Mister Magic

A Novel

By: Kiersten White

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman, Kiersten White

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

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

This book is EXTREMELY good!

I read about the concept of this book a month or two ago and eagerly awaited it's release.

It does not disappoint!

I stayed awake for far longer than was healthy just to get to the heart of the story's central mystery.

Majestic and Heartbreaking

I absolutely LOVED this book, the ending did brake me and the amount of society anger this raised in me is probably not healthy but what a fucking book!!

Good

I just felt like the whole story was trudging a long. It was more of a grief parable than a horror story.
It is good, just not what I was looking for.

Culty vibes and childhood trauma

The story line is lacking in some spots. It feels rushed with loose ends. This is especially true at the end. If you want to reflect on some of your own religious childhood trauma this is the book for you. Any SDA or CLS will have a close connection to the protagonist.

Captivating Story!

Just....wow! Following the thread of this story was so enjoyable. The construction of the mystery just kept you listening well past when I should have gone to bed, and then crept into my dreams. Rebecca did an amazing job with her portrayal of all the characters & I felt like I knew each one. She gave me the "feels" & I love the movie she created in my head.
Was so glad I listened through & heard the author's note at the end. Will definitely be looking for more books by Kiersten White in the future!

HS teachers make you class read this!

Growing up I had Catholic on my fathers side Christian on my mothers side. Today I do not practice any religion. I personally think children should not automatically have to practice what their parents do, Parents should encourage their children to check out other religions before settling. This book is the perfect book for those teens with closed minded parents. As a mom to a 14 year old who know the principles too well, is a class clown and a huge jock goes to church every Sunday with a family member. Then theres my 19 year old who wont say SH*T for 100 bucks and has never been in trouble and cant stuck up for herself had a classmate try to shove christianity down her throat every lunch period for 2 years thinks most religions are kinda culty. My children were always encouraged to choose their own paths. I strongly believe HS teachers should have their students read this book. Its a fun fiction story for the kids that dont need it, and will be so much more for the kids that desperately need it.

To the Author. You should be very proud of yourself for having the courage to write this book. Just know you will of helped many teens/ young adults with that courage.

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!