A Deadly Game of Magic/YMMV


 * Narm: Some of the dialogue, especially Lisa's, is this, although it could be justified by her major insecurity issues. There are also a number of in-story examples--both Teena's idea to give Chamberlain an audience and much of Lisa's patter during her magic act come across as very awkward and stilted, but that would be because the audience bit is just stalling for time and an idea not all of them believe in, while the magic act is using equipment Lisa isn't completely familiar with while she is scared out of her mind.
 * Romantic Plot Tumor: While it doesn't take over the story, the romance which is kindled between Lisa and Julian does seem to come a little out of nowhere. It provides a nice bit of human drama and a shelter from the unrelenting suspense, but less charitable readers might consider it a case of Strangled By the Red String, or at the very least an unwelcome distraction that breaks the narrative's momentum when it should be moving into the climax.
 * The Woobie: Gladys/Gracie Ella. If her ultimate fate doesn't make you feel sorry for her, reading her letters, learning the backstory from the clippings, and coming to realize what a hold Chamberlain had over her, will.