The Magician's Lie: A Novel

(Paperback)

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A January 2015 Indie Next Pick - Now in paperback! A USA TODAY BESTSELLER! "This is a book in which storylines twist, spiral and come together again in an ending as explosive as a poof of smoke from your chimney...or a top hat."-Oprah.com Master of historical fiction Greer Macallister weaves the tale of a notorious female illusionist who stands accused of her husband's murder-and she has only one night to convince a small-town policeman of her innocence. The Amazing Arden is the most famous female illusionist of the early 20th century, renowned for sawing a man in half on stage. One night in Waterloo, Iowa, with young policeman Virgil Holt in the audience, the magician 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 seems unbelievable. Over the course of one eerie night, Virgil must decide whether to turn the illusionist in or set her free... and it will take all he has to see through the smoke and mirrors. Water for Elephants meets The Night Circus in The Magician's Lie, a spellbinding historical adventure of deception, fact, and the surprising number of truths in between. Also by Greer Macallister- Girl in Disguise Woman 99

Reviews

"Readers may well compare Greer's novel to The Night Circus, as it revolves around the mysterious world of magic and illusions... the story is spun like a bard's hypnotic tale. By the end, the reader is left wondering what is real and what is illusion." - RT Book Reviews
"[A] well-paced, evocative, and adventurous historical novel..." - Publishers Weekly
"A little taste of The Night Circus, and little salt of Water for Elephants, The "Magician's Lie" by Greer Macallister is a wonderful combination of magic, vaudeville and the drama of a secret life." - Annie Philbrick, Bank Square Books, Mystic CT
"Greer Macallister's novel will surely capture the imagination of all readers waiting impatiently for the next Water for Elephants... intense character development, spot-on historical references, and page-turning action." - Nancy Simpson-Brice, Book Vault (Oskaloosa, IA)
"In her historical fiction debut, Macallister... has created a captivating world of enchantment and mystery that readers will be loath to leave." - Library Journal
"In The "Magician's Lie," Greer Macallister has created a rich tapestry of mystery, magic, and lost love. The novel drew me in with its lush details and edge-of-your-seat plot. The tale of the tragic Amazing Arden, a female magician, will have you questioning how the truth of a tale can be different than the material facts, and how what you feel can be stronger than the soundest logic." - Margaret Dilloway, author of How to Be an American Housewife and The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns
"Like her heroine the Amazing Arden, Greer Macallister has created a blend of magic that is sure to delight her audience. The "Magician's Lie" is a rich tale of heart-stopping plot turns, glittering prose, and a cast of complex, compelling characters. Reader beware: those who enter Macallister's delicious world of magic and mystery won't wish to leave!" - Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Traitor's Wife
"A suspenseful and well-researched tale of magic, secrets and betrayal that will keep you guessing until the end." - J. Courtney Sullivan, New York Times bestselling author of The Engagements and Maine
"The Magician's Lie is riveting, compelling, beautiful, frightening, evocative and above all magical. Don't miss this immersive novel of suspense and wonder from an exciting new voice in historical fiction!" - International Bestseller M.J. Rose
"Greer Macallister handles the reader with the command and brilliance of a world class ringmaster. The "Magician's Lie" is a mesmerizing novel of illusion, secrets, and suspense. Bravo!" - Erika Robuck, author of Call Me Zelda and Fallen Beauty
"In The "Magician's Lie", Greer Macallister has created a rich tapestry of mystery, magic, and lost love. The novel drew me in with its lush details and edge-of-your-seat plot. The tale of the tragic Amazing Arden, a female magician, will have you questioning how the truth of a tale can be different than the material facts, and how what you feel can be stronger than the soundest logic." - Margaret Dilloway, author of How to Be an American Housewife and The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns
"Twisted together with magic, a drenching touch of evil, betrayal, love, and wonderful storytelling will make this a tale you won't soon forget. Is her story real, or a magician's lie" - Becky Milner, Vintage Books (Vancouver WA)

Author Bio

Raised in the Midwest, GREER MACALLISTER is a poet, short story writer, playwright and novelist whose work has appeared in publications such as The North American Review, The Missouri Review, and The Messenger. Her plays have been performed at American University, where she earned her MFA in Creative Writing. She lives with her family in Brooklyn.