I was fascinated since the hearbreaking start and kept turning pages as this is a very original, twisty and entertaining story.
There's action, there magic and there's an intriguing MC.
Well written and compelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

An unusual book that makes a lot more sense when you realise it is written by one of The League of Gentlemen and Derren Brown's assistant. Great fun with magic and capers, but I'm not entirely sure about the espionage element introduced in the second half. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was kind of disappointed with this, I assumed I would really like this but I think I never really got into it. The language felt quite dry and boring at times, with me not really understanding what was going on half the time.

However, this book contains how to perform magic tricks alongside the storyline, which I thought was really unique and captivating. It also felt like the character was telling this to you. If you’re into this type of thing, I suggest you give this book a go.

This novel was utterly unique and and an interesting read. It's a tale about a 1950s illusionist coerced into being a spy, with unpredictable results. I really enjoyed the period detail and the behind-the-scenes peeks at the magic world.

An interesting and pleasurable thriller-type read, but not one with the flash and exuberance I might have expected. To many that will be to its credit. I came to this knowing nothing, beyond the reputation of the authorial pair behind it. So I'll hide the next para to keep the plot secret, for those who want the same.

<spoiler>We're at the end of 1952, and Louis Warlock is in the middle of a mind-reading trick his love of magic since his childhood makes very easy for him. But he's been called out as a charlatan, and so must find his fiance assistant somewhere else in London through the powers of mind-reading alone. Cue the first third, an enjoyable British vintage take on "Now You See Me", as the whole machinations of getting the trick completed are revealed, in something like real time now and again. The renown this gives to the act makes Warlock of interest to higher-ups, however, who have a vital sleight-of-hand task for him – he will be in their employ for reasons of secret, Cold War purposes, but all for the public good. Or will he?</spoiler>

What this left me with was the feeling the period was very well evoked – even if it dropped in details, like a Mickey Finn as a spiked drink, and more, that made me wonder if anachronisms hadn't been made. But it also left me feeling a little surprised I had not undergone more of a twisty journey. The plot of the book is definitely going to pull the rug from the title character more than once, and I guess it has to be said it does the same for us, but I didn't feel anything like as overwhelmed by this tricksiness as expected. Was there going to be a reason for all the chapters coming at us from different narrators, time zones and approaches – from someone recollecting these events, and flashing back to childhood days alike?

In the end the biggest bit of the wool being pulled over our eyes is the typical "all these people are fictional" kind of disclaimer. I didn't see nearly the same delightful, magical reveal as I was keen for – and which many of the high-brow puff quotes from celebs adorning this edition imply happens. But what we do get is a very solid piece, from writers definitely in love with the milieu of it all, the times and lifestyles of the creative types they're portraying. Yes, some of the minor characters are clearly too clever and connected and powerful, and some of the illusion about this book is from the authors' names and not what they bring in the way of razzle-dazzle, but this is well worth checking out for historical crime fans. As I say, a solid four stars.

I expect anything associated with Jeremy Dyson’s to be a little different. He’s inventive, original, funny, clever and much more. The Warlock Effect delivers at every level. I had absolutely no idea how the story would pan out. There’s an original opening which draws the reader right in at a personal level. The story is skilfully crafted; it builds with layer upon layer and then the pace picks up. It’s a difficult book to describe because it’s different. The premise is original, there are characters with depth and along with humour, it’s well written from start to finish. I absolutely loved this book and so far it’s the most entertaining of the year….for numerous reasons. Don’t miss it.

The Warlock Effect is loads of fun. It starts with a letter to the reader, inviting them to sign a covenant that no magic secrets will be divulged. Other direct addresses to the reader are dotted throughout the book. Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson then whisk us off to the main narrative in a vividly drawn 1950s London where we are introduced to one Louis Warlock, showman extraordinaire, and his close circle, the Brains Trust.
I warmed to these men and women instantly; their relationships are believable and they ping ideas off one another. Louis is brilliant and cocky but aware of his own failings. Given the period, of course the enemy is Russia, but here with a clever spin rather than the more usual nuclear or other military threat. The premise is genius – of course a magician would make a good spy!
It wouldn’t be a good spy story without some good tension and moments of jeopardy and boy do we have them here in spades. There’s a big reveal about a third of the way through that made me gawp. There’s a cracking celebrity cameo, too, but no spoilers here. Read it for yourself and enjoy every minute.

The Ghost Stories boys' new novel follows Louis Warlock, a successful stage magician in 1950s London, as he gets himself caught in the tangles of Cold War espionage, and for me the central problem was that I was much more engaged by the conjuring material, like the fabulous heist-style act of mentalism* which gets the book underway, than the spy stuff. Which, OK, at moments does approach the vertiginous quality of The Avengers when it was in its less affably whimsical mode - but where too much relies on a series of twists that you'd be hard-pressed not to see coming. Nor did there ever feel like there was enough going on beneath the surface to fill it out; there's an intermittent interest in Louis' outsider status (having reinvented himself after arriving in Britain as Jewish refugee Ludvik Weinschenk), some form material about how even the less evil side in the conflict finds itself turning to monstrous means, but particularly after the suddenly tidy resolution, it's hardly John le Carre, never mind Graham Greene. Still, Louis and his Brains Trust are engaging enough company that I kept reading through the simple desire to see what became of them, and I suspect that there's more of a market for historical spy thrillers than novels of prestidigitation, even ones with a Tommy Cooper cameo.

*Yes, I know.

(Netgalley ARC)

What an absolute DELIGHT this was. From start to finish, just such a pleasure to read. Clever, twisty as heck, and so so much fun!

The beginning of this book grips you and the end makes you want more.

I hated and loved this book. To have the power to remind me of the stories I heard growing up about the holocaust and then make me laugh at a brilliant range of believably eccentric friends is beyond talent, it’s magic.

There is nothing unconsidered in this book, love, war, pain, friends, betrayal and magic. I still don’t know if I want a sequel or I want Louis to have some peace.

I reccomend this for everyone. I reccomend it if you need some comfort (weird but trust me) or you need some adventure. Read this if you’ve lived.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Cracking mystery / thriller with a strong grounding in the world of magic (trickery, not fantasy). Well paced, with an intriguing opening contract between writer and reader, and a surprising emotional heft to the character development, as well as the expected twists and turns. The authors’ love for magic - and the history of magic tricks - shines through.

My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for a copy of “ The Warlock Effect” for an honest review.

I was drawn to read this as it written by such talented writers , Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman,
This was really cleverly written ,and as entertaining as I had hoped it would be.It was a perfect mix of magic , adventure and espionage .The characters were well written and believable
I hope this joint book collaboration is the first of many

Full disclosure - I was drawn to this book cos co-author Jeremy Dyson is part of The League of Gentlemen. I'm sure Andy Nyman is a cracking bloke too just to redress the balance!
That took me to the blurb which sounded so delicious it rendered me powerless to resist. So I didn't!
Louis Warlock is a master illusionist, creating quite the magic show. His skills are noticed by the British Secret Service who call him in to assist them with a tricky situation they have got into which would be more easily solved utilising his particular skill set.
Long story short, without spoiling anything, things don't really go as Warlock expected them to which end up with him in grave peril. How on earth will he get out of this one, he will need more than just his skills for that!?
I loved this book. It is all thing clever and bonkers and, well, took me on a cracking journey. Spitting me out at the end a bit sore (from chuckling) but completely satisfied. It's a slow burn but, like every good trick, the set-up is more important than the actual trick. Lulling the audience, distracting them, getting them to believe the unbelievable... all those elements are here. Gradually pulling you in until you are powerless to resist.
The characters are all, well most, larger than life but they never stray into caricature which, given their backgrounds, would be possible. But the author keeps them kinda on the straight and narrow. But remember the main theme, who really is who they say they are!
All in all, a cracking read. One that I am most definitely going to get on Audible and revisit. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Jeremy Dyson is the one non-performing member of the League of Gentlemen. Andy Nyman is an excellent stage and screen writer and sometime magician.
This novel introduces us to the fictional Adam Warlock, a wartime Jewish emigre in childhood who transforms himself into a successful post-war magician as an adult. This enjoyable thriller sees him becoming embroiled in the dangerous world of Cold War politics.

What a sensation.

Everything about this book is incredible, the opening contract, the little magical asides, the story, the twists and turns.
I was honestly blown away by this book, I laughed, I cried and I wanted more.
This story has everything you need to keep you turning the pages, I learnt so much and I can still remember those 12 words. (No spoilers)

Mind blowing.

First off, initial thoughts going in: what an epic way to start a book! It certainly set it off with the right tone and I was instantly intrigued and drawn in. Addressing the reader and bringing me into the book was a great way to capture, and from there I knew I’d be hooked. I love that it teaches you some tricks along the way too. I felt like I was being involved in the story!

It was a slow (but in the best way) ascending plot at the very beginning, which gradually intrigued and drew you in. Once I was in, I wasn’t coming out anytime soon. It’s one of those books that completely takes you over! This book definitely has magic in it because I was spellbound and couldn’t tear myself away from the pages.

It’s a Time Machine of a book. You start reading and BAM it’s been three hours and you’ve just left reality for a bit. The chapters disappeared into nothing and I couldn’t consume the words quick enough. It was super entertaining and I loved everything about it. Loved the characters, loved the vibes. Just loved the plot full stop.

And when I say it was a ‘journey’, it truly was. Coming round full circle from start to finish, you follow Louis Warlock and his escapades until you’re left staring at the end page just trying to take it all in. The book went to places I didn’t expect and I can’t remember the last time I was that immersed in a book and suffering the ‘just one more chapter’ syndrome until it was way past midnight and I should probably have been asleep…!

Brilliant book and a fantastic story. A solid recommend to all!