Publication Date: 4 July 2024

The Blurb

The English seaside, 1920s

A world famous escape artist . . .
A suitcase full of secrets . . .
And a death-defying stunt . . .

When Harry Houdini comes to visit the seaside town of Sidford-on-Sea, Glory and her friend Dennis are first in-line to see him. He is there to perform a daring trick: he will jump off the town pier in chains, pitching himself into the water below. But when Glory outsmarts the infamous Houdini, she is suddenly sucked into his world, and finds herself tasked with looking after his precious trunk – the one that contains all his secrets.

With Houdini in danger, Glory and Dennis are thrown deep into an adventure that takes them all the way to Coney Island in America, and the dark underbelly of its amusement parks . . .

The Review

With its pulse-pounding action, unexpected twists, and heartwarming moments of friendship, The Houdini Inheritance once again shows why Emma has been dubbed The Queen Of Historical Fiction. Magic, mystery, and danger await at every turn in a spellbinding tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last.

From the grey streets of post World War I England to the electrifying atmosphere of 1920s America, Emma brings each setting to life with vivid imagery and rich historical detail, immersing readers in a world where anything is possible, with enough imagination and practice.

Glory is a heroine to root for, with her courage, wit, and unwavering determination shining brightly against the backdrop of uncertainty and danger. Dennis, her steadfast friend, provides the perfect foil, offering humour and loyalty in equal measure.

And then there’s Houdini himself, a larger-than-life figure whose enigmatic presence looms large over the story, casting a spell of intrigue and fascination that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Emma’s seamless blend of history and fantasy, coupled with her irresistible storytelling charm, make this a showstopping tour de force that is sure to delight readers of all ages.

Huge thanks to Faber Children’s for sending me an early proof.