An interesting period mystery with an intriguing cast of real life characters (Houdini, Conan Doyle and Christie all make an appearance). There’s a lot to like here - a fast paced plot, lots of sex and violence and a great vintage art style. Something about the storytelling kept me from being fully engaged though. ( )

A sassy and sexy young wannabe private detective named Minky Woodcock is inserted into the true and truly weird events leading up to the death of famed magician and spiritualist debunker Harry Houdini in this 1920s historical fiction. In the course of her investigation she trains to be Houdini's stage assistant and frequently disrobes.

The writing is cheesy and the art is pure cheesecake; both are oddly stiff but only the drawings are vaguely compelling. The story often makes little sense and is rife with plot holes. I only read this because I actually want to read the sequel about Nikola Tesla, a man I have always found fascinating. Onward. ( )

Wow! I do not usually read graphic/comic books. A genre that I never really got into. Not that I have not read them but just not as a first. That said, The Girl Who Handcuffed Houdini was able to catch my interest right from the cover and first pages. A pulpy tale of a young woman who wants to be a detective takes over for him while he is out of the country. Contacted by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wants her to investigate Harry Houdini. He wants her to infiltrate Houdini's world and report back to him all to prove that Houdini is a fake.

Minky does just that, gets involved in the world of seances, magic and sleight of hand. Houdini becomes ill and eventually dies of a burst appendicitis. Was it just a fluke or was he poisoned? Now she has to convince Mrs. Houdini not to request an investigation into Harry's death. If his death was an accident, she could collect double indemnity on Harry's life insurance policy. If it is murder, she collects nothing.

This book is filled with the most beguiling artwork, gorgeous, colorful. It just brings the whole story to life, the author tells an interesting story but her artwork is truly impressive. Pulls you right into the world of the 1920's. Seances, magic and fantasy all wrapped up into one book. I loved it and if you enjoy comic books or graphic novels, then I highly recommend this book!! ( )