Behind The Book Blog Series - Detective Matthews Book 3

Illusions of Murder: A Victorian Mystery Set in Whitby

The Detective Matthews series has been a journey from the very start, and with each book, I’ve had the opportunity to explore fascinating aspects of Victorian life. The third installment, Illusions of Murder, takes readers into a world of deception, illusion, and murder.

The Inspiration Behind Illusions of Murder

Before I even released the first book in the series, I already had much of the plot and characters for Illusions of Murder fully formed in my mind. I have always been fascinated by the Victorian era, particularly the rise of illusionists, mediums, and magicians who captivated audiences with their seemingly supernatural feats.

One of the most famous names associated with magic is Harry Houdini. While his career skyrocketed after 1892, the period was still brimming with performers who enthralled audiences with elaborate tricks and illusions. From mind-reading acts to death-defying escapes, these entertainers pushed the boundaries of reality, blurring the lines between truth and deception. The theatrical nature of their performances provided the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery.

Modern Influence: The Magic of Derren Brown

While researching for Illusions of Murder, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between Victorian-era performers and modern-day illusionists. One performer who has particularly inspired me is Derren Brown. His ability to manipulate perception, influence decisions, and create mind-bending performances reminds me of the great illusionists of the past.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing Brown perform live, and I am in awe of his ability to recreate Victorian-era magic and psychological tricks while giving them a contemporary twist. His performances made me appreciate the intricate artistry behind deception and misdirection, key themes that I wove into Illusions of Murder. If you haven’t seen his work, I highly recommend watching one of his stage productions.

Victorian Illusionists and Their Lasting Legacy

The Victorian era was a time of great innovation, and the world of illusionists was no exception. Theatres across Britain hosted performers who dazzled audiences with levitation tricks, disappearing acts, and even staged séances. Some of the most notable illusionists of the time included:

• John Nevil Maskelyne & George Alfred Cooke – Pioneers of stage magic, their performances at the Egyptian Hall in London featured mind-blowing tricks that kept audiences guessing.

• Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin – A French magician whose elegant and sophisticated acts set the standard for modern magic.

• Harry Kellar – Known for his spectacular illusions, he was one of the most influential magicians of his time.

These figures transformed the entertainment industry, creating a world where illusion and mystery reigned supreme. In Illusions of Murder, I wanted to pay homage to this golden age of magic while weaving a dark and twisting tale that keeps readers on edge.

Bringing the Story to Life

Illusions of Murder being set in Whitby felt like a match made in heave. The town’s gothic architecture, coastal beauty, and rich history provide the perfect atmosphere for a mystery filled with deception and danger. The novel explores the world of theatre and illusion through the eyes of Detective Matthews as he unravels a case where nothing is as it seems.

I loved setting large sections of this book in the theatre, both on stage and behind. Some of my favourite chapters I wrote for this book were the ones where Victor Crown was performing on stage. I could picture myself sat in the audience watching on.

Final Thoughts

With Illusions of Murder, I wanted to capture the wonder and deception of Victorian illusionists while delivering a gripping murder mystery. If you love historical fiction, detective thrillers, and a touch of theatrical magic, I hope this book will transport you to a world where reality is as fragile as the flick of a magician’s wrist.

Have you ever watched a live illusionist or magician perform? Do you think Victorian audiences were more willing to believe in the supernatural than we are today?