4.5 stars

Wren Lockhart is a rarity. Not only is she a female illusionist, but she trained under Harry Houdini. She is approached by Agent Elliott Matthews, who wants her help in debunking Horace Stapleton’s claims of bringing a dead man back to life. As they work together on the case, secrets are revealed as suspicious events increase. Will they be able to uncover the truth?

Cambron’s latest takes the reader back to the roaring 20s/vaudeville era in this well- researched historical novel full of complex characters. While Wren is a bit difficult to like at times, as the story unfolds, the reader gains a greater appreciation for this independent character. An intriguing mystery adds to the enjoyment of this tale which looks at light/truth versus the dark side of society.

One of my favorite quotes from the story is “Truth is the illusion we seek.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I was not required to leave a positive review.

Just months after Harry Houdini’s death, his apprentice, Wren Lockhart, finds herself enmeshed in a dangerous quest…trying to prove her enemy is innocent of a deadly crime. Wren, an accomplished vaudeville illusionist, needs to figure out how her enemy, Horace Stapleton, accomplished his feat if she is to figure out who would benefit from seeing it fail.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I’m mystified by illusionists so it was fascinating to get a little peak into their world. Houdini told Wren, “No matter what’s occurred—especially if you find yourself in a fix that you can’t see your way out of—the crowd must walk away believing you did exactly what you said you would, without any break in the story. Make them believe it” (location 630). It was cool to be on the inside of a couple of Wren’s illusions and to see how she worked unexpected things out and built her story around what was happening.
Wren is an intriguing woman. She has a lot of mystery surrounding her, some of it very intentionally built up, for the protection of others in her life. She learns a lot about trust and what is really of utmost importance and her walls start to come down a little to let a few people in. Yet danger is never far away…and there are big twists that forced me to rethink what had happened prior. It was very suspenseful and mysterious. I loved that.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Cambron ventured into the world of mystery in her latest Jazz-age, Vaudeville novel and didn't disappoint! I could see the story unfold in my mind with Charlie Chaplin black-and-white and splashes of lipstick red. Murder instantly drew me into the story with subtle intrigue and suspense. Wren, the heroine, an illusionist in her own right, was a picture between feminine power and womanly gentleness. I enjoyed how Cambron portrayed Wren's emotional wounds and needs without weakening her strength and independence. The hero, Elliot, challenges Wren even as they solve the mystery the intertwines with Wren's very tragic past. I love the skips backward in time to scenes from Wren's childhood and growing up years. It was a gentle split-time novel, while engaging the reader in a mystery that would leave even Houdini's mind looking for answers.

Enter the world of illusions. From page one you're drawn in to a world of illusion and FBI agents trying to discover what is real and what is not. A man is murdered and things become very real! Illusionist Wren Lockhart agrees to work with the FBI to help them uncover the truth. But someone is out to silence her! Filled with suspense, forgiveness, mystery, and some romance, this is a beautifully written book.

Wren was at one time an apprentice for the great Harry Houdini and she has a great many secrets. This is a historical fiction and was a pleasure to read. The novel stayed true to the time period with magic, illusion, jazz, vaudeville and the newly created FBI. While the plot was busy, it was east to follow and flowed well and had a satisfying ending. One of the best Historical Fictions I have came across in a while. I enjoyed it full and look forward to picking up other books by Kristy Cambron.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Well written this was an interesting historical fiction without being outstanding, The details were well researched and the plot was interesting enough but the main characters just didn't capture my attention.

This is an exceptional book of historical fiction about Illusionists performing on stage during the Vaudeville era in the twenties and thirties of the 20th century. Mixed in at the time were the "Spiritualists" those that claimed they could contact the dead. The people who held dark seances in the parlors of their private homes. These two groups did not agree on what was real and what was not. Which makes for an intriguing story, mystery and learning.. I was captivated by what I didn't know about these two groups and how well the author intertwined fiction with historical people and events. A great page turner that will keep you guessing right up to the end. I also appreciated the authors extensive notes at the end explaining and giving credence to her research. Top notch!

Hello, busy moms! I'm back with another book recommendation for you today! I know your time is limited, and sometimes you probably aren't able to squeeze in a lot of reading time. But I believe if you can find the time to read just one book this spring, you won't be disappointed if you choose The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron. I am a huge admirer of her work. The Ringmaster's Wife was one of my favorite books that I read last year. I loved the behind-the-scenes look at the circus.

In her newest book, Ms. Cambron takes us into the world of vaudeville in the early 1900s. Wren Lockhart was a talented illusionist who went to work with Harry Houdini at a young age. He made her his apprentice and taught her many of his most daring tricks. She even traveled with him when he went to expose fake spiritualists who were deceiving the public. He made many enemies because of this. But now Harry is dead, and Wren is on her own. She has her own act now, and she is very popular. But someone seems to want her dead, too. When an illusion goes terrible wrong and someone ends up dead, the FBI asks for Wren's help to find the truth about a murder. But Wren has spent her life carefully guarding a secret. She grows closer to Agent Elliot Matthews, but she's afraid of what will happen if her discovers what she's hiding. When Wren disappears, Elliot races to find her. But someone knows Wren's deepest secret, and will stop at nothing to get what they want from her. Even if it means destroying what she holds most dear.

Kristy Cambron is a genius at weaving actual historical events with fiction and turning out a story that you just need to read! I enjoy reading books that develop slowly, revealing the backstory as the main story progresses. This one jumps back and forth in time using multiple points of view to build an incredible story with a heart-pounding climax. It's another book that I really couldn't put down. I think you'll really like it, too!

The Illusionist's Apprentice is a wonderful read. I did not know what to expect when I read the blurb on it. Wow! I was in for a pleasant surprise! I loved Wren and strong of a character she was. This is a great piece of historical fiction.
Highly recommended.
5 plus stars.