Arlene Larson, The Houdini Necklace/Brooch & Carmel Niland for New South Wales

@ 2 Arlene Larsen, wife of Milt Larsen of the renowned Larsen Family of Magicians.Harry Houdini's Hidden Treasure From Czar Nicholas Goes On The Auction BlockTo Create A New Theatrical Venue for Magicians and Fans of Illusion. One of the legendary items that belonged to the world's most famous magician, Harry Houdini, will soon become the property of the highest bidder at the ?Houdini Auction? on April 8 2017, hosted by the respected auction house of Potter & Potter - The Royal Crown Brooch.  According to story's Bess Houdini shared with dear friend Geri Larsen, Harry Houdini performed his astonishing illusions and escapes for Czar Nicholas and his wife, Tsarina Alexandra, during his tour of Russia in the spring and summer of 1903. Harry was so phenomenally successful that they actually believed he had magical powers.

@ 3 Carmel Niland has been a formidable leader, a CEO working for New South Wales state government in Australia, heading multifaceted agencies championing gender and racial equality, human rights, child protection and disability services. In private, Carmel Niland has always been endlessly fascinated with historical legends, particularly the tale of King Arthur and his famed magician Merlin. For decades Merlin has captivated her imagination. Blending her keen interest in Arthurian legend with a passion for Roman British Archaeology, Carmel Niland has devoured every piece of literature she could get her hands on and visited every Iron Age and Roman Fort in England, Scotland and Wales crossing hill and dale and climbing fortifications if they were in any way associated with Arthur. This desire for knowledge about the once and future king compelled her to use her research to reimagine his and Merlin’s story. Now she has created her first novel based upon the ancient stories. A Darker Magic This Way Comes is the first book in a series of five for readers.