This book made me cry, especially after reading the author’s note at the end. Creepy kids tv is definitely my vibe and it reminded me a lot of the Candle Cove creepypasta. Overall really enjoyable and I hope the author does more in the horror genre.

Who is Mister Magic? Former child stars reunite to uncover the tragedy that ended their show—and discover the secret of its enigmatic host.

This book was just - weird. I really wanted to like it but couldn't connect with it. I really did like the cover, though. Maybe next time!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a book with elements that are way outside of my comfort zone. My brain typically outright rejects storylines that take place in any kind of liminal-ish space- other dimensions, dream worlds, rips in the space/time continuum, etc., and there is some of that here. BUTTTTTT given the source material that White is using in creating this story, how can anyone rate this less than five stars?? Holy cow!

I think this book is pretty dang special and using fiction to work through some hellacious trauma is so deeply personal and White just went for it. The context really matters when reading this book, and I hope readers take the time to delve into that, because I imagine this is a completely different (and inferior) reading experience going into it blind.

If I'm being annoying (and who am I if not annoying) I think things get a bit muddled toward the end, and while I found the end satisfying I can see how it will be divisive- but I don't think any of that outweighs the positives of Mister Magic. White's attention to detail with the creepy sound effects and really horrible (in a good way) little rhymes just make this a fun book. I will concede it's bizarre to call a book that has alarmingly disturbing religious undertones pulled from the author's own life "fun" but LOOK AT THAT COVER and tell me I'm wrong.

Okay this is a weird and rambly review TL/DR read this but sneak peek the context first.

I'm loving Kiersten White's foray into the horror genre! I really enjoyed her previous release, so I was excited to finally pick up MISTER MAGIC. Personally, I enjoyed this one even more. I can't wait for more books from this author!

This was an exciting thriller set in the aftermath of the shocking ending of a popular children's show. It's a story of friendship, love, and how these can be used and twisted against those you love. It's a dark story that turns a seemingly innocent children's show into a dark and macabre entity.

Mister Magic is one of the best books I’ve ever read! Keirsten White manages to craft horror novels with incredible depth, while always prioritizing the relationships between characters and touching on interesting concepts. In Mister Magic, she turns her deft hand to the topic of religious trauma. There are ideas and quotes from this book that will live in my bones they were so powerful! I cannot recommend it enough!

In fact, this book was number 2 for the entire year on my podcast Thirsty On Toon in the new episode: The Queer End Review

An interesting storyline that can feel a bit confusing if you don’t realize the author is highlighting her feelings about leaving her religion and the negative feelings she has about it.

I felt parts were really clever, other parts just felt more like processing than storytelling.

Screaming puking throwing up the second this was approved I was like "Is this gonna be...evil Mandela effect Barney or Ranger Joe?" I'll take it. This was meant for me. I'll try to write a more longform, cohesive review for Goodreads.

“Take my hand
Stand on your mark
Make A circle
In the Dark
Close your eyes
And wish with me
Keep them closed
And now we see
Magic Man!
Magic Man!
Magic Man!
He’s here for me!”
🩷💖🩷💖🩷💖🩷💖🩷💖🩷💖🩷💖🩷💖💖🩷💖

Mister Magic was a wild ride from start to finish. I honestly had no idea (though I had thoughts) what was going on. The acknowledgements at the end by Kiersten White really brought it all together for me. This is one I may reread one day (and I rarely reread). I don’t want to give anything away I just recommend going into it blind and reading the acknowledgments at the end. ✌🏻

I was nervous to read this book, because I wasn’t the biggest fan of Hide by Kiersten White. Mister Magic definitely made me look forward to more books by her! I was intrigued the whole way through the book. I didn’t know who to trust! I wish that Val had more of a “happy ending,” but it had a good ending overall.

After a personal tragedy, Val is visited by five people who say they were her childhood friends who all worked with her on the Mister Magic television show. Mister Magic was a children's entertainment program that now only exists in the memories of those that watched it decades prior. Val is invited with the others to meet up to record a podcast about their time on the show. Only Val cannot remember their time together and the tragic events that led to the end of the show. But as Val digs into the past and the Mister Magic show, she discovers the true purpose of the show and her role in it.

I really enjoy Kiersten White's last book Hide, and Mister Magic did not disappoint. While it took a while for me to get into it, I really enjoyed the mystery of the show and the cast of characters. Every chapter had some digression to some other form of media, including podcasts, internet forums, and comment sections. This did a great job of building out the world, including the characters and the influence of the fictional Mister Magic show. The book reminded me a lot of the creepypasta Candle Cove in the best possible way, related to the idea of a show that people remember but can no longer find. Mister Magic was an enjoyable ride about the influence children's television can have on us and how the lessons we are taught as children carry through to adulthood, for better or for worse.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for a copy of Mister Magic in exchange for an honest review.

I could not get into this book! I ended up skimming through to finish. The premise just didn’t work for me. The first half kept my interest, and then it decreased from there.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing me with an eARC of Mister Magic in exchange for my honest review!

I very much wanted to enjoy this horror book, but it just doesn't grip me all that much. It doesn't terrify me, I have a hard time connecting with the characters, and it comes across as being too derivative of It. What kept me from putting it down is the mysterious paranormal atmosphere that made me unsure what would unfold next, although that never escalated to a level of true fear. The ending does head in an interesting direction that I admire, and I like the ways in which you can interpret the themes, particularly in regard to religion and the world of narrow-mindedness and bigotry it can trap people in. But these positive elements aren't enough to redeem the book for me.

Overall, I'm officially rating Mister Magic 2.25 out of 5 stars, which I'll round down to 2 stars. Still, though, I'd be willing to give Hide by Kiersten White a read.

This book was nostalgic and erie. From the very beginning I was sucked if and couldn’t put this book down even though I had to at some parts because I was freaked out. You know the panicky feeling you get when you hear the Michael Meyers or jaws theme songs? This book did the same thing to me as I read it was a build up. So creative and different, Mr. Magic did not disappoint. The cover art alone would make me want to pick up this book. The audiobook was done well if you prefer audio! Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for me honest review. I can’t stop thinking about this book.

I just don't think this thriller author is for me. Again like Hide, this book has adult characters acting like children. I think this author should stick to young adult

Hey, bookworms! I just finished "Mister Magic" by Kiersten White, and it was a wild ride. If you're into creepy mysteries with a touch of the supernatural, this one's for you.

The story follows Val, a former child star, and her old castmates as they return to the set of their old TV show, "Mister Magic". Think "The Mole People" meets "The Twilight Zone". Sounds weird? It totally is, but in a good way.

Thirty years after the show ended, the cast is still trying to figure out what happened. Their memories are hazy, and it's like the show never existed. They go back to the desert compound where it all started, and that's when things get freaky.

It's hard to explain without giving too much away, but let's just say reality gets blurry, and things get spooky. It's like the show is still happening, but in what world? White's writing is on point, and she keeps you guessing until the end.

The characters are all messed up in their own ways, and it's hard to tell who's reliable. Val's got some serious issues, but you feel for her. The cast's dynamic is messed up, and it's like they're all trapped in some weird dream.

Mister Magic" is a trippy, mind-bending read that'll keep you up at night. If you're into supernatural thrillers with complex characters, go for it. Just be prepared for some serious weirdness.

Recommended for: Fans of "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Stranger Things".

Not recommended for: Anyone looking for a light, fluffy read. This one's dark and twisted!

This is a remarkably weird book and I gotta say I am here for it. I like Kiersten White, she writes in a way where the emotion is genuine and it helps bring her characters to life. I can’t say I really liked any of the characters in this one,, but they told this story very well. In the 90’s there was an accident and a popular children’s show was canceled as a result. But Val hasn’t heard of that show. Her dad brought her to a ranch when she 8 and he has kept her from everything since and Val has always known they were hiding because of something she did wrong. When he dies and their employer puts a notice on Facebook she is surprised when several guests at the service seems o know her. They claim she was on Mister Magic and that there will be a podcast reunion. The more Val learns or remembers the more she knows that something is wrong with the community of Bliss and with Mister Magic. I thought this story gave similar vibes to the part of the movie Nope about the subplot with the old tv show (there were no chimps in this one though). But it all felt creep and wrong.

Clear your schedule, because this psychological thriller will leave you enthralled and enraptured. A wonderful exploration of trauma, memory, and supposed magic, it also delivers as a thriller with the unique concept and oustanding characters.

You know there's got to be bidding wars happening over this novel at all of the streamers! I just hope it's a high-brow one that will honor the depth and religious subtext of the novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

A unique story and not exactly what I expected from the plot description/blurb. Quite entertaining, however.

"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).
Because magic never forgets the taste of your friendship. . . .”

This book wasn't quite what I had expected. The synopsis sounds "goosebump-inducing" creepy, but it just didn't quite get there. I would describe it more as a mystery with a sci-fi/fantasy twist. It’s a story about rediscovering a forgotten childhood, lose, and the bond of friendships. While it wasn't what I expected, it was still a good read. It captured my attention and kept me guessing.
If you're looking for a unique story that is quick and easy to read, but not too creepy, this one is for you.

⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5)

Thank you to @netgalley @PRHaudio and @randomhouse for the gifted copy of this book.