“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. . . .”

Hello and welcome to damppebbles. Today I am delighted to share my review of Mister Magic by Kiersten White. Mister Magic was published by Del Rey Books on 1st August 2023 and is available in hardcover, audio and digital formats with the paperback to follow. I chose to read a free eARC of Mister Magic but that has in no way influenced my review.

I read Hide by Kiersten White earlier this year when I realised, having seen the book on multiple other blogs and their rave reviews of it (special mention to Jo’s Book Blog), that it really was a book I shouldn’t let pass me by. So I ordered a copy in from my local library and got stuck in as soon as it arrived (three weeks isn’t a very long time after all and I’m a slow reader at the best of times!). I thoroughly enjoyed Hide and I was hungry for more from the author. Luckily White’s latest release was just around the corner so I grabbed hold of a copy of Mister Magic as soon as humanly possible. And what a ride it was!

A group of five thirty-somethings who were once the child stars of a mysterious yet hugely popular TV series, featuring a cloaked character called Mister Magic, reunite for the first time since the show tragically ended thirty years ago. Their aim is to discover what caused the show they loved so dearly to end so abruptly, to try and recreate the happiness they felt as part of the ‘Circle of Friends’ and to discover why there are no records of the show ever existing. Spurred on by the cultish appreciation of those who witnessed the show first hand, the friends reunite on the set and start to relive their time together, those happy days. However, memories are blurred, perspectives are acutely different. And everything is not as it first appeared…

Mister Magic is a bit bonkers but in the best way possible! It’s eerie and full of suspense with an overarching darkness to proceedings that the reader just can’t escape. The omnipotent Mister Magic lends a sense of dread to the story but the characters initially talk about him with nothing but love and warmth. It’s a strange mix but it was very captivating. The characters all play their part well. Out of the five starlets, Val is the main protagonist. Whereas the others have happy, blissful memories of their time on the show, Val can’t remember a thing. But she goes along for the ride, stepping out of her comfort zone and taking a risk, deep in grief after the loss of her father. All of the ex-child star characters were interesting, having taken different paths and ended up living very different lives.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit different from your normal read then I would heartily recommend Mister Magic to you. It’s a slow burn tale where character and plot are at the forefront of things. I couldn’t help but draw similarities between Hide and Mister Magic. I can’t quite put my finger on what it was but there was something there. I’ll keep pondering on that but it’s very clear both books were written by the same author. I have to mention the cover which is glorious! It’s a perfect fit for the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this dark supernatural tale and the journey the characters went on to reclaim the feelings they experienced as a child. Not everything you remember from the past is as rosy as you recall it to be at the time, that’s for sure. The finale of the story was very emotional and absolutely perfect. Although for readers who like everything tied up in a nice neat bow you may be a little disappointed. All in all, I enjoyed the darkness of Mister Magic and very much look forward to seeing what the author delivers next. Recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of Mister Magic. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

Mister Magic by Kiersten White was published in the UK by Del Rey Books on 1st August 2023 and is available in hardcover, audio and digital formats with the paperback to follow (please note, the following links are affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | bookshop.org | Goodreads | damppebbles bookshop.org shop | damppebbles amazon.co.uk shop | damppebbles amazon.com shop |

Kiersten White is the #1 New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of many books, including the And I Darken series, The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, Star Wars: Padawan, the Sinister Summer series, and HIDE. She lives with her family near the ocean in San Diego, where they obsessively care for their deeply ambivalent tortoise.