This is a thrilling, nostalgic, and fascinating ‘locked room’ murder mystery that is based on a real life incident that was performed in the presence of some of the world’s greatest illusionists in the States. Perfect for any fan of the Jonathan Creek TV series or fans of novels by John Dickson Carr or Dick Francis who will be hooked; desperate to discover the truth, cleverly disguised with cryptic clues, puzzles and conundrums.
After a creator of magic props is killed with a rifle while alone in a room with all the windows and doors locked a verdict of misadventure is returned by the coroner. His daughter refuses to accept the verdict and calls in a member of the Magic Circle to investigate… All profits from David’s books go to support Alzheimer’s carers.
When Jack Ramsden, a cabinet-maker and designer of stage props for magicians, was preparing his annual illusion for his wife's birthday, he was killed by a shot from a rifle on a stand. The problem was - he was alone in the room when the shot was fired and the door and windows were locked. A verdict of death by misadventure was declared at the inquest. Fourteen years later the official findings are being questioned by at least one member of his family. Professor Giles Dawson, a London historian specialising in magic and the great illusionists, receives a cryptic letter from Laura, Jack Ramsden's daughter whom he knew as a child. The letter urges him to return for her mother's 70th birthday celebrations to help prove that her father's death had been murder. Giles accepts the invitation and, during a weekend fraught with danger, he comes face to face with everyone who was present on the night Jack Ramsden died. Certain entries in the dead man's diary require explanation and a subsequent visit to the United States focusses his mind on the truth behind a mystery of baffling proportions. The Statue of Three Lies is a thrilling 'locked room' murder mystery.
David Cargill was Born in Dumfries and spent his youth in Lockerbie. A teaching career, a lifelong interest in stage magic and the writings of John Dickson Carr kindled his interest in writing. He now lives in Fort William and is a member of the Society of American Magicians.
