'Victoria Kelly brings immense imaginative empathy to bear on the fascinating story of the woman who stood beside Harry Houdini, on stage, in life, and after his early death. But Houdini was, in the end, a down-to-earth kind of guy, and one can't help but wonder what he would have made of the otherworldly turns in this sweet if not quite satisfying novel.' - Kirkus

'The book flirts with spiritual themes and with the idea that the divide between this life and the next may be permeable. In a novel that reads more like narrative biography than fiction, Bess plays the role of supportive and trusting wife.' - Booklist 'Readers should not be misled by the title of this well-researched historical novel: the focus is more on Mr. Moving effortlessly beyond mere fictionalized biography, Kelly delivers a richly lyrical and thought-provoking novel with closing twists that feel as impossible, inevitable, and satisfying - as magical, in short - as one of Houdini's own illusions.' - Publishers Weekly ' Mrs Houdini is perfectly serviceable historical fiction but sadly doesn't have much of a spark.' - BookBrowse 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. In surprising turns that weave through the uncertain days of the dawn of the twentieth century and continue into the dazzling 1920s, Mrs.

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. 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 a widowed Bess begins seeing this code in seemingly impossible places, it becomes clear that Harry has an urgent message to convey. 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.īefore 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.

Mrs. Houdini by Victoria Kelly