The Bullet Catch

The Eli Marks Mysteries, Book 2

De: John Gaspard

Narrado por: Jim Cunningham

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.

©2018 John Gaspard (P)2018 Spoken Realms

Fun escape

I'm hooked on John Gaspard's comedy-mysteries, especially as a welcome escape from world events. Eli Marks and his Uncle Harry make a fine team, with Harry providing occasional bits of wisdom about magic and Eli being the protagonist who, after the occasional stupid move, figures everything out. Eli's social ineptitude, more like that of a teenager than a divorced man of thirty-something, is occasionally irritating; but all faults are forgivable in these books. Characters and plot are engaging, as is the use and knowledge of stage magic. I do find irritating the way narrator Jim Cunningham uses a hoarse or rough voice to designate older characters. Uncle Harry sounds more like he's in his 90s than 70s unless he's supposed to have been a lifetime smoker but the narration is a good match for Eli.

Magic and Mayhem

This is the first I have experienced in this author’s series , and it was delightful enough to leave me wanting more. Though the plot took a while to develop, once launched , there were a number of engaging plot lines and memorable characters.. writing style a little uneven but I really enjoyed the ‘card tricks’ and the way that magical maxims contributed to the process of discovery and the solution. Definitely a gift among the Plus offerings!

Excellent in All Respects

The author skillfully intertwines magic, murder mystery, and character development into a story which intrigues and entertains. The plot contains interrelated twists which sometimes surprise or provide humor. Jim Cunningham is highly talented and the perfect choice to speak for Eli Marks.

Loved It

Very original mystery story with magic tricks. I love cranky Uncle Harry, and Eli getting therapy and being open about it. Sometimes the narrator is limited with his voices but I am enjoying a male cozy mystery.

Really liked this story.

Great little mystery. I like the way the author thinks.
I’m guessing it would be especially good for magicians!

Great performance clever story

I will read more by this author and reader combination. Enough humor and suspense to keep me involved.

10/10 would recommend 👌

The narrator was awesome, and the story is a fun listen. I enjoyed the characters, the flow of the story, everything. I'm looking forward to seeing what else this writer and narrator have done.

Another great book !!!

The conversation is correct, the things spoken of are timely. Clean reading but still has all the mystery components.
Great book.

Narrator is BRILLIANT. Flawless switching between characters. Discernible characters.

One thing I’ve noticed is that in all the cozy mysteries the narrator read the word “rifling “ (RY-full-ing) as rif -LING. To rifle through one’s belongings… Not riffle. Also the word Winding… as in a long and winding road, they pronounce it as wind 💨 (whin -d, instead of wYne-d). It’s the long I sound. It’s odd that so many readers say it the same way…

Excellent cozy

I really enjoyed this book, and the series so far. Engaging without being disturbing. The protagonist is likable, and the writing clever.

Movies, Magic and Murder

Eli and his friend Jake attend their fifteenth high school reunion in a high rise building with glass elevators, and Eli is forced to combat his worsening fear of heights, and the horrible instinct to jump. At the reunion they meet the lovely Trish Henry, the girl that everyone had a crush on in high school . . . and she is married to Dylan Lasalle, notorious bad boy. As they leave the reunion, Dylan is drunk and acting out, and the next day they learn that his body is found, shot to death while out on a run. This is the second in the Eli Marks Mysteries, and I'm loving these quirky tales that have plenty of magic, murder and stories about the store that Eli and his Uncle Harry own in Minneapolis. Eli and his girlfriend, Megan are taking a "break", which has Eli totally confused. 😂 Jake, his friend is doing a movie remake of The Bullet Catch, which is the main story, but the side stories are just as much fun. Uncle Harry and the Artful Codgers, Franny the old phone psychic and all the others make the book wonderful. There are always twists and turns that you could never anticipate. And although there is sex behind the scenes, its never overly descriptive, and doesn't take over the story, which I very much appreciate. Great installment in the series. I'm on to book three.