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John Gaspard

Abracadabra Meets Action: A Gripping Tale of Magic and Mystery

In "Magician in Trouble," a harmless magician is unexpectedly thrust into an intense police standoff. Facing more than just stage fright, he must use his magic not for applause, but to diffuse a perilous crisis. This thrilling novella cleverly combines the allure of a magic show with the suspense of a hostage situation, promising a read that's as captivating as it is unpredictable.

As a standalone story, it's a perfect introduction to the world of the popular nine-book Eli Marks mystery series. Offering a glimpse into the unique blend of magic, mystery, and mayhem you can expect from the series, it's a tantalizing gateway to the enchanting and suspenseful adventures of Eli Marks.

“You will just LOVE these books!”

—VANISH Magazine

“Intelligently written and ... entirely engrossing.” 

—Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine

Jim Cunningham

Albert's Bridge Books

The Eli Marks Mystery Series

Magician In Trouble: An Eli Marks Short Mystery

Psychics are being murdered and magician Eli Marks is the top suspect. 

His greatest trick? Not becoming the next victim. 

★★★★★

“The Ambitious Card is intelligently written and ... entirely engrossing.” – Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine

The life of a magician isn’t all kiddie shows and card tricks. Sometimes it’s murder. 

Psychics are being murdered and Eli can't escape suspicion. Then things get really complicated when romance blooms with a beautiful psychic. Eli discovers she's the next target for murder and he's scheduled to die with her. 

Now Eli must use every trick he knows to reveal the true killer … before they become the next victims.

★★★★★

“This is a hugely entertaining crime novel, packed full of comedy….Warm, funny and well-plotted–a book to brighten any grey day. Do read it!” - FictionFan’s Book Reviews

“The Ambitious Card is a must read!” - Books and Looks

“Before I had even finished the first chapter I had fallen in love with Eli. He is intelligent, sensitive, witty and, suddenly, the main suspect in a series of murders…well written, fast paced and exciting.” -The Frugal Mennonite

“The deftly-plotted mystery is enriched by Eli’s relationships with his ex-wife, her new husband, his old-school stage magician Uncle Harry, and an interesting collection of people and places in and around St. Paul…This stylish novel is filled with interesting details, snappy dialogue, and appealing characters.” - More Than a Review

“Well, Dear Reader, would I recommend The Ambitious Card? Would I read another Eli Marks mystery? Yes, I would do both.” - Charlie Britten, Write On

The Ambitious Card: An Eli Marks Mystery

There's no question it was murder. But who killed whom? 

What begins as a typical corporate event for magician Eli Marks turns into a twisted mystery when he is called to the site of a recent murder/suicide. 

Confronted by the details of the grisly crime scene, Eli must sort through the post-mortem clues - and the bickering of the officials as well as a poorly-timed allergy attack - to determine just who murdered whom.

* * *

PRAISE FOR THE ELI MARKS MYSTERY SERIES

"You will just LOVE these books.” – VANISH Magazine

“This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle.” – John Lehman, Rosebud Book Reviews

“It’s full of magic, mystery, danger and misdirection, as a good magic trick should be. I love this cozy mystery series, a thoroughly delightful read.” – Sweet Mystery Books

“Before I had even finished the first chapter I had fallen in love with Eli. He is intelligent, sensitive, witty and, suddenly, the main suspect in a series of murders…well written, fast-paced and exciting.” – The Frugal Mennonite

“This story is very well written and fun to read. I would definitely read another Eli Marks Mystery!” – A Simple Taste for Reading

“Gaspard's latest Eli Marks mystery has as many tricks up its sleeve as its likable magician-hero. As the body count rises, so does the reading pleasure.” – Dennis Palumbo, Author of the Daniel Rinaldi Mystery Series and Co-Writer of My Favorite Year

“Readers, get ready for your mind to expand as Eli Marks returns and uses his powers of prestidigitation, intuition and deduction to solve another mystery. If David Copperfield and Sherlock Holmes had a child, it would be Eli Marks.” – Scott Wells, The Magic Word Podcast

The Invisible Assistant: An Eli Marks Short Mystery

The request was a first for Eli Marks: “Can you help me make my tuba disappear?”
Magician (and magic shop owner) Eli Marks is confronted with this odd demand just before he is about to close up shop for the day. 

Over the next few tense minutes, he finds a solution to that question which also, fortunately, puts him the positive side of what turns out to be a life-or-death situation.
★★★★★ 
Praise for the Eli Marks Mystery Series

“An intriguing cross between noir and cozy, with fascinating details about magic tricks and plenty of quirky characters. An easy, enjoyable read for mystery buffs seeking a bit of an escape from the usual crime fiction fare.” – Library Journal

“A finely-tuned, diabolical, sneaky, smart, stylish mix of magic and mayhem that plunges our hero Eli through a tangled web of danger and deceit that’ll keep you guessing.” – Steve Spill, Magician and Author of I Lie For Money

“With twists and turns, flurries of romance, and a cast of characters that seem to be the unholy spawn of The Maltese Falcon and The Third Man, The Miser’s Dream keeps the pages turning and the reader delighted from start to finish.” – Jeffrey Hatcher, Screenwriter, Mr. Holmes

“I loved this book. From beginning to end I was hooked. The story is fantastic and the cast leaves you wanting to know more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.” – Bookschellves 

“This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle.” – Rosebud Book Reviews

“Has as many tricks up its sleeve as its likeable magician-hero. As the body count rises, so does the reading pleasure.” – Dennis Palumbo, Author of the Daniel Rinaldi Mystery Series

The Last Customer: An Eli Marks Short Mystery

★★★★★ 

"You will just LOVE these books." – VANISH Magazine

What a deal! The first three books in the Eli Marks mystery series all in one volume. For one low price.

The Ambitious Card

Psychics are being murdered and magician Eli Marks is the top suspect. His greatest trick? Not becoming the next victim. The first book in a fun & funny mystery series.

“The Ambitious Card is intelligently written and … entirely engrossing. ” – Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine

The Bullet Catch

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.

“This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle. ” – John Lehman, Rosebud Book Reviews

The Miser's Dream

A casual glance out his apartment window turns Magician Eli Marks’ life upside down. After spotting a dead body in the projection booth of the movie theater next door, Eli is pulled into the hunt for the killer. As he attempts to puzzle out a solution to this classic locked room mystery, he must deal with a crisis of a more personal nature: the appearance of a rival magician who threatens not only Eli’s faith in himself as a performer, but his relationship with his girlfriend.

“It’s full of magic, mystery, danger and misdirection, as a good magic trick should be. I love this cozy mystery series, a thoroughly delightful read. ” – Sweet Mystery Books

The Eli Marks Box Set: Vol. One

"You will just LOVE these books." – VANISH Magazine

What a deal! Books four, five and six in the Eli Marks mystery series all in one volume. For one low price.

The Linking Rings

Eli's trip to London with his uncle Harry quickly turns homicidal when the older magician finds himself accused of murder. A second slaying does little to take the spotlight off Harry. Instead it's clear someone is knocking off Harry's elderly peers in bizarrely effective ways. But who? 

"I was in the exact right mood for a detective novel and enjoyed The Linking Rings. ” – Teller (of Penn & Teller)

The Floating Light Bulb

When a magician is murdered in the midst of his act at the Mall of America, Eli Marks is asked to step in and take over the daily shows--while also keeping his eyes and ears open for clues about this bizarre homicide.

If David Copperfield and Sherlock Holmes had a child, it would be Eli Marks. ” – Scott Wells, The Magic Word Podcast

The Zombie Ball

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.

“An intriguing cross between noir and cozy, with fascinating details about magic tricks and plenty of quirky characters. An easy, enjoyable read for mystery buffs seeking a bit of an escape from the usual crime fiction fare. ” – Library Journal

“This is a hugely entertaining crime novel, packed full of comedy…. Warm, funny and well-plotted–a book to brighten any grey day. Do read it!” – FictionFan’s Book Reviews

The Eli Marks Box Set: Vol. Two

Two Eli Marks Short Mysteries in One Bundle!

"You will just LOVE these books.” – VANISH Magazine

★★★★★

The Invisible Assistant

There's no question it was murder. But who killed whom? 

What begins as a typical corporate event for magician Eli Marks turns into a twisted mystery when he is called to the site of a recent murder/suicide. 

Confronted by the details of the grisly crime scene, Eli must sort through the post-mortem clues - and the bickering of the officials as well as a poorly-timed allergy attack - to determine just who murdered whom.

★★★★★

The Last Customer

The request was a first for Eli Marks: "Can you help me make my tuba disappear?" 

Magician (and magic shop owner) Eli Marks is confronted with this odd demand just before he is about to close up shop for the day. 

Over the next few tense minutes, he finds a solution to that question which also, fortunately, puts him the positive side of what turns out to be a life-or-death situation.
★★★★★ 
PRAISE FOR THE ELI MARKS MYSTERY SERIES

“This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle.” – John Lehman, Rosebud Book Reviews

“Gaspard's latest Eli Marks mystery has as many tricks up its sleeve as its likable magician-hero. As the body count rises, so does the reading pleasure.” – Dennis Palumbo, Author of the Daniel Rinaldi Mystery Series and Co-Writer of My Favorite Year

“Readers, get ready for your mind to expand as Eli Marks returns and uses his powers of prestidigitation, intuition and deduction to solve another mystery. If David Copperfield and Sherlock Holmes had a child, it would be Eli Marks.” – Scott Wells, The Magic Word Podcast

The Eli Marks Short Mystery Bundle: "The Invisible Assistant" & "The Last Customer"

WONDERFULLY ENGAGING, DELIGHTFULLY TRICKY…

“This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle.” – John Lehman, Rosebud Book Reviews

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.

Praise for THE BULLET CATCH:

“The Bullet Catch is a wonderfully engaging, delightfully tricky bit of mystery. Fans of magic will delight in John Gaspard’s artful use of the world of magicians, onstage and offstage. It’s a great story and great fun!” – Jim Steinmeyer, Author of Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear

“Gaspard's latest Eli Marks mystery, The Bullet Catch, has as many tricks up its sleeve as its likeable magician-hero. As the body count rises, so does the reading pleasure.” – Dennis Palumbo, Author of the Daniel Rinaldi Mystery Series and Co-Writer of My Favorite Year

“The Bullet Catch is a real winner of magical proportions. Filled with snappy, delightful dialogue and plenty of sleight-of-hand humor, Gaspard's latest mystery in the Eli Marks series does not disappoint. Head to the bookstore and get yourself a copy now!” – Jessie Chandler, Author of the Award-Winning Shay O’Hanlon Series

The Bullet Catch: An Eli Marks Mystery

A locked room. A dead body. A murderous trick, worthy of a magician.

How can Eli prove he didn’t do it?

★★★★★

“A finely-tuned, diabolical, sneaky, smart, stylish mix of magic and mayhem.” - Steve Spill, Magician and Author of I Lie For Money

A casual glance out his apartment window turns Magician Eli Marks’ life upside down. After spotting a dead body in the projection booth of the movie theater next door, Eli is pulled into the hunt for the killer. But then the killer starts taking homicidal steps to bring Eli’s investigation to a quick and decisive end. 

Praise for THE MISERS DREAM:

“Hands-down the funniest thing I have read in a long time, expertly paced and hilariously detailed.” - Seattle Book Mama

“This book reminded me of the Nick and Nora Charles adventures—slightly noir and slightly zany. An enjoyable read.” - Victoria Kemp, Librarian at Flower Mound Public Library

“I loved this book. From beginning to end I was hooked. The story is fantastic and the cast leaves you wanting to know more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.” - Bookschellves

“With twists and turns, flurries of romance, and a cast of characters that seem to be the unholy spawn of The Maltese Falcon and The Third Man, The Miser’s Dream keeps the pages turning and the reader delighted from start to finish.” - Jeffrey Hatcher, Screenwriter, Mr. Holmes

“It’s full of magic, mystery, danger and misdirection, as a good magic trick should be. I love this cozy mystery series, a thoroughly delightful read.” - Sweet Mystery Books

The Miser's Dream: An Eli Marks Mystery

Did Uncle Harry just murder a fellow magician? On stage, in front of a full audience?

It’s up to Eli to prove that, in the world of magic, you can’t always believe your eyes!

"You will just LOVE these books." - VANISH Magazine

★★★★★

Eli's trip to London with his uncle Harry quickly turns homicidal when the older magician finds himself accused of murder. It’s clear someone is knocking off Harry's elderly peers in bizarrely effective ways. But who? The odd gets odder when the prime suspect appears to be a bitter performer with a grudge...who committed suicide over thirty years before. 

Praise for THE LINKING RINGS:

"Highly recommended." - Orson Bean, Actor, Magician, Author of Safe at Home

“This is a delightful series that has plenty going for it - mystery, intrigue, suspense, wonderful characters - and you just might find a little bit of magic yourself in reading it. Highly recommended.” - Vegas92 (AnyGoodBook), Amazon.com (verified purchase)

“I have read all the books in this series and I just love them!” - Blues Diva, Amazon.com (verified purchase)

“This series gets better with each book!” - DK, Amazon.com (verified purchase)

“These books are great” I read the whole series all in one go and honestly wish there were more.” - Reece, Amazon.com (verified purchase)

“The ultimate Eli Marks book!” - Kindle Customer, Amazon.com (verified purchase)

“Murder most magical!” - Beth Daniels, Amazon.com (verified purchase)

★★★★★

The Linking Rings: An Eli Marks Mystery

A magician disappears in the middle of his act.

Was it magic? Or murder?

"If David Copperfield and Sherlock Holmes had a child, it would be Eli Marks.” - The Magic Word Podcast

★★★★★

When a magician is murdered in the midst of his act at the Mall of America, Eli Marks is asked to step in and take over the daily shows—while working hard to not be the next victim in a series of bizarre homicides!

Praise for Eli Marks Mystery Series:

"You will just LOVE these books.” - VANISH Magazine

“This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle.” - Rosebud Book Reviews

“It’s full of magic, mystery, danger and misdirection, as a good magic trick should be. I love this cozy mystery series, a thoroughly delightful read.” - Sweet Mystery Books

“Before I had even finished the first chapter I had fallen in love with Eli. He is intelligent, sensitive, witty and, suddenly, the main suspect in a series of murders…well written, fast-paced and exciting.” - The Frugal Mennonite

“This story is very well written and fun to read. I would definitely read another Eli Marks Mystery!” - A Simple Taste for Reading

“Hands-down the funniest thing I have read in a long time, expertly paced and hilariously detailed.” - Seattle Book Mama

★★★★★

The Floating Light Bulb: An Eli Marks Mystery

Meet Eli Marks: Full-time magician, part-time crime-solver. 

His greatest trick? Not becoming the next victim.

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 all the guests depart, Eli and his detective nemesis go head-to-head to uncover the bizarre clues that will unravel this macabre mystery.

This book is the perfect way to get into the Eli Marks series -- grab it today!

★★★★★

Praise for the Eli Marks Mystery Series

“I loved this book. From beginning to end I was hooked. The story is fantastic and the cast leaves you wanting to know more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.” – Bookschellves 

“This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle.” – Rosebud Book Reviews

“Has as many tricks up its sleeve as its likeable magician-hero. As the body count rises, so does the reading pleasure.” – Dennis Palumbo, Author of the Daniel Rinaldi Mystery Series

“The author does a fantastic job juggling the separate plots and keeping readers’ minds thoroughly engaged…and the pure entertainment of the industry will leave all readers hoping that there will be a ‘number three’ very soon.” – Suspense Magazine

The Zombie Ball: An Eli Marks Mystery

A Puzzling Clue to an Unconventional Murder…

"You will just LOVE these books!"—VANISH Magazine 

When an old family friend is arrested for murder at a magic convention, Uncle Harry urges Eli to step in and solve the bizarre homicide. Eli’s attempt to sort through all the suspects is stymied after a second murder and then a third murder attempt–or was it merely an accident? Is someone trying to knock off the top mentalists in the country? And if they are, why do the clues keep pointing to Eli’s friend?

As the body count rises, Eli must race against the clock to trap this clever killer before becoming the final victim.

Praise for Eli Marks Mystery Series:

"If David Copperfield and Sherlock Holmes had a child, it would be Eli Marks.”—The Magic Word Podcast

“This is an instant classic, in a league with Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Arthur Conan Doyle.”—Rosebud Book Reviews

“It’s full of magic, mystery, danger and misdirection, as a good magic trick should be. I love this cozy mystery series, a thoroughly delightful read.”—Sweet Mystery Books

“Before I had even finished the first chapter I had fallen in love with Eli. He is intelligent, sensitive, witty and, suddenly, the main suspect in a series of murders…well written, fast-paced and exciting.”—The Frugal Mennonite

“This story is very well written and fun to read. I would definitely read another Eli Marks Mystery!”_A Simple Taste for Reading

“Hands-down the funniest thing I have read in a long time, expertly paced and hilariously detailed.”—Seattle Book Mama

The Magic Square

More Twisty, Tricky Tales and Mysteries to enjoy with Eli Marks

It’s just one thing after another for magician Eli Marks: The bizarre death of a barista. Performing close-up magic at a funeral. A homicidal husband looking for ideas. An unexpected customer encounter. An impossible stabbing during a show. A Halloween murder. A life-changing magic lesson. A mystifying murder/suicide. A puzzling jewel heist and an even odder painting theft. And more!

A dozen new Eli Marks short stories (ten never-before published). Which means you now have a dozen more reasons to spend some quality time with Eli Marks.

Grab your copy and jump into Eli Marks’ world today!

The Eli Marks Mystery Series - La serie di libri

The Eli Marks Mystery Series - La serie di libri

The Eli Marks Mystery Series libri in ordine cronologico

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