🕯️ Supernatural

Murder By Illusion

✍️ Giles Ekins
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$41.49
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A failed magician makes a pact with a mysterious entity that brings fame and horror.

The story follows Charlie Chilton, a struggling stage illusionist who seeks redemption through a deal with Asmodeus Tchort. This agreement grants him instant celebrity status but binds him to a sinister path. As he tours his new act, gruesome murders occur in his wake. The narrative explores the blurred line between performance and reality, asking if Chilton is the perpetrator or the prey. The large print format ensures accessibility for readers with visual impairments. Ekins constructs a tale where supernatural forces intervene in human ambition. The plot relies on the tension between public adoration and private terror. It does not offer easy answers regarding Tchort’s origins or intentions. The focus remains tightly on Chilton’s descent into a nightmare fueled by his own desires.

Key Themes
stage illusionism demonic pacts supernatural horror
Literary Context

This work sits within the tradition of gothic supernatural fiction, published in 2021. It draws on classic tropes of Faustian bargains and haunted protagonists. The large print edition targets readers seeking accessible formats for genre fiction. It reflects contemporary interest in psychological horror mixed with theatrical mystery.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
John Fowles · Stephen King · Shirley Jackson · Clive Barker
🕯️
Supernatural
🏛 Next Chapter 📅 2021 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9784824117571

📝 Description: Murder By Illusion

Giles Ekins presents a narrative centered on Charlie Chilton, a stage illusionist whose career has stalled. The story begins when the enigmatic figure Asmodeus Tchort proposes an agreement that promises immediate fame. This pact accelerates Chilton’s rise to prominence as the most renowned magician in the industry. However, the cost of this success involves dark consequences that follow him across the country during his tour. The plot explores the psychological toll of Chilton’s new life. He endures terrifying nightmares and finds himself entangled in a series of brutal killings linked to his controversial performances. The narrative questions whether the magician has committed these acts or if he is merely a victim of circumstance. Readers are left to determine the true identity of Asmodeus Tchort and the nature of the evil stalking Chilton’s path. This edition is formatted as a large print version, utilizing a larger font size to facilitate easier reading for those who prefer it. The text remains focused on the supernatural thriller elements without adding extraneous historical context or secondary subplots.

💎 Our verdict on Murder By Illusion

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Ekins constructs a tense narrative that effectively uses the metaphor of stage illusion to explore deeper fears of identity and loss of control. The protagonist’s journey from struggling artist to celebrated performer is undercut by gruesome murders, creating a palpable sense of dread. The book succeeds in maintaining ambiguity regarding the antagonist’s true nature, forcing readers to question reality alongside Chilton. This approach suits fans of psychological horror who appreciate nuanced character studies over jump scares. While the large print format enhances accessibility, the core strength lies in its atmospheric writing and tight focus on supernatural thriller elements without unnecessary distractions.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who enjoy psychological horror and gothic fiction will find this narrative compelling due to its exploration of ambition and identity. The story appeals to those fascinated by the blurred lines between reality and performance, offering a tense examination of a protagonist’s descent into nightmare. It is ideal for audiences who prefer supernatural thrillers that focus on internal terror rather than external action. The accessible large print format also serves readers with visual impairments or those who simply prefer easier reading experiences. By avoiding extraneous subplots, the book delivers a concentrated dose of dread, making it suitable for fans of tight, atmospheric plots where the horror stems from personal desire and supernatural intervention.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Ekins constructs a tense narrative that effectively uses the metaphor of stage illusion to explore deeper fears of identity and loss of control. The protagonist’s journey from struggling artist to celebrated performer is undercut by gruesome murders, creating a palpable sense of dread. The book succeeds in maintaining ambiguity regarding the antagonist’s true nature, forcing readers to question reality alongside Chilton. This approach suits fans of psychological horror who appreciate nuanced character studies over jump scares. While the large print format enhances accessibility, the core strength lies in its atmospheric writing and tight focus on supernatural thriller elements without unnecessary distractions.

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