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The Illusionist
Victorian London. Jack the Ripper. Harry Houdini.
And a boy who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.
When Charles witnesses his mother's brutal murder in the shadows of a London theater, he's left with nothing but questions—and a burning need for justice. Taken under the wing of the world's greatest illusionists, he learns that the most powerful magic isn't what happens on stage. It's what remains hidden.
Trained by Harry Houdini himself, Charles becomes an escape artist with a dangerous infiltrate the dark underbelly of Victorian London where conspiracy, murder, and royal secrets intertwine. His investigation leads him into the path of history's most notorious killer—Jack the Ripper—and a web of betrayal that reaches the highest levels of power.
To survive, he must master the art of deception. To find justice, he must become invisible.
Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, The Prestige, and historical thrillers packed with mystery, danger, and unforgettable real-world figures.
Scroll up and grab your copy now—Victorian London's darkest secrets are waiting.
And a boy who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.
When Charles witnesses his mother's brutal murder in the shadows of a London theater, he's left with nothing but questions—and a burning need for justice. Taken under the wing of the world's greatest illusionists, he learns that the most powerful magic isn't what happens on stage. It's what remains hidden.
Trained by Harry Houdini himself, Charles becomes an escape artist with a dangerous infiltrate the dark underbelly of Victorian London where conspiracy, murder, and royal secrets intertwine. His investigation leads him into the path of history's most notorious killer—Jack the Ripper—and a web of betrayal that reaches the highest levels of power.
To survive, he must master the art of deception. To find justice, he must become invisible.
Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, The Prestige, and historical thrillers packed with mystery, danger, and unforgettable real-world figures.
Scroll up and grab your copy now—Victorian London's darkest secrets are waiting.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2025
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Thackrah
2 books2 followersA.R. Thackrah is a lifelong enthusiast for history, driven by the mysteries that lay in between the history book lines. When she isn't crafting thrilling, historically encased stories, she enjoys a quiet life with friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 18, 2025
Mystery, Grief and a Roguish Boy
This was not a terrible book, but I did have my own issues with it.
First, the good:
- The concepts are strong. A young boy left to the mean streets of Victorian London after a facing such incredible trauma, forcing him to use his wit and skillset to adapt and survive, leading him into a future mentorship with the late, great Houdini.
- Charlie is quite a clever little rogue. He is resilient and has a good heart, but is still realistic about when he needs to break the law or deceive to get by. He has a strong sense of justice, which may end up being his downfall, but one would have to read the next book(s) to find out for sure.
- Between that and some other seeds planted throughout the story, I'd say this book sets up the next one quite well.
- The tension in the book may very well interest some mystery lovers, and you'll also find reference to two of the most iconic characters in mystery fiction.
Next, the less good:
- The character images in the beginning of the book. Even though I do love the idea of character visuals to carry in my brain through the story, I have 2 gripes with these in particular-- First that they were made by AI, and second that some of them are don't even look like modern actors' headshots rather than portraits of characters in historical fiction. The author does at least disclaim that they were generated with AI, but that doesn't change the ethical concerns with AI usage or the fact that they don't all fit in the novel's setting.
- I try not to mention typos and such in my reviews for Indie books, but the punctuation discrepancies in this book did make it hard for me read at times. I won't list them out, but most of them seemed less like typos and more like mistakes someone would make without knowing they were mistakes. I wanted to stay into the story, but I my English tutor brain kept pulling me out of it every time I had to reread a passage due to the extra (or missing) commas made it confusing at first. I just think it could benefit from a round of editing by a different set of eyes.
- The last part that tripped me up was the frequent and sudden POV shifts. This is 100% personal preference, but I like to know ahead of time who's perspective I should be reading from, but it seems like I would jump from one mind to the next inside of a single paragraph. I don't think there's a rule in 3rd person omniscient that says POV can't shift in the same paragraph, but I just figured I would mention it in my review in case someone else has a weird brain like mine and gets hung-up on that writing style.
- There were some things I felt quite predictable or redundant, but that might also be a me thing based on my own prior media experience.
To reiterate, this is not a bad book. I think plenty of people will love the story, the characters, the emotion, and the overall themes without even noticing or caring about the issues I had with it. I am still interested in the next book, but I'm hoping it will receive more 3rd Party editing than this one did.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was not a terrible book, but I did have my own issues with it.
First, the good:
- The concepts are strong. A young boy left to the mean streets of Victorian London after a facing such incredible trauma, forcing him to use his wit and skillset to adapt and survive, leading him into a future mentorship with the late, great Houdini.
- Charlie is quite a clever little rogue. He is resilient and has a good heart, but is still realistic about when he needs to break the law or deceive to get by. He has a strong sense of justice, which may end up being his downfall, but one would have to read the next book(s) to find out for sure.
- Between that and some other seeds planted throughout the story, I'd say this book sets up the next one quite well.
- The tension in the book may very well interest some mystery lovers, and you'll also find reference to two of the most iconic characters in mystery fiction.
Next, the less good:
- The character images in the beginning of the book. Even though I do love the idea of character visuals to carry in my brain through the story, I have 2 gripes with these in particular-- First that they were made by AI, and second that some of them are don't even look like modern actors' headshots rather than portraits of characters in historical fiction. The author does at least disclaim that they were generated with AI, but that doesn't change the ethical concerns with AI usage or the fact that they don't all fit in the novel's setting.
- I try not to mention typos and such in my reviews for Indie books, but the punctuation discrepancies in this book did make it hard for me read at times. I won't list them out, but most of them seemed less like typos and more like mistakes someone would make without knowing they were mistakes. I wanted to stay into the story, but I my English tutor brain kept pulling me out of it every time I had to reread a passage due to the extra (or missing) commas made it confusing at first. I just think it could benefit from a round of editing by a different set of eyes.
- The last part that tripped me up was the frequent and sudden POV shifts. This is 100% personal preference, but I like to know ahead of time who's perspective I should be reading from, but it seems like I would jump from one mind to the next inside of a single paragraph. I don't think there's a rule in 3rd person omniscient that says POV can't shift in the same paragraph, but I just figured I would mention it in my review in case someone else has a weird brain like mine and gets hung-up on that writing style.
- There were some things I felt quite predictable or redundant, but that might also be a me thing based on my own prior media experience.
To reiterate, this is not a bad book. I think plenty of people will love the story, the characters, the emotion, and the overall themes without even noticing or caring about the issues I had with it. I am still interested in the next book, but I'm hoping it will receive more 3rd Party editing than this one did.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 11, 2025
Book Review: The Illusionist: Invisible Apprentice by A.R. Thackrah
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉A.R. Thackrah’s The Illusionist: Invisible Apprentice is a striking work of historical fiction that transports readers into the shadowed corners of Victorian London, where illusion, memory, and conspiracy weave together to form a narrative both thrilling and profound. At the heart of this story is Henry Houdini, the secret apprentice of the legendary Harry Houdini, whose tragic death sets into motion a dangerous pursuit of truth and justice.
👉The novel opens with the deep influence of mentorship, where the lessons imparted by Houdini become both a guiding force and a haunting reminder for Henry. His mentor’s death becomes more than a personal loss; it transforms into the catalyst for an exploration of secrets hidden beneath the glitter of performance and the darkness of society. Henry is not portrayed as a flawless hero but as a determined and resilient young man whose courage and wit allow him to navigate perilous encounters and unravel a web of betrayal that involves figures of power, rivals, and dangerous conspirators.
👉What distinguishes this book is the seamless blending of historical fact with fictional invention. The narrative draws on well-known personalities such as Jack the Ripper and Fred Russell, grounding the story in recognizable history while also extending it into imaginative territory. This delicate balance makes the novel feel like a secret chapter of history that has long been forgotten, one that adds layers of intrigue and possibility to familiar names and events. The presence of such figures adds a sense of authenticity while also enriching the suspense and unpredictability of the plot.
👉Beyond its historical and mysterious elements, the novel excels in its exploration of trauma and memory. The fragmented perspective through which Henry recalls his experiences underscores the way grief reshapes how we see the past. This psychological dimension adds a deeper resonance to the novel, making it more than a story of adventure. It becomes a reflection on how loss, pain, and determination shape identity and decision-making.
Happy reading 😁
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉A.R. Thackrah’s The Illusionist: Invisible Apprentice is a striking work of historical fiction that transports readers into the shadowed corners of Victorian London, where illusion, memory, and conspiracy weave together to form a narrative both thrilling and profound. At the heart of this story is Henry Houdini, the secret apprentice of the legendary Harry Houdini, whose tragic death sets into motion a dangerous pursuit of truth and justice.
👉The novel opens with the deep influence of mentorship, where the lessons imparted by Houdini become both a guiding force and a haunting reminder for Henry. His mentor’s death becomes more than a personal loss; it transforms into the catalyst for an exploration of secrets hidden beneath the glitter of performance and the darkness of society. Henry is not portrayed as a flawless hero but as a determined and resilient young man whose courage and wit allow him to navigate perilous encounters and unravel a web of betrayal that involves figures of power, rivals, and dangerous conspirators.
👉What distinguishes this book is the seamless blending of historical fact with fictional invention. The narrative draws on well-known personalities such as Jack the Ripper and Fred Russell, grounding the story in recognizable history while also extending it into imaginative territory. This delicate balance makes the novel feel like a secret chapter of history that has long been forgotten, one that adds layers of intrigue and possibility to familiar names and events. The presence of such figures adds a sense of authenticity while also enriching the suspense and unpredictability of the plot.
👉Beyond its historical and mysterious elements, the novel excels in its exploration of trauma and memory. The fragmented perspective through which Henry recalls his experiences underscores the way grief reshapes how we see the past. This psychological dimension adds a deeper resonance to the novel, making it more than a story of adventure. It becomes a reflection on how loss, pain, and determination shape identity and decision-making.
Happy reading 😁
October 19, 2025
Book Review: The Illusionist: Invisible Apprentice by A.R. Thackrah
The Illusionist: Invisible Apprentice by A.R. Thackrah is a gripping historical fiction novel set in the dark and fascinating streets of Victorian London. It follows the life of Charles, a young boy who grows up in the world of theatre and illusion after losing his mother in a brutal tragedy. Raised by illusionists and ventriloquists, Charles learns the secrets of performance and escape, unaware that his skills will soon be tested in far more dangerous ways. The author paints a vivid picture of London’s underbelly filled with smoke, secrets, and sinister figures that pulls the reader into a time of mystery and fear.
As Charles matures, his journey takes a darker turn when he uncovers hidden truths about murder, betrayal, and conspiracy. Each chapter reveals new layers of danger, drawing him deeper into a world where illusion and reality blur. What makes this story stand out is how Thackrah seamlessly weaves real historical figures like Jack the Ripper and Fred Russell into the fictional narrative. This clever blend of fact and imagination gives the novel a haunting authenticity, making it feel like these hidden events could have truly taken place behind the curtains of history.
Charles himself is a compelling and deeply human protagonist. His grief, courage, and perseverance make him a character readers can easily connect with. Despite his pain, he continues to move forward, relying on his intelligence and artistry to outwit powerful enemies. His evolution from a frightened boy into a confident escape artist is both emotional and inspiring. Through him, the story explores timeless themes of loss, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Thackrah’s writing is clear, immersive, and fast-paced, keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end. The suspense builds beautifully, balanced with moments of reflection and heart. The Illusionist: Invisible Apprentice is not just a tale of magic and mystery it is a story about courage, truth, and the power of self-belief. A perfect read for those who love historical thriller.
Highly recommended
The Illusionist: Invisible Apprentice by A.R. Thackrah is a gripping historical fiction novel set in the dark and fascinating streets of Victorian London. It follows the life of Charles, a young boy who grows up in the world of theatre and illusion after losing his mother in a brutal tragedy. Raised by illusionists and ventriloquists, Charles learns the secrets of performance and escape, unaware that his skills will soon be tested in far more dangerous ways. The author paints a vivid picture of London’s underbelly filled with smoke, secrets, and sinister figures that pulls the reader into a time of mystery and fear.
As Charles matures, his journey takes a darker turn when he uncovers hidden truths about murder, betrayal, and conspiracy. Each chapter reveals new layers of danger, drawing him deeper into a world where illusion and reality blur. What makes this story stand out is how Thackrah seamlessly weaves real historical figures like Jack the Ripper and Fred Russell into the fictional narrative. This clever blend of fact and imagination gives the novel a haunting authenticity, making it feel like these hidden events could have truly taken place behind the curtains of history.
Charles himself is a compelling and deeply human protagonist. His grief, courage, and perseverance make him a character readers can easily connect with. Despite his pain, he continues to move forward, relying on his intelligence and artistry to outwit powerful enemies. His evolution from a frightened boy into a confident escape artist is both emotional and inspiring. Through him, the story explores timeless themes of loss, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Thackrah’s writing is clear, immersive, and fast-paced, keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end. The suspense builds beautifully, balanced with moments of reflection and heart. The Illusionist: Invisible Apprentice is not just a tale of magic and mystery it is a story about courage, truth, and the power of self-belief. A perfect read for those who love historical thriller.
Highly recommended
September 6, 2025
*The Illusionist: Invisible Apprentice by A.R Thackrah*
This is an exciting fictional story that takes readers on a thrilling adventure filled with mystery and history. The book follows the journey of Henry Houdini, the secret apprentice of the famous magician Harry Houdini. After the tragic murder of his mentor, Henry sets out on a mission to find the truth and seek justice. The story is told through the perspective of Henry’s fragmented memories, showing how trauma can affect the way we remember the past.
One of the most interesting parts of the book is how it mixes real historical figures with fiction. Readers get to meet famous characters like Jack the Ripper and Fred Russell, known as the father of modern ventriloquism. These encounters add depth and excitement to the story, making it feel like a hidden chapter of history that has been forgotten. The author does a great job of blending fact and imagination to create a unique and captivating world.
The main character, Henry, is portrayed as brave and clever. His determination to solve the mystery of his mentor’s death drives the story forward. Henry’s journey is not just about revenge but also about understanding the past and himself. The way the story explores memory and trauma makes it more than just an adventure; it becomes a thoughtful look at how people cope with loss and pain.
The writing style is simple and clear, making the book easy to read for a wide range of readers. The story moves quickly, with many twists and surprises that keep the reader interested. The author’s use of suspense and mystery makes it hard to put the book down. Each chapter reveals new clues and challenges that Henry must face, adding to the excitement.
In conclusion, this book is a fascinating read that combines history, mystery, and magic. It tells a story of courage, memory, and the search for truth in a way that is both entertaining and meaningful. I highly recommend it to everyone.
This is an exciting fictional story that takes readers on a thrilling adventure filled with mystery and history. The book follows the journey of Henry Houdini, the secret apprentice of the famous magician Harry Houdini. After the tragic murder of his mentor, Henry sets out on a mission to find the truth and seek justice. The story is told through the perspective of Henry’s fragmented memories, showing how trauma can affect the way we remember the past.
One of the most interesting parts of the book is how it mixes real historical figures with fiction. Readers get to meet famous characters like Jack the Ripper and Fred Russell, known as the father of modern ventriloquism. These encounters add depth and excitement to the story, making it feel like a hidden chapter of history that has been forgotten. The author does a great job of blending fact and imagination to create a unique and captivating world.
The main character, Henry, is portrayed as brave and clever. His determination to solve the mystery of his mentor’s death drives the story forward. Henry’s journey is not just about revenge but also about understanding the past and himself. The way the story explores memory and trauma makes it more than just an adventure; it becomes a thoughtful look at how people cope with loss and pain.
The writing style is simple and clear, making the book easy to read for a wide range of readers. The story moves quickly, with many twists and surprises that keep the reader interested. The author’s use of suspense and mystery makes it hard to put the book down. Each chapter reveals new clues and challenges that Henry must face, adding to the excitement.
In conclusion, this book is a fascinating read that combines history, mystery, and magic. It tells a story of courage, memory, and the search for truth in a way that is both entertaining and meaningful. I highly recommend it to everyone.
September 27, 2025
The Illusionist: Invisible Apprentice by A.R. Thackrah is a historical fiction story set in Victorian London. It follows the life of Charles, a boy who grows up in the shadows of a theater after losing his mother in a brutal way. Raised by illusionists and ventriloquists, Charles learns the art of escape and performance, but his life takes a darker turn when he discovers secrets tied to murder, betrayal, and conspiracy. The story shows how he grows from a playful boy into a brave escape artist who must use his skills to survive and uncover the truth.
The book is full of mystery and suspense. Each chapter reveals more danger around Charles, from powerful rivals to deadly plots that even involve royalty. What I liked most was how the author connected real historical figures like Jack the Ripper and Fred Russell with the fictional story. It gave the book a very real feeling, as if these events could have truly happened behind the scenes of history.
Charles is a strong character. His pain, his courage, and his determination felt real to me. I could connect with his struggle of carrying grief yet still moving forward. It reminded me how sometimes in life we also face situations where we have no choice but to be strong. The way he uses his wit and skills to fight back and survive made the story inspiring as well as thrilling.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a mix of history, mystery, and adventure. It is not only about magic or illusion but about survival, truth, and courage. The writing is clear, the pace is fast, and the story keeps you hooked till the end. For me, it was a strong and engaging read that left me thinking about Charles long after finishing the last page.
The book is full of mystery and suspense. Each chapter reveals more danger around Charles, from powerful rivals to deadly plots that even involve royalty. What I liked most was how the author connected real historical figures like Jack the Ripper and Fred Russell with the fictional story. It gave the book a very real feeling, as if these events could have truly happened behind the scenes of history.
Charles is a strong character. His pain, his courage, and his determination felt real to me. I could connect with his struggle of carrying grief yet still moving forward. It reminded me how sometimes in life we also face situations where we have no choice but to be strong. The way he uses his wit and skills to fight back and survive made the story inspiring as well as thrilling.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a mix of history, mystery, and adventure. It is not only about magic or illusion but about survival, truth, and courage. The writing is clear, the pace is fast, and the story keeps you hooked till the end. For me, it was a strong and engaging read that left me thinking about Charles long after finishing the last page.
September 10, 2025
**ARC review**
Thank you to the author A.R. Thackeray for sending me a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A.R. Thackrah is a new and upcoming author.
Thank you to @everebooksnmore for entrusting me with a digital copy of this cozy mystery gem.
I throughly enjoyed this short mystery. I was such a fun read. If you love mystery then this is the book for you.
Synopsis:
He can still hear his mentor's words now: "It is the names and faces history forgets that often turn the tides." His mentor and friend was the great Harry Houdini!
In the shadows of Victorian London, a boy raised in the wings of a theater uncovers dark secrets that tie his own tragic past to a deadly constellation of murder and conspiracy. Haunted by the brutal loss of his mother, guided by lessons from illusionists and ventriloquists, Charles grows from a mischievous child into a daring escape artist. Entrapped in both his art and his relentless quest for the truth, he must unlock the mysteries behind a web of violence that ensnares royalty, rivals, and his own heart. As betrayal and danger draw ever closer, Charles must use every ounce of wit, courage, and illusion to survive and find justice.
Thank you to the author A.R. Thackeray for sending me a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A.R. Thackrah is a new and upcoming author.
Thank you to @everebooksnmore for entrusting me with a digital copy of this cozy mystery gem.
I throughly enjoyed this short mystery. I was such a fun read. If you love mystery then this is the book for you.
Synopsis:
He can still hear his mentor's words now: "It is the names and faces history forgets that often turn the tides." His mentor and friend was the great Harry Houdini!
In the shadows of Victorian London, a boy raised in the wings of a theater uncovers dark secrets that tie his own tragic past to a deadly constellation of murder and conspiracy. Haunted by the brutal loss of his mother, guided by lessons from illusionists and ventriloquists, Charles grows from a mischievous child into a daring escape artist. Entrapped in both his art and his relentless quest for the truth, he must unlock the mysteries behind a web of violence that ensnares royalty, rivals, and his own heart. As betrayal and danger draw ever closer, Charles must use every ounce of wit, courage, and illusion to survive and find justice.
November 14, 2025
I loved this book, murder and magic work so well together. I love the way that it fits the historical characters around Charles. Harry Houdini has always been a favourite of mine and Jack the Ripper is still a mystery to this day. It is so well written and the atmosphere is spot on. 5 stars!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2025
The Illusionist is a historical thriller set in Victorian London. Its is a nice blend of mystery and murder. The story follows Charles who is a gifted escape artist trained by Houdini himself. He is the protagonist and is determined to uncover the truth behind his mentor’s suspicious death. What begins as a dazzling performance soon unravels into a dangerous game of rivalry, secrets and hidden crimes. Charles is a strong and complex character who is both a performer and a seeker of justice. His personal loss drives him to risk everything. What an interesting read this has been.
November 20, 2025
I LOVE the imagery in this story! It's as if I am there watching the scene take place. Also, I love mystries that do not give everything away in the first book. This story took me through events that left questions, but it introduced the characters well! I'm so excited for the second one! Definately recommend.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews