annieb123
Written on May 25, 2019
The Vanishing Man is the second book of a prequel trilogy in the historical mysteries featuring Charles Lenox. Written by Charles Finch, it's an engaging and twisty Victorian mystery set in London and environs. Released 19th Feb 2019 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and available in all formats.
I'm a fan of historical mysteries and this series is superlatively well written. The mystery and characters are seamlessly interwoven around real historical facts and personages. I've enjoyed all the books in the series and this prequel trilogy is a nice addition, seeing the development of gentleman consulting detective Lenox. I really loved his interactions with the (fictitious) Duke of Dorset and Dorset's dysfunctional family.
Lenox's family and household are endlessly entertaining and I absolutely loved his cousin Lancelot. The book is well plotted and moves along at a good clip. I never noticed my interest flagging at all and the dialogue is witty and (to my eye) not too anachronistic.
Lady Jane, friend and neighbor, is so appealingly well written. She intelligent and outspoken and a perfect foil for Lenox. Readers who are familiar with the other books which occur later in the series are already familiar with future plot developments, but it's nice to see their friendship and emerging partnership developing.
Just a really enjoyable book. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.