No Such Thing as Magic

Name: No Such Thing as Magic
Price: 19.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781036708733

✍️ Steve Higgs

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$19.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A skeptical PI investigates a wizard killer in Rochester using fists instead of spells.

Tempest Michaels faces a unique threat in Rochester where a wizard kills randomly after sending business cards. As England's top paranormal investigator, he must prove his worth despite lacking belief in magic. The narrative follows his attempt to identify the common thread among the dead while managing a line of terrified clients. Higgs structures the story around this investigation, highlighting the clash between supernatural abilities and mundane skepticism. The protagonist relies on punching rather than spells, creating a distinct tone. This approach differentiates the book from serious gothic fiction or high fantasy. It appeals to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with a strong comedic edge. Those seeking traditional horror or complex magical systems may find the premise too lighthearted.

Key Themes

paranormal investigation skeptical protagonist random killings

Literary Context

The story is set in Rochester, England, featuring Tempest Michaels as a prominent local figure. It draws on British urban fantasy traditions by placing magical elements in a modern city setting. The narrative relies on the contrast between supernatural powers and everyday bureaucratic or detective work.

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

Charles de Lint · Jim Butcher · Terry Pratchett · Neil Gaiman

🌙

Paranormal

🏛 Vinci Books Ltd 📅 2026 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781036708733

📝 Description: No Such Thing as Magic

Steve Higgs presents a comedic take on urban fantasy in No Such Thing as Magic. The narrative centers on Tempest Michaels, England's leading paranormal private investigator. He operates in Rochester, a city gripped by fear due to a wizard killing victims at random. Each victim received a business card prior to their death. Tempest discovers he has also been contacted and faces clients who believe they are next. He must determine if the victims share a specific connection or if the killer has a hidden motive. The story contrasts magical power with skepticism. Tempest does not believe in magic, which shapes his approach to the case. His strategy involves physical confrontation rather than mystical counters. The plot follows his investigation as he tries to match a man who commands elements and kills with thought. The tone is described as absolute bedlam by reviewers. One critic notes that Higgs’s imagination is remarkable and finds the humor so intense it causes physical reactions. This work blends supernatural threats with detective procedural elements, focusing on the absurdity of the situation rather than traditional horror dread.

💎 Our verdict on No Such Thing as Magic

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Higgs delivers a comedic take on urban fantasy that prioritizes absurdity over traditional horror dread. The narrative effectively contrasts magical power with the protagonist's intense skepticism, creating a unique dynamic where physical confrontation replaces spellcasting. Reviewers praise the author's remarkable imagination and the intensity of the humor, noting its ability to provoke physical reactions. While it may disappoint those seeking complex magical systems or serious gothic fiction, it succeeds as a lighthearted mystery. The story focuses on the clash between supernatural abilities and mundane reality, offering a distinct tone that differentiates it from standard genre offerings. It is best suited for readers who enjoy detective procedural elements blended with supernatural threats and strong comedic timing.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries infused with a strong comedic edge will find this book particularly engaging. It appeals to those seeking an alternative to serious gothic fiction or high fantasy, offering a lighthearted approach to supernatural threats. The narrative distinguishes itself through its unique tone, where the protagonist relies on physical confrontation rather than mystical counters. This clash between skepticism and magical power creates a distinct atmosphere of absolute bedlam. Those who appreciate absurdity over traditional horror dread will value the exploration of a wizard killer in a mundane setting. The book provides a refreshing perspective by highlighting the protagonist's lack of belief in magic, making it an ideal choice for fans of humorous urban fantasy.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Higgs delivers a comedic take on urban fantasy that prioritizes absurdity over traditional horror dread. The narrative effectively contrasts magical power with the protagonist's intense skepticism, creating a unique dynamic where physical confrontation replaces spellcasting. Reviewers praise the author's remarkable imagination and the intensity of the humor, noting its ability to provoke physical reactions. While it may disappoint those seeking complex magical systems or serious gothic fiction, it succeeds as a lighthearted mystery. The story focuses on the clash between supernatural abilities and mundane reality, offering a distinct tone that differentiates it from standard genre offerings. It is best suited for readers who enjoy detective procedural elements blended with supernatural threats and strong comedic timing.