The Great Deception

Part of Section W
Published by Magpie
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

LIST PRICE ₹570.00

PRICE MAY VARY BY RETAILER

About The Book

1940. Britain has invaded neutral Iceland, but Daphne Devine has bigger problems. She has sailed into allied territory to track down a clairvoyant suspected of collaborating with the Nazis.

As an undercover operative, Daphne must thread her way through a land steeped in shadow and riddled with secrets. But when a new lead pulls her North into Strandir, land of sorcerers, what she uncovers sets off a deadly chain reaction. The stakes are raised, and suddenly it’s not just her life on the line, but the fate of her entire team.

In a world of deceiving occultists and age-old magic, Daphne must use every ounce of cunning and craft at her disposal to outwit enemy agents if she wants to emerge unscathed and get her team out alive.

About The Author

Syd Moore is best known for her Essex Witch Museum Mysteries (Strange Magic, Strange Sight, Strange Fascination, Strange Tombs and later in 2020, Strange Tricks). The series was shortlisted for the Good Reader Holmes and Watson Award 2018. She has twice been shortlisted for the CWA Short Story Dagger in 2019 and 2020. Her debut screenplay, Witch West, which she developed from an original idea, has been optioned by Hidden Door Productions and will be released in Autumn 2021. She lives in Essex.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Magpie (September 4, 2025)
  • Length: 336 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780861541638

Raves and Reviews

Praise for The Grand Illusion:

'Vivid and thoroughly entertaining... More, please.' Guardian, best crime and thrillers

‘A breathtaking historical thriller.’ Erin Kelly, author of The Skeleton Key

'Quirky, clever and compelling.' Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork Girl

'Sensory and tactile storytelling. Thrilling, compelling and original. An exquisite delight of a novel. Highly recommended.' J.A. Corrigan, author of The Nurse

'In a way, the series is becoming a kind of quirky parallel history, leading the reader to doubt versions of reality with adventures and conspiracies a-plenty … An exhilarating romp with a likeable heroine with a difference, this is simply great fun.' Crimetime review

'The story has some both light-hearted and serious moments, high-stake fights, and tear-jerking conclusions against the backdrop of the wondrous scenery of Iceland that makes the reading worthwhile.' Historical Novels

'Every step of the way is shrouded in mystery, with danger lurking around every corner, and it’s going to take every inch of Daphne’s wit to get herself and her team out alive. It’s the ultimate high-stakes thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.' Essex Life

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