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Mrs. Houdini
A captivating debut novel, meticulously researched and beautifully imagined, about the passionate marriage of Harry and Bess Houdini—a love story that defied death itself.
Before escape artist Harry Houdini died, he vowed he would find a way to speak to his beloved wife Bess from beyond the grave using a coded message known only to the two of them. When a widowed Bess begins seeing this code in seemingly impossible places, it becomes clear that Harry has an urgent message to convey. Unlocking the puzzle will set Bess on a course back through the pair’s extraordinary romance, which swept the illusionist and his bride from the beaches of Coney Island, to the palaces of Budapest, to the back lots of Hollywood. When the mystery finally leads Bess to the doorstep of a mysterious young photographer, she realizes that her husband’s magic may have been more than just illusion.
In surprising turns that weave through the uncertain days of the dawn of the twentieth century and continue into the dazzling 1920s, Mrs. Houdini is a thrilling tale that will take you deep into the heart of one of history’s greatest love stories—asking what drives people to believe in something bigger than themselves—even as it reveals the famous magician’s most remarkable feat of all.
Before escape artist Harry Houdini died, he vowed he would find a way to speak to his beloved wife Bess from beyond the grave using a coded message known only to the two of them. When a widowed Bess begins seeing this code in seemingly impossible places, it becomes clear that Harry has an urgent message to convey. Unlocking the puzzle will set Bess on a course back through the pair’s extraordinary romance, which swept the illusionist and his bride from the beaches of Coney Island, to the palaces of Budapest, to the back lots of Hollywood. When the mystery finally leads Bess to the doorstep of a mysterious young photographer, she realizes that her husband’s magic may have been more than just illusion.
In surprising turns that weave through the uncertain days of the dawn of the twentieth century and continue into the dazzling 1920s, Mrs. Houdini is a thrilling tale that will take you deep into the heart of one of history’s greatest love stories—asking what drives people to believe in something bigger than themselves—even as it reveals the famous magician’s most remarkable feat of all.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2016
80 people are currently reading
4833 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Kelly
4 books65 followersVictoria Kelly is the author of four books of fiction and poetry, including the novel Mrs. Houdini and the poetry collection When the Men Go Off to War.
She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Harvard University and received her M.F.A. from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
Her fiction and poetry have appeared in Best American Poetry, The Autumn House Anthology of Contemporary American Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Alaska Quarterly Review, Southwest Review and numerous other journals and anthologies. Her novel Mrs. Houdini was a People Magazine Best New Book, a USA Today New and Noteworthy Book, a Jeopardy Pick and a Publishers Weekly Starred Debut.
She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Harvard University and received her M.F.A. from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
Her fiction and poetry have appeared in Best American Poetry, The Autumn House Anthology of Contemporary American Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Alaska Quarterly Review, Southwest Review and numerous other journals and anthologies. Her novel Mrs. Houdini was a People Magazine Best New Book, a USA Today New and Noteworthy Book, a Jeopardy Pick and a Publishers Weekly Starred Debut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
December 30, 2017
Escape artist Harry Houdini promised his wife Bess before he died that if it was possible would he find a way to speak to her again after death with a coded message only she would understand. Through this book, we get to follow Bess as she struggles through a life without Harry and hoping to get a message from him that he is waiting for her. The book also has a parallel storyline with her meeting Harry and their life together up until his death.
I have a longstanding fascination with Harry Houdini and knew instantly I wanted to read this book. But, strangely enough, I had a bit of a hard time getting into the story. I felt that the characters never really came to life for me. It was a good, book just not a riveting book. I had hoped to really get lost in the story, instead, if felt that I struggled to read, despite the book being not that thick. However, towards the end of the book, did I finally feel that the book's story started to get to me. There was just something about the last part that resonated with me. I wish I had felt the same connection towards the rest of the book, but I'm happy that at least did I feel that the book got to me.
It was not in any way a bad book. Both storylines are good and I did enjoy reading about the Houdini's and I liked the way Victoria Kelly took some liberties with their story. And, I absolutely loved the ending! Also, I like the cover, but I didn't know the meaning of it until I had finished the book. I love reading a book and when you are done you finally realize the meaning of the cover.
I recommend this book. It's an interesting mix of fiction and fact and it's fascinating to read a story from Bess point-of-view, her life with Harry Houdini. A love story that not even death could stop...
3.5 stars
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review.
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
I have a longstanding fascination with Harry Houdini and knew instantly I wanted to read this book. But, strangely enough, I had a bit of a hard time getting into the story. I felt that the characters never really came to life for me. It was a good, book just not a riveting book. I had hoped to really get lost in the story, instead, if felt that I struggled to read, despite the book being not that thick. However, towards the end of the book, did I finally feel that the book's story started to get to me. There was just something about the last part that resonated with me. I wish I had felt the same connection towards the rest of the book, but I'm happy that at least did I feel that the book got to me.
It was not in any way a bad book. Both storylines are good and I did enjoy reading about the Houdini's and I liked the way Victoria Kelly took some liberties with their story. And, I absolutely loved the ending! Also, I like the cover, but I didn't know the meaning of it until I had finished the book. I love reading a book and when you are done you finally realize the meaning of the cover.
I recommend this book. It's an interesting mix of fiction and fact and it's fascinating to read a story from Bess point-of-view, her life with Harry Houdini. A love story that not even death could stop...
3.5 stars
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review.
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
October 9, 2021
I've read somewhere before about after Houdini died his wife was supposed to get in contact with him through medium ans such. They had agreed on a message he would give for her to know it was truly him but after a few years if trying and never been successful she quit trying. This book followed similar concept and whenever it's based on truth or not it was interesting. 3.5 stars. I liked it but didn't love it
February 28, 2016
Magical and intriguing, "Mrs. Houdini" was a fast read that was both informative and entertaining.
This novel tells the tale of Harry and Bess Houdini -- the married circus and vaudeville team who performed together before Harry became truly famous as an escape artist. While we certainly read about the Houdinis' professional work and death-defying stunts, the real substance of the book is the love story between Harry and Bess, and their quest to determine whether it was actually possible to communicate with those who had passed away. Harry Houdini himself spent his life disproving the so-called spiritualists who claimed to speak with the dead, while at the same time desperately wanting this form of communication to exist. He promised his wife that he would find a way to speak to her beyond the grave.
Ms. Kelly's writing flows easily, although it doesn't necessarily "sing". Still this book was enjoyable.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This novel tells the tale of Harry and Bess Houdini -- the married circus and vaudeville team who performed together before Harry became truly famous as an escape artist. While we certainly read about the Houdinis' professional work and death-defying stunts, the real substance of the book is the love story between Harry and Bess, and their quest to determine whether it was actually possible to communicate with those who had passed away. Harry Houdini himself spent his life disproving the so-called spiritualists who claimed to speak with the dead, while at the same time desperately wanting this form of communication to exist. He promised his wife that he would find a way to speak to her beyond the grave.
Ms. Kelly's writing flows easily, although it doesn't necessarily "sing". Still this book was enjoyable.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2016
(DNF @ 40%) Perfectly serviceable historical fiction, but with no spark. I felt like I was just being given a lot of information about the two major time periods (1894 and 1929). Alas, scenes set at a séance, a circus, and an insane asylum are not nearly as exciting as they promise to be. And, as is often the case with these famous wives books – a genre I generally love but can also find oddly disappointing from time to time – the protagonist tries but fails to explain why she finds her husband so fascinating. “His eyes danced. There was a madness to his passion, but he was not insane. There was something real and familiar about him. … Harry was promising her a life of possibility, of magic, and it was unlike anything she had ever imagined for herself.” (I was meant to review this for BookBrowse but couldn’t rate it highly enough.)
December 15, 2017
What a gift Victoria Kelly gave us with this immaculately researched re-imagining of the incomparable Houdini, the world's most renown magician and escape artist. And from the unique perspective of his wife, Bess. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the story this way, up close and personal, instead of a biography. I particularly loved how Victoria handled the time after Houdini died... I won't reveal the end, but it really created resonance with me, leaving me wanting the Houdinis to live on! As they do in this stellar novel, Mrs. Houdini... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KRP7MN
July 4, 2019
An unusual different take. Eerie and Magical.
Harry Houdini loved his wife Bess - and he believed that nothing was impossible. He wondered about magic versus illusion, and put himself up against death and always felt he would be invincible. He and Bess spoke often about him coming back to her after death. When he passes away, Bess goes on a mysterious quest to see if her impassioned lover could indeed do the impossible and come back to her. The book traces their love relationship, their intertwined psyches, and their relationship with magic and illusion. The story is magical, even beautiful, and really interesting.
I had this book on my TBR, leftover from a previous year challenge in looking at Remarkable Women in Historical Fiction. I then had it on my special "Trim the TBR Challenge" List, and its lucky number #23 was picked. I really loved the idea, that I would get the opportunity to pick up and deeply enjoy this hidden gem. Without both of those challenges, I likely never would have found it. I truly appreciate how much Goodreads and PBT has enriched my life and widened my genres and exposure.
Harry Houdini loved his wife Bess - and he believed that nothing was impossible. He wondered about magic versus illusion, and put himself up against death and always felt he would be invincible. He and Bess spoke often about him coming back to her after death. When he passes away, Bess goes on a mysterious quest to see if her impassioned lover could indeed do the impossible and come back to her. The book traces their love relationship, their intertwined psyches, and their relationship with magic and illusion. The story is magical, even beautiful, and really interesting.
I had this book on my TBR, leftover from a previous year challenge in looking at Remarkable Women in Historical Fiction. I then had it on my special "Trim the TBR Challenge" List, and its lucky number #23 was picked. I really loved the idea, that I would get the opportunity to pick up and deeply enjoy this hidden gem. Without both of those challenges, I likely never would have found it. I truly appreciate how much Goodreads and PBT has enriched my life and widened my genres and exposure.
March 19, 2016
I have always found Houdini fascinating and this historical fiction book focuses on his wife Bess and their life from her perspective. The author used alternate storylines that focused on the couple's life before and after Harry's death. While the author did her homework on the Houdini's and their rise to stardom, the story did not flow easily and batches of information were somewhat thrown at you in random paragraphs and inserted into scenes where they may or may not have belonged. It threw me off the story I was trying to get interested in repeatedly. Its hard to explain, but it just did not work for me.
The Houdini's were a fascinating couple, but this fictional account of their lives from Bess' point of view was lacking the excitement it could have had. No character, even Houdini himself, drew me in emotionally. No event, magical illusion, stunt or sad moment grabbed me. Everything was a little bit bland and forced. With a couple that offers so much interesting writing material and that was as fascinating as the Houdini's, this book about them has no wow factor.
My star rating: 2.5
The Houdini's were a fascinating couple, but this fictional account of their lives from Bess' point of view was lacking the excitement it could have had. No character, even Houdini himself, drew me in emotionally. No event, magical illusion, stunt or sad moment grabbed me. Everything was a little bit bland and forced. With a couple that offers so much interesting writing material and that was as fascinating as the Houdini's, this book about them has no wow factor.
My star rating: 2.5
December 29, 2015
NOTE: Received as an ARC for review from Netgalley.
I didn't know much about Houdini beyond a couple of biopic-type movies and the song from the musical "Ragtime" until this book. I found it interesting that he was confident enough onstage to risk his life night after night, but offstage, desperately needed Bess behind him. The author's research apparently included a biography that quoted Bess extensively, so much so that she used some of the quotes as dialogue for the novel, and I think that may be what made it ring true for me.
What fascinated me most was the author's take on how Harry Houdini might have fulfilled his promise to return to his wife after death. The novel captures how difficult it would be to live with a man so obsessed with his work and magic, and then how difficult to live without him.
I didn't know much about Houdini beyond a couple of biopic-type movies and the song from the musical "Ragtime" until this book. I found it interesting that he was confident enough onstage to risk his life night after night, but offstage, desperately needed Bess behind him. The author's research apparently included a biography that quoted Bess extensively, so much so that she used some of the quotes as dialogue for the novel, and I think that may be what made it ring true for me.
What fascinated me most was the author's take on how Harry Houdini might have fulfilled his promise to return to his wife after death. The novel captures how difficult it would be to live with a man so obsessed with his work and magic, and then how difficult to live without him.
July 6, 2016
Harry Houdini was a larger than life figure; his marriage to Bess Houdini has always been, in my mind, one of history's great tragic romances. Yet somehow Victoria Kelly has managed to make both seem petty and small. Now, I'm no expert on the Houdinis -- unless reading Wikipedia, listening to that super epic Kate Bush song, and being literally the only person to watch the show Houdini and Doyle grants one expertise. Nevertheless, Kelly's depiction of the couple felt wildly out of character to me: the way she writes them, neither Harry nor Bess even seems clever. They are pedestrian at best, awkward and gullible at worst. I didn't buy Kelly's characterization, so this book was never going to work for me.
It might have worked better, however, if the tone she was going for was gritty realism. Instead, this book attempts a spiritualist solution that even Arthur Conan Doyle would have found dopey. I strongly believe that this book, properly done, would have left me in tears (Kate Bush's song has made me a little sniffly from time to time); instead, I felt nothing the whole way through, except an urge to roll my eyes. There's no spark to the romance, no verve to the characters, and the ending is so cheesy it's likely to cause lactose intolerance. Where was the magic?
It might have worked better, however, if the tone she was going for was gritty realism. Instead, this book attempts a spiritualist solution that even Arthur Conan Doyle would have found dopey. I strongly believe that this book, properly done, would have left me in tears (Kate Bush's song has made me a little sniffly from time to time); instead, I felt nothing the whole way through, except an urge to roll my eyes. There's no spark to the romance, no verve to the characters, and the ending is so cheesy it's likely to cause lactose intolerance. Where was the magic?
February 28, 2017
As someone who knows virtually nothing about Harry Houdini and his life, I found this book fascinating. The story is of Bess, the vaudeville performer who marries Harry. The story is told in two time lines--one from when Bess marries Harry and the second of Bess's attempts to contact Harry after his death. I have no idea where the line between fact and fiction lies in this novel, nor did I care, because the story is gripping and I read this quite quickly. A terrifically interesting novel.
October 14, 2018
The spiritualist movement was at its height in the 1920s and the Houdinis were enthralled. This story is an imaginative biographical tale of the magic and the beliefs. Cameo appearances by some famous faces lend authenticity to the era. An interesting chronicle of whether Houdini contacts his wife from the dead as promised.
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
April 6, 2018
Harry Houdini and his wife, Bess had a pact that if one of them died, they would try to contact the one who lived on. After Harry's death, Bess unsuccessfully tried to find Harry and any messages he might be trying to leave her. This book puts a new spin on the story, asking us to imagine what might have happened if Harry were actually able to break through and communicate with Bess. The end reminded me of a scene from The Shining...a bit creepy, yet satisfying. 👻
October 29, 2017
More like a 3,5 stars.
I picked this one up because I just learnt that my son shared his birthday with Harry Houdini and I think it's pretty cool. Then I realised I knew fuck all about Harry Houdini except the basics.
Here comes Mrs Houdini, a book telling the life of Harry and Beth Houdini from Beth's POV.
You may or may not like the story itself but this book is extremely well documented. I can tell because I actually checked many of the facts to differentiate real events from fiction, and as it happens, the Houdini's life had been extraordinary enough not to have to make up a lot of things!
I read it as a documentary more than a novel - even if it is a novel - and highly enjoyed my time.
Recommended to readers who'd like to know more about Houdini but favour novels over essays or biographies.
I picked this one up because I just learnt that my son shared his birthday with Harry Houdini and I think it's pretty cool. Then I realised I knew fuck all about Harry Houdini except the basics.
Here comes Mrs Houdini, a book telling the life of Harry and Beth Houdini from Beth's POV.
You may or may not like the story itself but this book is extremely well documented. I can tell because I actually checked many of the facts to differentiate real events from fiction, and as it happens, the Houdini's life had been extraordinary enough not to have to make up a lot of things!
I read it as a documentary more than a novel - even if it is a novel - and highly enjoyed my time.
Recommended to readers who'd like to know more about Houdini but favour novels over essays or biographies.
August 30, 2018
A story of the hardscrabble beginnings of Houdini and his endless quest to push the envelope of entertainment. The second half turns into the fantastic...maybe a little too much so. However I did like the idea of meeting at a designated place in the next life, and the idea of people past, present and future inhabiting the same world. Perhaps the mystical side of Houdini could have been its own exploration in another book.
March 31, 2016
I have always been fascinated with Harry Houdini, illusionists and spiritualists of that time are incredible individuals, so advanced and intelligent, often beyond their time. I must confess however I did not know a great deal of his story. What little I had witnessed in various film cameos of the character did not really instill a great deal of knowledge.
So, I went into this story with very little preconceptions and an open mind. I think that helped. Throughout the pages of this tale, the reader is taken on a journey with Bess Houdini. We see their lives together from when they met, until his death.
It was one of those books with alternating stories from past to present, we get to see life before and after Harry’s death. This book had all the rights tools, it was haunting, intriguing but something just didn’t click. It could be a personal issue, I have found before that books with alternating points of view (that are not clearly defined) or alternating timelines can confuse me. (I was a good chunk into New Moon before I realized it had switched and Jacob was telling the story sometimes).
The book was clearly well researched! I applaud the author for that. I love a good historical fiction that is accurate to its time. It is a truly magical insight into the man very few truly knew.
If you love historical fiction with a hint of paranormal intrigue! You should definitely pick up this title!
Full Review: http://www.yafangirlreviews.com/2016/...
So, I went into this story with very little preconceptions and an open mind. I think that helped. Throughout the pages of this tale, the reader is taken on a journey with Bess Houdini. We see their lives together from when they met, until his death.
It was one of those books with alternating stories from past to present, we get to see life before and after Harry’s death. This book had all the rights tools, it was haunting, intriguing but something just didn’t click. It could be a personal issue, I have found before that books with alternating points of view (that are not clearly defined) or alternating timelines can confuse me. (I was a good chunk into New Moon before I realized it had switched and Jacob was telling the story sometimes).
The book was clearly well researched! I applaud the author for that. I love a good historical fiction that is accurate to its time. It is a truly magical insight into the man very few truly knew.
If you love historical fiction with a hint of paranormal intrigue! You should definitely pick up this title!
Full Review: http://www.yafangirlreviews.com/2016/...
September 4, 2015
Many years ago when I was a girl of 14 I saw the movie "Houdini". Ever since that time I have had a curiosity about the lives of Bess and Harry Houdini. Victoria Kelly's book "Mrs. Houdini" follows their lives from the moment they first met until both of their deaths. Much of the book deals with Bess trying to find some sort of communication from Harry after his death. He had promised to contact her from the other side. This is a very well-written book. Victoria Kelly has done a lot of research to put it together and she does so in a way that it is interesting and very readable. I would recommend it to everyone with no hesitation. A very good read.
July 18, 2016
A magical chronicle of the Houdinis early life, and then Bess' quest to connect with Harry again, is the essence of ' Mrs Houdini. A well researched and equally well imagined piece of historical fiction-this tale leaves the reader under the illusion of really knowing Bess & to some extent Harry. I read this 100 year old story in 2 days-a great escape- transporting me back into the glamour, vaudevillian & magical 1900's.
March 28, 2016
Absolutely magical ! Very insightful. A part of the roaring 20's I never considered or was invested in. A new woman I aim to read about. A historical romance that was a beautiful read and mystery. The truth is beyond our knowledge but she writes a good story. One can only wonder.... And I think I always shall.
Did not finish
April 11, 2018I read more than seventy-five pages of this one and just couldn't finish. I think what made it difficult for me is that it felt very self-conscious. If felt like the author had a checklist of what should be included from Houdini's life and each element was placed just so as it was marked done. I am interested in Houdini and his life, but perhaps a non-fiction book would be more engaging.
February 19, 2025
There isn't anything new here. Interesting take on some things.
February 23, 2016
Mrs. Houdini by Victoria Kelly was a very unique and fascinating read. This is a fictional novel detailing the life and times of the late Bess Houdini, including much about her late magician/escape artist/illusionist husband Harry. The author did extensive research on the pair and the era, and it shows brilliantly in the book. It's told in "current day" 1930's fashion with flashbacks starting around the time Bess and Harry first met in 1894. (Ms. Kelly does this so fast it confused me a few times.) We see how the couple met and married within the space of 24 hours and details of their first shows as "The Houdini's" with Bess working closely with Harry. She knew all of his secrets and was very intelligent in her own right. Bess was also very caring and played different roles in their marriage as fate and Harry himself allowed: wife, partner, champion, manager, nurse, care-taker, and psychologist of sorts. Theirs has been described as one of the greatest love stories of all time. For all of that, though, not much has been written historically about Bess alone. Soon their shows became billed as "The Great Houdini" or variations of that and Bess became less of a celebrity and took on more of the mundane details so Harry wouldn't be bothered as he worked on more tricks for his public.
As their fame grew, so did the levels of danger and expertise of Harry's stunts which took a great toll on his body. They traveled to do shows around the world, wherever Harry was requested and were rarely separated. Harry was adamant about having her by his side wherever he went. One thing I found really interesting was that they also had their own unique code of communication just between the two of them, which they used during seances and shows and when they wanted to converse privately while in public.
Harry's untimely death sent Bess reeling. He had told her that when he died he would contact her by sending her one of two messages. Harry was convinced that the dead still lived, just on a separate plane of existence and he would be able to break through that barrier. Bess consults all of the world's greatest psychics and mediums, seeking that connection with Harry. The results are interesting. No spoilers, so I'll leave it at that. Let me just say that the author handles this magnificently!
I've always been interested in Harry Houdini and am glad to know more about Bess now. She led a very unique life.
Just as an aside, our family visited the Houdini Exhibit at the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton, Wisconsin many years ago and it was fascinating. It is said that Harry referred to Appleton as his hometown since he grew up there. (The family immigrated to Appleton from Budapest, Hungary when Harry was very small.) Also, there is an entire Houdini Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where Harry is buried I believe, and another, The Houdini Museum of New York in New York City.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Houdini's or anyone who would like to read a love story mixed with history, mystery and suspense. I'm in the middle of reading it for the second time now to catch things I might have missed the first time. Yes, I enjoyed it that much! 5 of 5 stars. I was given a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in return for this honest and unbiased review.
As their fame grew, so did the levels of danger and expertise of Harry's stunts which took a great toll on his body. They traveled to do shows around the world, wherever Harry was requested and were rarely separated. Harry was adamant about having her by his side wherever he went. One thing I found really interesting was that they also had their own unique code of communication just between the two of them, which they used during seances and shows and when they wanted to converse privately while in public.
Harry's untimely death sent Bess reeling. He had told her that when he died he would contact her by sending her one of two messages. Harry was convinced that the dead still lived, just on a separate plane of existence and he would be able to break through that barrier. Bess consults all of the world's greatest psychics and mediums, seeking that connection with Harry. The results are interesting. No spoilers, so I'll leave it at that. Let me just say that the author handles this magnificently!
I've always been interested in Harry Houdini and am glad to know more about Bess now. She led a very unique life.
Just as an aside, our family visited the Houdini Exhibit at the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton, Wisconsin many years ago and it was fascinating. It is said that Harry referred to Appleton as his hometown since he grew up there. (The family immigrated to Appleton from Budapest, Hungary when Harry was very small.) Also, there is an entire Houdini Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where Harry is buried I believe, and another, The Houdini Museum of New York in New York City.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Houdini's or anyone who would like to read a love story mixed with history, mystery and suspense. I'm in the middle of reading it for the second time now to catch things I might have missed the first time. Yes, I enjoyed it that much! 5 of 5 stars. I was given a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in return for this honest and unbiased review.
February 3, 2016
Harry Houdini is one of my favorite magicians of all time. I’ve read many biographies, documentaries, and do some of his card tricks to learn more about this eccentric man who seemed larger than life. When I saw that there was going to be a historical fiction novel based on Houdini’s wife, I was excited. Mrs. Houdini is often overshadowed by her elusive husband, and it was refreshing to have her in the spotlight. This novel follows two different timelines. The first timeline is when Mrs. Houdini is a widow, and she embarks on a search to bring back Houdini’s spirit. The second timeline follows Mrs. Houdini’s marriage to the infamous magician.
Bess is a singer in a traveling circus. Within the first few hours of their first meeting between her and Harry Houdini, Harry suddenly proposes to her. Because Bess has only just met him, she is at first reluctant to agree. Eventually, she agrees to marry him because she does not want to go back home to her mother. The two marry immediately, and she becomes Harry’s assistant. She becomes his number one supporter as he embarks on a journey to fame.
Bess is a likable protagonist. She is impulsive, bold, clever, and observant. She is the first person to see through Houdini’s tricks. Because she married Houdini immediately after meeting him and does not know anything about him, she often ponders what her life might have been like had she refused his proposal. She wonders what she will be and what type of guy she might have married. She is also a sympathetic character. Harry oftens ignores Bess to focus on his career, and she is lonely. She wants to have children, and the fact they do not have any children hurts her immensely. However, through their marriage’s difficulties and their faults, they deeply love each other. Harry promises her that if he dies he will come back to her as a ghost. Bess sincerely believes his promise and is determined to see Harry’s ghost.
Overall, this story is about love, friendship, and trust. The characters are very complex. Both Bess and Harry have flaws that have made some mistakes in their marriage, yet they both made up for it. The story is beautifully-written, lush, and lyrical. Mrs. Houdini is also a mystery and a ghost-story. The pacing was steady and full of suspense. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in Harry Houdini, supernatural mysteries, or love stories that transcend life and death.
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
Bess is a singer in a traveling circus. Within the first few hours of their first meeting between her and Harry Houdini, Harry suddenly proposes to her. Because Bess has only just met him, she is at first reluctant to agree. Eventually, she agrees to marry him because she does not want to go back home to her mother. The two marry immediately, and she becomes Harry’s assistant. She becomes his number one supporter as he embarks on a journey to fame.
Bess is a likable protagonist. She is impulsive, bold, clever, and observant. She is the first person to see through Houdini’s tricks. Because she married Houdini immediately after meeting him and does not know anything about him, she often ponders what her life might have been like had she refused his proposal. She wonders what she will be and what type of guy she might have married. She is also a sympathetic character. Harry oftens ignores Bess to focus on his career, and she is lonely. She wants to have children, and the fact they do not have any children hurts her immensely. However, through their marriage’s difficulties and their faults, they deeply love each other. Harry promises her that if he dies he will come back to her as a ghost. Bess sincerely believes his promise and is determined to see Harry’s ghost.
Overall, this story is about love, friendship, and trust. The characters are very complex. Both Bess and Harry have flaws that have made some mistakes in their marriage, yet they both made up for it. The story is beautifully-written, lush, and lyrical. Mrs. Houdini is also a mystery and a ghost-story. The pacing was steady and full of suspense. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in Harry Houdini, supernatural mysteries, or love stories that transcend life and death.
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
March 8, 2016
This was a real find. Bought it for fifty cents at a book sale. Beautifully written, this historical-fiction is an excellent read. Here is a behind the scenes look at the world's most famous magician and escape artist - the great Harry Houdini, as told by the person who knew him best ... his wife, Bess. Tracing their meeting in 1894 through his death in 1926, a gorgeous love story unfolds, revealing intimate details of Houdini's idiosyncracies, superstitions and insecurities that were kept below the surface as he rose to the top of his profession. He performed before Presidents and Kings, doing feats that no one else dared to attempt, but the story doesn't stop with his demise. It continues on, as Bess tries to find a way to receive a communication from her lost love. I highly recommend this book.
Did not finish
April 5, 2016This book just didn't captivate me the way I'd hoped it would. I kept getting distracted by other books, and when I picked it up again, I started skimming to see if I could get into it, and just when I thought it was starting to find its rhythm, it was due back at the library. I may try it again in the future.
May 20, 2016
Historical fiction about the wife of Harry Houdini. The story goes back and forth from their life together and her life after his death. The story after his death is fiction. It was very silly and could never happen in real life. I wish it would have focused more on their life together. I don't recommend this one.
August 3, 2017
I have long been fascinated by Harry Houdini and his life, so when a friend lent me this book, I jumped at the chance to read it. It seems to be well-researched, with lots of good information (perhaps too much at times) and was an easy read. As other reviewers have mentioned, though, I struggled to get into the story and found it difficult to relate to the characters.
May 14, 2016
This book is really well-written. I especially liked how the chapters went back and forth from Bess Houdini's present day to the early days of her relationship with Harry Houdini. The story leaves me wanting to know more about the magician and master illusionist and his wife.
June 27, 2017
Well-written and very interesting. I loved how the author handles the question of Harry's communication with Bess - publicly unsuccessful/privately full of hope and love.
July 20, 2022
DNF I really tried folks but I just could not soldier on. I thought the life of Houdini would be really interesting and this story was dull, dull, and duller.
The author has us going back and forth, from beginning to the present, and then back and forth again. Bess is trying to find out if Harrys promise to somehow connect with her after his death is actually happening. She has tried for years, via different angles to see if he is truly reaching out from 'beyond". The author then jumps to their initial meeting, marriage, and road life, which all culminated when Harry hits the big time.
I felt like I was reading fast, and getting nowhere. I found every reason not to pick up the book and read which is not like me.
Thought I would do the fitting thing and make this book just disappear.
The author has us going back and forth, from beginning to the present, and then back and forth again. Bess is trying to find out if Harrys promise to somehow connect with her after his death is actually happening. She has tried for years, via different angles to see if he is truly reaching out from 'beyond". The author then jumps to their initial meeting, marriage, and road life, which all culminated when Harry hits the big time.
I felt like I was reading fast, and getting nowhere. I found every reason not to pick up the book and read which is not like me.
Thought I would do the fitting thing and make this book just disappear.
December 26, 2025
Dirljiv triler u kojem iluzionista Hari Hudini obećava svojoj ženi Bes da će stupiti u kontakt sa njom i nakon njegove smrti. Knjiga koja me je na momente baš iznenadila. Jako mi se dopala istorijska atmosfera kao i likovi, a sama radnja mi je držala pažnju. Jedino što mi je zasmetalo je insta love trope koji generalno ne volim i nekako mi je bio nerealan sam taj početak Besine i Harijeve ljubavi, ali izuzev toga, dopala mi se misterija i rešavanje zagonetki kako bi Bes stupila u kontakt sa drugom stranom sveta. Držala me je u neizvesnosti do samog kraja.
"Zar ne shvataš, Bes? Tvoj sam do kraja. U ovom životu i posle njega."
🤍🪄
"Zar ne shvataš, Bes? Tvoj sam do kraja. U ovom životu i posle njega."
🤍🪄
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