Mister Magic

A Novel

By: Kiersten White

Narrated by: 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

Critic reviews

“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.

A good look at nostalgia and religious trauma.

Title of my review pretty much sums it up. If you were raised by television as a kid and wondered why the world had so many rules as a kid, this is for you.

Hmm.. okay.

I was really excited to read this book. It sounded so good. But honestly.. I still don’t know what I just read lol. It’s a pretty cover and the reader did a great job in my opinion. However, I wouldn’t recommend. Additionally, after the book was over- I listened to the acknowledgements and learned that she wrote this book to mirror or hint at her experience in the Mormon Church. While, I agree that specific religion is toxic. I am a Christian and don’t appreciate her hint at blaming God for the toxic she endured.

Captivating!

Really great story about a tragic event from childhood resurfacing to reveal the truth. I love how the book unfolded, giving little hints along the way to the real horror of the story. Excellent characters and storytelling, I very highly recommend!

Beautiful, heartbreaking, imaginative

I devoured this in less than 24 hours. It’s an amalgamation of all genres I love. It’s deeply personal while being universally relatable. I loved the characters and the narrator nailed it. I’m sad it’s over.

Fantastic

Many years ago, there was a TV show that everyone remembers. A show without record of its existence, no recordings or pictures. But everyone remembers Mister Magic. Except for Val…which is extra odd when she finds out that she used to be on it.

I went into this book mostly blind, picking it up because of Bookstagram recommendations and the fact that I have loved Kiersten White’s other books. Add the concept of a creepy forgotten kids TV show and I was totally hooked before I even picked it up.

This book was absolutely incredible. I was absolutely taken in by the creepy atmosphere, the sense of unknown, and the atmospheric horror lingering around every turned page. Hidden inside this book was a story of religious abuse that I was not expecting-which turns out was exactly what the author intended, and 100% nailed. This undertone hit me in the face and wow was it horrific and cathartic at the same time. I needed this read. You might too.

This was an amazing read for spooky season and a beautiful twisted perspective on children, parenting, love, and freedom. This was a hit for sure.