I have a friend who is trying to track down an older book she read as a child (approx. 1983).  Here is her description:

 

I read a book from what I believe was a series of biographies. The book I read was about Harry Houdini and had, I believe, brown cover. The other books in the series all had covers of different colors.

 

It's a long shot but does this sound familiar to anyone?  Thanks!