Houdini and the Séance Murders

Rating:
Summary: Houdini and the Seance Murders, a fast reading Novel
Review: "Houdini and the Séance Murders" is a new fast reading novel by Christopher Farran. Quoting from the book's jacket "Harry Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle, together in Italy, must join forces to solve a murder that happened before their own eyes during a séance. Can the master of escape and the master of detection put aside their egos long enough to solve these bizarre murders? This could be Houdini's greatest escape and Doyle's most important case." The story is presented to us in a narrative manner by Houdini's nephew Ira. Besides the main theme of the murder mystery itself, he becomes romantically involved with Conan Doyle's granddaughter Lucinda. It is from their perspective that we see their two legendary relatives. The plot is centered around a séance in which Houdini, Doyle, Ira, Lucinda and several others are attending. A murder takes place during the séance leaving the rest of the story with everyone trying to solve this "who-dunnit". As the story progresses others who had also attended the séance are found murdered, so time seems to be of the essence, since possibly anyone of them may be "next". As told through his nephew's viewpoint, Houdini appears to be given the most importance in his relationship with Arthur Conan Doyle. The traditional friction between these two men in 'real' life is not overly apparent in this fictional story. The outline is interesting although some of the other characters are a bit hard to follow, as their backgrounds are not presented in as much detail. Even those readers not interested with the connection of either Houdini or Doyle will enjoy this murder mystery filled with action and romance. The "guilty" party is not easily foretold so you are left guessing until near the end of this 169 page softcover book.

Rating:
Summary: What a great read!!
Review: The characters in this story made it the most interesting mystery I have read in a long, long time. What a concept to pair the likes of Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle to keep me guessing to the very end. It was a refreshing change from the usual whodunits that I read all summer and could figure out after 50 pages. Can't wait for the next Farran story!

Rating:
Summary: What a great read!!
Review: The characters in this story made it the most interesting mystery I have read in a long, long time. What a concept to pair the likes of Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle to keep me guessing to the very end. It was a refreshing change from the usual whodunits that I read all summer and could figure out after 50 pages. Can't wait for the next Farran story!