Name of the Devil - Andrew Mayne

FBI Agent Jessica Blackwood returns in Andrew Mayne's new novel - Name of the Devil.

Blackwood is a unique character - she's a magician turned cop. Mayne's own background as a magician and a family in law enforcement add much to his books.

A new nemesis awaits Jessica this time out. A massacre in a small town church seems to point to spontaneous human combustion, exorcism, madness - and the devil. The residents in town are frightened and local enforcement baffled, so the Bureau is called in. And so is Jessica - to consult. For she sees with a different set of eyes and a different logic. I really enjoy the trickery, the sleight of hand, if you will, that Mayne uses in his plots. I like the behind the scenes, alternate explanations and illusions that Jessica exposes.

Jessica is a likable character. This time around, we get to know a bit more of her background with flashbacks from her childhood. Her magician grandfather is someone who fascinates me - there's much more to the man than simple magic tricks. Another recurring character is Damien, the extremely dangerous, seemingly all seeing man who seems to have his eye on Jessica - watching for her safety and providing her clues in an oblique fashion.

Mayne's plot is intricate, involved and far-reaching in Name of the Devil. Some of it is a wee bit over the top and asks the reader to suspend disbelief. And you should - it fuels an already action-filled read. Mayne has conjured up another great cat and mouse game with a unique protagonist - perfect for summer escapist reading. I loved the ending and will be watching for number three. Read an excerpt of Name of the Devil.

"Andrew Mayne is the star of A and E's magic reality show Don't Trust Andrew Mayne, and has worked with David Copperfield, Penn and Teller, and David Blaine. He lives in Los Angeles." You can connect with him through his website, on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter. See what others on the TLC book tour thought. Full schedule can be found here.