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. . ..
My Review: I'm far from a Horror reader, but I will always grab something by Kiersten. Plus, her horror books are more of a page turner and edge of your seat rather than scare, so win-win!
For decades Val has lived on the Farm. She helps with the camps and has a good life. Heading back to the cabin she notices that the door is open. It shouldn't be but she'll make a note to add locks where her dad can't reach. But there won't be a need, she finds her dad has passed.
The funeral comes and Val is in Gloria's house. They talk and Gloria mentions there will be more people attending because she mentioned it online. Val is worried, but she also isn't sure why. Why they showed up here, what happened when she was younger, why her dad was the way she was. Maybe he did something bad, maybe he was in hiding, but now the answers are gone.
To add to everything, three guys show up. Calling her by her full name and Val is scared. She has no idea who they are at all, how they know her name, nada. So, bossy Val takes over and demands they go out outside and explain.
A brief explanation and suddenly, Val grabs her duffle bag, some cash and off she goes with these guys. Stranger danger, who? Oh, and they are on the way to a reunion for a show she has no clue about and someone she thought dead isn't actually dead.
That's all just in the first three chapters and I feel for Val. She really has a lot thrown at her quickly, but she is strong, smart and just a wonderful character. People blame her, a woman even attacks her, and she still maintains such a strong character. She could easily lash out, scream to the world she hadn't a clue what happened back then. Yet, she remains strong, keeps her cool and even offers kindness.
As the book continues on, so much more is revealed, and it really becomes a page turner that is impossible to put down. I've loved Kiersten’s work since Paranormalcy came out and her books continue to show why she has been one of my top authors for so long and will continue to be.
