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Of Ghosts and Magic

Alfred M. Albers
Infinity Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780741441218
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (8/08)

“Of Ghosts and Magic” begins with famous magician John Michaels receiving a letter in the mail inviting him to his high school’s 30th class reunion in New York.  Upon speaking to the reunion coordinator, John finds out that everyone in his class has been located except for an old friend of his, Alex Holloman.  The last person to have talked to him was his cousin Stella back in January of 1974.  After agreeing to perform his magic show for the reunion, John hangs up the phone and makes it his personal mission to locate his missing friend. 

Alex and John had graduated from high school together and then after being drafted, both served in Vietnam.  Their paths had crossed a couple of times during the war but Vietnam was the last time that John had any contact with Alex.  The book follows John as he searches for his friend, and also prepares his magic show for the reunion.  His goal is to find Alex in time and to incorporate him into the show as a surprise for all of their old classmates.

While we are enjoying following the sleuthing of John trying to find Alex, there is another plot within the book and that is Alex’s story.  The book alternates between John’s search and the narrative of Alex’s life starting when he was drafted, continuing through Vietnam, and then through the time that he was “missing.”  I really enjoyed the way “Of Ghosts and Magic” was structured; it made for an engaging book that definitely held my attention.

The novel also gives a little insight into the world of magic, which was very interesting and informative.  The author Alfred M. Albers is definitely an authority of the subject matter as he “has been studying the art of magic for over 30 years.  A part-time professional magician since 1981, Al has entertained thousands of people throughout the United States and Europe.”  It was definitely a treat to get a look inside the industry.

“Of Ghosts and Magic” is a very well written novel.  The story is unique and quite entertaining.  The main characters are well developed and interesting.   I think that mystery fans and magic lovers everywhere will enjoy this intriguing book! 

  

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