The Magician's Fire
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Can young Harry Houdini use his dazzling trickery to find a vanished magician?
Young Harry Houdini spends his days chaining himself to train tracks and teetering on wires high above the city with his two best friends, Arthur and Billie. But when Harry's friend and magical mentor, Herbie, disappears, the three friends band together, determined to rescue the beloved magician.
With nothing more than a mysterious puff of purple smoke, an ominous threat, and a menacing Bulgarian for evidence, Harry, Arthur, and Billie embark on a dangerously thrilling investigation that pushes their skill, and friendship, to the limits. But can Harry find Herbie before it's too late?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
British children's TV writer Nicholson makes his U.S. debut with this launch to the Young Houdini series, which opens in 1886 Manhattan. Harry, who has been shining shoes since his recent arrival from Budapest, shows off his daring early on, escaping from padlocked chains seconds before a train screams by (and earning showers of coins from impressed onlookers). Nicholson smoothly blends Houdini's prowess as an escape artist with his fictional hero's sleuthing skills as he tracks down a missing elderly magician. Two well-drawn friends Billie, an orphan from New Orleans, and Arthur, the neglected son of a wealthy banker help Harry solve the mystery. Rebelling against Harry's bossiness, the two set out to crack the case by themselves, a plot twist the author mines for humor as well as messages about friendship and teamwork. Nicholson works the theme of escape throughout the story: Billie flees from her job in a glue factory and Artie avoids being shipped off to boarding school. A cliffhanger ending will leave readers eager for the next installment. Ages 10 up.
