Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers, 2024
Ages 10 to adult
ISBN hardover: 978-1-6626-8023-6; ebook 978-1-6626-8024-3
It is the early twentieth century and the spiritualism movement is soaring in America. World War I and an influenza pandemic have killed hundreds of thousands. People are desperate to communicate with their dead loved ones, so they seek the help of mediums, psychics, and fortune tellers.
The mourners don’t realize they’re being deceived by frauds. But famed magician Harry Houdini isn’t fooled. He knows that these scammers’ methods are no more than conjurer’s tricks. Houdini and his team of investigators, led by detective Rose Mackenberg, set out to expose the ghost hoaxes.
Enter into this world of séances, psychics, secret agents, and magic. . . if you dare.
Check out the blog post MAGIC, GHOSTS, and SCAMS to learn more about the book.
Click below to hear Gail talk about her inspiration for writing SPIRIT SLEUTHS.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
Junior Library Guild selection
Best Books of 2024, Middle to High School Nonfiction–School Library Journal
Eureka! Silver Award, Excellence in Nonfiction, 2024–California Reading Association
Best Informational Books for Older Readers of 2024–Chicago Public Library
★”"A natural and riveting follow-up to Jarrow's Spooked and The Amazing Harry Kellar, her previous books about debunking hoaxes and the supernatural. In concise, approachable chapters, the author details the origins of Spiritualism, its popularity and most well-known practitioners, and the sleuths who dedicated their lives to disproving the methods and beliefs that made it popular . . . The book’s emphasis on how these mediums and psychics used smoke and mirrors to swindle people serves as an excellent tool to teach young readers about the dangers of misinformation . . . VERDICT: The indomitable Jarrow crafts another enthralling narrative of nonfiction that will mesmerize curious readers and serve as an exemplar for educators and researchers.”
—School Library Journal, starred review
★“Jarrow’s remarkable ability to transform meticulous research into a gripping narrative once again results in a nonfiction work that will transfix readers of all ages…Jarrow continues to work magic in Spirit Sleuths, making certain that young readers can find history accessible, exciting, and surprising.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
“Spine-tingling . . . A mesmerizing read that not only details the rise of spiritualism, and the role Houdini played in debunking it, but implores readers to rely on critical thinking skills to evade deception." —Publishers Weekly
"In this thoroughly researched study, [Jarrow] singles out two investigators in particular for their persistence: Harry Houdini, who made exposures of séance fakery a regular part of his stage act, and his protégé Rose Mackenberg, a tough-minded private detective and master of disguise who worked with victims and law enforcement to shut down spirit scams for decades after Houdini’s premature death . . . She [offers] insights into the clever techniques used by both hoaxers and hoax-busters, as well as a timely case study on the persistence of irrational belief in the face of logic and overwhelming negative evidence . . . Penetrating and provocative." —Kirkus Reviews
"During the height of spiritualism from the 1840s to the 1920s, many so-called mediums fooled their audiences with illusions disproven by some of the most talented stage magicians, including Harry Houdini. But Jarrow's exploration of what was proven to be fake is also conscious of the true hold spiritualism had on people who believed in the great beyond, cementing the movement as a fascinating moment in cultural history, especially in the U.S. In this title, the wheels of Spiritualism are shown being sped by crowds and slowed by individuals, making for a page-turner of a spooky history book." —Booklist
“This intriguing deep dive into an underexplored period of history shows readers how obvious lies can cement into passionately held beliefs that can stand up to scrutiny if the believer is sufficiently motivated.” –Horn Book
“The subject matter is rife with drama and intrigue…Photographs, newspaper articles, and advertisements, however, effectively set the historical stage while also conveying the spiritualists’ theatrics…The explanations of and secrets behind some of the more common deceptions might have readers trying their own hand at acts of illusions.”
–Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Jarrow’s incredibly well-researched narrative, along with her accessible style and tons of photographs, images, and other primary source material, makes this an excellent read for kiddos ages 10+ (including adults, ahem) into history, or those intrigued by the world of illusions and debunking.” –Can We Read?
“If you’re interested in conspirituality, in grifting and hoaxes, as well as the ways people through history have tried to help differentiate real belief from those trying to make a quick buck, you’ll love this one.” –Book Riot
“Connections for readers today are powerful as the chapters weave throughout historical events such as world wars, epidemics, and technology developments, as well as telling compelling biographical information.” –Worlds of Words
“Ghosts, spirits, rapping, knocking, and Harry Houdini—what’s not to like?” – Redeemed Reader