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Midnight Magic #1
Murder at Midnight
Newbery Medalist and master storyteller Avi returns to Scholastic with a tantalizing prequel to his bestselling medieval mystery MIDNIGHT MAGIC.
A plot to overthrow King Claudio is brewing in the Kingdom of Pergamontio. Scholarly Mangus the magician -- along with his street-smart and faithful new servant boy, Fabrizio -- have been marked as easy scapegoats for the traitor lurking within the king's court. Together, these two unlikely partners must gather clues to solve the mystery and prove their innocence before the stroke of midnight. . . or face death!
Intricate plotting, surprise twists, and lively prose make for another suspenseful page-turner that stands alone or sets the stage for MIDNIGHT MAGIC!
A plot to overthrow King Claudio is brewing in the Kingdom of Pergamontio. Scholarly Mangus the magician -- along with his street-smart and faithful new servant boy, Fabrizio -- have been marked as easy scapegoats for the traitor lurking within the king's court. Together, these two unlikely partners must gather clues to solve the mystery and prove their innocence before the stroke of midnight. . . or face death!
Intricate plotting, surprise twists, and lively prose make for another suspenseful page-turner that stands alone or sets the stage for MIDNIGHT MAGIC!
254 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2009
83 people are currently reading
1157 people want to read
About the author
Avi
345 books1,718 followersAvi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle,
Nothing but the Truth,
and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
March 16, 2020
I grew up reading a lot of books from this author and this is one that has been sitting on my shelf for a while. I found this story to be perfect for little fans of mystery and history. I find myself reading children's books from time to time. This was a quick read for me.
May 7, 2012
Avi is a fabulous writer. He creates vivid pictures of the past, and Murder at Midnight is no exception. This is a prequel to Midnight Magic.
Fabrizio is a servant to Mangus, the Magician. Magic is not allowed in Pergamontio, but uneducated Fabrizio is amazed by his master's skills. When Mangus must either confess to a plot against the king or reveal who hatched the plot (neither of which is possible, since he had nothing to do with any plot), they must rely on Fabrizio's wits.
The "magic" is the result of the printing press, an invention that has not been heard of in Pergamontio.
Fabrizio is an intriguing character who makes the reader cheer, get frustrated, and ultimately feel like he's a friend.
With lots of twists, this book is a good one for younger readers.
Fabrizio is a servant to Mangus, the Magician. Magic is not allowed in Pergamontio, but uneducated Fabrizio is amazed by his master's skills. When Mangus must either confess to a plot against the king or reveal who hatched the plot (neither of which is possible, since he had nothing to do with any plot), they must rely on Fabrizio's wits.
The "magic" is the result of the printing press, an invention that has not been heard of in Pergamontio.
Fabrizio is an intriguing character who makes the reader cheer, get frustrated, and ultimately feel like he's a friend.
With lots of twists, this book is a good one for younger readers.
May 6, 2022
read this with my 7th graders hah
October 3, 2019
A good story: not particularly profound or complicated but it did keep me reading to find out what was going to happen next.
December 6, 2024
Murder at Midnight is chronologically first of this series, but isn't the true starting point. That would be Midnight Magic, published ten years earlier, to which this novel is the prequel. Fabrizio, a ten-year-old orphan in the year 1490, has been taken in by Mangus the Magician and his wife, Mistress Sophia. Mangus sees little value in Fabrizio as a servant boy; he can't read, frequently bungles tasks, and has an unshakeable notion that Mangus performs acts of sorcery, not mere prestidigitation to amuse audiences. When Mistress Sophia leaves town to check on her ailing sister, she implores Fabrizio to prove himself to Mangus so he doesn't dismiss the boy from their household. That's a tall order.
"Seek the devil and he'll find you first."
—Fabrizio, P. 50
Everyday routine comes to a halt when Mangus is visited by Brutus Lucian DeLaBina, chief prosecutor in the kingdom of Pergamontio, where Mangus resides. DeLaBina has found paper leaflets calling for a coup against King Claudio. The leaflets contain such precise handwriting that DeLaBina contends they are a product of sorcery. Mangus is his main suspect, and unless he cooperates, DeLaBina vows he will executed. Soon Fabrizio and Mangus are locked in the dungeon, facing formal accusation of treason. Can they wriggle out of a death sentence?
"Fear most those who are fearful."
—Mangus, P. 26
Mangus must identify his primary enemy if he's to mount a defense. Is it DeLaBina, the pompous prosecutor? Or Count Scarazoni, a coldly calculating officer of the court with ambitions to the throne? Could it be Prince Cosimo, Scarazoni's rival and first in line for the crown? Fabrizio is enamored of real magic and believes Mangus can dig them out of trouble, but the magician insists the closest thing to sorcery in this world is calm, cool reasoning. Nothing else will save them from the king's vengeance. If Fabrizio figures a way to trick the actual traitor to Pergamontio into revealing himself, maybe Mangus will accept Fabrizio back into the household...if they both survive the trial.
"A first chance is worth fifty second ones."
—Fabrizio, P. 143
Comparing it with Midnight Magic, Murder at Midnight is more readable, but its themes aren't as defined. Much trouble can ensue when allegations are believed without proof, and politics rots the system when its practitioners are shielded from the consequences of their own perfidy. It's possible I'd rate this book two and a half stars; the characters are memorable and I appreciate historical fiction set during a period not often written about. I'm eager for the third book, City of Magic, published thirteen years after Murder at Midnight.
"Seek the devil and he'll find you first."
—Fabrizio, P. 50
Everyday routine comes to a halt when Mangus is visited by Brutus Lucian DeLaBina, chief prosecutor in the kingdom of Pergamontio, where Mangus resides. DeLaBina has found paper leaflets calling for a coup against King Claudio. The leaflets contain such precise handwriting that DeLaBina contends they are a product of sorcery. Mangus is his main suspect, and unless he cooperates, DeLaBina vows he will executed. Soon Fabrizio and Mangus are locked in the dungeon, facing formal accusation of treason. Can they wriggle out of a death sentence?
"Fear most those who are fearful."
—Mangus, P. 26
Mangus must identify his primary enemy if he's to mount a defense. Is it DeLaBina, the pompous prosecutor? Or Count Scarazoni, a coldly calculating officer of the court with ambitions to the throne? Could it be Prince Cosimo, Scarazoni's rival and first in line for the crown? Fabrizio is enamored of real magic and believes Mangus can dig them out of trouble, but the magician insists the closest thing to sorcery in this world is calm, cool reasoning. Nothing else will save them from the king's vengeance. If Fabrizio figures a way to trick the actual traitor to Pergamontio into revealing himself, maybe Mangus will accept Fabrizio back into the household...if they both survive the trial.
"A first chance is worth fifty second ones."
—Fabrizio, P. 143
Comparing it with Midnight Magic, Murder at Midnight is more readable, but its themes aren't as defined. Much trouble can ensue when allegations are believed without proof, and politics rots the system when its practitioners are shielded from the consequences of their own perfidy. It's possible I'd rate this book two and a half stars; the characters are memorable and I appreciate historical fiction set during a period not often written about. I'm eager for the third book, City of Magic, published thirteen years after Murder at Midnight.
January 8, 2021
Fabrizio is an orphan boy, taken off the streets and into the household of Mangus the Magician and his wife Sophia. Mangus is wrongly accused of magically producing identical flyers that call for the overthrow of the king. Fabrizio longs to serve well, but makes a series of blunders that never the less get him to the right place at the right time.
Some memorable sayings:
“God gave us the gift of reason. To use it, Fabrizio, is our gift to him. Unfortunately, the enemy of reason is exhaustion.”
“It’s best to find the simplest solution.”
“Just because you think you know everything doesn’t mean you know anything.”
“If you have to choose between knowing your friends or enemies, better to know your friends.”
“There’s no pain like the pain of betrayal.”
“Everything surprises if we lack knowledge of it.”
I am glad to be introduced to Avi and have Midnight Magic, the story to which this is the prequel, on request.
Some memorable sayings:
“God gave us the gift of reason. To use it, Fabrizio, is our gift to him. Unfortunately, the enemy of reason is exhaustion.”
“It’s best to find the simplest solution.”
“Just because you think you know everything doesn’t mean you know anything.”
“If you have to choose between knowing your friends or enemies, better to know your friends.”
“There’s no pain like the pain of betrayal.”
“Everything surprises if we lack knowledge of it.”
I am glad to be introduced to Avi and have Midnight Magic, the story to which this is the prequel, on request.
May 28, 2017
A fairly good juvenile mystery set in Renaissance era Italy.
A young boy is taken in by a famous magician in a backward Italian city. Everybody in the city believes that the magician is a real wizard. When hundreds of flyers, exactly alike appear throughout the town, the magician is arrested for witchcraft. The boy has to find out how the handbills were created, and clear the magician's name.
Pretty good, but not quite up to the level of The Three Investigators.
A young boy is taken in by a famous magician in a backward Italian city. Everybody in the city believes that the magician is a real wizard. When hundreds of flyers, exactly alike appear throughout the town, the magician is arrested for witchcraft. The boy has to find out how the handbills were created, and clear the magician's name.
Pretty good, but not quite up to the level of The Three Investigators.
August 30, 2018
This book is a prequel to Midnight Magic. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first. I also find it unrealistic that alot of the events that take place in this book, are not mentioned in Midnight Magic, other than Mangus's trial. (I know, I know, it's a prequel, the author wrote it after midnight magic, but it took me out of the story) I would recommend reading this one first before reading midnight magic.
July 17, 2023
Ugh, I'm gonna be honest, this book drove me insane.
Fabrizio talked exclusively in cliches that made zero sense. And then his Master responds in a cliche that makes slightly more sense but still makes my brain hurt.
THEY DID THIS EVERY SINGLE PAGE SEND HELP.
Fabrizio: A rooster only crows when it has something important to say
Master: Dude have you ever seen a rooster? They crow every dang minute.
Master: A rooster only crows because IT IS AN OBSTINATE SHOWOFF LIKE YOU
Master: *humph*
Fabrizio: Ahhh I see. A rooster only crows because it is hungry.
Master: No. Philosophy and junk.
Pompous Dude: We're gonna murder you cuz magic and treason and stuff.
Master: *surprised Pikachu face*
Fabrizio: Now I will get into court ordered wacky hijinks to save my master!
Master: No!
And that was your book ladies and gentlemen.
I only gave it two stars because Agrippa. That man carried the entire book.
Fabrizio talked exclusively in cliches that made zero sense. And then his Master responds in a cliche that makes slightly more sense but still makes my brain hurt.
THEY DID THIS EVERY SINGLE PAGE SEND HELP.
Fabrizio: A rooster only crows when it has something important to say
Master: Dude have you ever seen a rooster? They crow every dang minute.
Master: A rooster only crows because IT IS AN OBSTINATE SHOWOFF LIKE YOU
Master: *humph*
Fabrizio: Ahhh I see. A rooster only crows because it is hungry.
Master: No. Philosophy and junk.
Pompous Dude: We're gonna murder you cuz magic and treason and stuff.
Master: *surprised Pikachu face*
Fabrizio: Now I will get into court ordered wacky hijinks to save my master!
Master: No!
And that was your book ladies and gentlemen.
I only gave it two stars because Agrippa. That man carried the entire book.
April 15, 2024
I grew up loving Avi's work, but this was one I never picked up. and like... it's fine? not something I'm going to remember in a month, outside of how much the main character fabrizio is an idiot. a loveable idiot, but an idiot nonetheless. 3 stars from me.
October 12, 2017
I struggled reading this book. I just couldn't get into the story and characters. It had promise but I couldn't seem to care. That being said, I have kids that I know will want to read it.
May 28, 2024
3.5 stars. Another interesting Avi book that gets inside the head of a young protagonist of a different time and place.
April 6, 2018
SUCH A GOOD BOOK! Comes with the least unexpected twist.
July 22, 2025
A murder mystery which takes place in the kingdom of Pergamontio in 1490. A servant ( Fabrizio) emerges as a hero. This book is a prequel to Midnight Magic.
October 29, 2018
This book is about of bunch of mystery about who murdered who. I thought this book was decent but it really want much of my type of book. But it still had a good story that this book tells about what happened to DeLaBina and finding out who is lying about who did it.
April 3, 2025
3.5 - easy read but a good page turner!
October 1, 2010
i liked the way the author made the story mysterious,and interesting.the main character has to do alot of things for his master(master mangus.because his master is accused for some letters that magicly appear that want the king (king claudio)overthrown from his kingdom of pergamontio.its an epic struggle to prove his master is innocent be for has to face death.
when master mangus is accused of treason by pergamontion's chief.it turns ot that someone in (league) with the (devil) has been plasstering the walls of the city with messages.and every single paper seems to be written in the sae imperfect hand wrighting witch seems like magic.Fabrizio finds himself caught up in a web of court intrigue,suspicion,and superstion.
when master mangus is accused of treason by pergamontion's chief.it turns ot that someone in (league) with the (devil) has been plasstering the walls of the city with messages.and every single paper seems to be written in the sae imperfect hand wrighting witch seems like magic.Fabrizio finds himself caught up in a web of court intrigue,suspicion,and superstion.
April 1, 2013
This book has a good pace and has an old-fashioned but modern feel, and I enjoyed reading it. In this book, there are papers suggestions someone overthrowing the king of Pergamontio, Italy, and the king suspects it is the magician named Mangus. Mangus the magician, along with his servant, Fabrizio, help convince the king of what really happened. There is an interesting mysterious feel to this book, which makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. However, it is somewhat confusing at some points because of either the word choice or the fast pace. Overall, Murder at Midnight is a mysterious book that has plenty of descriptive words.
September 29, 2010
I never actually did finish this book. I think I've had enough stories about subservient boy apprentices and crotchety old magicians. I couldn't finish the book.
October 7, 2013
Read with the kids. Avi writes good solid juvinile lit. He isn't Twain, Dahl or Kipling, but hell, few writers for kids are.
October 28, 2025
Among a people who still believe in ghosts, demons, angels and sorcery, how can reason prevail?
The barely literate Fabrizio is an earnest and well-meaning boy. He’s kind, hard working, diligent and attentive. However, he’s mired in the falsehoods that run rampant throughout the Italian province of Pergamontio. His master, the self-proclaimed Mangus the Magician, tries in vain to get Fabrizio to understand that his “magic” is nothing more than cheap illusions and chicanery. But Fabrizio is unconvinced, certain that his master possesses real magic, a belief that nearly dooms the aged performer.
We understand Mangus’s frustrations with Fabrizio. After all, his hapless apprentice’s foolishness is just a symptom of a larger problem. Pergamontio is a town that refuses to move into the modern age. The printing press has been invented and is disseminating new information everywhere—everywhere but Pergamontio. Their king is a fearful, sniveling, superstitious ruler surrounded by conniving nobles and underlings who eagerly prey on his feeble grasp of how the world truly works.
The political and the supernatural collide as Fabrizio frantically attempts to untangle the web that is steadily closing around his elderly master. The action gallops apace, the author paints a vivid picture of 15th-century Pergamontio and the various denizens that abide in it and the dialogue veers convincingly from gripping suspense to melodrama to low comedy. The conversations with the executioner Agrippa have a black comedic tone that rivals anything out of The Princess Bride.
This is a book meant for middle-grade readers but I think adults will appreciate it as well. Beyond the murder mystery plot, it promotes reading, the value of educating oneself and is a healthy call to skepticism.
The barely literate Fabrizio is an earnest and well-meaning boy. He’s kind, hard working, diligent and attentive. However, he’s mired in the falsehoods that run rampant throughout the Italian province of Pergamontio. His master, the self-proclaimed Mangus the Magician, tries in vain to get Fabrizio to understand that his “magic” is nothing more than cheap illusions and chicanery. But Fabrizio is unconvinced, certain that his master possesses real magic, a belief that nearly dooms the aged performer.
We understand Mangus’s frustrations with Fabrizio. After all, his hapless apprentice’s foolishness is just a symptom of a larger problem. Pergamontio is a town that refuses to move into the modern age. The printing press has been invented and is disseminating new information everywhere—everywhere but Pergamontio. Their king is a fearful, sniveling, superstitious ruler surrounded by conniving nobles and underlings who eagerly prey on his feeble grasp of how the world truly works.
The political and the supernatural collide as Fabrizio frantically attempts to untangle the web that is steadily closing around his elderly master. The action gallops apace, the author paints a vivid picture of 15th-century Pergamontio and the various denizens that abide in it and the dialogue veers convincingly from gripping suspense to melodrama to low comedy. The conversations with the executioner Agrippa have a black comedic tone that rivals anything out of The Princess Bride.
This is a book meant for middle-grade readers but I think adults will appreciate it as well. Beyond the murder mystery plot, it promotes reading, the value of educating oneself and is a healthy call to skepticism.
August 29, 2022
In the Kingdom of Pergamontio, Fabrizio is astounded by his master's ability to perform magic, but his master, Mangus the magician, is frustrated with the uneducated boy's belief in the impossible. When Mangus is accused of using magic to participate in a plot to overthrow the king, he must rely on the his servant to piece together the clues and come to his rescue. Fabrizio is determined to save his master and with the help of a new friend, he gets to the bottom of the treachery in the kingdom.
I enjoyed the historical time period of this book, set about the time of the newly invented printing press. It would be a great addition to a medieval booklist as a fun read for a middle schooler. There was plenty of foreshadowing and enough clues were dropped for the reader to solve the mystery, yet the way in which Magnus's innocence was made for a surprising ending.
At the start of the book, I was frustrated with the main character, Fabrizio, but he grew on me as the story unfolded. I found it a little tough to keep track of many of the roles of the characters from the King's Royal Court because we didn't actually know them very well.
Overall, this was a fun read and perfect for a middle school audience. A discussion about the importance of setting (especially in regard to the "magic" of the printing press) would be a great way to tackle this story.
I enjoyed the historical time period of this book, set about the time of the newly invented printing press. It would be a great addition to a medieval booklist as a fun read for a middle schooler. There was plenty of foreshadowing and enough clues were dropped for the reader to solve the mystery, yet the way in which Magnus's innocence was made for a surprising ending.
At the start of the book, I was frustrated with the main character, Fabrizio, but he grew on me as the story unfolded. I found it a little tough to keep track of many of the roles of the characters from the King's Royal Court because we didn't actually know them very well.
Overall, this was a fun read and perfect for a middle school audience. A discussion about the importance of setting (especially in regard to the "magic" of the printing press) would be a great way to tackle this story.
September 8, 2017
In the book Murder at Midnight, a young boy who has lived on his streets all his life, but one day a mistress named Sophia finds him and takes him in for they are in need of assistance. He never has had a name, but this young boy, Fabrizio named by his mistress, always loved magic. In the Kingdom of Pergamontio he watched and learned. His master, Mangus the Magician, always thought that he would never need Fabrizio and was always had a hate for him, but he himself had always loved magic. Fabrizio had always tried his best to impress his master, although his master had never wanted him. One day Fabrizio had bad news that his master had been trapped, now his quest had begun to save him and gain his love.
I liked this book because it really wants to hook you in which is what you expect from a great book. There are many characters you meet with Fabrizio so he could become a great magician. The theme isn’t very present, but although you try your very best to make a person love you and they hate you, sometimes you just have to keep trying and gain their love. The plot had many conflicts that were later resolved and that was one of the many things that hooked me.
I liked this book because it really wants to hook you in which is what you expect from a great book. There are many characters you meet with Fabrizio so he could become a great magician. The theme isn’t very present, but although you try your very best to make a person love you and they hate you, sometimes you just have to keep trying and gain their love. The plot had many conflicts that were later resolved and that was one of the many things that hooked me.
October 8, 2018
Summer anaya
Language arts period 1
Mrs.Nance
10/8/18
I have read the book “Murder at midnight” by Avi and i did not enjoy it for the most part. The boy Fabrizio in the book was a servant boy and he was treated poorly throughout the book except for when mistress came along but she wasn’t in the book very much. Another reason why i did not enjoy the book was because it took place in the medieval ages and i dislike that era because people are so badly mistreated. The only thing that i actually liked about the book was that fabrizio and his master recited really intelligent quotes throughout the book. One quote i like was when fabrizo’s master said something about missing one word in a sentence is like missing a scene in a book you won’t know what is going on.
Language arts period 1
Mrs.Nance
10/8/18
I have read the book “Murder at midnight” by Avi and i did not enjoy it for the most part. The boy Fabrizio in the book was a servant boy and he was treated poorly throughout the book except for when mistress came along but she wasn’t in the book very much. Another reason why i did not enjoy the book was because it took place in the medieval ages and i dislike that era because people are so badly mistreated. The only thing that i actually liked about the book was that fabrizio and his master recited really intelligent quotes throughout the book. One quote i like was when fabrizo’s master said something about missing one word in a sentence is like missing a scene in a book you won’t know what is going on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2022
This was great for middle grade! I thought it was gripping and exciting. The pace was fast, which was perfect! I loved that the chapters were pretty short and easy to get through as well.
There were many characters meant to deceive you and who weren’t exactly who they seemed to be.
I loved our little fire-crackery Maria. She was brave and loyal through and through. Fabrizio was the same. They turned out to be a great team of heroes.
I can’t find the next one to purchase in very many places but I’d like to read it!
There were many characters meant to deceive you and who weren’t exactly who they seemed to be.
I loved our little fire-crackery Maria. She was brave and loyal through and through. Fabrizio was the same. They turned out to be a great team of heroes.
I can’t find the next one to purchase in very many places but I’d like to read it!
February 6, 2024
This Book is about a mystery. The King's son has mysteriously disappeared. Soon after the princess claims that she is being haunted by a ghost. Then the king brings in a magician to rid his daughter of the ghost and find out what has happened to his son. I personally didn't really enjoy this book, because of how some of the interactions between the people seemed very strange considering the time period that the book takes place. However, I would recommend this book to a generally younger reader, because it would be really good reading practice. As well something interesting for them.
January 12, 2026
Avi always has such great books that in my experience, I don't think that even one book by him could ever be bad. I was right. this book was whimsical, entertaining, and I devoured this whole book in one day.
it really explored the ignorance of man, and our tendency to jump to conclusions about magic and ghosts when no one can provide a logical explanation for why things are the way that they are. very thought provoking and endearing with a wonderful cast of characters that won't let you put this down!!
it really explored the ignorance of man, and our tendency to jump to conclusions about magic and ghosts when no one can provide a logical explanation for why things are the way that they are. very thought provoking and endearing with a wonderful cast of characters that won't let you put this down!!
July 4, 2018
The book was semi-interesting. I couldn't really get into the book and I was finding myself making excuses not to read this book. I felt that the entire time I was waiting for the climax and when I felt the conflict starting to be resolved, I started to feel like I had wasted time by reading this book. I wouldn't recommend it because it wasn't very action-packed, but if you want some time to kill, then yeah sure. Also, the cover is beautiful and yes, that is why I chose this book.
April 17, 2018
I'm a bit jealous of kids nowadays. This is so much better than Nancy Drew that I hesitate to mention both in the same sentence.
But back when I first found Nancy Drew novels a bit . . . formulaic . . . I didn't have many other kid appropriate mystery options to turn to. Of course, the Miss Marple and Father Brown and Sherlock Holmes mysteries I found weren't exactly inappropriate. And they were excellent reads.
This, however, is perfect.
And fun to read, even as an adult.
But back when I first found Nancy Drew novels a bit . . . formulaic . . . I didn't have many other kid appropriate mystery options to turn to. Of course, the Miss Marple and Father Brown and Sherlock Holmes mysteries I found weren't exactly inappropriate. And they were excellent reads.
This, however, is perfect.
And fun to read, even as an adult.
September 22, 2018
Murder at Midnight by Edward Irving Wortis is such an interesting and amazing book. The main character Fabrizio, Maria, and Magnus are such interesting characters! This book really has a lot of twist and turns which personally I find astonishing. So much detail in this book makes it impossible to put down! It really makes it seem like it takes place many years ago by the wording and once again amazing detail. I recommend this book to everyone! Great Job!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews