The Magician’s Fire

British children’s TV writer Nicholson makes his U.S. debut with this launch to the Young Houdini series, which opens in 1886 Manhattan. Harry, who has been shining shoes since his recent arrival from Budapest, shows off his daring early on, escaping from padlocked chains seconds before a train screams by (and earning showers of coins from impressed onlookers). Nicholson smoothly blends Houdini’s prowess as an escape artist with his fictional hero’s sleuthing skills as he tracks down a missing elderly magician. Two well-drawn friends—Billie, an orphan from New Orleans, and Arthur, the neglected son of a wealthy banker—help Harry solve the mystery. Rebelling against Harry’s bossiness, the two set out to crack the case by themselves, a plot twist the author mines for humor as well as messages about friendship and teamwork. Nicholson works the theme of escape throughout the story: Billie flees from her job in a glue factory and Artie avoids being shipped off to boarding school. A cliffhanger ending will leave readers eager for the next installment. Ages 10–up. Agent: Eve White, Literary Agent. (Oct.)