Hurricane Sandy ravages the Jersey Shore while simultaneously providing the backdrop for a horrible crime. A serial killer takes advantage of the night’s ferocity and inflicts his own damage. The madman then disappears leaving a famed F.B.I. agent broken in the process. Frank Sorello retires from the Bureau only to be drawn back into the game after a bestselling novel by a new author raises suspicions about details inside the book. Is the homicidal maniac announcing his return or is it purely a coincidence? The intrigue builds as a young man with an intellect rivaling that of Einstein and Da Vinci is tragically connected to the Bureau’s top agent. As the investigation is renewed, the murders begin once again. While the mystery unravels no one is truly safe; neither the gated communities of Hollywood nor the hallowed grounds of an Ivy League University provide refuge from what lies waiting in the shadows. The suspense mounts as the hunt gets ever more personal when the agent’s current romantic interest becomes a target. Sorello vows to put an end to the killer’s reign in this fast paced thriller . . . but the killer has other plans. "A Jersey Shore Thriller!" Serial killers have always repelled and compelled us with their antics and over the top deviant behavior. Charles Manson once said, "You know, if I wanted to kill somebody, I'd take this book and beat you to death with it. And I wouldn't feel a thing. It'd be just like walking to the drug store." Well, I'm sure Manson wasn't referring to The Magician , but the public's serial killer fascination continues to be fed with TV, movies, and books. Thanks to The Magician , written by first time author David Pupa, the Jersey Shore now has it's own psychotic, brilliant, and oh-so-evil, serial killer in a well crafted character. Thankfully he's a fictional character, the author's own creation. But as I read the book, this character felt entirely too real for me - but that's a hallmark of a great book as far as I'm concerned. One aspect that made the book come alive for me was the many locations mentioned right in Monmouth County and that I could personally relate to Hurricane Sandy. I loved the book and definitely encourage you readers to get your copy now -- but don't plan on going any where until you finish the book. OMG -- the ending blew me away and I'm sure you'll have the same reaction too. Then there's the graphic book cover which does set the tone for what's in store for the reader. The blood splattered cover is intentionally unsettling -- you won't be disappointed with this read. Follow David Pupa on Facebook for updates, and purchase the book at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Want a copy of The Magician signed by the author? Head to Booktowne in Manasquan. After you read the book, consider this question -- which actors should play Frank and James in the movie? Let me know your thoughts on that; I'm gonna want to interview those guys for sure. Jersey Coastal Live - by Andrea Tarr "Rating 5 Stars - Totally Loved It" ReviewPlot/Story:This book has an amazing plot and the story is simply AWESOME!!! If you want to read a really, really good psychological thriller then you should definitely read The Magician. The concept is out of the world and I really, really enjoyed reading each and every chapter. The entire time I was at the edge of my seat and it was surprisingly hard to put down this book even for a second. It was a fast-paced thriller that gripped me from to end. I always found myself craving the next part to see what would happen next. There were a lot of things going on in this book at the same time (in a good way) and I enjoyed all the elements thoroughly. There are two parallel story lines and sometimes three (James' past and present and Agent Sorello's present.) Every time there was a shift I cursed out loud for the small cliff-hanger endings to every chapter, but, after a line or two, I found myself fully engaged again. The Magician is a perfect combination of love, revenge, determination, craziness, passion, intellect, mystery, murder(s), torture and pain. Overall it had everything one can expect from ten thriller books combined. The writing and characterisation were amazing and it all worked perfectly. Characters: I loved both the lead characters, especially James- the antagonist (maybe more than I really should!) His character is developed beautifully and creatively. Agent Frank Sorello (now retired) is also a well-developed character. Aside from being an FBI icon he is a really good guy. A gradual recovery from his tragic past is portrayed beautifully through the emergence of a new love in his life. It makes you feel involved in each and every aspect of his life (and the same goes for James.) Writing: The writing is simple but effective, which for me, is the perfect combination for any book. No unnecessary complicated words; the few used were really good and insightful! I loved the simple sentences and the ease with which they