The cover of Mister Magic caught my eye when I went on my “build a massive horror TBR just because it is fun” spree. Kiersten White is an author I have read before, I still have to read the last book in the Camelot Rising trilogy. It felt like a safe spot to start my horror exploration (for however long it lasts) and the synopsis screams fun to me.
Synopsis
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. . .
Thoughts
The nostalgic vibes of an old series surrounded by mystery sounded like a fun ride to me and it really was. I was kept guessing and the more I learned the more I could see myself reading up on the fan theories on the show. I really enjoyed the premise of the plot and the reflection of memory after 30 years have passed. Some things remain and other things are just whispers or completely gone while your friend remembers it vividly.
The cast of characters are interesting, some getting more play time than others, the group of childhood friends making me think of Stephen King, but the difference is it is without doubt a story centered on women. There are gay side characters and brief commentary on racism, sexism and homophobia. Overall a story that calls out the nonsense of our society which made me feel safe in White’s hands, just like with the fantasy trilogy. For me the story was ultimately positive as it is a reminder to reflect on what you still carry with you from childhood.
I recommend that you read the afterword by the author because it provides the real life inspiration for the story.
#BodiesInBooks Quotes
This is to me an example of how to include diet culture without praising it, if it is not a major theme of your book. Dieting is briefly mentioned and there is no assumption that dieting is a good thing that people should do.
“She’s short, with a body that hints it would like to be much rounder and softer were it not wrestled into brutal submission.”
“Six kids, and I diet and work out all the time so my husband can brag to people that you’d never guess by looking at her.”
Emilie's Bookish Thoughts 