“An absorbing, argument-starting account of what really happened to Harry Houdini.”
Kirkus-starred true crime
What really killed Houdini?
His final act was his greatest illusion—until a retired surgeon reopened the case. Medical records, eyewitness testimony, three conflicting accounts, and a death that refuses to stay buried.
Kirkus Indie Award Finalist
Kirkus Best Indie Books 2026
BookLife Editor’s Pick
Choose your edition
$28.95- 420-page medical-forensic investigation
- 221 photographs, documents, and illustrations
- Biography, true crime, and clinical reasoning in one volume
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The book that changed the Houdini conversation.
“An absorbing, argument-starting account of what really happened to Harry Houdini.”
“This book will shake things up!”
“It’s a blockbuster—and a mythbuster!”
What you will examine
The evidence to decide the case for yourself.
Medical records and three death certificates
Follow the clinical facts and the official documents that do not agree.
Eyewitness accounts and private correspondence
Compare what the people around Houdini said, wrote, and later changed.
Ten suspects surrounding the final days
Examine motives, opportunities, and contradictions without being handed a verdict.
221 photographs, documents, and illustrations
See the people, documents, and places behind the investigation.
Before you order
The last questions before you choose.
Is this fiction?
No. It is investigative nonfiction combining biography, medical-forensic analysis, historical documents, and true-crime reporting.
How long is the book?
The complete investigation runs 420 pages and includes 221 photographs, documents, and illustrations.
Which editions are signed?
The signed hardback and the book included in the Murder Box Edition are signed by Larrian Gillespie. The paperback and unsigned sealed hardback are not signed.
Is there an ebook?
Yes. Use the ebook link below the edition selector to explore the digital edition.
When do I see shipping and return details?
Available delivery, taxes, and edition-specific return information are shown before payment. You can review your cart before checkout.