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Toby Peters #24
Now You See It
A string of star-studded successes—most recently with Cary Grant in To Catch a Spy and an edgy Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierced—has won Tinseltown detective Toby Peters a bit of local celebrity, and that's something his new client, Harry Blackstone, understands. At the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles, Blackstone is billed as the World's Greatest Living Magician. Of course, should the giant buzz saw in the climax to Blackstone's act cut the beautiful young woman in fact in half, his sterling reputation would be ruined. And someone among the Los Angeles Friends of Magic is decidedly intent upon ruining it—whatever the price, including the life of Toby's prime suspect. Unfortunately, with the corpse count mounting, the evidence is pointing increasingly to Toby's client as the man behind the murders. As always, adding to the wackiness of Toby's investigation are the ungentle dentist Sheldon Minck, wrestler-poet Jeremy Butler, the suave, small-statured Swiss multilingualist Gunter Wherthman, and daffy Mrs. Plaut. But to solve the case, Toby finds he needs someone else—the dashing star of the movie A Thousand and One Nights, Cornel Wilde.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published October 17, 2004
About the author
Stuart M. Kaminsky
162 books216 followersStuart M. Kaminsky wrote 50 published novels, 5 biographies, 4 textbooks and 35 short stories. He also has screenwriting credits on four produced films including ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, ENEMY TERRITORY, A WOMAN IN THE WIND and HIDDEN FEARS. He was a past president of the Mystery Writers of America and was nominated for six prestigious Edgar Allen Poe Awards including one for his short story “Snow” in 1999. He won an Edgar for his novel A COLD RED SUNRISE, which was also awarded the Prix De Roman D’Aventure of France. He was nominated for both a Shamus Award and a McCavity Readers Choice Award.
Kaminsky wrote several popular series including those featuring Lew Fonesca, Abraham Lieberman, Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov, and Toby Peters. He also wrote two original "Rockford Files " novels. He was the 50th annual recipient of the Grandmaster 2006 for Lifetime Achievement from the Mystery Writers of America.
Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievement award) in 2007.
His nonfiction books including BASIC FILMMAKING, WRITING FOR TELEVISION, AMERICAN FILM GENRES, and biographies of GARY COOPER, CLINT EASTWOOD, JOHN HUSTON and DON SIEGEL. BEHIND THE MYSTERY was published by Hot House Press in 2005 and nominated by Mystery Writers of America for Best Critical/Biographical book in 2006.
Kaminsky held a B.S. in Journalism and an M.A. in English from The University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Speech from Northwestern University where he taught for 16 years before becoming a Professor at Florida State. where he headed the Graduate Conservatory in Film and Television Production. He left Florida State in 1994 to pursue full-time writing.
Kaminsky and his wife, Enid Perll, moved to St. Louis, Missouri in March 2009 to await a liver transplant to treat the hepatitis he contracted as an army medic in the late 1950s in France. He suffered a stroke two days after their arrival in St. Louis, which made him ineligible for a transplant. He died on October 9, 2009.
Kaminsky wrote several popular series including those featuring Lew Fonesca, Abraham Lieberman, Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov, and Toby Peters. He also wrote two original "Rockford Files " novels. He was the 50th annual recipient of the Grandmaster 2006 for Lifetime Achievement from the Mystery Writers of America.
Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievement award) in 2007.
His nonfiction books including BASIC FILMMAKING, WRITING FOR TELEVISION, AMERICAN FILM GENRES, and biographies of GARY COOPER, CLINT EASTWOOD, JOHN HUSTON and DON SIEGEL. BEHIND THE MYSTERY was published by Hot House Press in 2005 and nominated by Mystery Writers of America for Best Critical/Biographical book in 2006.
Kaminsky held a B.S. in Journalism and an M.A. in English from The University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Speech from Northwestern University where he taught for 16 years before becoming a Professor at Florida State. where he headed the Graduate Conservatory in Film and Television Production. He left Florida State in 1994 to pursue full-time writing.
Kaminsky and his wife, Enid Perll, moved to St. Louis, Missouri in March 2009 to await a liver transplant to treat the hepatitis he contracted as an army medic in the late 1950s in France. He suffered a stroke two days after their arrival in St. Louis, which made him ineligible for a transplant. He died on October 9, 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 15, 2019
The twenty-fourth and final Toby Peters novel finds Toby and Phil (now partners) working for magician Harry Blackstone. It's vintage Peters in many ways. Famous client. Convoluted mystery. Villain who becomes victim. But you can also see that Kaminsky was trying to clear up at least some things for the end of the series. Toby and Phil will never be best friends as well as brothers. But Phil's presence as a partner makes life easier for Toby, eases things with the police, and has resources that Toby just didn't have. We get a bit of actual background on Mrs. Plautz, not just her fanciful family history. We get some nice closure with Jeremy and Alice and hint of something that may be with Gunther. Unfortunately the last page doesn't have that phone-call or message from the celebrity client that will show up in the next book.
I started my reread (initial read for the last 1/3 of the series) in Feb. of 2014. So every 2 1/2 months or so I've joined Toby and his friends in their adventures. I'm going to miss them. No...they aren't great literature. But they're a fun diversion and Kaminsky makes you care about not just Toby Peters, but also his friends and relations.
So goodbye to you, Toby, Phil, Gunther, Jeremy, Mrs. Plautz, Sheldon, Anita and all the rest. Thanks for the glimpse into your lives.
I started my reread (initial read for the last 1/3 of the series) in Feb. of 2014. So every 2 1/2 months or so I've joined Toby and his friends in their adventures. I'm going to miss them. No...they aren't great literature. But they're a fun diversion and Kaminsky makes you care about not just Toby Peters, but also his friends and relations.
So goodbye to you, Toby, Phil, Gunther, Jeremy, Mrs. Plautz, Sheldon, Anita and all the rest. Thanks for the glimpse into your lives.
June 17, 2012
Disappointed that this was the last book of the Toby Peters series. He must have known it was the last book. In all the others he led into the next book on the last page, and he didn't do it on this one. Very fast, light, entertaining mysteries but you really should start at the first book in the series, "Bullet for a Star" and read them in order.
October 8, 2023
I’d never heard of Harry Blackstone before, but I’m always up for tricksy tales of magicians. This one is suitably contrived.
For the first time (and in the last book), the formula is altered with Toby now in partnership with his brother, Phil. It works okay, but Phil is a little neutered.
Given it’s the last book in the series, I was disappointed there was no end squib for who the next celebrity would have been if there’d been another one.
For the first time (and in the last book), the formula is altered with Toby now in partnership with his brother, Phil. It works okay, but Phil is a little neutered.
Given it’s the last book in the series, I was disappointed there was no end squib for who the next celebrity would have been if there’d been another one.
October 10, 2017
Toby Peters mysteries, by talented author Stuart Kaminsky, are usually less mysterious than they are funny, quick-witted, slightly chaotic literary romps. Now You See It, however, leans much more toward the mystery end of the spectrum, probably because the co-protagonist is none other than that master of prestidigitation, Harry Blackstone. The premise of the Toby Peters series always involves a celebrity from the 30's & 40's (e.g., Cary Grant, W.C. Fields, Bette Davis) employing or otherwise interacting with PI Toby Peters (and, by default, Peters' ensemble of friends and occasional assistants) to resolve some mystery or problem. In this instance, Blackstone has been threatened by a jealous and less skilled magician who apparently wishes to harm the former's sterling reputation.
Eventually however, the bad-guy becomes a victim as well, and it's up to Peters, et. al., to discover and put a stop to the murders. Along the way we are misdirected, just as any good magic trick does, and it's fun to try and figure out the solution before it's revealed. Perhaps the most unique aspect of this book are the simple magic tricks (described and explained) that head each chapter-- fun if you're an amateur magician or just wish to try for some dinnertime entertainment with your family.
All in all, this is a fast-paced and very enjoyable little book, one which fans of the series are bound to want to include in their reading plans.
Eventually however, the bad-guy becomes a victim as well, and it's up to Peters, et. al., to discover and put a stop to the murders. Along the way we are misdirected, just as any good magic trick does, and it's fun to try and figure out the solution before it's revealed. Perhaps the most unique aspect of this book are the simple magic tricks (described and explained) that head each chapter-- fun if you're an amateur magician or just wish to try for some dinnertime entertainment with your family.
All in all, this is a fast-paced and very enjoyable little book, one which fans of the series are bound to want to include in their reading plans.
January 18, 2019
Good mystery and good fun!
Over the years I had listened to or read (and delighted in) all of the Toby Peters mysteries by Stuart M. Kaminsky - or so I thought. I was reading one of my emails that announce "free or cheap" eBooks when I saw "Now You See It" for cheap. "Wait! I don't think I've read that one!" And I was right. Somehow I had missed the very last Toby Peters mystery that Mr. Kaminsky had written. I bought it; I read it; and I was delighted once again.
"Now You See It" has all of our favorite characters - Mrs. Plout, the Butlers, Gunther, Shelley Minck, and the rest. Harry Blackstone is the 40's celebrity in trouble in this tale. And Toby and his brother soon get embroiled in a magical mystery full of murder and mayhem (and a literary pratfall or two).
If you have never read any of the 24 Toby Peters mysteries, start at the beginning with Bullet for a Star and enjoy 24 madcap celebrity-filled mysteries. (And when you finish those, try Mr. Kaminsky's Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov series, which is equally as good.)
Over the years I had listened to or read (and delighted in) all of the Toby Peters mysteries by Stuart M. Kaminsky - or so I thought. I was reading one of my emails that announce "free or cheap" eBooks when I saw "Now You See It" for cheap. "Wait! I don't think I've read that one!" And I was right. Somehow I had missed the very last Toby Peters mystery that Mr. Kaminsky had written. I bought it; I read it; and I was delighted once again.
"Now You See It" has all of our favorite characters - Mrs. Plout, the Butlers, Gunther, Shelley Minck, and the rest. Harry Blackstone is the 40's celebrity in trouble in this tale. And Toby and his brother soon get embroiled in a magical mystery full of murder and mayhem (and a literary pratfall or two).
If you have never read any of the 24 Toby Peters mysteries, start at the beginning with Bullet for a Star and enjoy 24 madcap celebrity-filled mysteries. (And when you finish those, try Mr. Kaminsky's Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov series, which is equally as good.)
May 16, 2021
In a very noir style, Kaminsky spins a tale of blackmail and murder around Harry Blackstone in 1945 LA. Kaminsky cranked out a bunch of books, 24 of them in this detective series (of which, this was the last), and lots of influential film scripts and many years as a college film professor.
Blackstone turns out to be a key in the solution to the crimes, while also being the apparent primary intended victim. Kaminsky uses real events in his novels, beginning this one with a description of the real event where Harry led an entire audience safely out of a theater that had started to burn. The rest of the story is filled with LA movie lore and characters.
The writing, in that noir style, is clunky and didn't inspire me to read more of the 23 others in the series... ok, there is one that appears to be about clowns, so I might try that one.
Blackstone turns out to be a key in the solution to the crimes, while also being the apparent primary intended victim. Kaminsky uses real events in his novels, beginning this one with a description of the real event where Harry led an entire audience safely out of a theater that had started to burn. The rest of the story is filled with LA movie lore and characters.
The writing, in that noir style, is clunky and didn't inspire me to read more of the 23 others in the series... ok, there is one that appears to be about clowns, so I might try that one.
September 21, 2014
The last in the Toby Peters series ends on a solid note. It doesn't have quite the same sense of loopy humor that some of the earlier entries did, but this is offset by an expanded relationship between Toby and his brother Phil. I also liked the ending and the fact that Stuart Kaminsky broaches the subject of how war usually changes (read: traumatizes) those who have to fight, even if we view them as heroes back home.
December 14, 2019
Had to give it a 5, the end of the 24 book series I've been working on slowly for decades, it was a great series in all and ended well. Sad to see it end....
March 1, 2025
I came to the Toby Peters series after reading the Rostnikov and Lieberman series. I never felt that Toby's books were as good; maybe it's because they were Kaminsky's first efforts in the mystery genre. But that's not to say they're not enjoyable. I ended up reading most of them this past year, and now I've reached the bittersweet ending, knowing that there will never be another Toby. Kaminsky must have realized that he was wrapping it up, because the book doesn't end with a teaser like all the previous volumes do. Toby and his supporting cast grow on you after a while, although some can be annoying (brother Phil, or nosy Mrs. Plaut). It doesn't always matter if the plot is plausible, with seemingly all of Hollywood at Toby's doorstep. This book is mostly about Blackstone the magician, but Cornel Wilde also plays a part, and if you don't blink you might see Tony Perkins as well.
This plot is about a second-tier magician who has a grudge against Blackstone. Several people are killed, and Toby is often in danger. Each chapter opens with a magic trick you can do at home, taken from Blackstone himself. Near the end of the series, Kaminsky got rid of at least one returning character, and had Toby officially start working with his ex-cop brother, Phil. This is their first big adventure. Oddly, Kaminsky had Toby move to new offices twice in the last 3 books - he seems to have forgotten the first move. Another capstone to the series is when Toby allows Sheldon Minck to fix a broken tooth! If you haven't read any Toby Peters books, do yourself a favor and start with book one. Each book can be read independently, and Kaminsky always inserts little explanations for those who joined in late, but the series has a nice progression over 24 books.
This plot is about a second-tier magician who has a grudge against Blackstone. Several people are killed, and Toby is often in danger. Each chapter opens with a magic trick you can do at home, taken from Blackstone himself. Near the end of the series, Kaminsky got rid of at least one returning character, and had Toby officially start working with his ex-cop brother, Phil. This is their first big adventure. Oddly, Kaminsky had Toby move to new offices twice in the last 3 books - he seems to have forgotten the first move. Another capstone to the series is when Toby allows Sheldon Minck to fix a broken tooth! If you haven't read any Toby Peters books, do yourself a favor and start with book one. Each book can be read independently, and Kaminsky always inserts little explanations for those who joined in late, but the series has a nice progression over 24 books.
May 22, 2024
The final Toby Peters mystery. I'm kind'a bummed that it's over, as I found them to be 24 magical trips to Golden Age Hollywood.
Mandrake the Magician needs Toby's help.
Now, for the first time, Toby has a new partner: his brother, Phil. Phil was forced out of the police force, after achieving captain, then re-achieving Lieutenant. His tendency to explain himself to criminals in a physical way finally became too politically risky. And his ex-office mater, Sheldon Minck, became rich in the previous book, though still practicing dentistry... badly. Everyone else remains pretty much unchanged.
The same level of thrills and adventure, mystery and danger. People are killed and people are saved. It's a fun time and I'm sad to see it go.
Mandrake the Magician needs Toby's help.
Now, for the first time, Toby has a new partner: his brother, Phil. Phil was forced out of the police force, after achieving captain, then re-achieving Lieutenant. His tendency to explain himself to criminals in a physical way finally became too politically risky. And his ex-office mater, Sheldon Minck, became rich in the previous book, though still practicing dentistry... badly. Everyone else remains pretty much unchanged.
The same level of thrills and adventure, mystery and danger. People are killed and people are saved. It's a fun time and I'm sad to see it go.
November 14, 2022
Not as quite as entertaining as some of the other Toby Peters' books. It might be that the protagonist, Harry Blackstone, was just not as interesting as some of the others that have wandered into Peters' world. The book does have a very good conclusion if you can stay with it during some dull stretches. Definitely need to be a fan of Toby Peters to enjoy this one.
October 21, 2018
A library book sale find. Interesting twist on a detective/mystery story. Magicians with magic tricks at the start of each chapter. (I didn't read all of those as they held no bearing on the outcome. Ill definitely seek other Kaminsky books!
June 24, 2020
Who knew that Toby and his brother Phil would ever share an office. In this book they seem to actually work well together. Again, Kaminsky has written an entertaining period mystery with twists and turns. The usual characters grace the pages with the addition of some quirky magicians.
August 3, 2021
Overall the series was a collection of very enjoyable reads. This last one, with magician Harry Blackstone, wasn't my favorite. But I'm left wanting more. I'll have to try Mr. Kaminsky's other series, although I doubt they'll be anywhere near as much fun as Toby Peters.
May 23, 2018
Harry Blackstone
August 21, 2024
Conclusão dos mistérios de Toby Peters.
Longa mas nunca aborrecida. Hard boiled tradicional no seu melhor.
Longa mas nunca aborrecida. Hard boiled tradicional no seu melhor.
January 13, 2026
Well, this is the last one Kaminsky wrote in this series. Now I'll have to spend the rest of my life thinking about what happened next. It left it in a good spot, but I wish there were more.
August 2, 2015
#24 and finale of the Toby Peters series by late author Stuart M. Kaminsky (1934-2009).
Toby Peters, now in partnership with his brother Phil, contracts to prevent threatened harm from celebrated magician Harry Blackstone in WWII Los Angeles. Along the way are varied murders; help and hindrance from the usual cast of supporting characters; and, Hollywood encounters with Phil Silvers and Cornel Wilde.
Toby Peters, now in partnership with his brother Phil, contracts to prevent threatened harm from celebrated magician Harry Blackstone in WWII Los Angeles. Along the way are varied murders; help and hindrance from the usual cast of supporting characters; and, Hollywood encounters with Phil Silvers and Cornel Wilde.
April 16, 2016
Toby Peters, now in partnership with his ex-cop brother Phil, is hired by magician Harry Blackstone to find out what a hostile amateur has planned to cause trouble. The amateur is murdered, in a way that leaves Blackstone as the only possible culprit. Toby has to find a murderer whose abilities are little short of magical. Both the place and time period (World War II Los Angeles) are important.
June 10, 2009
Kaminsky always has a cute premise for his mysteries, and the execution is usually solid. But he must write quickly and without revision: as a typesetter, I never saw ANY other author who made so many mistakes and let them get through to a finished book. TP's large-print versions are much cleaner than the original editions.
June 7, 2015
This is the last Toby Peters book - and the first I've ever read. It was fun but the ending was a little flat. With stage-magic as a primary element I expected the ending to have some kind of magical twist to it. It did not.
However, the characters are fun and the tone light-hearted. I'll read more Toby Peters in the future.
However, the characters are fun and the tone light-hearted. I'll read more Toby Peters in the future.
May 3, 2011
This is very possibly the best Toby Peters story that I have read.Toby and his brother,Phil,are now partners.They are hired by Harry Blackstone to help guard him after he receives threats on his life.One nice touch is the magic tricks at the beginning of each chapter.
June 30, 2009
Toby Peters w/ Harry Blackstone
December 28, 2009
Very Good; Continuing character: Toby Peters; magician Harry Blackstone hires Peters to protect him from threats from a rival magician, who turns up dead with Blackstone the prime suspect
June 9, 2010
Soooo boring. It was probably fun to write. Every chapter begins with a magic trick. Ugh. Thought I would never finish it. I am done with the Toby Peters series!
September 20, 2013
The writing style felt different for some reason.
November 16, 2015
Didn't enjoy it as much as the others. Either the author got tired of writing them or I got tired of reading them.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews