Book: Carter Beats the Devil by Glen Gold

Rather than a magical-realistic book, Carter Beats the Devil is a bit of historical fiction where stage magic plays a major role. The title character, a magician known as Carter the Great, grows from boy magician to one of the most reknowned stage illusionists of his time, lauded by Houdini and loved by audiences. The book is a bit of a thriller, and it's got my favorite kinds of things: elaborate conspiracies, over-the-top villains, protagonists who outsmart their self-righteous opponents, and more.

It's whimsical at times but carries with it a serious undertone, but manages to avoid being heavy-handed. First-rate writing combined with an excellent story. Check it out.