The Magician’s Lie by Greer Macallister

Published January 13, 2015 by Sourcebooks Landmark

The Magician's Lie is part of the Winter SheReads book choices.  I am honored to be part of this community.  

The Magician’s Lie is part of the SheReads Winter Book Choices.    Each season SheReads picks 4 books and offers them to a select group of bloggers.   The bloggers then read and review the books and help promote them during that time frame. 

The Amazing Arden is the most famous female illusionist of her day, renowned for her notorious trick of sawing a man in half on stage. One night in Waterloo, Iowa, with young policeman Virgil Holt watching from the audience, she swaps her trademark saw for a fire ax. Is it a new version of the illusion, or an all-too-real murder? When Arden’s husband is found lifeless beneath the stage later that night, the answer seems clear.

But when Virgil happens upon the fleeing magician and takes her into custody, she has a very different story to tell. Even handcuffed and alone, Arden is far from powerless—and what she reveals is as unbelievable as it is spellbinding. Over the course of one eerie night, Virgil must decide whether to turn Arden in or set her free… and it will take all he has to see through the smoke and mirrors. 

My Thoughts…

This is a great historical fiction.  The fact that the entire story takes place in one night is unique and I loved it.   The Amazing Arden, aka Ada,  is the best character I have met this year.   Her story is so believable and real, although I still wonder how much of it is true.  I want to believe that it is all true; that there were no lies in the story.   Although, I do realize that selling a story is what The Amazing Arden does for her lively hood.  When a story leaves me wondering and still thinking about it I know that it is a great book.

I loved the different perspectives of the story being told.   Officer Holt’s perspective was that of one trying to come to terms with where his life could be headed and if he was to believe Ada’s story of innocence.   Ada’s perspective was of telling the story of her life and convincing Officer Holt of her innocence.    I am not sure which I liked better, but I do believe that Ada is definitely the better story teller.  

The love story in this book is not a typical love story.   There was never a truly perfect love time in this story.  It seemed that something was always amiss.  I liked that it wasn’t predictable.   Ada is a lovable person but yet found it hard to be loved.  She believed that everyone who she came in contact with had an ulterior motive.  I believe that she wanted to be loved and believed that she found that love, but was afraid to let that love grow.   

This is a great book.   The story was amazing.   The writing flowed at the perfect speed.   The descriptions of the towns, the train, and the magic tricks made the book come alive.   I will happily recommend The Magician’s Lie. 

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