Mrs. Houdini by Victoria Kelly
Publication Date: March 1, 2016
Publisher: Atria Books
A captivating debut novel, meticulously researched and beautifully imagined, about the passionate marriage of Harry and Bess Houdini—a love story that defied death itself.
Before escape artist Harry Houdini died, he vowed he would find a way to speak to his beloved wife Bess from beyond the grave using a coded message known only to the two of them. When a widowed Bess begins seeing this code in seemingly impossible places, it becomes clear that Harry has an urgent message to convey. Unlocking the puzzle will set Bess on a course back through the pair’s extraordinary romance, which swept the illusionist and his bride from the beaches of Coney Island, to the palaces of Budapest, to the back lots of Hollywood. When the mystery finally leads Bess to the doorstep of a mysterious young photographer, she realizes that her husband’s magic may have been more than just illusion.
In surprising turns that weave through the uncertain days of the dawn of the twentieth century and continue into the dazzling 1920s, Mrs. Houdini is a thrilling tale that will take you deep into the heart of one of history’s greatest love stories—asking what drives people to believe in something bigger than themselves—even as it reveals the famous magician’s most remarkable feat of all
What are your thoughts? Have you read this book? Would you recommend it to others?
Aww, kind of a tragic story, but it does sound really interesting. I'd like to read more about Houdini. Hope you like it, Carole. 🙂
I know this will sound kind of silly in comparison, but a few months ago Eleanor and I were reading one of the Magic Tree House books – Hurry Up, Houdini. That is when I first 'met' Bess and Harry and I thought it would be interesting to find out more about them. Now seeing this book, I may have to do just that!
It is a time period that interests me, and I am curious about the woman behind Houdini.
Oh this one sounds really good
Gorgeous cover! I would have picked it up, too. Mine was a second book from a new-to-me author, and I fully expected to read it right away. Best laid plans. Thanks for offering a place to talk about the neglected ones…and plan to read them.
i love when an author takes a different route about a famous person and this does sound good. Enjoy
sherry @ fundinmental
I perk right up when I notice Houdini's name in a title, too. The cover is lovely, too. Love that it highlights his wife.
Actually have not heard of this one before, looks interesting
Oooh, this one sounds good. I love the cover and the premise sounds interesting too. I'm going to add it to my TBR list on Goodreads.
As a child, I was obsessed with magic. I even know a few pretty solid card tricks today lol. This one sounds fascinating!
Cool and creepy
That sounds like an interesting book.
Gorgeous cover but I wonder if there is much truth to this or if it is all fiction.
Anne – Books of My Heart
What a gorgeous cover And I like the premise. Houdini is such a fascinating figure. So many mysteries remain about his life and death.
What a fascinating premise and I can see the appeal of it. Houdini is definitely a magnetic figure
That is an interesting premise. I'm curious.
I love the cover for this too. Houdini was such an interesting person, and I know nothing about this wife. This sounds like it will be good. I hope you enjoy it when you read it, Carole.
That cover is just wicked! I love how bright it looks. I'll be interested to see what you think of it when you read it.
This one is new to me but now I want to read it!