The Eli Marks Mystery Series

Magician Eli Marks is the top suspect in a series of murders. His greatest trick? Not becoming the next victim.   ★★★★★   Psychics are being murdered and all the clues point to magician Eli Marks: one of his playing cards keeps turning up at every crime scene. What begins as a simple Halloween magic show turns into a deadly cat-and-mouse encounter as the body count rises while Eli frantically attempts to clear his name.   It doesn't help that his ex-wife's new husband is the lead Homicide Detective on the case. Or that Eli appears to be the only thread tying all the murders together.   Then things get really complicated when romance blooms with a beautiful psychic who may—or may not—hold the final clue to this murderous mystery. Eli can't help but be drawn to her, even though falling in love in the midst of a murder spree is never a good idea.   As all the pieces of this deadly puzzle begin to fall into place, Eli must use every trick he knows to uncover the true killer … before he becomes the final victim.   "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 intelligently written and ... entirely engrossing." – Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine   Grab your copy and get started on this fantastic and funny series right now!   ★★★★★   "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   "This story is very well written and fun to read. I would definitely read another Eli Marks Mystery!" —A Simple Taste for Reading   "I had a great time reading The Ambitious Card. I don't read many series, but I'm definitely willing to go on another adventure with Eli." —The Writerly Reader   "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   ★★★★★

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 author does a fantastic job juggling the separate plots and keeping readers' minds thoroughly engaged…The relationships between Eli and his remarried ex are interesting, to say the least, and the pure entertainment of the industry will leave all readers hoping that there will be a 'number three' very soon." – Suspense Magazine   "The Bullet Catch has a quick pace and dialogue that engages the reader from the first page…Gaspard has written a great character into an original storyline…I will definitely be seeing/reading more of Eli as Gaspard expands this promising mystery series." – Examiner.com   "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

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.    Grab this twisty thriller today!   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   "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 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.   Grab this fun and funny mystery 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 Ambitious Card is intelligently written and...entirely engrossing." – Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine

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.    GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!

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 Ambitious Card is intelligently written and...entirely engrossing." – Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine

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

Mystery and Magic at the Old Folks' Home! When the residents of Lakeview Haven retirement community start experiencing vivid nightmares and hallucinations, amateur sleuth Eli grows suspicious. Could someone be causing these disturbing visions on purpose? Teaming up with his magician uncle Harry, Eli begins investigating the residents and staff at the senior facility. Using a clever trap involving illusions, they attempt to catch the perpetrator red-handed. But will their scheme backfire on them and help the criminal disappear into thin air? This volume also includes the novellas "Lost In the Shuffle" and "The Square Circle." Lost in the Shuffle When Eli takes a pitstop for a cinnamon bun en route to Magic Camp, he bites into more than he bargained for, finding himself swirled into a zany whirlwind of unexpected danger. With his magician's skill and a sprinkling of humor, Eli turns a dreaded trip into an exhilarating, high-stakes escapade. The Square Circle Eli finds himself entangled in a kidnapping case while planning a surprise party for his astute Uncle Harry. As the mystery deepens, Eli applies his unique knowledge of magic to decipher a bizarre web of clues. But when he finally unravels the riddle, Eli finds himself face-to-face with the ruthless mastermind behind the scheme.

More Twisty, Tricky Tales and Mysteries to enjoy with Eli Marks 2022 Winner of Best Adult Fiction Award from the Minnesota Library Foundation.   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! ★★★★★ Readers and critics LOVE the Eli Marks Mystery Series. "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 "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 "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 "This story is very well written and fun to read. I would definitely read another Eli Marks Mystery!" —A Simple Taste for Reading ★★★★★

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