Frame-up on the Bowery: A Houdini & Nate Mystery (Houdini and Nate Mysteries) [Hardcover]

Tom Lalicki (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 13, 2009 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Houdini and Nate Mysteries

During Yuletide 1911, a brutal Midtown murder shocks the denizens of New York City. After a mutual friend is wrongly accused of being the killer, young sleuth Nate Fuller, along with his famous mentor Harry Houdini, is determined to solve the case. For starters, Houdini and Nate are certain their friend has been framed. But why? By whom? And how can they save him?

In their new adventure, old New York’s acclaimed detecting duo brave the rough-and-tumble streets of the Lower East Side, where colorful, conniving characters abound, and the only thing certain is danger every step of the way.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–7—Twelve-year-old Nate Fuller returns to solve another mystery alongside his famous mentor, Harry Houdini. In 1911 Manhattan, a prominent stockbroker is the victim of a gruesome murder. Nate is shocked when his good friend Ace, who works for Houdini, is arrested as the "Fifth Avenue Slasher." Both Nate and Houdini are sure that Ace has been framed, but the District Attorney, up for re-election and wanting to wrap up the case, is unwilling to see beyond the incriminating evidence. Nate and Houdini enter the seamy Bowery district to track down the clues that will exonerate their friend. Meanwhile, a younger cousin is dropped off on the Fuller doorstep by her father, who is eager to head west to seek his fortune. While young Allie's presence seems to be an unnecessary distraction through much of the story, she does play a part in its resolution. Lalicki's research into the period and his extensive knowledge of Harry Houdini are evident. As with Nate's past adventures, the coincidences stack up a little too neatly, but the rollicking action and tough-talking characters are appealing. Purchase where the first two books are popular.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
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Review

“This third book in Lalicki’s acclaimed Houdini and Nate Mystery series delivers action, appealing characters, and contemporary issues within an engaging historical context.” —VOYA

“Lalicki’s storytelling continues to make good use of historically accurate details while leaving the plot and character development unburdened by explanations that could distance readers from the excitement.” —Booklist Online

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); First Edition edition (October 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374399301
• ISBN-13: 978-0374399306
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,040,569 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Tom Lalicki is the author of the award-winning Spellbinder: The Life of Harry Houdini which inspired him to write three Houdini & Nate mysteries for young readers: Danger in the Dark, Shots at Sea and Frame-up on the Bowery.

He lives in Westchester county, New York with his best friend (and wife), Barbara, and three outstanding cats.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent mystery plus history, January 31, 2010

By 

Kathleen Williams (Ossining, NY United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Frame-up on the Bowery: A Houdini & Nate Mystery (Houdini and Nate Mysteries) (Hardcover)

This is the third Houdini and Nate mystery I've read and though my kids at 14 and 15 might be getting too old for the series, I'm not! Besides the suspenseful story, I love the picture the author paints of New York City 100 years ago. Lalicki gives us many details that likely will stick with young readers because they don't come across as a boring history lesson. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am going to recommend it to my younger niece and nephew.

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Mystery, January 23, 2010

By 

Deborah A. Webber - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Frame-up on the Bowery: A Houdini & Nate Mystery (Houdini and Nate Mysteries) (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed reading this book. My favorite character in this book is Allie. She was such a sweet heart. My 10 year old daughter also read this and thought it was awesome.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great mystery/history mix!, January 18, 2010

By 

Alice reads - See all my reviews

This review is from: Frame-up on the Bowery: A Houdini & Nate Mystery (Houdini and Nate Mysteries) (Hardcover)

Ace, the Bowery kid trying to make good first met in DANGER IN THE DARK. is framed for the murder of a rich man by the mobsters who control the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1912. How Nate and Houdini find the real culprit and get Ace out of theTombs makes a fascinating detective yarn. Lalicki's details, like the inclusion of NYC's first female detective, are colorful and accurate and he further enlivens the action with a new character, Nate's hitherto-unknown cousin Allie, a spunky, resourceful waif who gets herself--and Nate--in a whole lot of trouble.