The Man Who Killed Houdini

by Don Bell

More than two decades of research provide the basis for this true-life detective story of the mysterious man who stepped into Harry Houdini's dressing room on an October night in 1926, delivered one fatal sucker punch, and then vanished from the public eye completely. Nine days after the incident, Houdini was dead, the victim of a ruptured appendix, and his killer, a Montreal student named J. Gordon Whitehead, was nowhere to be found. Up to now, this tale of a mistimed punch and an untimely death had become myth, with many questions still What happened to the man who threw the fatal punch? Who were the two witnesses and how much did they know? Was Houdini's death truly an accident? Interviews, affidavits, eyewitness reports of the night, and the only known photograph of Whitehead ever published all shed new light on an enduring mystery. Written with flair and wit, this tale of true crime gradually builds a riveting profile of the life of this intriguing but unknown historical figure, finding and then following Houdini's killer.

260 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2005

Reviews

[Literary_Octopus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone looking for concrete, definitive answers is going to be sorely disappointed.

My feelings for this book are complicated. I was absolutely riveted reading, staying up long into the night and reading by flashlight after my girlfriend had fallen asleep. It is a thoroughly immersive investigation… where not a hell of a lot happens. It’s only looking back that you realize all of the information the author uncovered, could have been presented with three or four pages of primary documents. Since he can’t give us many answers, he presents the story of how he found the few he was able to uncover.

Unfortunately, it’s just too late to uncover the mysteries of J. Gordon Whitehead, the infamous student who sucker punched Houdini when he wasn’t ready, and felled the legendary magician. There are small glimpses into Whitehead’s life; hints at mental health problems, rumors of substance abuse, and even suspicion of involvement with spiritualists. But in the end, there’s just no more information to be found on him. Too many people involved have passed away, memories faded, evidence thrown out. It is now impossible to work out the motivation of Mr. Whitehead in attacking Houdini more than 90 years ago.

It’s possible the author would have reformatted the information and found some way of making it feel more satisfying, but his untimely death prior to publication leaves behind the book as more of a sketch. Still, the only serious work done to uncover the mysterious circumstances of the legend’s death.

[Tony Ettwein · Rating 5 out of 5]

To anyone who is fascinated by the escape artist and debunker Harry Houdini, this is a very interesting account of the man who killed Houdini in Montreal. The search of the author, Don Bell, was surrounded by mystery; his investigation took him to Canada, England, and the United States. One of the big questions posed (without saying too much) is that the spiritualists of the day made tons of money from gullible customers who wanted to see and hear their departed loved ones again, and Houdini spent most of the last part of his life publicizing the tricks of the spiritualists.

[Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

author aspires to reevaluate the fateful night when an overzealous fan may have punched the famed illusionist when he was not prepared which could have caused his death. the author goes to great links to locate any potential witnesses for any additional insights, occasionally mind numbing. insightful. b/w images, rip.