Magic has captivated human imagination since ancient times. It has often been associated with awe and wonder, as conjurers perform seemingly impossible feats, leaving audiences amazed and perplexed. However, there is a darker side to magic that has also intrigued people throughout history – murder by magic. The idea of using magic to commit murder has been explored in various myths, legends, and works of fiction. In these stories, magic is depicted as a powerful tool that can be used to inflict harm and even death upon others. From cursed objects to lethal spells, the possibilities of murder by magic seem endless.
Hannah's husband Luke tells police his wife had an affair with florist Rhodri Probert. At the pub, Nelson finds an envelope containing £2,000, casting doubt on Luke's claims that the business was struggling. Curate Andrew Maplin admits sending hate mail to Gideon but says he only wanted to put an end to the magic.
Pub landlady Hannah Altman is crushed to death whilst assisting illusionist Gideon Latimer at a charity magic show to raise funds for Midsomer Oaks church. Landlady Hannah Altman is crushed to death by a giant Perspex box during a magic show by famous illusionist Gideon Latimer aimed at raising funds for St Cyprian s Church.
From cursed objects to lethal spells, the possibilities of murder by magic seem endless. One example of murder by magic can be found in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." In this tragedy, the character of Lady Macbeth uses witchcraft to manipulate her husband into committing murder.
Recap / Midsomer Murders S 17 E 2
Murder by Magic is the second episode of the seventeenth series of Midsomer Murders and was originally shown on 4th February 2015.
Pub landlady Hannah Altman is crushed to death whilst assisting illusionist Gideon Latimer at a charity magic show to raise funds for Midsomer Oaks church. The trick was sabotaged, suggesting that Gideon was the intended victim. He had received hate mail linking his act to Satanism and a particularly vocal critic is zealous curate Andrew Maplin. Certain robed figures conduct midnight rituals in the grounds of Gideon's mansion, once owned by an eighteenth century pagan and one of them kills Andrew, leaving his corpse on a stone altar. Hannah was having an affair as is Gideon's wife Annabel, widening the list of suspects, whilst the vicar's wife Lorna Soane is revealed as a descendant of the eighteenth century pagan. There is another slaying before DCI Barnaby works out who committed murder by magic.
By calling upon evil spirits, she is able to convince Macbeth to kill King Duncan and seize the throne. While the murder is ultimately carried out by human hands, it is the dark magic that sets the events in motion. Another famous example of murder by magic is found in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. In these books, the Killing Curse, known as Avada Kedavra, is a spell that instantly causes death. It is wielded by dark wizards and witches to eliminate their enemies. While the books are works of fiction, they highlight the idea that magic possesses the potential for both good and evil. While murder by magic may be a popular theme in mythology and literature, it is important to note that magic itself is not real. It is merely a product of human imagination and storytelling. However, the fascination with murder by magic can be seen as an exploration of the power dynamics and ethical considerations surrounding such supernatural abilities. In conclusion, murder by magic is a captivating concept that has been explored in various myths, legends, and works of fiction. From Shakespeare's "Macbeth" to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, magic has been depicted as a tool that can be used to inflict harm and even death upon others. While magic itself is not real, the theme of murder by magic allows us to explore deeper questions about power, morality, and the human imagination..
Reviews for "Sorcery and Slaughter: The Link Between Magic and Murder"
- Laura R. - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Murder by Magic" as I am a big fan of mystery novels, but I was left disappointed. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to become invested in their stories. The plot was also predictable and lacked any real twists or surprises. I felt like I was just trudging along waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never did. Overall, "Murder by Magic" fell flat for me and I would not recommend it to fellow mystery lovers.
- John M. - 1 star - I couldn't even get through the first chapter of "Murder by Magic" before putting it down. The writing was incredibly juvenile and the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. The protagonist was completely unrelatable and I found myself not caring about what happened to him. The story seemed to be going nowhere and lacked any kind of depth. I was very disappointed with this book and will not be giving it another chance.
- Sarah W. - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Murder by Magic" as I enjoy both mystery and fantasy genres, but unfortunately, the combination in this book did not work for me. The magic elements felt forced and did not seamlessly blend into the story. The mystery itself was lackluster and the resolution felt rushed and unsatisfying. The writing style was average at best and didn't captivate my attention. Overall, "Murder by Magic" was a disappointment and I wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a captivating mystery with magical elements.
- Michael P. - 2 stars - I found "Murder by Magic" to be quite underwhelming. The pacing was off, with the story dragging in some places and rushing through important moments in others. The characters felt one-dimensional, lacking any real depth or complexity. The magic system, while interesting in theory, wasn't well-developed and left me with more questions than answers. Overall, the book failed to hold my attention and left me feeling unsatisfied. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling mystery novel.