The Magician's Tale
- 401 pages
- 15 hours of reading
When police discover the decapitated head of a young man with the body missing, they are shocked to learn it belongs to Tim Lovesey, a handsome prostitute from San Francisco's Polk Gulch. The area, rife with vice, prompts police to dismiss the murder as just another bizarre crime. However, Kay Farrow, a photographer working on a book about the Gulch's hustlers, becomes determined to investigate further. As an achromat with extreme color blindness, Kay’s unique vision shapes her perspective and enhances her photography skills. Her quest for justice leads her to an unsolved serial murder case that mirrors Tim's death, deeply affecting her as her father was involved in the original investigation, which ended in failure and his disgrace. Kay's pursuit of the truth introduces her to Tim's "uncle," who reveals intriguing details about Tim's past as a magician alongside his twin sister. As Kay delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Tim's life and death, she confronts the dangers of her investigation, facing threats to her mental and physical safety. Her colorless vision reveals the darker shades of human emotions—lust, greed, jealousy, and desire—complicating her journey to uncover the truth behind Tim's tragic fate.