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.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
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.
Carter Beats the Devil features in the following genres: Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction, eBooks of the Month, General Fiction, Fiction, Recommendations
Carter Beats the Devil is available in Paperback
Carter Beats the Devil was written by Glen David Gold and published by Hodder & Stoughton General Division
Carter Beats the Devil has 563 pages
£9.89
