The Houdini Specter

by Daniel Stashower

Book Overview

In 1898, the Great Houdini's confidence is matched only by the indifference of the paying public. Now the master escape artist has the chance to make a name for himself by exposing the tricks of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0857682938
• ISBN13: 9780857682932
• Release Date: June 2012
• Publisher: Titan Books (UK)
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Summon This Specter!

As a newcomer to Mr. Stashower's series, I must say I found myself suitably delighted to have discovered such likeable characters in a well-researched setting, solving mysteries with humor, logic, and showmanship. The feel is just right and the skepticism high for a fraudulent medium who seems to be horning his way into a recent widow's heart and fortune. When one of the guests of a seance finds himself crossing over inexplicably, it takes the irrepressable Harry Houdini, his brother Dash, and agreeable wife Bess to determine what's real and what's illusion in this quick-paced good time of a tale! I greatly anticipate reading the other stories in this series and hope the author has more mysteries up his sleeves for Harry & his brother to stumble into. The Houdini Specter--how very delectable!

Not as good as his other "Houdini Mysteries"

I'm a big fan of Daniel Stashower's "Harry Houdini Mysteries", but I have to confess that I enjoyed his previous book, THE FLOATING LADY MURDER, more than this latest entry. Oh there's still some good stuff here, and I do think this book would greatly appeal to fans of Sherlock Holmes (as Houdini seems more Holmesain in this adventure than ever). But here's hoping that Stashower returns Harry to the unique and colorful world of turn-of-the-century showbiz in the next adventure, and leaves the drawing room murders to Holmes.

Great read!

I've read all the books in Stashower's Houdini series, and this is the best! The Houdini character is well-defined -- a showman and egotist, but lovable -- as he tries to play Sherlock Holmes, but inevitably finds himself lacking. Only his persistence and belief in himself pulls himself through. His brother also manages to keep things on track, chronicling the events, much as Watson did for Holmes.The action is fast paced, the characters rich in detail. Thoroughly enjoyable.The mystery is intriguing and the final revelation is doubly amazing when it is revealed that 19th century technology was advanced enough to actually make the solution plausible (I won't spoil the ending).Get this book! You won't be disappointed!