The Zig Zag Girl

The vibrant yet shadowy atmosphere of 1950s Brighton serves as the backdrop for this compelling historical crime novel. Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is assigned a grim case when a young woman is discovered dismembered in a manner that chillingly mimics a famous stage trick. To understand the mind behind this gruesome display, Edgar seeks out the illusionist who originally designed the act, his former wartime comrade Max Mephisto.

During the Second World War, both men served in a secretive military unit known as the Magic Men, utilizing their unique skills for the war effort. Now, as more victims surface in scenarios echoing classic theatrical illusions, the detective and the performer must navigate the fading world of variety shows. They are forced to confront their shared history to identify a culprit who is turning entertainment into a deadly spectacle.

As the first installment in the Brighton Mysteries series, Elly Griffiths delivers a rich blend of historical detail and suspense. The narrative explores the complex bond between two men forever changed by conflict, offering a captivating puzzle for fans of mid-century British crime fiction.