Escaping From Houdini is the "vacation episode" of the series—a little lighter on the historical horror, heavier on the shipboard romance and psychological tricks.
Here is my honest take: The tension works in the moment . Seeing Audrey Rose navigate her attraction to the mysterious, dangerous "other guy" feels authentic to being a teenager. It complicates her relationship with Thomas, who is simultaneously more vulnerable and more arrogant than ever. Escaping From Houdini
However, if you are a die-hard (Thomas/Audrey Rose) shipper, this book will test your patience. There is a scene involving a lifeboat and a choice that had me throwing my Kindle across the bed. But trust the process. Kerri Maniscalco knows her audience, and the emotional payoff is complicated in the best way. The Mystery: Does it Escape the Curse of the Middle Child? Sort of. The locked-room mysteries are fun, but they lack the historical gravity of Jack the Ripper or the gothic horror of Dracula. The villain is clever, but the reveal felt slightly rushed compared to the first two books. Escaping From Houdini is the "vacation episode" of
Let’s unpack the magic trick that is Book #3. The story whisks us away from the gritty soil of Romania to the glitzy (but still deadly) decks of a ship sailing from London to New York. Audrey Rose’s uncle has arranged for her to study “criminal minds” abroad, but the real hook is the entertainment: Harry Houdini is onboard, performing nightly. It complicates her relationship with Thomas, who is
Escaping From Houdini introduces a potential romantic rival for Thomas. Without spoiling who, let’s just say that a significant portion of the fandom found this detour frustrating.
However, the are quintessential Maniscalco: a ticking clock, a desperate chase, and a cliffhanger that literally made me gasp. It sets up Book #4 ( Capturing the Devil ) perfectly. Final Verdict ⭐ 4 out of 5 stars
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