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The Houdini Inheritance
The English seaside, 1920s
A world famous escape artist . . .
A suitcase full of secrets . . .
And a death-defying stunt . . .
When Harry Houdini comes to visit the seaside town of Sidford-on-Sea, Glory and her friend Dennis are first in-line to see him. He is there to perform a daring he will jump off the town pier in chains, pitching himself into the water below. But when Glory outsmarts the infamous Houdini, she is suddenly sucked into his world, and finds herself tasked with looking after his precious trunk - the one that contains all his secrets.
With Houdini in danger, Glory and Dennis are thrown deep into an adventure that takes them all the way to Coney Island in America, and the dark underbelly of its amusement parks . . .
A world famous escape artist . . .
A suitcase full of secrets . . .
And a death-defying stunt . . .
When Harry Houdini comes to visit the seaside town of Sidford-on-Sea, Glory and her friend Dennis are first in-line to see him. He is there to perform a daring he will jump off the town pier in chains, pitching himself into the water below. But when Glory outsmarts the infamous Houdini, she is suddenly sucked into his world, and finds herself tasked with looking after his precious trunk - the one that contains all his secrets.
With Houdini in danger, Glory and Dennis are thrown deep into an adventure that takes them all the way to Coney Island in America, and the dark underbelly of its amusement parks . . .
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2024
8 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Emma Carroll
31 books590 followersAfter years of teaching English to secondary school students, Emma now writes full time. She graduated with distinction from Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing For Young People. In another life Emma wishes she’d written ‘Rebecca’ by Daphne Du Maurier. She lives in the Somerset hills with her husband and three terriers.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 19, 2024
Excellent - fantastic characters (Glory is a girl after my own heart), interesting history, intriguing mystery. Emma Carroll really knows how to shape a book and make it shine!
February 19, 2025
Sidford-by-the-Sea is a small little coastal town, where nothing really happens, until the world-famous escapologist Harry Houdini decides to jump off the pier in chains.
For Glory and her best friend Dennis, they are in awe of his performance and try to challenge him to escape Glory's family heirloom handcuffs. When he fails to, he arrives at their house and leaves a set of cryptic clues that don't mean anything. Until the worst happens: Houdini is found dead and it turns out that they have a trunk of his belongings at their house. But, they need to return it, so they embark on a journey that takes them to New York to try and do just that. But, it's not as easy as it first seems, as they try to get over in one piece — and to evade the suspicion of one of Houdini's worst enemies. This book was a really nice read, and I enjoyed reading it a lot. There was a lot of detailed historical knowledge that I really enjoyed reading about and learning as I read it. The writing was nice and simple, meaning anyone could read it and enjoy it
— like I did. With description throughout, it had a nice flow and made for a good book. The characters were what brought this book to life and created the atmosphere inside the book that made me support and empathise with the journeys that the characters were facing together. They each had their individual stories and goals in the book and I really liked that personal touch. In addition, the plot was exciting and had lots of twists and turns throughout that added different parts to the book that were unexpected and exciting to read, which I liked. There was mystery, adventure, action - all jam-packed into the pages. It was a very good book, and one that I enjoyed a lot.
For Glory and her best friend Dennis, they are in awe of his performance and try to challenge him to escape Glory's family heirloom handcuffs. When he fails to, he arrives at their house and leaves a set of cryptic clues that don't mean anything. Until the worst happens: Houdini is found dead and it turns out that they have a trunk of his belongings at their house. But, they need to return it, so they embark on a journey that takes them to New York to try and do just that. But, it's not as easy as it first seems, as they try to get over in one piece — and to evade the suspicion of one of Houdini's worst enemies. This book was a really nice read, and I enjoyed reading it a lot. There was a lot of detailed historical knowledge that I really enjoyed reading about and learning as I read it. The writing was nice and simple, meaning anyone could read it and enjoy it
— like I did. With description throughout, it had a nice flow and made for a good book. The characters were what brought this book to life and created the atmosphere inside the book that made me support and empathise with the journeys that the characters were facing together. They each had their individual stories and goals in the book and I really liked that personal touch. In addition, the plot was exciting and had lots of twists and turns throughout that added different parts to the book that were unexpected and exciting to read, which I liked. There was mystery, adventure, action - all jam-packed into the pages. It was a very good book, and one that I enjoyed a lot.
April 28, 2025
I wish Emma Carroll had been an author when I was a young girl, I probably would have devoured her books even more than I do now. There is such warmth to her writing, her world's are immersive, blending fact and fiction seemlessly.
This book is set in 1926. It involves Harry Houdini, a trip to Ameria, a missing dog, and a case of coincidences that two children simply cannot ignore.
The story is told from the POV of Glory who starts out being skeptical of escapists and eager for the answers of how it is done but quickly becomes focused on the adventure, working everything out and racing to the finish line.
Along for the ride is her best friend Dennis, his Granny Vic, his mum Shula, her mum and her sister Effie.
I was dog sitting when I read this. The dog I was looking after had a lot of zoomies and knew exactly how to tell me I wasn't giving her enough attention So, the fact that I was able to finish reading this speaks volumes!
This was such an interesting read, both as a story concept and in its ability to move the reader from reality to escapism. Harry Houdini was, one of the great escapologists, that's an undisputed fact. It is perfectly reasonable that he would have rivals and enemies - I just never put much thought into that.
There were two narratives in this book, the main narrative and what I would call the 'counter-narrative' the one set up to mislead the reader with twists, turns, and red herrings. They both collide with each other, of course, but create a mesmerising scene to captivate the audience.
I've never had any issue with Emma Carroll, I read one of her books as a flyaway choice back in 2019 and have been enamoured with her writing ever since. I think there is always a little 'push pull' narrative with an adult reading a child's book. Some people just don't understand the appeal of reading a child's book as an adult while others will question the adult for reading a book that is 'not for them'.
I generally ignore these comments - even when they come from friends and family! - a book is a book and whether I get enjoyment out of it or not is the business of no one but me. I enjoy the calm and the innocent adventure often found in the 9-12 reading section. As I read a lot of crime thrillers and heady spicy romance books, the palette cleanser for me, is this 'child' reading section and I get a lot of joy out of it.
I have never had a bad word to say about Emma Carroll's books and I still don't. I loved reading this.
This book is set in 1926. It involves Harry Houdini, a trip to Ameria, a missing dog, and a case of coincidences that two children simply cannot ignore.
The story is told from the POV of Glory who starts out being skeptical of escapists and eager for the answers of how it is done but quickly becomes focused on the adventure, working everything out and racing to the finish line.
Along for the ride is her best friend Dennis, his Granny Vic, his mum Shula, her mum and her sister Effie.
I was dog sitting when I read this. The dog I was looking after had a lot of zoomies and knew exactly how to tell me I wasn't giving her enough attention So, the fact that I was able to finish reading this speaks volumes!
This was such an interesting read, both as a story concept and in its ability to move the reader from reality to escapism. Harry Houdini was, one of the great escapologists, that's an undisputed fact. It is perfectly reasonable that he would have rivals and enemies - I just never put much thought into that.
There were two narratives in this book, the main narrative and what I would call the 'counter-narrative' the one set up to mislead the reader with twists, turns, and red herrings. They both collide with each other, of course, but create a mesmerising scene to captivate the audience.
I've never had any issue with Emma Carroll, I read one of her books as a flyaway choice back in 2019 and have been enamoured with her writing ever since. I think there is always a little 'push pull' narrative with an adult reading a child's book. Some people just don't understand the appeal of reading a child's book as an adult while others will question the adult for reading a book that is 'not for them'.
I generally ignore these comments - even when they come from friends and family! - a book is a book and whether I get enjoyment out of it or not is the business of no one but me. I enjoy the calm and the innocent adventure often found in the 9-12 reading section. As I read a lot of crime thrillers and heady spicy romance books, the palette cleanser for me, is this 'child' reading section and I get a lot of joy out of it.
I have never had a bad word to say about Emma Carroll's books and I still don't. I loved reading this.
October 23, 2024
"That's the thing with talent: copying someone else only gets you so far in this life."
When Houdini super-fan Dennis and his best friend Gloria manage to get tickets to a highly anticipated show by the great Harry Houdini, Gloria's plan to outsmart the great escapologist has consequences that are far more exciting than either of the children imagine!
In this exciting new novel by one of my favourite children's authors, Emma Carroll, we are whisked back to the 1920s and the glamorous world of the vaudeville show. The world of showbusiness is definitely not just a load of sequins and singing as there's serious reason for alarm when the children and Mrs Houdini discover a dangerous plot to steal the great man's secrets.
This book provided the perfect escape from the final days of an exhausting half-term. It was beautifully paced and loads of fun to read. I really enjoyed chasing across the Atlantic with the two main characters as they, with their families and Mrs Houdini, worked together to outwit the villains of the piece.
When Houdini super-fan Dennis and his best friend Gloria manage to get tickets to a highly anticipated show by the great Harry Houdini, Gloria's plan to outsmart the great escapologist has consequences that are far more exciting than either of the children imagine!
In this exciting new novel by one of my favourite children's authors, Emma Carroll, we are whisked back to the 1920s and the glamorous world of the vaudeville show. The world of showbusiness is definitely not just a load of sequins and singing as there's serious reason for alarm when the children and Mrs Houdini discover a dangerous plot to steal the great man's secrets.
This book provided the perfect escape from the final days of an exhausting half-term. It was beautifully paced and loads of fun to read. I really enjoyed chasing across the Atlantic with the two main characters as they, with their families and Mrs Houdini, worked together to outwit the villains of the piece.
January 4, 2025
Wow, what an outstanding book! This book tackles grief, friendship and jealousy. There is so much packed into it. It was wonderful! My favourite character has got to be Glory, she just wanted to protect everyone and make sure everyone was safe. It has a good historical context section at the back which was a good idea, it’s shows you what was real and what was a figment of imagination! It’s such a good book. Emma Carroll has created such a beautiful book which captures the essence of Houdini and his legacy marvellously! It also had a dog in it, which is always going to make it rate higher for me. Thanks for this great book! 💕
April 25, 2025
Set in the Vaudeville era of live performance. Two young friends are thrilled when the famous magician Houdini comes to town. Glory wants to figure out his secrets, and she’s not the only one. There are others desperate to discover the tricks in Houdinis trunk. When it turns up in Glory’s house, she, Dennis and his Nan are tasked with delivering it safely to the biggest show of the year.
The pacing was ok but it was more tell than show. I loved the cover art with the fairground red and giant ferris wheel. Dennis & his mum encounter discrimination of the time.
The pacing was ok but it was more tell than show. I loved the cover art with the fairground red and giant ferris wheel. Dennis & his mum encounter discrimination of the time.
July 15, 2024
Another glorious cover and a blurb that promised seriously good things - Houdini, magic, Coney Island, a dog! - but this time, the book delivered on its promises. Although the story rattles along at an implausibly breakneck speed at times and there's at least one plot line which isn't particularly well embedded, I found this a satisfying read, with likeable characters and some memorable moments.
August 18, 2024
What an adventure, this is a book that is so different from any other book.
This book is full of adventure, friendship, mystery and blackmail. This book promised a lot… and delivered on every single promise. This is qutie a fast paced book with likeable characters and some extremely good moments.nts.
The author’s note at the end is extremely useful as she explains what is true and what it made up for the story.
This book is full of adventure, friendship, mystery and blackmail. This book promised a lot… and delivered on every single promise. This is qutie a fast paced book with likeable characters and some extremely good moments.nts.
The author’s note at the end is extremely useful as she explains what is true and what it made up for the story.
September 5, 2024
A cracking fast-paced adventure with a touch of mystery, a splash of magic and an element of danger. Coney Island in the 1920s was a wonderful backdrop and was wonderfully drawn wit lots of little detail. Fiction and fact were blended well and the author’s note explaining the facts was a great touch. The characters were quirky and likeable and they made you root for them - Glory was an absolute joy.
August 6, 2024
Emma happened to come along to our school and do a talk on this book… due to traffic we had to fill in some time so I read the first chapter to our yr4/5 classes, well I couldn’t put it down! I had to carry on reading, the detail and research that had gone into Houdini was incredible and how it wove seamlessly into the story - brilliant 👍🏻
May 20, 2024
Well Emma Carroll has done it again! I LOVED THIS. Friendship, mystery, magic, blackmail and a cross-Atlantic trip! Just enough peril in this too! These characters were delicious and I loved the Authors Note to see what was factual. Definitely one I’d love to read to a class!
July 29, 2024
Yet again Emma Carroll just writes the most perfect book! From the very beginning I was just drawn in. Lots of twists and turns. I loved the addition of the magic to the mystery. Amazing characters, amazing plot, amazing book!!!
October 27, 2024
This middle grade story is a fictionalised account of the rift between the famous escapologist Harry Houdini and spiritual medium Mina Crandon, with a great cast of characters including a spirited girl called Glory and her best friend Dennis. The story moves from a small English seaside town to Coney Island in New York where it comes to its exciting conclusion. Very entertaining, and I do like stories that are based on real people.
July 19, 2025
good read, captivating, but i think i would have enjoyed it much more when i was younger, now the storyline seems abit too kiddish for me as i could sort of predict the storyline. but it was a good read nonetheless, exciting and the characters were nice and worked well with the storyline.
July 25, 2024
Fantastic read, one of my favourites!!
November 12, 2024
‘But dogless , they were monsters’
January 22, 2025
Emma Carroll does it again - a good read!
March 29, 2025
Lovely book
March 31, 2025
Mysterious, amazing, mind-boggling. This book was absolutely amazing and was so mysterious you never wanted to put it down. Amazing! And I would Definetely recommend it to anyone! 😀
April 26, 2025
A great book with great characters - especially Glory and all the dogs. Loved the twists and turns and the pace of the book. It had very well written scenes.
June 18, 2025
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!
It was such a page turner
I loved the plot twists. when HARRY HOUDINI DIED my heart literally dropped!
This was an amazing blend of fantasy and truth and I read in 1 and a half days
My favourite character was probably Effie or Glory- actually I don’t know they were all amazing. oh also granny vic made me laugh so much
I just LOVE EMMA CARRoll BOOKS 📚
Five stars definitely 👍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was such a page turner
I loved the plot twists. when HARRY HOUDINI DIED my heart literally dropped!
This was an amazing blend of fantasy and truth and I read in 1 and a half days
My favourite character was probably Effie or Glory- actually I don’t know they were all amazing. oh also granny vic made me laugh so much
I just LOVE EMMA CARRoll BOOKS 📚
Five stars definitely 👍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
3.5
Ths story requires some suspension of disbelief in a few key points, and I had the feeling that I could've been tightened a bit more fairly easily. The ending was way too perfect and sweet for my liking, too many in-your-face teachings and lessons learned (which I think are better served if not spelled out). But I did enjoy the book, and had many good bits all over.
Ths story requires some suspension of disbelief in a few key points, and I had the feeling that I could've been tightened a bit more fairly easily. The ending was way too perfect and sweet for my liking, too many in-your-face teachings and lessons learned (which I think are better served if not spelled out). But I did enjoy the book, and had many good bits all over.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews