Magic is something I know almost nothing about. Luckily, my guest today, John Gaspard, who is a filmmaker as well as a writer, is here to talk about his magician-sleuth Eli Marks.

After John and I spoke I began reading the first book in the Eli Marks series and I love it. Eli is witty and smart, and in a heap of trouble in the first book, The Ambitious Card. Eli strikes me as a deeply thoughtful guy, someone who tries to see what's going on behind the obvious, which is perhaps a perfect metaphor for what detectives and amateur sleuths - and magicians! - do. I suspect Eli is a bit like his creator, John, who was fun to chat with and clearly loves his writing hobby (he explains that he doesn't like to think of it as a job).

If you like cozy mysteries with well-drawn characters and a sense of humour, I think you'll like John's Eli Marks series.

In the intro I mention that Skype was acting up on the day I interviewed John, so I hope the slightly bumpy audio isn't too annoying for you listeners. I may have to beg John to come back on the show in January 2018 when his next book is released, so we can have a chat without having to deal with Skype's idiosyncrasies.

You can find out more about today's guest, John Gaspard, and all his books on his website Fast Cheap Movie Thoughts. You can also find him on Twitter @johngaspard and on Facebook.

This podcast episode is sponsored by the free mystery novella, Charlie Horse.

1890. Frontier British Columbia. When one of her students is accused of a crime, will new schoolteacher Julia Thom be able to prove his innocence?

For a limited time you can click here, or on the cover image at right to get your free copy.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

* Click on any of the book covers to go to John's books on Amazon

* John mentions his magician mentor Suzanne's appearance on Penn and Teller's show, Fool Us. Click here to see that. [8 mins]

* John's blog, Fast, Cheap Movie Thoughts

* John's podcast, Fast, Cheap Movie Talk

Press play (above) to listen to the show, or read the transcript below. Remember you can also subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. And listen on Stitcher.

You can also click here to watch the interview on YouTube.

Transcription of Interview with John Gaspard

Alexandra: Hi, everyone. Welcome to "It's A Mystery" podcast. I'm Alexandra Amor, and I'm here today with John Gaspard. Hi, John!

John: Hello, how are you doing?

Alexandra: Very well, how are you?

John: Good.

Alexandra: Good, thank you for being here.