This is a tale of two magicians, of high school extortion and violence, and of a criminal trial in which the guilty go free. Selected by the Book-of-the-Month Club, The Magician has sold over one million copies. Webster Schott wrote in the New York Times Book Review , “I cannot recall a novel of this type with greater pleasure. Beautiful and gripping.”

Cliffhaven--Magnificent new resort near Big Sur. Surrounded by redwoods. Guarded by Oceanside cliffs. Protected from prying eyes. By reservation only. Cliffhaven--Founded by a man with very special interests, catering to a very special clientele. Margaret and Henry Brown, vacationing New Yorkers innocently driving down the sea-washed coast of California, are just the right sort of people. Cliffhaven--It has a spectacular entrance, a three-star restaurant, lavish accommodations--and no exit! "This novel should do for California vacation retreats what jaws did for swimming in the Atlantic."-- Los Angeles Times Book Review "A thrilling nightmare...A Dante's Inferno ...more than fulfills the remark "I read it all in one nail-biting session."--Eli Wallach "Not only a thriller...a parable and a warning to all who say 'It can't happen here.'"-- Jewish Post and Opinion

"Stein attains a new level of achievement that demonstrates his ability to write as well as, and perhaps better than, most of the novelists he publishes... It's the sort of book you hate to stop reading." -- John Barkham Reviews "If you bury yourself in a Sol Stein book while walking, you will walk into a wall." -- The New York Times "Brilliantly conceived, highly recommended." --United Press International