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.