"The Master Mystery" by John W. Grey and Arthur B. Reeve is the official novelization of the rare 1919 serial film starring Harry Houdini. Written as a pulp fiction type of novel, the book portrays the master magician and escape artist as a superhuman of sorts. It epitomizes the thriller film serial of the day and the radio serial of years to come. A damsel in distress, a dashing hero, and enough action to keep readers on the edges of their seats has made this book a hit since it was first released.