Review: Mister Magic by Kiersten White

Author: Kiersten White

Publisher: Del Ray

Publication Date: August 2023

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?

I think I may have to admit defeat when it comes to this author. Out of the three books I have picked up, this is the second one that I ended up finishing, but I really didn't enjoy it. So,  guess third time was not the charm.  Mister Magic has a promising premise.  I was hoping for a creepy book, instead, I was kind of bored.

The book involves five adults who were once a part of a children's show that no one has footage of, but everyone vaguely remembers.  Now they are back in the house where it was filmed and something in the house wants them to remember Mister Magic.  I probably should have DNF'd this one.  But I pushed through to the end.  I didn't care for the reveal of what was really going on.  After listening to the author's note at the end, I understands what she was trying to do, but it just didn't really work.  Maybe because she tried to mix the supernatural with cult like religion?  I didn't like any of the characters.  I found no one to root for.  Again, it just didn't work for me.  After my disappointment in this one and in Hide last year, I think I'll skip the next one.