Rating: 
Summary: An Absolute Gem of a Book
Review: I'm not usually moved to write reviews for books or CDs on Amazon, but Glen Gold's wonderful debut novel causes me to do so. I'll try and stay away from the magic analogies in describing how Gold's writing makes the pages disappear, though I did have to fight myself to stop reading, to better savor the novel. To the point: this is a damn fine book. I'm on my second read of it right now and it's gotten even better the second time around. Glen Gold weaves a rich tapestry of fiction and non-fiction, creating a richness of characters, story and setting. He creates characters--starting with Charles Carter--that we genuinely care about. There are no prop-like characters in this book, sitting around like furniture. Gold imbues them with a sense of flesh and blood, as well as hearts & minds. Charles Carter, dubbed "Carter the Great", is a character conflicted with that greatness. We are allowed to see his story unfold from early on, as Gold sets the groundwork for what it is yet to come. There is an intricacy to the story, but it is not disjointed in the least, as one reviewer stated. The story is beautifully woven, as multiple plots are pulled together is a seemingly effortless way. This is no empty brain candy that you might find on the Jersey shore in the Summertime. Glen Gold's book is storytelling on the order of Caleb Carr, with a richness that pulls his readers into the book and doesn't let go until the gripping climactic scene. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Do yourself a favor and put it on your holiday list. My copy has been read by numerous people, all giving rave reviews. It's magic that I even got it back-:C) Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Dazzling
Review: Simply a thrilling, spellbinding and althogether wonderful read. It's part Saturday serial, part romance, part literary riff and a totally terrific debut.
Even the design - from jacket to sizzling color reproductions and handbills - makes it a treasure.
Grab it. Pour yourself a sherry and light the fireplace. Hold your calls and settle in. Presto! Bring on a sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Nothing Up His Sleeve...
Review: Except a really great story!!! I have been a lover of magic and wonder since my own Dad first made a quarter disappear! I loved the insight into a magicians world, as well as his mind. I loved the characters, the mystery, the love story, the humor, the time...I really loved it all. The story kept me turning the pages to see what was happening next, or if I was going to learn how to make a lion roar...and I did! I laughed, and I cried, and yes I was amazed! You've got the best seat in the house; so Enjoy The Show! Debbi
Rating: 
Summary: Couldn't get through it..............
Review: Based on all the 5 star reviews, I ordered this book for my husband, who is an avid reader.......two to three books per week. He has struggled with this one book for over two weeks, and finally last night, put it down........he got half way through it. He thought it dis-jointed and plodding. In the past ten years, I've seen him not finish a book twice. I made a mistake on this one.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific historical thriller
Review: Within minutes of picking up Carter Beats the Devil I was wrapped up in a world of misdirection and shadowy characters that is reminiscent of black and white adventure movies and Arthur Conan Doyle. Charles Carter is a tremendously accomplished illusionist in an era where emerging technology is slowly eroding the wonder he can elicit from an audience. A snappy comeback to a ridiculous question by a tabloid journalist forces Carter to go into hiding, and plunges him into an elaborate adventure involving the recent death of President Warren G. Harding. He is chased by Secret Service agents and a murderous competitor to the core of a conspiracy to keep a dreadful secret from the American public. The plot is twisty and involved without becoming confusing or gratutitous; Gold's use of language and craft with dialog is excellent and snappy, no small feat for a first-time novelist on a historical thriller. The events that unfold for Carter, both in his past and present, really get the pulse racing, and you'll find yourself anxiously turning page after page. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK as simply well-crafted and great entertainment.
Rating:
Summary: Devilish fun!
Review: Carter Beats The Devil is Glen Gould's first novel and I for one can't wait to read his next. It is 1923 and the magician Charles Carter walks onto the stage to present his greatest show ever. In the audience is President Warren Harding who volunteers to take part in the magic act. Harding is made to vanish, but is eventually rescued from the stomach of a fierce Lion. Carter and Harding take their bows to enthusiastic audience applause. Two hours later Harding is dead. The secret service suspect that Carter was somehow involved in the death, though evidence is hard to come by. The novel explores both Carter's early career (how did he become such a great magician) and also his ongoing feud with the secret service as they investigate and harass him. At one and the same time this is a novel about what it is to be a magician (the 1920s were the golden age of stage magic), what it is to be a president, and what it is to be a scientist with a great invention that can change the world. It blends reality and fiction into a seamless presentation of what the 1920s might have been like if only things had been a little different. It is replete with magician's lore and brilliantly evokes the splendour and spectacle. And the ending will take your breath away.
Rating:
Summary: Rich and rewarding
Review: For the combination of lucid writing and ingenious storytelling, I would compare this to John Irving at his best. That is, if John Irving ever really did any research. Gold obviously delights in uncovering fascinating details and working them into his narrative. The result is like a perfectly designed puzzle. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Rating:
Summary: Something for everyone in this book
Review: I very much enjoyed this book, it has action, adventure, and it is historical fiction. For a first novel, it is excellent. Mr. Gold has the rare ability to make you feel a part of the action. I think this book would appeal to a wide audience as it has something for everyone, history, romance, action, and a bit of gore. I'll be looking forward to Glen David Gold's next work.
Rating:
Summary: Great novel -- amateur magicians take note!
Review: This novel neatly combines three passions for me: magic, the Jazz Age, and mystery novel. Couldn't put it down. If you enjoy magic this is a must.
Rating:
Summary: Watch the Pages Disappear
Review: On an uneventful night in 1923, President Warren G. Harding volunteers to participate in the final act of Carter the Great's magic show. Brief hours later, Harding mysteriously dies. Investigators believe Harding shared a secret with magician Carter just before his death, but Carter's not telling. In fact, Carter has disappeared. 'Carter Beats the Devil' can be summed up in one word: FUN! The setting is San Francisco in the 1920's, a time when the people of this country were in some ways innocent, less street-wise, and eager to believe in magic. Gold's book portrays an innocence that sadly has departed since Sept. 11, which makes the book one to hunger for even more. The author wonderfully juggles many themes: Love, ambition, childhood fears, family relationships, fame, good vs. evil, the Secret Service, and the advent of television. 'Carter' is funny, touching, adventurous, mysterious and suspenseful. Gold masterfully weaves all of these themes together into a very satisfying conclusion. Start reading and watch the pages disappear.
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