Carter Beats the Devil

Carter became a magician out of need. But in 1920s America, the stakes are growing higher and his stunts become audacious. Until the night, President Harding takes part in his act only to die two hours later, and he finds himself pursued by the Secret Service and by others desperate to discover the secret they believe Harding confided in him.

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Charles Carter, dubbed Carter the Great by Houdini himself, was born into privilege but became a magician out of need: only when dazzling an audience can he defeat his fear of loneliness. But in 1920s America the stakes are growing higher, as technology and the cinema challenge the allure of magic and Carter's stunts become increasingly audacious. Until the night President Harding takes part in Carter's act only to die two hours later, and Carter finds himself pursued not only by the Secret Service but by a host of others desperate to discover the terrible secret they believe Harding confided in him. Seamlessly blending reality and fiction, Gold lays before us a glittering and romantic panorama of our modern world at a point of irrevocable change.