Emma Carroll writes fascinating stories based within history and with historical figures. I find her writing compelling and interesting, not to mention informative and often I find myself tracing her steps to discover more of the actual events and people.
Certainly, I had heard of Houdini, a rather strange man with some fantastic talents and courage for death defying acts. I didn’t expect to get so drawn in to this part of history.
The story features Glory and best friend Dennis, who is Houdini’s greatest fan. When they are offered the chance to see him perform and attempt to escape from a pair of old handcuffs, they are propelled into a greater adventure than they could have imagined. Houdini and wife Bess spend an evening with Glory, Effie (her sister) and Dennis. However secrets and great adventures begin to emerge- first the attempts to steal Houdini’s works, the mysterious trunk No.8 and a transatlantic trip of a lifetime.
The friends, Effie and Dennis’s gran find themselves on Coney Island, just in time for the Vaudeville show where one winner will take the crown.
Glory and Dennis are, once again, called upon to help the Houdini family, as another family, the Crandon’s, sabotage every move Bess Houdini makes. With such death-defying acts on stage, what is happening behind the scenes?
This is a brilliant story, bringing to life the enigmatic Harry Houdini and introducing the world to Glory and Dennis!
I absolutely loved this tale.
My Shelves Are Full 