Mister Magic by Kiersten White is an adult horror novel about the surviving cast members of a mysterious children's TV show who reunite years later and uncover dark secrets about the show's enigmatic
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Mister Magic by Kiersten White is an adult horror novel about the surviving cast members of a mysterious children's TV show who reunite years later and uncover dark secrets about the show's enigmatic host and its tragic end. The novel is a supernatural thriller that explores themes of childhood trauma, memory, and cult-like control, drawing inspiration from the author's personal experiences with organized religion.
Synopsis
Thirty years after a tragic accident shut down production of the popular children's program Mister Magic, the five former child stars, known as the "Circle of Friends," have all struggled in their adult lives and have no surviving video evidence of the show—only their shared, often unreliable, memories. A twist of fate brings them back together at the remote desert compound where the show was filmed, ostensibly for a new podcast about the cult phenomenon.
As they attempt to reclaim their past, they begin to question if they are there by choice or if they've been lured into a trap. They soon discover that the show and its beloved, infinitely black-caped host held dark secrets and that their forgotten past might be more deadly than they imagined.
Reviews and Themes
Critics and readers have praised the novel's creative premise and ability to create a sense of unease and nostalgia.
- Creepy Atmosphere: Reviewers noted the book is genuinely scary and described the sense of dread as a "whisper" that builds into a "full-blown scream".
- Thematic Depth: The novel is an allegory for childhood abuse and the pressure exerted by strict, cult-like religious groups, a fact made more impactful by the author's note in the back of the book.
- Pacing and Clarity: Opinions are mixed on the execution, with some praising the fast pace and engaging writing, while others found the ending rushed and the paranormal elements poorly explained.
Publication Details
Mister Magic was first published in hardcover and e-book formats in the United States on August 8, 2023, by Del Rey.
- Publisher: Del Rey
- Publication Date (Hardcover): August 8, 2023
- Print Length: Approximately 304 pages (varies slightly by edition)
- Genre: Horror, Supernatural Thriller, Mystery
Purchasing Options
You can purchase the book from several online retailers in various formats:
Merchant
Format
Amazon.com
Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audible
Penguin Random House
Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, Audiobook
Walmart
Paperback
Blackwells
Paperback
Waterstones
Paperback, Hardcover
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