Smoke and Mirrors

In the festive setting of Brighton during Christmastime, DI Edgar Stephens is drawn into a chilling investigation when two children, Annie and Mark, are found murdered in the woods, their bodies staged in a way that echoes "Hansel and Gretel." As he uncovers leads linked to Annie's dark, Grimms-inspired plays and the mysterious world of theater surrounding magician Max Mephisto's performance in Aladdin, Edgar must navigate a tangle of red herrings and connections to uncover the truth. With sharp police work and an atmosphere reminiscent of classic mysteries, the story weaves a complex tale of suspense and intrigue.