, and character development into a story which intrigues and entertains. The plot contains interrelated twists which sometimes surprise or provide humor. Jim Cunningham is highly talented and the perfect choice to speak for Eli Marks.

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Loved It

Very original mystery story with magic tricks. I love cranky Uncle Harry, and Eli getting therapy and being open about it. Sometimes the narrator is limited with his voices but I am enjoying a male cozy mystery.

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Really liked this story.

Great little mystery. I like the way the author thinks.
I’m guessing it would be especially good for magicians!

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Great performance clever story

I will read more by this author and reader combination. Enough humor and suspense to keep me involved.

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10/10 would recommend 👌

The narrator was awesome, and the story is a fun listen. I enjoyed the characters, the flow of the story, everything. I'm looking forward to seeing what else this writer and narrator have done.

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weaves famous magic tricks and illusions

The book begins with an old friend showing up and inviting Eli to attend their high school reunion. He also spills the beans about his latest acting bit, a movie about a magician who dies in the execution of an illusion. Eli agrees to give him a hand.

Meanwhile, at the reunion, Eli runs into his crush from 20 years ago, and things quickly escalate and deteriorate (in that wonderful way that all murder mysteries deteriorate) from there.

John Gaspard is fast becoming one of my new favorite authors. The pacing of this story felt a little slower than the first book, but it didn’t drag. I love the way he weaves famous magic tricks and illusions, well known music and comedy acts, and allusions to classic movies into his plot and dialogue. It makes for such a great background, and many common bonds between the reader and characters. I really want to hang out with Uncle Harry and the “Artful Codgers” and listen to them talk smack and reminisce over a beer or two. Granted, the younger generation won’t recognize many of the references, I know there are quite a few going over my head, and I’m far more immersed in the entertainment of 50 years ago than most people my age. Nevertheless, it’s written in such a way that ignorance shouldn’t detract from the reading experience in any way, though there are some definite clues you’ll miss if you’re not up on your trivia.

Coincidentally I happened to have watched one of the movies mentioned less than a week before I listened to this book, so I had a hint fresh in the mind, though it didn’t give much away.

I’ve come to love Eli Marks (in a strictly platonic way), he’s clever and thoughtful without being particularly brilliant. He’s funny and sarcastic, and just so real. Combined with the first person POV that the book is written in, it’s like he’s just telling you a story. Maybe sitting on the couch with you. I’m pretty fond of all the characters, Frannie, Megan, and of course, Harry. Even Marks’ Ex-wife Deidre is is a great character.

Quality wise, I have to give it the full 5 stars, everything is clear, no EQ or mic distance issues, and the music is great, and not too long.

As for Jim Cunningham, he is one of my new favorite Narrators. He nails the tone of this book, and delivers all the characters flawlessly. He captures Harry’s gruff, crotchety old voice, and Eli’s younger, clever yet lacking a little self-confidence, personality. He also delivers on the female characters, softer, but not in anyway the “man pretending to be a girl” tone that some guys adopt.

I can hardly wait for the next book. Three cheers for John Gaspard!

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5 people found this helpful