Book Review: The Vanishing Man by Charles Finch
By Angie Barry
February 18, 2019
Charles Finch’s The Vanishing Man is a prequel to his Charles Lenox Victorian series in which the theft of an antique painting sends Detective Lenox on a hunt for a criminal mastermind.
…His eyes returned to the much smaller, smoky painting. Number five.
It was in a wood frame, not gilt like the others, and its sitter wore a plain dark shirt, open at the neck. He had a small gold earring, in the fashion of the 1810s. But the painting looked a bit older than that to Lenox’s (deeply untrained) eye. He held a delicate flower by its stem, though his gaze was directed at the viewer.
There was an intelligent watchfulness to him. In the empty space next to him on the canvas were a few lines of cursive writing, as you sometimes saw in old French pictures of Christ or his mother.
“Who is this, then?” Lenox asked nodding toward the painting.
Dorset smiled, at last. “There you ask to know something that Ward does not know—that, if I am not mistaken, three people on earth know. I suppose you think I may rely upon you to be the fourth.”
“I will certainly keep it a secret, Your Grace.”
“Very well,” Dorset said. “That is the only existing oil painting from life of the writer William Shakespeare.”
The second Charles Lenox prequel finds our young, budding detective continuing his investigative education—and tackling a mystery worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy.
Fitting, since a portrait of the Bard is at the center of the tangle.
The Duke of Dorset, the third most powerful figure in England, reluctantly turns to Lenox when a painting of his great-grandfather, the 13th Duke, goes missing. The confounding thing is that the stolen picture is essentially worthless, and Dorset is convinced that the thief intended to steal the priceless Shakespeare his family has kept hidden and secret for generations.
Hidden for very good reason, because family lore has it that the painting contains a clue that will lead a clever man to one of the Bard’s lost plays. Unfortunately, the Dorsets have never been able to solve the riddle.
Enter from stage left: Charles Lenox.
At twenty-six, in London for barely eighteen months, the private investigator still has a lot to learn. He spends his Saturdays at Bedlam interviewing the inmates to understand the insane and criminal mind. His mornings are devoted to pouring over papers with valet/right-hand-man Graham clipping out useful stories for his files. He’s still reeling from the recent loss of his father, but his friendship with neighbor and childhood companion Lady Jane Grey is a constant source of comfort.
And Lenox is perplexed by the details of the Dorset case. Given the obvious differences between the Shakespeare portrait and the other paintings in the Duke’s study, how could the thief have made such a stupid mistake? Did he really escape via the opened window—or was that just a smokescreen?
Then there’s a kidnapping; a shooting; a conveniently sickly heir; a spinster daughter; a distant wife; a missing maid; a mysterious Bedlamite. Is money the motive, or revenge, or fame? Is the culprit driven by a mania for Britain’s greatest playwright, or is there something more personal at work here?
At times like this he felt a sort of nausea of confusion, the feeling a doctor must have when a diagnosis lies just beyond his grasp, a writer when the plot won’t come together.
It inclined him to despair, on such an unforgivingly hot night. He was twenty-six—how soon hath time, that winged thief!—and had achieved nothing. The police despised him, and any man or woman of his own class might dismiss him without a thought for this odd folly of his profession.
“Sir,” said Graham, after a long silence.
“Yes?” Lenox replied, looking up after a beat out of the oceanic lethargy of his thoughts.
“I’m going to fetch a glass of water from the kitchen, if you’d like one.”
“Oh. Why, all right. Thank you, Graham.” He mustn’t give in to melancholy. “I would eat some of that cold plum pudding if it happened to be in the larder, too.”
The Vanishing Man, in true Lenox fashion, has a nice balance of mystery, history, and humorous charm. While certain stakes are sky high—this is Shakespeare we’re talking about, a man who was already mythic even in 1853—they never become too personal or dangerous for our hero. This is a tale that strolls at a comfortable pace, giving us a nice view of the scenery and colorful characters, without stressing our nerves or heart overmuch.
That isn’t to say that The Vanishing Man isn’t substantive. Charles Finch fills the space between plot-pertinent clues with plenty of intriguing etymology and history, bringing Victorian England to life in that pleasant, conversational way we’ve come to know and love.
The supporting cast is as fine as ever: standouts include the enigmatic Bonden—an ex-naval man with an almost supernatural gift for locating missing items and disappearing into the scenery—and Lenox’s twelve-year-old cousin, the ironically named Lancelot, who’s staying with the detective and wreaking havoc with his peashooter and precocity.
Lenox was just going to cross the hall to intervene when Lancelot said, in a tone that was more anthropological than anything—scientific—“You’ve got a perfectly enormous mouth.”
The duke looked startled. “Excuse me?”
“You’ve got a huge mouth!” Lancelot bellowed. Then he added, with sympathy, “My great-grandfather is deaf, too.”
The duke reddened to the roots of his hair. “I’m not deaf. I’m fifty-seven.”
“Oh, so you’ll die soon. Rotten luck. Oh well, swings and roundabouts.”
“No, I—”
“Have you seen how many grapes you could put in there?”
“What?”
“In your mouth. Do keep up.”
“Of course I haven’t,” he said. Dorset’s hand went involuntarily to his mouth. “It’s a normal-sized mouth.”
“Are you that duke?”
“I am the Fifteenth Duke of—”
“I bet you could get ten grapes in there without any problem at all. After that it would be tricky.”
“We could nev—”
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We’d simply be throwing it away not to try,” said Lancelot. “Shall I ring and ask for some grapes?”
The duke, who had existed for many years without the encumbrance of a living soul disobeying his wishes, looked wholly bewildered.
It may be a prequel, and we see plenty of familiar faces, but The Vanishing Man still adds new depth and layers to Lenox and his world, making it a must-read for old fans. At the same time, it’s fresh enough to be a great launching point for any newcomers to the series.
Finch’s light touch makes for a compelling if leisurely read, a nice palate cleanser if you’re coming off something dark and heavy—and the perfect antidote to a grey and chilly February.
Listen to an audiobook excerpt below:
Comments
Comments are closed.
Since it’s the opening line of the book, it immediately gives us insight into the main characters indifference and could be interpreted as him believing that her death.
Without using any kind of card counting technique, just arbitrarily changing your bet size might result in any of the potential outcomes (large win, huge loss, break even, etc.), but it would all have been pure chance and guesswork.
If you are searching Assignment help.You can suggest them to use different online sources to develop the reading habit in them. Using different online sources can be beneficial for their assignment help for a long run. Organize each topic in a story form to develop their interest in the class.
The book was a good read but a very lengthy one. I liked the whole story but it took 2months to finish.
It’s part of Shakespeare mythology that one day a new play will be unearthed. Finch artfully and most satisfyingly ties up this plot thread in “The Vanishing Man” as well as that of the identity of the art thief and the murderer.
Charles Finch is one of the most favorite author as it books consist of stories which are amazing to read due to its uniqueness and based on fantasy.
At the same time, it’s fresh enough to be a great launching point for any newcomers to the series. These lines have motivated me to be patient for the new comers.
An Honest Review, I Just Love This Book.
The vanishing man it the parts of shakspear mythology because of he said one day a new play will be unearthed. I appreciate to charles finch that he has recorded this whole incident in a beautiful way. I liked the whole story but it took 2months to finish.
It’s part of Shakespeare mythology that one day a new play will be unearthed. Finch artfully and most satisfyingly ties up this plot thread in “The Vanishing Man” as well as that of the identity of the art thief and the murderer.
Thank you so much for sharing an informative post, during these pandemic times. If you readers is looking for web hosting offers here is the Bigrock Coupon Keep sharing, good luck with your next upcoming post!
It’s fresh enough to be a great launching point for any newcomers to the series. These lines have motivated me to be patient for the new comers. Regards.
We are providing best Seo services in Pakistan , ON Page Seo , Off Page Seo , Technical Seo , Site Auditing etc .
This book has a good story ,i loved to read this during these pandemic times.
the best magazine for technology
The man who vanished is among part of the shakspear mythology due to the fact that he stated one day , a new play would be discovered. I am grateful to Charles Finch that he’s documented the entire incident in such a stunning manner. I loved the whole tale but it took two months to write it down.
It’s important for Shakespeare folklore that one day another play will be uncovered. Finch shrewdly and most satisfyingly ties up this plot string in “The Vanishing Man” as well as that of the character of the craftsmanship hoodlum and the killer.
Enjoyed reading the article above, really explains everything in detail, the article is very interesting and effective. Thank you and good luck with the upcoming articles.
It is crucial for Shakespeare legend that another play be discovered one day. In “The Vanishing Man,” Finch wraps up this story thread, as well as the character of the craftsmanship hoodlum and the killer, deftly and satisfyingly.
Another play must be uncovered one day in order for Shakespeare’s fame to go on. In “The Vanishing Man,” Finch effectively and satisfyingly ends up this plot line, as well as the characters of the craftsmanship hoodlum and the killer.
In order for Shakespeare’s popularity to continue, another play must be discovered one day. Finch efficiently and satisfyingly concludes this narrative arc, as well as the characters of the craftsmanship hoodlum and the killer, in “The Vanishing Man.”
“This is an incredibly hard business. This is an initial test flight of this vehicle. As was said: we’re going to fly when we’re ready. And as part of this initial test flight, we’re learning the vehicle; we’re learning how to operate the vehicle,” he told reporters.
We provide branding services that set you apart
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your posts, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the excellent work
We are Top Logo Designer in Karachi, Pakistan. You can benefit from us for any type of design services and we can help you to grow your business not just in Karachi but all over Pakistan.
Great post! I really appreciated your insights on the importance of topic. GSBS6004 Organisational Behaviour and Design (OB) is the study of how people behave within organizations. It involves examining the attitudes, behaviors, and performance of individuals and groups within an organization, as well as the impact of organizational structures and processes on those attitudes, behaviors, and performance.
if you are searching for How to Write QuickBooks Direct Deposit Form so don’t worry I am telling you how to access QB Direct Deposit Form within a few minutes. So, I’m here to answer any QuickBooks questions you may have. I’ve been working with QuickBooks for a long time. in case you have any questions, I’m here to help.
Good day to all, my name is Michaels! If you are having a canon printer problem, I am here to help. I am a seasoned pro expert in Canon USA support and providing guidance all over the world. If you will come to me right now, I will offer you my assistance at a very minimal cost.
Hii my name is Jimmy Andrew i am from the technical team if you are facing a problem to setup hp printer then you can visit our site 123.hp.com here you can find every solution related to hp printer.
Greetings, I am Marry Alen! If you are struggling with your hp not connecting to wifi, don’t get troubled. You can contact me for help since I am an HP computer support assistant who can quickly resolve any HP laptop issues. Now, hurry up and contact me so that your difficulties can be resolved right away.
Thank you. I read this interesting and useful page carefully and I learned a lot from it.Thankful
Yes! this is absolutely right blog for those who are looking for the relevant information and who wishes for it.
People who are struggling in their life, your article will be proven helpful for them. They must read this article.
The quality and quantity of work produced here are absolutely informative. Thanks for sharing.
Mark Johnson is an email support professional with expertise in resolving email-related issues. He is highly skilled in troubleshooting Outlook notifications not working, ensuring uninterrupted email communication for his clients. With his customer-centric approach and exceptional problem-solving abilities, he provides effective solutions and ensures exceptional customer satisfaction.
The post is written in very a good manner and it contains many useful information for me
Hello There. I found your blog using google. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information.
I feel that your blog is a good site that provides useful information to anyone. I respect you and ask you to visit my site
Good web site you have got here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days.
Are you facing Quickbooks company file error? So no worries about it. Just download the Quickbooks tool hub to resolve various types of Qb errors. If you don’t know how to download and install, I am here to assist you, I am Zoey working as a Quickbooks Technician for many years. Here I will assist you with the Quickbooks tool hub. Our technical team is available 24/7 for your support.
Hi my name is Alin Crew i am from the technical team if you are facing any issue to setup hp printer you can visit our site 123.hp/setup. Here you find solutions to your problems.
Thank you so much for sharing, nice to reading blog post, keep up good work.
This is excellent blog here. A great read. Thank you for sharing. Best of luck!! Short but very accurate info, Appreciate you for sharing this blog. thanks
Thanks for sharing. I found a lot of interesting information here.
Thank you very much for sharing good content. Useful blog information, wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! Keep it up!
This is an impressive post. Keep on blogging. This is an excellent post, thanks.
I feel that your blog is a good site that provides useful information to anyone. I respect you and ask you to visit my site
Thanks for sharing such great information, the post you published have some great information which is quite beneficial for me.
Hi, I’m Devid Martin working in a QuickBooks team in a renowned organization. QuickBooks provides the facilities to backup company data and files. You could face many types of errors when creating a backup. I’m a QuickBooks Expert. So, if you face any problems regarding QuickBooks online backup. So you can contact my team.
Hi, I am Marry Alen. I am a renowned HP printer and scan doctor. Making my availability round the clock to help HP users fix the issue makes my customers approach me. I ensure to provide on time and Forum the best service. Connect me to know more!
its a really good post i really enjoy it.
Prompt is also known for our willingness to go the extra mile to ensure that all our clients are satisfied with attestation work.
Amazing post
great book
Besuchen Sie 123.hp.com/support, wenn Sie gerade einen 123-HP-Drucker erworben haben und Hilfe bei der Einrichtung benötigen. Es ist keine Überraschung, dass Ihr Drucker mit unserem Service einwandfrei funktionieren wird. Wir haben erstklassige Fachleute, die Ihnen bei der Lösung technischer Probleme helfen können. Bei uns erhalten Sie den besten Druckservice.
Hi, I am marry alen, working as a printer expert for 6 years. if you want to Enable hp windows 10 safe mode for troubleshooting your problem, then you need to allow a safe mode for continuing your work. If you don’t know how to do it, I am here to guide you in it.
Hi, my name is chris woakes! I am a senior technician serving in customer support for the last 9 years. Is your hotmail not working? I will help you resolve the issue. Connect with me anytime across the world, and I will be happy to assist you!
Your content is very used fully for me I want to appreciate this amazing stuff such a great content post
Looking for a Dental SEO company in USA to enhance your online presence? Look no further. Our specialized Dental SEO services are designed to drive targeted traffic to your dental practice website, helping you attract more patients and grow your business. With a team of experienced SEO professionals, we employ advanced strategies like local SEO optimization, keyword research, and content creation to improve your website’s visibility on search engines. We understand the unique challenges and requirements of the dental industry, allowing us to tailor our SEO efforts specifically to dental practices. Trust our Dental SEO Company in the USA to boost your online visibility and increase patient appointments. Contact us today for a customized dental SEO strategy that delivers results.
Hey There, I am Sofia Carter. Setting up an HP Printer product is not a cakewalk, especially for newbies. After purchasing a printer for your office premises, it is required to be set up appropriately. If you are not so proficient enough to link your printer to your computer system, then browse the 123.hp.com/setup site. You will learn the proactive ways to establish a proper connection between the devices and download the updated printer driver with no hassle. The printer will begin to print once the printer is successfully set up.
Hey There, I am Sofia Carter. Setting up an HP Printer product is not a cakewalk, especially for newbies. After purchasing a printer for your office premises, it is required to be set up appropriately. If you are not so proficient enough to link your printer to your computer system, then browse the 123.hp.com/setup site. You will learn the proactive ways to establish a proper connection between the devices and download the updated printer driver with no hassle. The printer will begin to print once the printer is successfully set up.
Hi, I am marry alen Working as a printer technician for 3 years. If you are facing an hp printer not printing color correctly and you don’t know how to fix it, so you are at the right place. I am here to help you to Fix your printer issue. me & my technical team 24/7 Available for your assistance.
Are you Finding Breeze Airways Numero de Teléfono so you are in rights place where you get complete information about Breeze Airways airlines.
For the majority of fund managers, using an experienced and reliable fund of fund administrator is both a marketing strategy and a practical need. From a traditional investing strategy to complicated and hybrid multi-manager and pooled fund arrangements, we can help you. In terms of services and technology, ASCENT is the best fund administrator since it offers comprehensive fund solutions.
Amazing post
Many businesses want to know why PEB is rapidly establishing credibility and reputation among Indian manufacturers especially, industrial shed manufacturers. PEB manufacturers such as ‘HRS Infrastructure’ are quickly gaining popularity as they create preferred PEB materials for warehouses, workshops, refrigerated storage, industrial sheds, and metro stations. PEB is an economical material that is very strong, durable, and recyclable. A pre-engineered steel framework is appropriate for industrial structures with a low to medium height.
From reliable sources know about best architecture colleges in India
Want to more about the best architecture colleges in India? How can I enroll in such colleges? For all sorts of queries, consider contacting our team of professionals. You can also navigate to our website for more details about the fees, placement, and other things. We have all the information about the colleges and their entrance exams.
Going through security checks at airports can be a concern for travelers with asthma. Can I bring my inhaler on a plane? However, armed with the right knowledge and preparation, you can smoothly pass through security while carrying your inhaler. This article provides practical tips to help you navigate security checks without any issues.
Este es un artículo interesante. El autor comparte algunas ideas profundas en todo este artículo. El estilo de escritura es atractivo, por lo que es muy fácil de leer. El artículo proporciona información valiosa y deja a los lectores con una comprensión más profunda de este tema.