(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Carlyn Beccia. Crime-fighting duo Harry Houdini and Nate return to solve their third cleverly crafted period mystery in early-twentieth-century New York. Friend and coworker Ace has been arrested for a gruesome murder, and Nate is certain he's innocent. Nate and Houdini set out to investigate who has framed Ace and why. History and mystery fans will continue to thrill to Nate's adventures.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Carlyn Cerniglia. This second book in the series takes place aboard the Lusitania in 1911 (four years before it sank), where an assassin is after former president Theodore Roosevelt. Nate tries to use Harry Houdini's teachings on observation and insight to find and stop the would-be killer. Authentic historical details combine with suspense and quick pacing for an exciting read.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old Nathaniel is befriended by the great Houdini in this well-researched period novel. Convinced that Nate's strict yet vulnerable great-aunt is being conned by a spiritualist, Houdini helps expose the fraud. An author's note explains that the real Houdini gave lectures advising people about how to protect themselves from con artists. Houdini fans will enjoy the historical details of turn-of-the-twentieth-century New York.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(2) 4-6 Lalicki's day-by-day account of Colonel Benjamin Grierson's successful raid on central Mississippi concentrates on maneuvers and military tactics. Background material nicely complements the coverage of troop movements. Archival photographs and excerpts from diaries and memoirs of those who fought add interest to the text, which is appended with additional information. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2004

(3) 4-6 Houdini, whose name still inspires awe among young magic fans, is the subject of this biography that ably traces his success as an illusionist, escape artist, and debunker of spiritualism. Lalicki reveals Houdini's confident, always evolving personality (and public persona) in a clear, unembellished text, which is illustrated with black-and-white photographs. A time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta