Synopses & Reviews
Who is audacious enough to steal an antique box once owned by Harry Houdini? This collectors treasure, skillfully hidden in the local Magic Club— a nightclub where magicians perform—is not merely an old theatrical prop. It is the prize in a contest that promises to jump start a magicians career. At least thats what Taft and Lucas Finch hoped before their prized possession was stolen. Private investigator David Randall is already busy searching for socialite Sandy Olafs missing diamond bracelet when he begins the search for Houdinis box. But instead of finding the valuable box, Randall finds Taft murdered, his body locked in a backstage trunk. The magical world is brimming with jealous suspects, less successful magical competitors, romantic rivals, business conflicts, and festering hurts from long ago. Randalls friend Camden is concerned with losing his voice, his girlfriend Kary insists on being a magicians assistant, and Cams girlfriend Ellin has to deal with the overbearing Sheila Kirk, wife of a potential sponsor, who insists on hosting the Psychic Service Networks programs.
Warned away from interfering in a police homicide investigation, Randall focuses on finding the box, searching for a missing diamond bracelet, and handling the crises embroiling his unique housemates in their rambling home on Grace Street. It will take a stroke of magic to connect the interlocking circles of these crimes.
Review
""Randall's second appearance combines a solid mystery with a plethora of suspects and quirky regulars.""--
Kirkus review of
Mixed Signals""The finale is a gratifying blend of the surprising and the spirited.""--Publishers Weekly review of Stolen Hearts
“Tesh (A Hard Bargain, 2007, etc.) gets her new series off to a promising start.” --Kirkus review of Stolen Hearts
“Tesh (A Little Learning) brings a gentle touch to her new series featuring a psychic, his PI friend, and a houseful of intriguing cast members. These young men have suffered great losses in their lives, but together they are poised to solve mysteries.” --Library Journal review of Stolen Hearts
Synopsis
The theft of a valuable Houdini box may be the clue to magician Taft Finchs murder, but PI David Randall also has to deal with his girlfriend Kary becoming a magicians assistant, an overbearing woman hijacking Ellins Psychic Network, Camden losing his voice, and a DVD Randall cant bring himself to watch.
Synopsis
Private investigator David Randall, still struggling with guilt over his daughter Lindseys death, cant bring himself to look at the DVD of her dance recitals. Fortunately, hes distracted by two cases: socialite Sandy Olafs missing diamond bracelet, and a missing box magicians Taft and Lucas Finch say belonged to Houdini.
When Taft is found dead in a trunk at the Magic Club, Randalls suspects include the owner, Rahnee Nevis, who was in love with Taft; punk magician, WizBoy, who wants to run the club; the bartender, Jilly, who was also in love with Taft; and Jolly Bob, a washed up magician.
Meanwhile, Randalls friend Camden is concerned with losing his voice, his girlfriend Kary insists on being a magicians assistant, and Cams girlfriend, Ellin, has to deal with overbearing Sheila Kirk, wife of a potential sponsor who insists on hosting the PSNs programs.
Can David uncover the truth and tackle his own demons?
About the Author
Jane Tesh is a retired media specialist and pianist for the Andy Griffith Playhouse in Mt. Airy, NC. She is the author of the Madeline Maclin Mysteries, A Case of Imagination, A Hard Bargain, and A Little Learning, featuring an ex-beauty queen turned detective and her con man husband, and the Grace Street Mysteries, Stolen Hearts, Mixed Signals, and scheduled for October, 2013, Now You See It, featuring PI David Randall and the many Southern characters who live at 302 Grace Street.