Title: Houdini’s Last Handcuffs
Author: Charlie Young and Cheryl Young
Genre: Historical Fiction; Fantasy
Book Length: 189 Pages (print)
Book Version Read: eBook
Year Published: March 26, 2024
Date Started: April 9, 2024
Date finished: April 14, 2024
This is a fascinating story about Houdini’s final days and how a group of kids found a way to call his spirit in their curiosities. Houdini was an illusionist who took great chances, risking his life to show how skilled he was at escaping a variety of situation. He eventually succumbed to appendicitis. The story takes us through some historical facts about Houdini’s last few days. It then leads to a story about a group of kids looking to bring Houdini’s spirit or ghost because they wanted to talk to him. They found it difficult because they were using the wrong method. Eventually, they found a way to reach him, through his handcuffs.
The combination of historical fiction, facts, and fantasy in this story created a fun journey into the life of Houdini. The kids doing detective work to locate Houdini was well thought-out. They came to a dead end after doing their best using a board game, thinking it would work. However, to their disappointment, the board game didn’t give them what they wanted. One boy knew it was possible because his father spoke to Houdini when the magician was alive. He did some digging, and he found the handcuffs. Still, it wasn’t easy to call Houdini, but his perseverance paid off.
This was an enjoyable read. Having heard and read stories in my childhood (in school) about Houdini, this story piqued my interest. It was an excellent way to get a glimpse of this great man with his wife as he prepares for his death. The added story of reaching out to his ghost for answers made it all the more entertaining. It’s unfortunate that he died young but I’m glad he lived the life he wanted.
Who should read this book: For anyone who enjoys a mixture of historical fiction with fantasy.
From My Corner of the Universe 