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The Magician
A killer focused on the occult. Affluent victims in Boston targeted. An FBI agent tangled in the killer’s deadly game.
Right before Halloween, FBI Agent Kate Walsh receives a letter from a man calling himself The Magician. He’s already started his murderous rampage. The killer is using the tarot to choose his victims and wants Kate as his adversary in his deadly game…or does he? She might just be his next victim.
With changing victim type and method of murder, Kate and her partner Declan have a hard time zeroing in on the killer. Feeling like they are always one step behind, Kate puts her feelings for the occult aside and starts studying the tarot to see if she can anticipate the next victims. Even if she has an idea who he might target, Kate is unable to stop him. A visit to Salem connects Kate with an ancient order dating back to the Witch Trials, but is the killer connected?
When two of the city’s most prominent citizens are kidnapped and the looming threat of a bombing hangs over Kate’s head, the race is on to bring the killer to justice any way she can. With the clock ticking, Kate and Delcan must use every tool in their investigative arsenal to disrupt the killer’s bloodthirsty plans.
If you like riveting crime fiction and the thrill of the chase, read The Magician as a standalone or as book #8 in the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller series.
Right before Halloween, FBI Agent Kate Walsh receives a letter from a man calling himself The Magician. He’s already started his murderous rampage. The killer is using the tarot to choose his victims and wants Kate as his adversary in his deadly game…or does he? She might just be his next victim.
With changing victim type and method of murder, Kate and her partner Declan have a hard time zeroing in on the killer. Feeling like they are always one step behind, Kate puts her feelings for the occult aside and starts studying the tarot to see if she can anticipate the next victims. Even if she has an idea who he might target, Kate is unable to stop him. A visit to Salem connects Kate with an ancient order dating back to the Witch Trials, but is the killer connected?
When two of the city’s most prominent citizens are kidnapped and the looming threat of a bombing hangs over Kate’s head, the race is on to bring the killer to justice any way she can. With the clock ticking, Kate and Delcan must use every tool in their investigative arsenal to disrupt the killer’s bloodthirsty plans.
If you like riveting crime fiction and the thrill of the chase, read The Magician as a standalone or as book #8 in the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller series.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2024
205 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Stacy M. Jones
47 books147 followersStacy M. Jones is a criminologist turned crime novelist whose thrillers pulse with a realism that only decades working with law enforcement can bring. That firsthand experience fuels her fiction, stories rooted in authentic criminal psychology, human complexity, and high-stakes emotion.
Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.
Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.
To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/
Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.
Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.
To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 27, 2024
I received an ARC of this book with no obligation to leave a review but of course I am.
I found this series earlier this year and loved it from the first chapter. Like the others The Magician keeps the same pace, poor Declan and Kate don’t get too much down time between the murders. This one involved some supernatural- Salem Mass and Tarot cards. They were tied so well into the storyline and how it all linked together.
While I like the character of Leo, he still worries me as an obstacle between Kate and Declan, especially now that he’s a neighbor. While he’s not doing anything to hinder their relationship, Kate’s feelings for him may be the problem down the road
Another great book in this fast paced series.
I found this series earlier this year and loved it from the first chapter. Like the others The Magician keeps the same pace, poor Declan and Kate don’t get too much down time between the murders. This one involved some supernatural- Salem Mass and Tarot cards. They were tied so well into the storyline and how it all linked together.
While I like the character of Leo, he still worries me as an obstacle between Kate and Declan, especially now that he’s a neighbor. While he’s not doing anything to hinder their relationship, Kate’s feelings for him may be the problem down the road
Another great book in this fast paced series.
August 24, 2024
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Kate and Declan just finishing carving pumpkins when Leo arrives. Leo has finished training and he has something that Spade sent for Kate. When opened, it portrays a threat with regard to Tarot cards. The message states that he intends to kill individuals associated with each of the “major” series unless Kate stops him. Sin a short time, an individual has died from falling from a building and a Tarot card was discovered on his body. After Kate, Declan, Leo and the rest of the team arrived at the scene they had no luck discovering any evidence. Later, 3 more deaths could be attributed to the killer. With no luck in finding any evidence, Kate and Declan went to Salem, Mass. To learn more about the occult as well as how these cards played a part.
While at this location, they did develop information helpful to the case as well as identify a potential suspect. With this information things began to look brighter, but something discovered at a house that searched killed that hope. They finally received information that provided them with who was responsible.
To discover how the killer was able to get his victims, why what and where his latest individual was to be killed, who was behind it and what final clue broke the case wide open then you need to read this book.
This story begins with Kate and Declan just finishing carving pumpkins when Leo arrives. Leo has finished training and he has something that Spade sent for Kate. When opened, it portrays a threat with regard to Tarot cards. The message states that he intends to kill individuals associated with each of the “major” series unless Kate stops him. Sin a short time, an individual has died from falling from a building and a Tarot card was discovered on his body. After Kate, Declan, Leo and the rest of the team arrived at the scene they had no luck discovering any evidence. Later, 3 more deaths could be attributed to the killer. With no luck in finding any evidence, Kate and Declan went to Salem, Mass. To learn more about the occult as well as how these cards played a part.
While at this location, they did develop information helpful to the case as well as identify a potential suspect. With this information things began to look brighter, but something discovered at a house that searched killed that hope. They finally received information that provided them with who was responsible.
To discover how the killer was able to get his victims, why what and where his latest individual was to be killed, who was behind it and what final clue broke the case wide open then you need to read this book.
August 26, 2024
Is this the final challenge?
With the newest serial killer seeming to have Kate in his sights as adversary - or maybe victim - things look rather grim for our favourite FBI team.
Obfuscation is the name of the game with this killer, and it could just be a winning tactic.
As always, Jones' characters draw you into the story, keeping you invested and turning pages till the oh-so-important resolution.
I loved this one and am already looking forward to the next.
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions above are given freely and are entirely my own.]
With the newest serial killer seeming to have Kate in his sights as adversary - or maybe victim - things look rather grim for our favourite FBI team.
Obfuscation is the name of the game with this killer, and it could just be a winning tactic.
As always, Jones' characters draw you into the story, keeping you invested and turning pages till the oh-so-important resolution.
I loved this one and am already looking forward to the next.
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions above are given freely and are entirely my own.]
August 27, 2024
I didn't know what to expect from this story but it is the epitome of mankind at its worst. The murders are more horrendous than in the other books in his series. The victims match an ancient deck of tarot cards. Kate, Declan, and the newest member of the team, Leo, have a difficult job figuring out this mystery. The research is excellent and storytelling suburb. In the end, it seems they have the murder but there is a surprise you won't guess. I received an advance copy. I choose to write this review.
August 28, 2024
This is another fast-paced book that I raced through. This time Kate, Declan and Leo are on the case when there's a murder with a tarot card left behind. Kate also gets a letter from the killer who is calling himself The Magician.
The subject matter had me hooked and the links back to Salem were intriguing. The kidnappings and bomb threat just added to the tension which was already palpable and there's still time for some twists just when I thought things were coming together nicely.
This is one of the best series around and I look forward to reading many more.
The subject matter had me hooked and the links back to Salem were intriguing. The kidnappings and bomb threat just added to the tension which was already palpable and there's still time for some twists just when I thought things were coming together nicely.
This is one of the best series around and I look forward to reading many more.
August 24, 2024
What a wild ride! This series is so good and just keeps getting better! The storylines are always so interesting! Kate and Declan’s most recent case has them tracking an elusive killer who’s using a Tarot deck as the basis for his murders, leaving behind a Tarot card at the scene of his crimes. This may just be the most cunning killer Kate and Declan have ever hunted. The tension ratchets up as the body count rises, keeping you on the edge of your seat! A riveting, action packed read!
September 7, 2024
I received this book as a gift. However this fact has not influenced my opinion. Including something as controversial as tarot cards only goes to how talented a writer Stacy M. Jones really is. Not everyone can pull this off, believe me. The plot is pure deranged evil and the way to the culprit is long and windy – just as it should be. Kate, Declan and Leo are a great trio and I hope they have a lot of crime to solve in the future.
August 25, 2024
I’m absolutely enthralled with this series. I love the characters and the story lines are so creative and unique. There is enough action and tension to keep the reader turning the pages long into the night! This series is well worth your time in reading but it’s definitely best to begin with book one. The character development is excellent. Highly recommended.
August 27, 2024
Highly Recommend
This book was so good, I had a hard time putting it down. Extremely well written with strong characters & storylines. I am amazed at the writing talent of this author. Each book I have read (I’ve read them all so far) is absolutely awesome. I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!!
This book was so good, I had a hard time putting it down. Extremely well written with strong characters & storylines. I am amazed at the writing talent of this author. Each book I have read (I’ve read them all so far) is absolutely awesome. I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!!
April 4, 2025
a Trio NOT a threesome
Ok again the story lines/plots are well thought out and fairly intricate and evolved. Leo’s character is a little less exciting, less dashing and free spirited working with the law, but, and I think it is a positive that he seems to be here to stay! Has to an engagement soon!
Ok again the story lines/plots are well thought out and fairly intricate and evolved. Leo’s character is a little less exciting, less dashing and free spirited working with the law, but, and I think it is a positive that he seems to be here to stay! Has to an engagement soon!
August 24, 2024
Stacy M Jones has done it again. The Kate Walsh series is one of my absolute favorites. The development of the characters is amazing and the storylines keep me up way too late each time a new story comes out. Hoping for many many more!!!!
August 25, 2024
Unputdownable!
Kate and Declan find themselves in a race against time and the dark arts in a game of deadly catch up whilst The Magician calls the shots. The plot line, is full to the brim with twists, turns and dead ends. This book is a must read, heart pounding, hold your breath, page turner.
Kate and Declan find themselves in a race against time and the dark arts in a game of deadly catch up whilst The Magician calls the shots. The plot line, is full to the brim with twists, turns and dead ends. This book is a must read, heart pounding, hold your breath, page turner.
September 1, 2024
This was such a outstanding book, it blew my mind. There are a lot of twists and turns, just when you think you've got it figured out well boom you don't. This whole series is great, but this one was absolutely excellent.
September 1, 2024
Compelling and frightening!
It's hard to pick a favorite, but this was one of the best. This series doesn't lose steam as it goes on, it's more intense in every way. The strong, resourceful characters continue to thrill and resolve whatever puzzle they face. We'll done!
It's hard to pick a favorite, but this was one of the best. This series doesn't lose steam as it goes on, it's more intense in every way. The strong, resourceful characters continue to thrill and resolve whatever puzzle they face. We'll done!
September 6, 2024
Agent Walsh at it again
What a great read. Excellent story, fascinating twists, just great.
The team with Phantom as an equal partner is really coming together.
Question remains, can someone hold a grudge for something that happened over 300 years ago?
What a great read. Excellent story, fascinating twists, just great.
The team with Phantom as an equal partner is really coming together.
Question remains, can someone hold a grudge for something that happened over 300 years ago?
September 14, 2024
Another hit from Stacy Jones! This one held my attention and I finished it in just a couple of days. Great book! The incorporation of Salem and tarot really caught my attention, especially right here at the beginning of the fall season.
September 29, 2024
So enjoyable!
I thoroughly enjoy all of the Kate Walsh books. This one had some extra twists. I was able to figure out most of them, but not all. Looking forward to the next one! Thanks Stacy for keeping me reading!
I thoroughly enjoy all of the Kate Walsh books. This one had some extra twists. I was able to figure out most of them, but not all. Looking forward to the next one! Thanks Stacy for keeping me reading!
October 13, 2024
Another page-turner from Stacy Joones
This is one of the most “keeps-you-guessing” books ever! Twists and turns throughout, putting Kate and Declan’s skills to the test. Don’t miss The Magician!
This is one of the most “keeps-you-guessing” books ever! Twists and turns throughout, putting Kate and Declan’s skills to the test. Don’t miss The Magician!
November 12, 2024
I loved the whole Kate Walsh series and this new one does not disappoint. It is suspenseful and the action does not let up until the very surprise ending. I'm looking forward to a 9th installment in the adventures of Kate. Declan and Leo.
February 18, 2025
Stacy Jones does it again. This book was CRAZY!!! Kate Walsh and Declan James are in a race to find a serial killer who is using Tarot cards as clues.
I can’t wait to read the next Kaye Walsh and Declan James book
I can’t wait to read the next Kaye Walsh and Declan James book
March 5, 2025
Ridiculous, even for this series
This series is a suspend your disbelief kind of deal. But the story here is disjointed, nonsensical, and over the top. Too many plot holes and loose ends rear their heads.
This series is a suspend your disbelief kind of deal. But the story here is disjointed, nonsensical, and over the top. Too many plot holes and loose ends rear their heads.
March 14, 2025
Monsters are out there.
Katie and Declan search for monsters in plain sight in this on the edge of your seat mystery. I found that unlike previous books, this one cant be laid down while you run an errand, a page turner till the end.
Katie and Declan search for monsters in plain sight in this on the edge of your seat mystery. I found that unlike previous books, this one cant be laid down while you run an errand, a page turner till the end.
August 24, 2024
Great read.
Whew. This was really fast moving and had me guessing all the way. Lots of tension and action. I very much enjoyed it.
Whew. This was really fast moving and had me guessing all the way. Lots of tension and action. I very much enjoyed it.
August 26, 2024
A killer is leaving tarot cards with his victims and daring Kate to catch him.
I know little about tarot but enjoyed the linking of the victims to the cards.
I know little about tarot but enjoyed the linking of the victims to the cards.
August 28, 2024
Great continuation!
I really enjoyed this novel, the continuation of the Kate Walsh series. The favorite characters were there in a new situation and the action was gripping.
I really enjoyed this novel, the continuation of the Kate Walsh series. The favorite characters were there in a new situation and the action was gripping.
August 28, 2024
As always a thrilling read, that I rush through much too quickly because I need to know the answer.
December 5, 2024
complex and riveting
Kept me on the edge of my seat. Very well written. No detail left out. Well researched and believable. Highly recommend.
Kept me on the edge of my seat. Very well written. No detail left out. Well researched and believable. Highly recommend.
May 6, 2025
Great read!!
Every book by Stacy Jones has been amazing! Holds your interest and keeps you wanting to read just one more chapter! This one was no exception!
Every book by Stacy Jones has been amazing! Holds your interest and keeps you wanting to read just one more chapter! This one was no exception!
July 24, 2025
I couldn’t put the book down.
A very interesting book, it has everything, mystery, murder, suspense, and witchcraft. All mixed together it made for a very interesting read.
A very interesting book, it has everything, mystery, murder, suspense, and witchcraft. All mixed together it made for a very interesting read.
October 3, 2025
WOW! Just when you think you've figured it out...wham....another twist. Great book!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews