The Last Illusion (Molly Murphy Mysteries)

As this 9th volume in the MOLLY MURPHY series opens it is July 1903 and Daniel is taking Molly out to the theater to see a show, and not just any show but the famous illusionist Harry Houdini, just returned from his successful tour of Europe. As is all to often the case when Daniel and Molly try to have a night out like a normal couple disaster strikes. This time it is during one of the opening acts, another illusionist was horrified when he realized that his assistant's screams were all too real, he had actually mortally wounded the young woman. As the only policeman who had actually seen the tragedy take place Daniel was put in charge of the case. It seemed a fairly straightforward, if gruesome, matter of determining if this had been a premeditated murder or an unfortunate accident until the chief suspect and the victim both disappeared. As Daniel worked to sort out these new mysteries Molly found herself drawn into the world of illusion and intrigue by none other than Bess Weiss, otherwise known as Harry Houdini's wife and assistant.

This is a charming series set primarily in and around New York City at the beginning of the 20th century. The mystery aspects of this series are clever but secondary to the on going romance between Molly and Daniel, and the subplots involving other recurring characters. Because this on going arc is so strong it really is necessary to begin with the first book, MURPHY'S LAW, and proceed in order.

I ordered many of these books for my mom. She says that they grip her interest from the very beginning.