Self-Publishing Review

 "An entrancing historical thriller. The prose is gritty in its portrayal of early 20th-century London; the settings are instantly believable, transporting readers a century into the past with ease. There are blurred lines where fact and fantasy meet, while the interplay of mysticism, magic, and spirituality will keep readers on their toes as they await the next clever turn of the plot. This novel is supported by a wildly creative storyline and a brilliant cast of characters, which will keep readers guessing to the jaw-dropping end." Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★ 

 Whitechapel once again becomes the backdrop of grisly murders in this exciting novel by Leon Cygman. It opens with a sex worker, Sissy, and her client -- known politician--leaving the infamous Ten Bells pub for the business arrangement. A stranger enters Sissy's flat, and violence ensues.

WPC Roberta Kassy, on a routine night patrol, is the first on the scene. A member of one of the first woman constable divisions, she is ordered to patrol only but responds immediately to screams from a tenement house. Upon debriefing, she is partner with D.I. Bill Chandler, a veteran of the police force in the H Division, and D.I. John Swanson, the son of the lead detective on the original Jack the Ripper murders, from Scotland Yard.

Enter the namesakes in the title: Houdini and Doyle. Harry Houdini receives word from Sir Authur Conan Doyle that he must visit when he comes through London. Though they have previously had a falling out, Houdini acquiesces his request, along with his wife. Once in the Doyle home, Sir Arthur drops the bombshell -- He believes a recent seance has awakened the spirit of Jack the Ripper. Though he doubts this is the case, Houdini agrees to join Doyle and they approach the investigative team in solving the mounting number of brutal murders in Whitechapel.

Houdini and Doyle: The Return of Jack is an engaging story, laced with historical references, and several twists that keep the reader invested in solving the case. Despite being set in the early 1920s, the themes and conflicts remain incredibly relevant to the modern day. A lover of history, particularly this case, will enjoy both the historical and literary references, as well as the elements of the Jack the Ripper case. The prose is beautifully written.