Of Ghosts and Magic
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by:
ISBN:
0-7414-4121-7
©2007
Price:
$15.95
Book Size:
5.5'' x 8.5''
, 276 pages
Category/Subject:
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / General
No one knew if Alex Holloman’s disappearance, in 1974, was the result of foul play. However, 27 years later, the mystery is finally unraveled by America’s Foremost Magician – John Michaels.
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Abstract:
In 1973, Alex Holloman got a job as a courier and met a wonderful lady. Suddenly, his world fell apart; his parents were killed and then he inexplicably disappeared.
When America’s Foremost Magician, John Michaels, agreed to perform for his high school’s 30th Anniversary Reunion in June 2000, he didn’t know it would also involve searching for his friend, Alex Holloman.
Unlike creating a magic illusion, which is based on principles of mathematics and science, attempting to find a missing person would challenge John Michaels’ expertise to ‘create a miracle’ in less than three weeks.
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Customer Reviews
 
Sterling Work
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08/17/2007
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Reviewer:
Al Pepper
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"Of Ghosts and Magic" is a thoroughly enjoyable piece of literature. Al Albers has created a unique and endearing character in master prestidigitator John Michaels. He somewhat reminds me of the character Bill Bixby played in the 1970s TV Series "The Magician," named Anthony Blake. But unlike Blake, Michaels is an unassuming gent who eschews the over-the-top flamboyance of your typical celebrity magician. He doesn't even live in Las Vegas or LA, but instead resides in Virginia Beach. I thought only sailors and car dealers lived there. But as you read the book, you'll see that Michaels is a magician's magician, a masterful conjurer and illusionist. Michaels also is not a shamus by choice. He is put into that situation while returning to his hometown of New York City for an innocuous 30-year High School Reunion, when the reunion coordinator asks John to relocate classmate Alex Holloman. Alex has been missing for over a quarter-century after a tragic event. But Michaels and Holloman are more than just "pass-by-the-hall" classmates: They ran track together, fought in Vietnam together, and it was Alex's cousin, attractive and charming Stella, who was an "item" for John before he travelled the world to perform magic. Albers leads you through a rapid-page-turning trail where Michaels faces the challenging and daunting task of locating the "Ghost" Alex Holloman. Can Michaels locate Alex in time for the reunion? Can Michaels devise and execute his final and greatest magic trick of his career? Will lifelong bachelors John and Stella find magic again? You'll be tempted to race ahead to find these answers. But you'd be missing a great story if you did that. I could extol many other praises to Albers' sterling work. But instead, I'll give you this. In my 48 years on earth, I have read only three books from cover to cover in less than 48 hours: John Cheever's "Falconer" (though I didn't particularly care for it), "The Godfather," and "Of Ghosts and Magic." Cheever, Puzo, and Albers -- what more can I say. Here's hoping that Al Albers follows this one up with many more stories featuring our hero John Michaels solving even more elaborate mysteries.
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Simple, yet intriguing!
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08/26/2007
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Reviewer:
Phil DeMarco
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I have lived and worked most of my life in many of the places Al has brought to life. With exception of name changes to protect the innocent, everything in this story is real. Al has done a great job where one can almost smell the aromas of each neighborhood and locale brought to life. With regard to the mystery presented, Al has painted a realistic story based on everyday events in any part of America, although he has focused and married the fictional life and events taking place on, perhaps, not so fictional people. On a personal level, I've known Al for many years, both as a friend, co-worker, and a witness to his capabilities as a magician of which he has masterfully woven into this story. I am looking forward to his next novel should he undertake this tribulation again.
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Marvelous First Novel
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10/08/2007
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Reviewer:
Jack Shea
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As an avid reader, a book at home, one in the car to read when eating alone and a book on tape for driving, I can't get enough reading!
"Of Ghosts and Magic" by Alfred Albers grabbed my attention and never let go through the entire book. This book is a very enjoyable and well written literature. Mr. Albers has given us a likeable character, master magician, John Michaels. Michaels is a nice guy who will show a simple trick to a fan, and he loves what he does. He lives in Virginia Beach, not in Las vegas where most of them live. As you read on, you will get to know this magician as you are taken back in time to his high school days. The story starts when he gets an invitation to his 30th High School Reunion. Michaels is not exactly a Private Investigator, he does have the curiosity of a magician and puts it to use in this book. He becomes a PI while returning to his hometown of New York City to attend and to find classmate Alex Holloman. Alex was the Class President and they only one that they can't find. Michaels agrees to find him and the game begins. Alber's vividly brings you to New York City to search for Alex presuming he is still alive. You can 'feel' the city and the sights, meet Stella, Michaels old girl friend and Alex's cousin. She has no idea where he is and still they search. Will Michaels find this "Ghost" in time for the reunion and will he rekindle his relationship with Stella. Michaels is going to need some 'real' magic to pull this off. Read this book and discover what happens. You will not be disappointed as it is well written and the trip Alber's sends you on is ups, downs and twists as you are propelled to the climax. If you are anything like me you will be anxiously awaiting Alber's next book.
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