A USA Today Bestseller

'[A] well-paced, evocative, and adventurous historical novel…' --Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review

'This is a book in which storylines twist, spiral and come together again in an ending as explosive as a poof of smoke from your chimney… or a top hat.' --Oprah.com

'Smart, intricately plotted… a richly imagined thriller.' --PEOPLE magazine

'This debut novel is historical fiction that blends magic, mystery, and romance.' --Boston Globe, Pick of the Week

'It's a captivating yarn… Macallister, like the Amazing Arden, mesmerizes her audience. No sleight of hand is necessary. An ambitious heroine and a captivating tale are all the magic she needs.' --Washington Post

The Amazing Arden is the most famous female illusionist of her day, renowned for her notorious trick of sawing a man in half on stage. But one night she swaps her trademark saw for an axe.

When Arden's husband is found dead later that night, the answer seems clear, most of all to young policeman Virgil Holt.

Captured and taken into custody, all seems set for Arden's swift confession. But she has a different story to tell. Even handcuffed and alone, Arden is far from powerless, and what she reveals is as unbelievable as it is spellbinding.

A magical and mysterious historical thriller, perfect for fans of The Night Circus and Water for Elephants.

Greer Macallister