Of Ghosts and Magic

Alfred M. Albers
Infinity Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780741441218
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (7/08)


An invitation to his thirty-year high-school reunion and a request for an encore performance of his highly-esteemed magic show started America’s foremost magician, John Michaels, on the trail of a missing Viet Nam service buddy, Alex Holloman, missing since 1973.

After his discharge from the Army Alex Holloman got a job as a courier, and found a girlfriend. His world fell apart emotionally after his parents were killed by a drunken driver while visiting a newsstand. On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1973 Alex dropped from sight to his family, girlfriend, and other acquaintances.

A parallel plot traced the activities of Alex Holloman in the years following his 1973 disappearance with the efforts of John Michaels’ search for Alex almost 30 years later. 

Albers carefully introduces a strong cast of characters who become important elements in reinforcing his detailed narrative and unique plot, which includes mystery, suspense and intrigue. Dialog lays the groundwork for and carries much of the plot forward in this remarkable missing person drama.

I found the background information on illusions, slight of hand and the props that go into a performance featuring this medium to be extremely interesting. Albers own background as a professional magician adds to the credibility of the story.

The narrative is filled with information on the New York subway system, New York City locale, and restaurants. I also gained interesting insights into the syndrome dysthymia, a depressive disorder, similar to, but with longer lasting and milder symptoms than clinical depression.

In a remarkable and unique writing style Albers brilliantly balances detail bordering on tedium with brilliance as he maintains an increased sense of suspense and tension in the combined scientific, deductive, and intuitive approach in John’s missing person search. I was afraid to miss a single sentence or paragraph for fear of missing an important clue in the story.

Albers also uses a subtle humor by using repetitive phrases, down-home language and references to dated clichés. I found his writing to be fresh enjoyable entertainment.

“Of Ghosts and Magic” by Alfred M. Albers is a book that will be relished by those mystery readers who enjoy matching wits with the protagonist, as well as by both amateur and professional magicians seeking new challenge and entertainment.

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