The jazz age of the early 1900s brought vividly to life in one the best historical novels I have read in a long time.  It follows the life of a magician, the death of a president and the ensuing investigation.  It’s got the lot; mystery, romance, the thrill of the stage, exquisite period detail, fascinating characters and adventure.  Long, but truly addictive, I cannot recommend it highly enough.  It’s a great book.

Comparison: Louise Welsh, Audrey Niffenegger, Caleb Carr.

Synopsis

Charles Carter, dubbed Carter the Great by Houdini himself, was born into privilege but became a magician out of need: only when dazzling an audience can he defeat his fear of loneliness. But in 1920s America the stakes are growing higher, as technology and the cinema challenge the allure of magic and Carter`s stunts become increasingly audacious. Until the night President Harding takes part in Carter`s act only to die two hours later, and Carter finds himself pursued not only by the Secret Service but by a host of others desperate to discover the terrible secret they believe Harding confided in him.

Seamlessly blending reality and fiction, Gold lays before us a glittering and romantic panorama of our modern world at a point of irrevocable change.

Reviews

'Wholly original...Gold's real aim is to recapture the long lost era of the great illusionists and escapologists...and his plot - garish, crude, internally clever - is precisely honed to the task: it is a triumph of misdirection, a nest of boxes constantly springing fresh surprises' - Peter Preston, Guardian

'The first writer to have me suffocating with suspense was Wilkie Collins. I am now thrilled to have met his match in Glen David Gold' - Helen Brown, Daily Telegraph

'Casts a spell that is sly, intoxicating, deceitful and enduring. Savour its every page' - Graham Caveny, Independent

About the Author

Glen David Gold was born in Hollywood and raised in San Francisco where he began his life-long love of the strange and dazzling aspects of history. Carter Beats the Devil is his first novel. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation