Cipher House Books0
SIGNED HARDBACK + 13 OBJECTS

An invitation to investigate

His greatest mystery
is yours to explore.

Read Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice. Follow the story through 13 objects, in a collector edition handmade by its author.

Read Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice. Explore 13 story objects.

100 signed, numbered copies.
Never reprinted.

A black box with forensic evidence bags, forms, and a visible “Chain of Custody” document inside, placed on a white tiled surface—a striking piece from The Murder Box Edition.

A black box with forensic evidence bags, forms, and a visible “Chain of Custody” document inside, placed on a white tiled surface—a striking piece from The Murder Box Edition.
Black box with bold red text reading “The Murder Box Edition” on a tiled surface with a marble-patterned background.
A sleek black box labeled “The Murder Box Edition” in bold red lettering stands out against a marble background—this eye-catching presentation is part of the exclusive Houdini collector’s edition and features a signed limited edition book to honor the 100th Anniversary of Houdini’s death.
A pristine black rectangular box, featuring a gold key emblem on its front, rests atop a white marble surface streaked with gray veining, conjuring the enigmatic allure of The Murder Box Edition 100th Anniversary collector’s set.
The Murder Box Edition of “Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice” by Larrian Gillespie features a sepia-toned cover image of Houdini bound in chains and handcuffs, accented by metal corner protectors. This striking collector’s edition is perfect for fans and history buffs alike, capturing the enigmatic allure of the legendary illusionist.
Open book displaying a title page that reads “Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice, The Murder Box Edition, Handmade, Book #2,” featuring red handwriting and a signature—an exceptional signed limited edition perfect for any Houdini collector’s library.
A black evidence box contains documents, small tools, keys, vials, a biohazard bag, and recipe cards arranged on a white surface—each meticulously curated for The Murder Box Edition crime scene investigation kit. This special Houdini collector’s edition offers an immersive experience perfect for mystery enthusiasts.
A sleek black box featuring a “Chain of Custody” form on the lid and a red-wrapped item stamped with a circular black logo inside—this is The Murder Box Edition, meticulously crafted as the 100th Anniversary Houdini collector’s set.
A SECRET SERUM sample in a biohazard bag, beside an evidence bag with chain-of-custody details.
A sealed clear bag bearing a biohazard symbol holds a vial labeled “SECRET SERUM” along with storage instructions such as “Refrigerate,” displayed on white tiles—a mysterious collectible from The Murder Box Edition, ideal for enthusiasts of intriguing mysteries.
Double-tap to zoom. Swipe to inspect.

Houdini centennial · October 31, 1926–2026

Houdini died on Halloween.Open the case.

Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice — the signed collector book included in your Murder Box

Includes Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice

A signed hardback, 13 story-linked tokens and every Murder Box is handmade by the author, Larrian Gillespie MD.

Kirkus Indie Award Finalist — Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice

Kirkus Indie Award

Finalist

Kirkus-starred investigation

The Murder Box Edition$195.00 USD

Ships within the US only.

Limited to 100 signed, numbered copies. Never reprinted.

Inside: A SECRET SERUM sample, a WWI enameled memorial coin, matchbook from the Waldorf Lunch, Hamilton Mortuary card, magnets from the Murder Board, sunflower seeds, miniature working padlock and key, recipe card for Canfield's Jewish Chop Suey, Charles Kennedy's receipt for surgical fees, monkey key chain, blow horn for appendix, magnifying glass for small print, confidential medical records, Chain of Custody record

Examine what’s inside

Your reading ritual

Open it. Make the case yours.

  1. The actual open handmade Murder Box

    01

    Open the handmade case

    A collector edition prepared and packed by the author, for you.

  2. The chain-of-custody record inside the actual case

    02

    Find your custody record

    The chain-of-custody tag inside the lid is registered to its new custodian: you.

  3. The included signed Houdini hardback

    03

    Begin the signed book

    Follow Larrian into Houdini’s final days in Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice.

  4. The real numbered evidence bags and story objects

    04

    Unseal the numbered bags

    Handle the story-linked objects as their connections unfold on the page.

13 objects. A story in your hands.

What will you uncover?

A vial marked SECRET SERUM. A miniature padlock and key. A Waldorf Lunch matchbook. A recipe card. Each belongs to the book’s story—discover its connection as you read.

The actual Murder Box contents laid out alongside the open box
Actual contents of the Murder Box Edition.
  1. The real vial labeled SECRET SERUM, photographed in its biohazard bag

    EXHIBIT 01

    The SECRET SERUM vial

    A sealed vial with a provocative label. Read on to discover its connection.

  2. Detail of the actual miniature padlock and key in the contents photograph

    EXHIBIT 02

    A miniature padlock & key

    Hold an emblem of escape while you follow Houdini’s story.

  3. The black Hamilton’s Mortuary card in the actual contents photograph

    EXHIBIT 03

    The Mortician’s card

    The mortician’s name, license and phone numbers. Examine the details as you read.

  4. Detail of the actual recipe card in the contents photograph

    EXHIBIT 04

    The recipe card

    Even a recipe has a place in this investigation. Find out why in the book.

Larrian Gillespie, MD — physician, former surgeon and author of Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice

Meet Larrian Gillespie, MD

A physician’s eye. A storyteller’s instinct.

  • Physician & former surgeon
  • Author of 10 books
  • Kirkus-starred Houdini investigation

Larrian Gillespie, MD is a former physician and surgeon, and the author of ten books. She brings expertise in anatomy, diagnostics and pharmacology to a question that still fascinates magic lovers: what really happened to Harry Houdini?

In Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice, she follows medical records, death certificates and eyewitness accounts, questioning whether the familiar story fits the evidence. Follow her investigation page by page, then explore its connections through the 13 story-linked objects in your box. You’re reading the case with the investigator who wrote it.

Written, signed and made by the author

Book corners hand-finished with silver guards. Each token created, each bag filled, each box carefully packed. Larrian produces each Murder Box edition by hand, so please allow up to two weeks before shipment.

The included Houdini collector book

Included in every box

You know his escapes. What about his death?

Three death certificates. Medical records. Eyewitness accounts. In Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice, Larrian Gillespie, MD reexamines Houdini’s final days with a surgeon’s eye and a historian’s questions. Your signed, individually numbered hardback is included. The book has new images and new content.

“An absorbing, argument-starting account of what really happened to Harry Houdini.”Kirkus Indie Star Review
Kirkus-starredKirkus Indie Award FinalistBookLife Editor’s Pick
Larrian’s signature and the collector book edition number
The real signed, numbered collector edition.

Custody transfer / Collector edition

Take custody of the case.

  • Signed, individually numbered collector book
  • 13 story-linked physical tokens
  • Numbered evidence bags and chain-of-custody tag
  • Collector box handmade by Larrian
The Murder Box Edition$195.00 USDBook + handmade collector box

Secure Shopify checkout.

Shipped by USPS Priority Mail. Shipping is $20; applicable taxes are calculated at checkout.

Handmade to order by Larrian. Ships in about 2 weeks.

Ships within the US only.

Limited to 100 signed, numbered copies. Never reprinted.

Before you sign

Does the box include the book?

Yes. Your Murder Box includes a signed and individually numbered collector edition of Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice, plus the 13 story-linked tokens and handmade box. You do not need to buy a separate book.

When will my order ship?

Handmade to order by Larrian. Ships in about 2 weeks. US only. Larrian prepares the labels, finishes the book corners by hand, creates the tokens, fills the bags, and carefully packs each box to prevent movement and damage. Preparation time is separate from shipping transit time. Contact us if you need it by a particular date.

Is this a standalone mystery game?

This is a collector reading experience: the objects connect to the investigation in the included book. It is not advertised as a standalone puzzle game or escape-room kit.

What makes this edition limited?

Only 100 collector books have been printed for this edition, and each is signed and individually numbered. The Murder Box Edition will never be reprinted.

What are the shipping and return terms?

Ships within the US only.

Shipped by USPS Priority Mail. Shipping is $20; applicable taxes are calculated at checkout.

The packed edition weighs approximately 2.5 lb. Please review our refund policy and contact us with any questions about this handmade edition before ordering.

Prefer the signed hardback on its own?

Explore the signed hardback · $113.00 Explore the available book-only editions
The Murder Box Edition $195.00Get the book + box ↑