Young Houdini: The Magician’s Fire
Set in New York, in 1886, a young shoeshine boy called Harry earns a little extra money with the help of his best friends, Billie and Arthur. How does he do this? By using his unusual talents for performing breath-taking stunts of escapology combined with physical danger. The three friends are a team and, on Arthur’s birthday, they enjoy a slap-up meal before viewing a theatre performance by a famous magician, who is Harry’s mentor and inspiration.
When the magician is mysteriously kidnapped, Harry and his friends vow that they will do everything they can to discover his whereabouts and rescue him. All young Harry’s skills will be needed as the team delve into the missing magician’s past, examine secret magic societies and uncover the strongly-guarded secret skills and cunning of the magician’s art. Their loyalty to each other will be tested, too; and time is running out.
Light on the real Houdini’s biographical history, this is a fun story for children who want mystery, adventure and danger. Part of a series, it encourages friendship, hard work and a willingness to think, really think, for oneself. It’s well-written and, as in so many old serials, the plot thickens… Doubtless there will be more Houdini stories to come. Suitable for 8-14 years.
