It’s an emotional return to the Bronx for 12-year-old Kingston after a four-year absence following the loss of his father. Kingston’s mother is determined to turn the family’s failing business (a magic shop with next to no customers) into a smart café. But Kingston hasn’t forgotten that his father, a stage magician, vanished in front of a live audience, even if everyone else has. Determined to find out what really happened, Kingston, his cousin Veronica, and old friend Too Tall, head to the theatre, abandoned since the disappearance, to see what they can find out. It turns out there are a few secrets to be found in the theatre and Kingston and his friends are not the only ones set on finding them.
This is a fun, fast-paced story with great characters, a dangerous antagonist and an imaginative premise. What is it about magic shows that is so fascinating? I’ve loved them since childhood, and even knowing the secret behind many of the tricks, does not detract one whit of their romantic glamour for me. So show me a book (such as Small Change for Stuart by Lissa Evans) or a movie (The Prestige) where the magician or his show or props plays a key role, and I am there to revel in it.
Kingston is a worthy addition to this sub-genre (can I call it that?). It has a mystery, a disappearance, rival magicians, magic, and an invisible hand (because it is mostly stuck in another world/dimension). The characters are well-drawn, and I loved Kingston’s eccentric family. It is an exciting, fun read, and I think kids will really enjoy it.
Apparently, the book is written by three people, so I was impressed how smoothly it flowed, given that. I was slightly disappointed with the resolution, but it is obviously set up for a sequel.
TOTP and I award Kingston and the Magician’s Lost and Found Eight out of Ten Diamonds.
Valinora Troy 
14 responses to “Book Review: Kingston & the Magician’s Lost and Found”
I imagine it was difficult to juggle scenes and plot lines between three authors. That’s quite impressive. Good review, Valinora!
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Thanks Priscilla! Yes, I was impressed!
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I love stage magic (I even had my own show once) so this book sounds really interesting. Great review, Valinora.
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Thanks Iseult! Yes there is something about magic shows that is so appealing!
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I can’t imagine three authors writing together. The magic and mystery make this book appealing to me. Thanks for sharing it with us this week.
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It’s an enjoyable story 🙂
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Penn and Teller fan … so this one feels right up my alley. But, as others have pointed out, the real magic is how three writers pulled together to craft one story.
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Yes, it’s quite impressive! 🙂
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I also enjoyed this one but just a little bit less than the first book. With the unique story line and characters it should do well as the series continues. Thanks for featuring this one on MMGM.
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It’s a great premise for a story, and an enjoyable read! Great to join in MMGM!
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I always hope that series wrap up after about three books, since I checked out one of the final Tamora Pierce Tortall books to a student today– no one had checked it out since 2013! I like the covers on these, and would like more information about the authors!
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I prefer major plot lines resolved and not dragged out over multiple books, so I was disappointed with this resolution. I had to look up Tamora Pierce Tortall – I guess not many students made it to the end of the series?? 20 books is quite a series 🙂
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This really sounds terrific. I like the mystery of the missing magician. Thanks for telling me about this one.
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It appealed to me a lot! 🙂
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