Audiobook Review: The Bullet Catch by John Gaspard

The Bullet Catch
Author: John Gaspard
Narrator: Jim Cunningham
Series: Eli Marks Mysteries (Book 2)
Publication: Spoken Realms (July 3, 2018)
Length: 8 hours and 6 minutes

Description: 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.

My Thoughts: The second Eli Marks mystery begins when he attends his fifteenth class reunion. Eli is recently divorced and "on a break" from his new relationship. He runs into an old crush who is married to another one of their former classmates - one Eli could never stand. 

Eli also reconnects with on old friend who has become a television actor trying to transition to movie actor. The movie is being shot in Minneapolis and, since it concerns the mysterious death of a magician, the friend asks Eli to be his magic consultant. The climax of the film includes a dangerous classic trick called the Bullet Catch which has killed a number of magicians. The actor is afraid that the trick will kill him which will guarantee an audience for the film but not be at all good for him.

When the old crush's husband dies in what looks like a particularly brutal mugging, Eli is there to offer support to the grieving widow. He also gets drawn into the victim's history and business dealings as people around the victim are also being killed. A mysterious character who is filled with movie quotes also interacts with Eli because the first murder victim owed him money and he wants Eli to look into the death. 

I loved the Minneapolis setting. I also loved the group of retired magicians who are friends of his Uncle Harry and who have served as Eli's mentors as he learned to be a magician. I liked the various magic tricks performed. I liked Eli who is smart and observant. 

The narrator did a great job bringing all the various characters to life and illuminating their personalities with his voice. 

I bought this one August 3, 2021. You can buy your copy here.