SOLVED. Children's novel about an evil stage magician [s]

[Sl]

I probably read this children's novel around 1999 (or maybe a little earlier), but I don't think it was a brand new book at the time. It was a very sinister story involving a kid (the protagonist) who watched a stage magician. The magician made another child disappear and then reappear (or maybe sawed him in half or something like that) as part of a stage act in a theatre, but the re-appeared child seemed hollow and distant afterwards. Then later in the story the magician was going to do it again to another child, and the protagonist realized the magician had probably actually killed the children and revived empty shells of their bodies. I'm faintly recalling that the protagonist had a yellow rain jacket, but I could be mistaken. I think there was also something to do with decks of cards.
Does this story sound familiar to anyone? Thank you!

[Sue]

Something by Ray Bradbury? Maybe 'Something Wicked This Way Comes.'
"An old woman becomes young again and a man regains his severed leg. Two boys watch as strange things happen when a carnival comes to town. They will soon discover the show's awful mystery. It is a mystery that will alter the life of everyone it touches."

[Sl]

Thank you very much Sue. I just looked up a detailed summary of 'Something Wicked' and I don't think it's the same book, but it does appear to have many similar themes and qualities.

[Tab]

Do you remember anything about the cover?
Part of a series?
Time Period/Location the story takes place?

Was it more of a mystery, horror, fantasy, etc?

[Sl]

Hi Tab,
I don't remember the cover, except that it was hardcover and had darker colours. I don't think it was part of a series. I'm fairly sure it took place in modern times in a town or city (probably in the US or possibly UK). It wasn't really a mystery or fantasy -- more a horror I think.
Thanks!

[Cupcakedoll]

A Darker Magic by Michael Bedard

[Sl]

Thank you Cupcakedoll!! That is absolutely it.