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Mister Magic

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Brought to you by Penguin.

Who is Mister Magic? Former child stars reunite to uncover the tragedy that ended their show - and discover the secret of its enigmatic host - in this dark supernatural thriller from the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Hide.

Thirty years after a tragic accident shut down production of the classic children's program Mister Magic, the five surviving cast members have done their best to move on. But just as generations of cultishly devoted fans still cling to the lessons they learned from the show, the cast, known as the Circle of Friends, have spent their lives searching for the happiness they felt while they were on it. The friendship. The feeling of belonging. And the protection of Mister Magic.

But with no surviving video of the show, no evidence of who directed or produced it, and no records of who - or what - the beloved host actually was, memories are all the former circle of friends have.

Then a twist of fate brings the castmates back together at the remote desert filming compound that feels like it's been waiting for them all this time. Even though they haven't seen each other for years, they somehow understand one another better than anyone has since.

After all, they're the only ones who hold the secret of that circle, the mystery of the magic man in his infinitely black cape, and, maybe, the answers to what really happened on that deadly last day. But as the Circle of Friends reclaim parts of their past, they begin to wonder: Are they here by choice, or have they been lured into a trap?

Because magic never forgets the taste of your friendship. . . .

©2023 Kiersten White (P)2023 Penguin Audio

 Fantasy Fiction Horror Supernatural Suspense Thriller & Suspense Scary Paranormal Magic Ghost Haunted

Critic reviews

A suspenseful, spooky tale that resonates with contemporary anxieties
Kiersten White gave me a serious case of the heebie-jeebies that I couldn't shake long after I'd put this book down! The sense of dread starts off as a whisper and builds into a full-blown scream as pieces of the mystery surrounding Mister Magic fall into place in this terrifying novel. It had me questioning and requestioning my childhood memories and television shows during this suspenseful, creepy ride.
IT meets The Stepford Wives in this wildly compelling story that explores whether or not it's possible to recapture the magic of childhood friendship, and what happens when you discover the darkness hiding underneath your memories. White's writing is guaranteed to hook you. Be careful cracking this open; Mister Magic will pull you in like a riptide.
In this skin-crawling story of pop-cult fandom and 90s nostalgia, White fully delivers on her gripping premise: the troubled reunion, thirty years later, of the cast of a magical kids' show that exists only in its viewers' memories. Mister Magic walks the twilit line between wonder and terror where all the best childhood games are played.
I found myself thoroughly drawn in by Mister Magic, a unique thriller with a compelling cast of characters whose past hides long-buried secrets.
Few books I've read capture the wonder and terror of childhood as brilliantly as Mister Magic. Both creepy and profoundly nostalgic, it's guaranteed to unsettle anyone who grew up with Barney, Sesame Street, or other children's shows - or anyone who's ever been a child. This book gave me nightmares in the best possible way.
Mister Magic is a propulsive, exciting, often genuinely scary, endlessly compelling mystery. Imagine a trip through Twin Peaks by way of Stranger Things and Stephen King's IT.
All stars
Most relevant
One of the best books I’ve read in some time.

I almost want to describe Mister Magic as a slow-burn horror thriller, but it’s more a steady simmer. Don’t expect cheap jump scares or other copy and paste tactics. Instead, Mister Magic unfolds inexorably from start to finish as the main character immerses herself in the forgotten past she has spent her life in hiding from.

The characters are 3 dimensional and the pacing is good. Don’t expect nail-biting terror, but instead this is more like an insidious intrigue. A good book all around.

An instant favourite

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A brilliant premise about a children’s tv magic show reunion. A little steady to get going but then takes off and full of slowly building clues. A Twin Peaks feel at times. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending but it doesn’t detract overall and I have enjoyed it. Would make a great TV show or movie. Very unique. Although it is dark at times I’m pleased it didn’t veer into the darkness gratuitously and kept its message clear and strong. A very satisfying epilogue. I finished in a day and a half so I imagine the book version is unputdownable.

Really enthralling premise about a magic show

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This book is great fun, with more catharsis and depth than I expected. Recommend for fans of Stephen King’s It.

Cathartic and satisfying horror

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