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The fourth Stephens and Mephisto mystery from the author of the bestselling Dr Ruth Galloway series, for fans of Christopher Fowler´s Bryant & May books

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The fourth Stephens and Mephisto mystery from the author of the bestselling Dr Ruth Galloway series - a must-read for fans of Bryant and May. ´Mixes cosiness and sharpness in a way that recalls the best of Agatha Christie´ Sunday Express (on Smoke and Mirrors)

What do a murdered Brighton flower seller, the death of Cleopatra and a nude tableau show have in common? Read the most dangerous case yet for Stephens and Mephisto to find out.

Christmas 1953. Max Mephisto and his daughter Ruby are headlining Brighton Hippodrome, an achievement only slightly marred by the less-than-savoury support act: a tableau show of naked ´living statues´. This might appear to have nothing in common with DI Edgar Stephens´ current case of the death of a quiet flowerseller, but if there´s one thing the old comrades have learned it´s that, in Brighton, the line between art and life - and death - is all too easily blurred...

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Vivid description, masterful sleight of hand and a lightness of touch add up to a terrific read for aficionados and newcomers alike Guardian

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Griffiths, Elly
Elly Griffiths was born in London. She worked in publishing before becoming a full-time writer. Her bestselling series of Dr Ruth Galloway novels, featuring a forensic archaeologist, are set in Norfolk. The series has won the CWA Dagger in the Library, and has been shortlisted three times for the Theakston´s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Her Brighton-based mystery series is set in the 1950s and 1960s. She lives near Brighton with her husband, an archaeologist, and their two grown children.

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