The Magician's Assistant

I previously enjoyed both Bel Canto and State of Wonder by Ann Patchett, so I had high hopes for The Magician's Assistant. And it was entertaining enough–the audiobook's narration by Karen Ziemba is good–to keep me listening. But as I read/listened, I kept looking for the plot, and none ever emerged, which was a disappointment. And the ending–which I won't get specific about here–I found unsatisfying. (But then I didn't like the ending of State of Wonder, either.) Hence the 3 stars. Good, but not great.