Frame-up on the Bowery

Houdini and Nate Mysteries #3

by Tom Lalicki

During Yuletide 1911, a brutal Midtown murder shocks the denizens of New York City. After a mutual friend is wrongly accused of being the killer, young sleuth Nate Fuller, along with his famous mentor Harry Houdini, is determined to solve the case. For starters, Houdini and Nate are certain their friend has been framed. But why? By whom? And how can they save him?

In their new adventure, old New York's acclaimed detecting duo brave the rough-and-tumble streets of the Lower East Side, where colorful, conniving characters abound, and the only thing certain is danger every step of the way.

Genres: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[Chris Burdett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It's an interesting series that puts the well-known escape artist and magician in a different role as a crime solver. Even though I started with this particular book in the series, I may have to get the first one and then move on to the others. A famous and wealthy person running around stopping criminals reminds me a little of Tony Stark from the Iron Man comics.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Dec 2009 SLJ
12-year-old Nate Fuller returns to solve another mystery alongside his famous mentor, Harry Houdini. In 1911 Manhattan, a prominent stockbroker is the victim of a gruesome murder just weeks before Christmas. Nate is shocked when his good friend Ace, who works for Houdini, is arrested as the Fifth Avenue Slasher. Both Nate and Houdini are sure that Ace has been framed, but the District Attorney, up for re-election and wanting to put closure on the case, is unwilling to see beyond the incriminating evidence. Nate and Houdini enter the seamy Bowery district to track down the clues that will exonerate their friend. Meanwhile, a younger cousin Nate never knew about is dropped off on the Fuller doorstep by her father, who is eager to head west to seek his fortune. While young Allie’s presence seems to be an unnecessary distraction through much of the story, she does play a part in the resolution. Lalicki’s research into the period and his extensive knowledge of Harry Houdini are evident. As with the past adventures, the coincidences stack up a little too neatly, but the rollicking action and tough-talking and colorful characters of the era are appealing. Purchase where the first two installments of the series are popular.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book much more than I did. Maybe gangsters in New York City of the early 20th century just turns me off. The book was well-written and I'm intrigued that it's book #3 in a series. On the pro side of this book, it reminds me a lot of some of the stories set in Victorian England with young detectives assisting Sherlock Holmes. This story features Nate Fuller, who is about 14, from an upper class family, who helps the great Harry Houdini, a famous magician.

Set at Christmas time, a murder occurs in Nate's neighborhood. The murderer has been dubbed the Fifth Avenue Slasher. A friend of theirs is accused of the murder and is put in jail. Nate and Houdini set off through the New York City underworld of gangsters looking for clues to free their friend whom they are sure has been framed. It seems that everyone is either crooked or has an axe to grind. A pleasant interlude is the introduction of a young girl cousin, Allie, who has been left with Nate's family by her father.

[Jess Faraday · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-constructed, well-researched mystery. While it's an excellent historical mystery for young readers, it's also well written enough, and exciting enough for adults to enjoy as well. Very much looking forward to the rest of the series.