Of possible interest:
https://lithub.com/why-harry-houdini-did-not-like-arthur-conan-doyle/
Houdini and Doyle
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Re: Houdini and Doyle
Fascinating article. It seems the height of irony that Houdini, master of illusion, who was believed by many, including Doyle, to possess supernatural powers, was an ardent rationalist and zealous opponent of spiritualism, while Doyle, creator of the consummate rationalist, Sherlock Holmes, was a staunch and devoted proponent of spiritualism.
Apparently, it really frustrated Houdini and stuck in his craw that someone like Doyle, who appeared to glorify rational thinking and logic in his writings, attributed actual magical powers to Houdini, and that Harry was unable to convince him otherwise. I guess it should come as no surprise that a friendship between the two did not blossom, but instead, they repelled one another like oil and water (or, red and black playing cards).
Apparently, it really frustrated Houdini and stuck in his craw that someone like Doyle, who appeared to glorify rational thinking and logic in his writings, attributed actual magical powers to Houdini, and that Harry was unable to convince him otherwise. I guess it should come as no surprise that a friendship between the two did not blossom, but instead, they repelled one another like oil and water (or, red and black playing cards).