Magician Max Mephisto is on his way to visit his daughter Ruby and her newborn baby when he is hailed by a voice from the past: fellow performer Ted English, a.k.a. the Great Deceiver. Ted's assistant Cherry has been found dead in her Brighton boarding house, and he's convinced that he'll be accused of her murder. Max agrees to talk to his friend Superintendent Edgar Stephens, who is investigating the case. What Max doesn't know is that Cherry's family have hired private detective duo Emma Holmes (a.k.a. Mrs Stephens) and Sam Collins to do some digging of their own. When a second magician's assistant is killed, Edgar suspects a serial killer. He has the wild idea of persuading Max to come out of semi-retirement and take part in a summer show. But who can pose as his assistant? Edgar shocks him with his recommendation...… (more)