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A Touch Of Magic
A dazzling sleight-of-hand artist is recruited by the State Department to pit her skills – and wits – against a master terrorist. He’s about to receive a piece of stolen film used to make US passports, film that could open the door to terrorists around the world.
Although Channing Stuart is the fourth generation in a family of acclaimed magicians, she’s the first of them not to turn pro. Eye-to-eye with a killer, will she have the nerve and nimbleness to pull off a switch that finally proves her worthy of her bloodline?
Special agent Bill Ellery is irritated to find himself suddenly teamed with this amateur whose passion to succeed is as great as his own, and whose penchant for the unpredictable unsettles him as much as the woman herself.
In an upscale resort where every enticement hides a trap, they play cat and mouse with enemies known and unknown as a time bomb ticks. Hundreds of lives depend on the deftness of one woman’s fingers and ... A TOUCH OF MAGIC.
First ebook edition of a thriller by an author known for strong women and swiftly-moving plots.
Although Channing Stuart is the fourth generation in a family of acclaimed magicians, she’s the first of them not to turn pro. Eye-to-eye with a killer, will she have the nerve and nimbleness to pull off a switch that finally proves her worthy of her bloodline?
Special agent Bill Ellery is irritated to find himself suddenly teamed with this amateur whose passion to succeed is as great as his own, and whose penchant for the unpredictable unsettles him as much as the woman herself.
In an upscale resort where every enticement hides a trap, they play cat and mouse with enemies known and unknown as a time bomb ticks. Hundreds of lives depend on the deftness of one woman’s fingers and ... A TOUCH OF MAGIC.
First ebook edition of a thriller by an author known for strong women and swiftly-moving plots.
Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1987
45 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
M. Ruth Myers
30 books189 followersM. Ruth Myers is a Shamus Award winning mystery writer. Her Maggie Sullivan mystery series features a private eye in Dayton, Ohio in the years 1938-1946.
Other novels by the author, who has also written as Mary Ruth Myers, have been translated, optioned for television and condensed in Good Housekeeping. They also have been used in college classes in Japan. She has taught at writers’ conferences across the country including the Antioch, Cape Cod and Mark Twain conferences.
Myers was born in Warrensburg, MO. When she was nine the family moved to Wyoming where she graduated from Cheyenne Central High School. After earning a Bachelor of Journalism degree at the University of Missouri J-School she worked as a reporter and feature writer on daily papers in Michigan and Ohio.
She and her husband are long-time Ohio residents with one grown daughter.
When not writing or reading, Myers cooks and plays Irish traditional music on an Anglo concertina. She confesses to more enthusiasm than skill.
Other novels by the author, who has also written as Mary Ruth Myers, have been translated, optioned for television and condensed in Good Housekeeping. They also have been used in college classes in Japan. She has taught at writers’ conferences across the country including the Antioch, Cape Cod and Mark Twain conferences.
Myers was born in Warrensburg, MO. When she was nine the family moved to Wyoming where she graduated from Cheyenne Central High School. After earning a Bachelor of Journalism degree at the University of Missouri J-School she worked as a reporter and feature writer on daily papers in Michigan and Ohio.
She and her husband are long-time Ohio residents with one grown daughter.
When not writing or reading, Myers cooks and plays Irish traditional music on an Anglo concertina. She confesses to more enthusiasm than skill.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 24, 2013
This was a good read. It had romance, intrigue, some cool magic tricks, family angst and some great characters. The plot was also good although I think the female villain could have done with a little more filling out.
There was nothing overall wrong with the story really and yet I still felt it was missing something. I was not left with much after reading it and I think I should have been. Some thought or feeling should have remained: it usually does with a great book.
Perhaps I wanted more of a conclusion on the romantic side, something cuter, or perhaps I wanted to know what happened with the terrorists – whether good triumphed once and for all.
Of course, this could well be the point. I myself am a lover of grey, where the realistic side of the world creeps into books: the villain doesn’t always lose and the good guy doesn’t win every battle; not everything is solved in one book.
There were some surprises and great twists as well as sleuth work, time-focused problems and murder, all trademarks of a good thriller.
Ultimately, the book kept me interested despite me wanting some undefinable more out of it. Since I can’t define this, despite trying, I’m giving the book a 4/5.
More reviews by me found on my blog: http://hollyemmaice.wordpress.com/
There was nothing overall wrong with the story really and yet I still felt it was missing something. I was not left with much after reading it and I think I should have been. Some thought or feeling should have remained: it usually does with a great book.
Perhaps I wanted more of a conclusion on the romantic side, something cuter, or perhaps I wanted to know what happened with the terrorists – whether good triumphed once and for all.
Of course, this could well be the point. I myself am a lover of grey, where the realistic side of the world creeps into books: the villain doesn’t always lose and the good guy doesn’t win every battle; not everything is solved in one book.
There were some surprises and great twists as well as sleuth work, time-focused problems and murder, all trademarks of a good thriller.
Ultimately, the book kept me interested despite me wanting some undefinable more out of it. Since I can’t define this, despite trying, I’m giving the book a 4/5.
More reviews by me found on my blog: http://hollyemmaice.wordpress.com/
June 9, 2012
I have been looking for some time for a book that was the wonderful mix of romance and suspense that I found in Mary Stewart's contemporary fiction, and A Touch of Magic gave me all that I hoped for.
The heroine, Channing Stuart, is a woman who has thrown herself into work to avoid getting hurt, but when she gets caught up in a terrorist plot she has to learn to trust herself again and listen to her heart. Special Agent Bill Ellery is all that you want in a romantic lead, and the tension between the two is very satisfying. The use of magic by Channing was so interesting, and it added a very special element to the story that it really made the story unique. Finally, the plot unfolds with enough twists and turns and danger to keep you turning the page, but the humor and romance makes you care doubly about the outcome.
I highly recommend this book, as well as the first in Myer's historical mystery series, No Game for a Dame.
The heroine, Channing Stuart, is a woman who has thrown herself into work to avoid getting hurt, but when she gets caught up in a terrorist plot she has to learn to trust herself again and listen to her heart. Special Agent Bill Ellery is all that you want in a romantic lead, and the tension between the two is very satisfying. The use of magic by Channing was so interesting, and it added a very special element to the story that it really made the story unique. Finally, the plot unfolds with enough twists and turns and danger to keep you turning the page, but the humor and romance makes you care doubly about the outcome.
I highly recommend this book, as well as the first in Myer's historical mystery series, No Game for a Dame.
March 1, 2019
Almost 4*, because I really enjoyed it, but there were moments that felt poorly edited. I wish I could overlook that, but it felt so glaring when it happened it was like a record skipping. That said, the story was fun. I usually figure out the twists, but this book kept me surprised. The main characters drew me in, making me want more. I’d happily read an entire series following the adventures of agents Channing and Stuart.
December 8, 2018
A perfect ending
The entire book was so well crafted. There was plenty of intrigue to carry the story to the end. I loved the touch of having a child and a houseman as sidekicks. I also loved the little bit of sexual tension running through the story. The ending was absolutely brilliant. I hope this is the beginning of a series.
The entire book was so well crafted. There was plenty of intrigue to carry the story to the end. I loved the touch of having a child and a houseman as sidekicks. I also loved the little bit of sexual tension running through the story. The ending was absolutely brilliant. I hope this is the beginning of a series.
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April 22, 2021A fast paced novel of a mysterious piece of film belonging to a dead magician. Now the female geologist/magician must step in to help the heroic male from the state department retrieve the film. Without giving away too many magic talents, I really enjoyed the plot and didn't know the deceptive villain who was helping the real villain until the end.
December 31, 2017
Just a good read! I too enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.
April 19, 2020
This one is fast paced and intense with terrorists and says and a magiciaan. Great story.
May 17, 2013
This is the second book I have read recently about a female stage magician involved in FBI work - an interesting new twist on the skills required to be a spy or an investigator...
I got a little uninterested in the story just after half-way through as it seemed to take a long time to get to the finale, and yet the final scenes seemed to me , to be dismissed rather quickly - especially as these were what the book had been leading up to all along.
I really thought more could have been made of them.
I can quite see this as a film though - the spectacle of the magician performing her tricks; the tense final scene where will they make it in time? (although you always know the heroine and hero will...)and so on.
I thought there were some good cliff-hanger scenes where you just had to keep reading ti find out what happened next and some good writing and the ending was good, if predictable. That is why I think more needed to be made of it, the components were too familiar what with bombs and timers and people being tied up... films can make so much of these components that the book failed to do. Thus I ended up disappointed and not inclined to read more by the author.
I think most people who want a different (lightish) read would enjoy it though. But don't expect a surprise ending...
I got a little uninterested in the story just after half-way through as it seemed to take a long time to get to the finale, and yet the final scenes seemed to me , to be dismissed rather quickly - especially as these were what the book had been leading up to all along.
I really thought more could have been made of them.
I can quite see this as a film though - the spectacle of the magician performing her tricks; the tense final scene where will they make it in time? (although you always know the heroine and hero will...)and so on.
I thought there were some good cliff-hanger scenes where you just had to keep reading ti find out what happened next and some good writing and the ending was good, if predictable. That is why I think more needed to be made of it, the components were too familiar what with bombs and timers and people being tied up... films can make so much of these components that the book failed to do. Thus I ended up disappointed and not inclined to read more by the author.
I think most people who want a different (lightish) read would enjoy it though. But don't expect a surprise ending...
May 31, 2012
Action, adventure, terrorist plots, a pinch of romance and a bit of magic to go along with it. A Touch of Magic was a great read.
I loved that the points of view were not only given from the lead character but from the others as well. I have to admit it was a bit hard to read from the terrorist points of view but it did give the book a more realistic feel.
The descriptions and details in the book make you feel like you're actually there. It gives just enough detail to the setting to create a great visual but not so much that it distracts or overwhelms. The characters are well defined and very believable; I especially found the main characters to be incredibly real and likable.
I was on the edge of my set through-out this entire book and couldn't put it down.
I recommend "A Touch of Magic" to anyone who likes a strong and intelligent female lead, a great mystery and lots of action. You will not be disappointed! :)
-Jessica
I loved that the points of view were not only given from the lead character but from the others as well. I have to admit it was a bit hard to read from the terrorist points of view but it did give the book a more realistic feel.
The descriptions and details in the book make you feel like you're actually there. It gives just enough detail to the setting to create a great visual but not so much that it distracts or overwhelms. The characters are well defined and very believable; I especially found the main characters to be incredibly real and likable.
I was on the edge of my set through-out this entire book and couldn't put it down.
I recommend "A Touch of Magic" to anyone who likes a strong and intelligent female lead, a great mystery and lots of action. You will not be disappointed! :)
-Jessica
March 6, 2020
4.5
What a wonderful surprise! I enjoyed this book much more than i had anticipated.
I'll admit, I had gone in thinking this would be a light read, but the depth really impressed me. These characters are fully formed: they know their minds, they have their codes, and they don't let doubt get them own. I must say, it's been a while since I've encountered characters whose self-confidence was truly deserved. Channing and Ellery were delightful.
The suspense aspect was also interesting. I've read a few other romantic mystery/suspense, but I hadn't read one where magic was incorporated. I admit, when I first read 'magician,' I thought the plot would have some fantasy or gimmick to lighten the plot, but I like that Myers shows that it's more about work and talent.
Overall, a wonderful read.
What a wonderful surprise! I enjoyed this book much more than i had anticipated.
I'll admit, I had gone in thinking this would be a light read, but the depth really impressed me. These characters are fully formed: they know their minds, they have their codes, and they don't let doubt get them own. I must say, it's been a while since I've encountered characters whose self-confidence was truly deserved. Channing and Ellery were delightful.
The suspense aspect was also interesting. I've read a few other romantic mystery/suspense, but I hadn't read one where magic was incorporated. I admit, when I first read 'magician,' I thought the plot would have some fantasy or gimmick to lighten the plot, but I like that Myers shows that it's more about work and talent.
Overall, a wonderful read.
July 15, 2013
2.5 stars
This book was a fairly light read and it was just 'ok' in my opinion. I can't put my finger on what gave me that feeling. Overall the plot was good, but when I finally finished it I was left with a feeling of emptiness. Like something was missing from my experience. It's a very strange feeling and one I don't often get when I am reading a book.
The book had action, plenty of it and it did have some romance (not exactly the amount I expected in this book though, not even at the end) and I'll give it credit - it does keep you reading. But when I finished it something just felt detached.
This book was a fairly light read and it was just 'ok' in my opinion. I can't put my finger on what gave me that feeling. Overall the plot was good, but when I finally finished it I was left with a feeling of emptiness. Like something was missing from my experience. It's a very strange feeling and one I don't often get when I am reading a book.
The book had action, plenty of it and it did have some romance (not exactly the amount I expected in this book though, not even at the end) and I'll give it credit - it does keep you reading. But when I finished it something just felt detached.
January 4, 2012
Channing Stuart was born into a family of magicians, but chose not to make that her occupation - until an old magician friend is killed right before her eyes. As she partners with the law to help identify the Bad Guys, along the way she adopts the little boy that her old friend was likely to train as a magician and rediscovers her love of magic.
January 31, 2013
This book reminded me why I can't read adventure stories unless I have a lot of time to spend reading at one time. I had to see what was happening! I put only three stars because I don't like swearing and I didn't know there would be any in it, especially the f-bomb.
April 10, 2014
I love books with a magician as the main character. This book was awesome. It could be the first of a series, but I cannot find any others about the main character, Channing Stuart, even though this one was written in 1987, I think.
June 20, 2014
Channing Stuart is the first of her family of magicians not to become a professional magician. Channing finds herself working for the FBI in finding a dangerous criminal and using her magic skills to help the government. Good easy read
March 14, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I downloaded while on vacation, as I have enjoyed Ms. Myers' other books. She creates really fun heroines; smart, independent and fearless!
Looking forward to more about this character.
Looking forward to more about this character.
June 16, 2012
It was the first time in a long time that a story has compelled me to carve out time to find out what happens next.
June 13, 2013
Fluff.
May 12, 2013
A clever book that kept me guessing until the end, a touch of romance and a bit of action.
July 3, 2013
An interesting edge - really hope this series makes it as the set up novel was wonderful.
August 6, 2019
Very fun read - love the magic touch! Thanks Jenny for reading it first!
February 17, 2014
A Touch of Magic
This is an irritating book. It was slow in spots with background information. Then the tension began to build. I couldn't stop till it was read.
This is an irritating book. It was slow in spots with background information. Then the tension began to build. I couldn't stop till it was read.
January 3, 2016
Quite a slow start which made it difficult to read but about three quarters through the pace picked up enough to make skimming through it to finish it feasible. Just not an attention getter to me.
March 3, 2015
Really bummed this could not have been a series, but as a standalone I enjoyed it very much. Rich characters and a great original story.
April 23, 2015
This is a reissue of an old story she wrote quite a few years ago. It could use some polishing up but it's still a great story.
kindle-i-own-to-read
November 17, 2012Amazon Freebie 11/16/2012
May 2, 2017
I always enjoy M. Ruth Myers books. Engaging mysteries, good 'who done-it' elements, characters you love to hate and good guys you love!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews