Mister Magic

A Novel

De: Kiersten White

Narrado por: Rebecca Lowman, Kiersten White

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • 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 “skin-crawling story of pop culture fandom and ‘90s nostalgia” (Melissa Albert, author of The Hazel Woods) from the author of Hide.

“[A] propulsive, exciting, often genuinely scary, endlessly compelling mystery.”—Terry Miles, author of Rabbits

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: PopSugar, Polygon, Chicago Public Library, CrimeReads

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 has.

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 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 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“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.”—Terry Miles, author of Rabbits

“In this skin-crawling story of pop culture fandom and ’90s nostalgia, Kiersten 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.”—Melissa Albert, New York Times bestselling author of The Hazel Wood

“It meets The Stepford Wives in this wildly compelling story that explores whether 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.”—Mallory O’Meara,  Los Angeles Times bestselling author of The Lady from the Black Lagoon

WONDERFULLY WRITTEN

there were so many great twists and turns in this. I cannot wait to see what else the author has in store for me to listen to.

This was good

I liked this. It’s like “It” meets 80s
Saturday mornings’ “One To Grow On”.
(IFYKYK)
It started to get a bit emo in the third act but overall I wasn’t disappointed with the ending. Dare I say I even liked it.
Yay me for not immediately wanting to return yet another Audible book.

Candle Cove but way better in every way

If you liked that creepy pasta "Candle Cove" but craved more of a story line, this book is all that and better! It also addresses childhood trauma that applies to people from strict upbringings and generational trauma. Truly a great audiobook. performed beautifully as well

Best book of the year by far

It is hard to put into words the magic of this novel. It is atmospheric, mysterious and sinister. It evoked memories for me of a real show I watched growing up that I had long forgotten. The ultimate conclusion of the novel that shows you behind the curtain was equal parts existentialist and chilling. I wish I could listen to it again for the first time. I highly recommend you read few reviews and go in blind.

So many reviewers are critiquing the novel because they don't quite understand what's going on, even by the end. And frankly, isn't that the point of horror? If you make it to the end and feel lost, you may just need to google certain concepts to grasp what's happening. But ultimately, the enjoyment is found here by strapping into your seat and riding to roller coaster into the dark to see what awaits you.

Friends, it's magic time!

Amazing premise, okay story

The writing was pretty top tier however the pacing and the plot were not as exciting as I had hoped. It was worth the listen but definitely not my favorite.

pleasantly surprised

I had bought this initially hoping for a liminal/nostalgic horror story, something akin to “candle cove” or “video palace” and was surprised by the story ultimately turning into an allegory for religious abuse and trauma. Although at times I found it grasping to pull narrative threads together to form a more coherent link to this allegory, it remains a powerful one. I applaud the author for her courage to break free from toxic ideology. The story is well written and its performed excellently by the reader (even if i found the "Kittie" voice to be grating…it worked).

the ending

I love how everything ties up in the end, but God did hurt. Another great work by the author and a great performance.

Another cool take on pop culture

I really enjoyed the narration, but this fell a bit flat for me compared to Hide. Still worth a listen though

Really liked this book.

I purchased this on a Friday evening and by Monday afternoon, I found I had listened to it all. I hope many can enjoy the underlying morale of this story without all the woke-shaming nonsense reviews that's been seeming to crop up on this platform. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the narrator was fantastic as well. Well worth the credit.

Well written, Current, and Relatable

I can't remember the last time I read a non-fiction novel so well-written and with prose I truly admired and appreciated. It made me wish (sorry Audible), that I had read the hard copy version first so I could easily read and re-read certain sentences.
Really well done.
The references are current, and the thoughts of the 30-something protagonist really resonated with this 30-something reader. Would (and intend to) recommend to others.