Book Review: The Vanishing Man by Charles Finch @MinotaurBooks

I haven't read any of The Charles Lenox Series of books, but since The Vanishing Man was a prequel and sounded intriguing, I decided to try it. I was not disappointed.

Lenox is an English aristocrat turned sleuth. It is 1853 and Lenox has been called up by the Duke of Dorset to discretely find a painting that has been stolen from his home. It's more than just the painting, though. You see, right next to the rather ordinary, relatively cheap painting that was stolen is a priceless portrait of William Shakespeare -- one that only a few people know exists.

Lenox is an intelligent and interesting character. What adds to the entertainment is the people he surrounds himself with. His valet, who helps him with his investigations, his housekeeper, his neighbor (Lady Jane), and somewhat of a ruffian who Lenox hires to do some investigating--to name only a few. The investigation goes off kilter when Dorset himself is accused of murder and put in the Tower of London. Lenox is not only trying to solve this complex mystery, but he's in danger of losing all social standing if he doesn't.

One of my favorite parts of The Vanishing Man are the several spots where Finch describes the derivation of certain words in our current vocabulary. Tips, bedlam, cottage -- to name a few. I bookmarked them all. He also includes a rundown of the aristocracy and what all the titles mean. Along with these tidbits, the writing is exceptional. The banter between the characters is sophisticated. And the plot moves swiftly, with twists that I didn't see coming. Nothing is for sure until the very end, and then there are still some things that Lenox is not able to nail down completely.

I do have one question, though. Why that title? What man has vanished? If you have read this and have thoughts, please leave me a comment. What am I missing?

I'm a fan of historical fiction and loved learning more about Victorian England and Shakespeare while delighting in these characters and this story. I'm a fan and look forward to beginning my journey through some more Charles Lenox stories. Highly recommended to fans of Victorian mysteries.

Published by Minotaur, February 19. 2019
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
304 pages

Rating: 5/5

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Book Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Well, The Picture of Dorian Gray means another classic completed.  It's short.  It's a good story. But it's written like a classic.

Everyone is mesmerized by Dorian Gray.  It starts with Basil Hallward, who paints a portrait of Dorian that he feels is his best work.  He can't even stand to put it in a show for the public to see.  He then introduces Dorain to his friend, Lord Henry Wotton, who takes Dorian under his wing and "teaches" him his hedonistic views of society.

Dorian is taken by Henry, and falls into a life of debauchery, hurting almost everyone with which he comes in contact without a care. His path through this deplorable existence is enhanced by the fact that Dorian never ages.  It seems his age, as well as his sins, are only depicted in his portrait, which he keeps hidden.

It's a strange and entertaining story and gives an insightful look at life in late nineteenth century England. And, even though its a relatively short book, it is still filled with overly descriptive passages indicative of almost every classic I've read.

I'm glad I read The Picture of Dorian Gray. Once again, my Serial Reader app made it bearable.

Originally published in 1890 in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine
eBook obtained from Serial Reader
176 pages

Rating: 3.5/5

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Book Review: Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore

Downton Abbey fans, you must read Manor of Secrets.

It's 1911 in the English countryside. Charlotte is tired of stuffy parties and the expectations of her mother regarding marriage to the "right" man. When her eccentric aunt comes for a visit her mother tells Charlotte she need to stay away from her aunt. This compels Charlotte to find out more about her aunt, the black sheep of the family.

She enlists the help of Janie, who works downstairs in the kitchen. They have met briefly before, but of course Janie and Charlotte are not supposed to have any contact with each other. Charlotte wants desperately to befriend Janie, but Janie risks everything by associating with Charlotte.

We have two girls who are rebelling against the norms of the society in which they live. There are interesting romantic developments along the way and a satisfying ending.

This isn't Downton Abbey, but it gives you a little taste of that life to tide you over. Manor of Secrets is a very quick read, and with its brisk pace it is worth the time. It's light and entertaining. The characters are developed enough to get a feel for society, and Charlotte's mother is the epitomizes this time period -- cold and inflexible. It's a simple, predictable story, but the time period and characters sell it.

I loved it. I just want more. I wish someone would write a book series like Downton, where we get in depth characterizations and a multi-layered plot. But in the meantime, pick up Manor of Secrets and enjoy yourself!

Published by Point, January 28, 2014
eBook obtained from NetGalley
320 pages (qualifies for my Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge!)

Rating: 4/5

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