Book excerpt: Elizabeth's coronation is looming, but the murder of their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright, spoils the happy mood for DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto. A playbill featuring another deceased comrade is found in Colonel Cartwright's possession, along with a playing card, the ace of hearts: the blood card. Max is busy rehearsing for a spectacular coronation day variety show, so it's Edgar who is sent to New York on the trail of a small-town mesmerist who may provide the key - but Sergeant Emma Holmes finds the clue, buried in the files of the Zabini case, which leads them to an anarchist group intent on providing an explosive finale to coronation day. Now it's up to Edgar, Max and Emma to foil the plot, and find out who's been dealing the cards...