Mister Magic by Kiersten White

​Ah, I think I’ve become a fan. I really like White’s previous book and got this one mainly going by author’s name, great titles, and the not-inconsiderable cover appeal. And sure enough, another winner.
As if children’s shows were creepy enough, here comes Mister Magic. A show of truly mythical proportions. As in it might very well be the longest show on TV and yet there is barely any evidence of its existence. It lingers on the borders of one’s memory…like childhood trauma.
Appropriately enough, because Mister Magic has certainly done its damndest to traumatize some kids. Let’s just say he’s no Mr. Rogers.
So when the last official cast members of the show reunite at last three decades afterwards, their trauma still sizzles.
Val, who spent the last thirty years off-grid and away from the world, was once a central character. Now she can’t remember a thing about that time, but her once-upon-a-time friends and fellow cast members find her and bring her back to the strange white place in the desert where the show was shot, and her memories begin coming back. Whether she wants them to or not.
 Past secrets, desert cults, strong character drama shot through with supernatural suspense, a thought-provoking mediation on the nature of religion, childrearing, and the role of obedience in both…this book has a lot to offer. Not to mention a writer who can really write – I love the way the scenes in this book come alive with cinematic vividness.
What’s fascinating is how much the author’s own upbringing as a Mormon (she no longer is one) has informed her writing in this book. The personal perspective makes it all the more interesting and compelling of a narrative.
All-in-all, a great read. Somewhat trippy but never more so than an average technicolor madness of a kids’ TV show. Great ending, too. Fans of dark supernatural fiction ought to enjoy this one. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.