Death and the Conjuror was a real surprise when I read it earlier this year. It was so masterful and harked back to the traditional locked-room mysteries, and I was so eager to read Tom's next offering.

These kind of books always amaze me. They're the long-loved locked room mystery, where the seemingly impossible must be possible. It's easy to believe in the context of the books and you as t he reader are trying to unpick the clues to find the truth at the same time as the characters. But for Tom, he has to know the start, middle and end, the whodunnits and the red herrings, the why, what, where, when, and, most importantly, who and how, and it blows my mind everytime.

The majority of this book is set in one of two locations, but the characters nor the story feel small. In fact, I'd say the small size of setting adds to the tension and terror and confusion faced by the characters. It creates this fast paced, curious story which is fabulous.

There are a number of characters, but once again Tom has focussed on a small cast, pivotal to the storyline, such as lawyer Edmund Ibbs, who I would say is our main player, and of course Inspector Flint, and Joseph Spector himself. They are joined by bankers and spouses, magicians, magicians' assistants, theatre workers, gambling men, criminals and whatnot. But the handful he has focussed on, he has given them so much time that you can really invest in their story.

I loved Death and the Conjuror, mainly for its similarities to the mysteries of old, much like Agatha Christie. And I knew there would be a second in the series, but was slightly concerned that it might be a bit repetitive, the same plot but with key players amended. But it's not. Okay, on a basic level it is - inexplicable murder, magician helps police solve crime etc etc. But it's too good to be seen at just that level. That would be like saying Agatha Christie's books are all the same, even though we know they aren't. In my opinion, I say Tom is a worthy addition to that list of great locked room murder mystery authors, and I am thoroughly hoping that this will continue for a good few more books yet.

What I love about it, and that goes for all of the genre, is that it all seems so impossible, so thrilling, there's twists and turns and red herrings and clues, and yet you still can't get there! But then it's all explained, and it's so obvious, and for me, that's the cleverest part of it all. What I will say - and I'll try to do it without any spoilers - there were the odd things about the explanation that felt at the very edge of too much, bits that felt a bit of a stretch for the imagination, but that's sort of what I want from a book like this. I don't want it to be 100% reality and 100% possible, because that would be a bit boring and not in keeping with the genre. I want a bit of magic and sparkle and spice and entertainment and fun, and that's what he offers in spades.