HOUDINI UNBOUND
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HOUDINI UNBOUND is a rich, 100,000-word multilayered historical novel. It's based on Harry Houdini's tour of Russia in 1903, when he performed his
astonishing illusions and escapes for Tsar Nicholas and his wife, Tsarina
Alexandra. Harry was so phenomenally successful that they believed he had
magical powers. So much so that they invited him to stay at court and
become their spiritual advisor. President Theodore Roosevelt learned of
this and persuaded Harry to undertake a dangerous mission: to spy for
the United States. During the spring and summer of 1903, Harry and his
wife Bess became stars of the Tsar's court -- until they fell afoul of the
leader of the secret police, Count von Plehve. Von Plehve plotted to
undermine Harry. Harry lost his
position at court, leaving an opening which was soon filled by Rasputin.
HOUDINI UNBOUND is based on deep research set in
the last golden moments of imperial Russia. This period saw the rise of
serious political unrest as well as the flowering of an opulent Russian
culture: minor characters include Chekhov, Gorky, Diaghilev and Durov
the Clown. It will appeal to fans of The Alienist as well as lovers of The
Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.
