When the body of a young woman is found cut into three, DI Edger Stephans recalls a magic trick called the Zig Zag Girl. Its inventor, Max Mephisto, served with Edgar in the war as part of a shadowy unit called the Magic Men.
Max is still on the variety circuit, touring seaside towns in the company of bad comedians and dancing girls. Relucant to get involved, Max changes his mind when the dead woman turns out to be his former stage assistant. Another gruesome death soon follows- and this time both Max and Edgar know the victim.
Then Edgar receives warning of another 'trick' to come. The Wolf Trap is the deadliest illusion of all, but who will be the target?