Book Review: THE BULLET CATCH - High School Reunions Can Be Murder - The Eli Marks Mysteries Book 2 by John Gaspard

Synopsis

Newly-single magician Eli Marks reluctantly attends his high school reunion against his better judgment, only to become entangled in two deadly encounters with his former classmates. The first is the fatal mugging of an old crush’s husband, followed by the suspicious deaths of the victim’s business associates.  

At the same time, Eli also comes to the aid of a classmate-turned-movie-star who fears that attempting The Bullet Catch in an upcoming movie may be his last performance. As the bodies begin to pile up, Eli comes to the realization that juggling these murderous situations -- while saving his own neck -- may be the greatest trick he’s ever performed. 

Review

High school reunions are always a mix of excitement and dread, with that person or persons who acts like you were best friends and you can't remember them. Eli's friend from high school, Jake, is now a movie star and cast to play a famous magician who died while performing the bullet catch (appear to catch the bullet between your teeth) trick. Only Jake doesn't grasp how to do the trick without ending up dead. Eli's task, as a magician, is to help Jake master the trick. 

Before that can happen, there's the reunion itself, the girl (now, woman) he crushed on is high school, at least one person he doesn't remember at all, and a murder. Followed by another one. With murder, comes Eli's ex-wife and her new husband, once again coming at Eli as a suspect and a source of information. 

Be prepared for anything as this is magic and the tricks abound. Add in Eli's fear of heights and the reactions of other magicians about the bullet catch trick, and the bodies piling up... Gaspard engages the reader with a quick pace, believable reactions, and well-developed characters. There are twists and turns, with two related plots to unwind. Well done and keeps you entertained.

This was an enjoyable read though my knowledge of magic is limited. I'd read the first in the series and enjoyed it - this one did not disappoint. You don't have to read the first to understand the awkwardness between Eli and his ex-wife or his passion for anything magic, but I always recommend starting at the beginning of the series. I'll be reading more of this series.

Available in digital, hardcover and audiobook formats

Books in the Eli Marks Mystery Series: 

THE AMBITIOUS CARD (#1) 

THE BULLET CATCH (#2) 

THE MISER'S DREAM (#3) 

THE LINKING RINGS (#4) 

THE FLOATING LIGHT BULB (#5) 

THE ZOMBIE BALL (#6) 

THE MAGIC SQUARE (#7) 

THE INVISIBLE ASSISTANT (Short Story) 

THE LAST CUSTOMER (Short Story)

Book Review: THE ZOMBIE BALL : An Eli Marks Mystery #6 by John Gaspard

Synopsis

A Blast From the Past

Eli’s asked to perform his magic act at a swanky charity gala, The Zombie Ball– a former zombie pub crawl which has grown into an annual high-class social event. What begins as a typical stage show for Eli turns deadly when two of the evening’s sponsors are found murdered under truly unusual circumstances. Compounding this drama is the presence of Eli’s ex-wife and her new husband, Homicide Detective Fred Hutton. Under pressure to solve the crime before the 800 guests depart, Eli and his detective nemesis go head-to-head to uncover the bizarre clues that will unravel this macabre mystery.

Review

I'm not particularly keen on zombies, but other than some of the high class guests doing their best to dress like a zombie, there's no paranormal or undead. The Zombie Ball is a charity event to support research on children's diseases and has emerged as an annual fundraising event. And an opportunity for the CEO of Finley Pharmaceuticals to take a bow as the highest contributor. Only this year, his original partner, now rival and CEO of Harper Pharmaceuticals, is the highest contributor. That in itself creates tension as Stella and Roxanne work to make sure neither is  slighted. Their green rooms - fancy waiting rooms - have to be exactly furnished and stocked, same attention and ego massaging.

Eli Marks is a magician as was his father. He's divorced and still reeling from that, but like anyone in the business, you take the paying gig when it comes in. When the original magician bails on the Zombie Ball, Eli gets the call. This is an opportunity for him and hopefully will lead to additional hires in the future. He doesn't have the same clout as the two CEOs - Dave and Leo, or the other entertainer, Joey Dee an iconic comic and entertainer. Eli's green room is simple and not well stocked. Still he is thrilled to be the warm up for Joey, and excited to be there - until he runs into his ex-wife and her new husband. And then both CEOs are dead.

This was an engaging read from the magic to the tensions between characters, not the least of which are Deidre and her Homicide Detective husband. The pace is good, the suspects are all there, and then there is the finale and the killer. Eli nailed it - I didn't. Unknowingly, I started at the newest (6th) in the series. The good news? It is easily read as a stand alone. The bad news? I will have to go back and read the other five - I enjoyed it that much!  If you like soft-boiled or cozy mysteries, you'll enjoy this one, and a male sleuth was a nice change. But beware of filberts.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Buy Links for the Eli Marks Series:

The Ambitious Card

The Bullet Catch
The Miser's Dream 
The Linking Rings
The Floating Lightbulb
The Zombie Ball