Much as I like Charles Lenox and his adventures, in reading “The Vanishing Man” I recall why I don’t necessarily enjoy prequels. Faithful readers of the books by Charles Finch know what has happened in the lives of Lenox, his next-door neighbor Jane Grey, and even Graham, his faithful “man” and friend. Thus, any fictional deep sighs or “woe is mes’” by the book’s protagonist seem quite disingenuous. And boy, are there plenty of those in this book. Indeed, one may wonder why Charles Finch decided to take this approach. Perhaps to avoid the “spoiler syndrome” if a new reader picks up this book. Perhaps the lady reviewer doth protest too much. Oh, did I just mis-quote Shakespeare? You’ll know why, as I proceed.

Here, we have Charles still struggling as a “private detective.” He is on a case: someone has stolen a painting from the Duke of Dorset. The painting itself is not important, the Duke says; the identity of the thief is. What wasn’t taken was the painting next to it; supposedly, according to the author, that is, the only extant portrait of William Shakespeare (okay, cue mighty suspension of disbelief here). Later -- much later, it takes this book a long while to get going -- there comes a shooting, and the Duke confesses to it. And readers find out about a secret that has been passed down in the Duke’s family for generations, from father to son. The Duke needs Lennox’s help to fix this mess, and mess it is, the plot is awfully quirky and convoluted; remember I mentioned that “suspension of disbelief” thing, earlier? Eventually, we have a resolution, of course, albeit a surprising one, in keeping with the surprising plot. Although perhaps not so surprising, because how else can it end? Shakespeare summed it up rather well: “This was the most unkindest cut of all.”

Along the way there’s new and interesting people to meet, and backstories and side stories. Herein is the pleasure of the book; the characters are delineated, made real. They populate Charles’s world as living people, even the Duke’s family, who are unappealing, hard to take in then and almost impossible to understand today. Charles is also learning how to be a detective in this book, in subtle ways that will be familiar to readers of modern detective stories. Although his self-recriminations get somewhat tedious; remember what I said about this being a prequel. At least he realizes he has a gift. “We know what we are but know not what we may be.” Hamlet said that, and unfortunately, look what happened to him. But Charles Lennox has a brighter future in store.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for this review.

Why oh why does Charles Finch have to drag out his stories? I understand the occasional need for a history lesson, but the screeching halt that the reader is brought to when there is a sudden need to over-describe a person or a room is tedious. Just tell the story, keep the humor, and let the reader mentally draw a person or room.

In the second prequel to his ongoing Charles Lenox series, the main character has decided that since his brother has retained the family title, he is free to make his own choices, and with that, he will continue his hand at being a private investigator. His prior cases gained him a bit of notoriety and with that, the Duke of Dorset has called on him to investigate the theft of an incidental portrait that was taken from his study. What is curious is that the thief left behind a painting of greater value, that of the writer William Shakespeare. Turns out that the thief might have known what he was doing after all since it is the combination of the two painting that leads to clues of a missing manuscript.

As the reader wanders the meandering path with side stories and wayward humor, eventually the point of the matter is reached and Charles Lenox, with the help of a new character, discovers the whereabouts of the missing document and leave the Duke with an even greater decision to make.

Historical mysteries, especially ones set in England, are some of my favorites and Charles Finch writes some of the very best. Set in 1853, this is a prequel which can be read as a stand alone. For the readers who have only known Charles Lenox as an older adult, in this mystery (the second of a three part prequel series) we meet Lenox at 26. He is trying to figure out what to call himself - is he a private detective or investigator? Only time will tell. For now, he has solved a case that had stymied the police and has come to the attention of a most powerful man, the Duke of Dorset, a man with a problem. The portrait of his great-grandfather has been stolen but it wasn't the most valuable painting in the room - why wasn't that one taken? It is the one that has the most value to the Duke's family and to the country. Soon murder follows and Lenox is in deep investigating family secrets and scandal.
I enjoyed the early versions of characters we have come to know in the rest of the series and the addition of his young cousin, Lancelot, was outstanding. More, please. The derivation of words and the clear explanation of peerage along with actual historical people and places are wonderful extras to a very well crafted mystery. For the first time reader of the Charles Lennox series, starting with this prequel might have an advantage over those who have come to know them and know how their lives have unfolded. In any case, this series continues to engage me and I will be eager to read the final mystery in this prequel.

"From the critically acclaimed and USA Today bestselling author Charles Finch comes The Vanishing Man, 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.

London, 1853: Having earned some renown by solving a case that baffled Scotland Yard, young Charles Lenox is called upon by the Duke of Dorset, one of England’s most revered noblemen, for help. A painting of the Duke’s great-grandfather has been stolen from his private study. But the Duke’s concern is not for his ancestor’s portrait; hiding in plain sight nearby is another painting of infinitely more value, one that holds the key to one of the country’s most famous and best-kept secrets.

Dorset believes the thieves took the wrong painting and may return when they realize their error - and when his fears result in murder, Lenox must act quickly to unravel the mystery behind both paintings before tragedy can strike again. As the Dorset family closes ranks to protect its reputation, Lenox uncovers a dark secret that could expose them to unimaginable scandal - and reveals the existence of an artifact, priceless beyond measure, for which the family is willing to risk anything to keep hidden.

In this intricately plotted prequel to the Charles Lenox mysteries, the young detective risks his potential career - and his reputation in high society - as he hunts for a criminal mastermind."

By going back to before, like with the TV show Endeavour, we're getting a fresh and new perspective of a character we've already grown to love.

This is a good story but I think I got my hopes up too much from reading reviews on other books by this author. Also, I have not read any books in this series. It had all the elements needed but just did not pull me into the story.

The Vanishing Man
A Prequel to the Charles Lenox Series

by Charles Finch

St. Martin’s Press

Minotaur Books

Historical Fiction , Mystery & Thrillers

Pub Date 19 Feb 2019

I am reviewing a copy of The Vanishing Man through St.Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and Netgalley:

In London in 1853 Young Charles Lenox is called upon by the Duke of Dorset one of England’s most reverend nobleman for help after he earned some renowned solving a case that had baffled Scotland Yard. A painting of The Duke’s Grandfather was stolen but he’s concerned they took the wrong painting because the one hanging close to it is valuable. A portrait that holds the key to the country’s most famous and best kept secrets.

Dorset is fairly certain that the thieves took the wrong painting and may return when they realize they took the wrong painting. When Dorset’s fears result in murder. Lenox must act quickly to unravel the mystery behind both of the paintings before tragedy strikes again. Just as Lenox start to draw in Dorset’s family closes rank trying to cover up a dark secret from her past.

I give The Vanishing Man five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

I’m a big Charles Finch fan, and this, the second prequel in the Charles Lenox series, is a very good addition! Finch’s language is measured and stately, and matches Lenox’s seriousness well. The book is full of the unexpected love of families, the peculiarity of the British aristocracy, and the mystery of William Shakespeare.
Lenox is a young detective, long before his relationship with Lady Jane develops beyond friendship, and he is brought in by a powerful duke to find a missing painting. In the process, he sets in train a number of themes that will play out in further novels.

I enjoyed the introduction of historical characters in cameo parts (Audubon, Darwin, Harriet Beecher Stowe) as a device for setting Lenox in his correct time and place.

Although I’m enjoying the prequels, I’m hoping that Finch returns to the main story soon and continues the development of Lenox and Lady Jane's story!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Young Charles Lenox is called upon by the Duke of Dorset, one of England’s most revered noblemen, for help. A painting of the Duke’s great-grandfather has been stolen from his private study. But the Duke’s concern is not for his ancestor’s portrait; hiding in plain sight nearby is another painting of infinitely more value, one that holds the key to one of the country’s most famous and best-kept secrets.

Sometimes prequels are not great, especially if you know what is going to happen to the characters later on in life. There was a bit of this with the interaction of Charles and Lady Jane. She is one of my favorite characters with her constant search for Charles a bride. And all along knowing that she will be his which did not spoil this story. And now I have another favorite character--Lancelot. Way to go young man. I was laughing at him so very hard. While Charles would say that Lancelot is not perfect. Far from it, in fact. Lancelot certainly had his way with the Duke. Until the last couple of years, I had no idea what young men could be like but like the cook, Lancelot can come an stay with me anytime.

As far as the story, I was definitely surprised as to how it unfolded. I certainly had not guessed the perpetrator of the crime. A couple more clues or perhaps making the ones that were in there a little more obvious might have helped. But alas we must work with what is given. And was I satisfied with the conclusion? Not totally. Nor do I think Charles was either.

A jolly good story and a prequel worth reading. I received a copy of the book for review. The comments are my very own.

I am a big Charles Lenox fan and have really enjoyed getting to know a younger, less secure and experienced Lenox through these “Prequel” mysteries, though I do miss the older Lenox of the original series. THE VANISHING MAN is a well thought out, richly executed mystery including theft, murder, scandal, and secrets. It is somewhat convoluted but not too difficult to solve, interesting but not quite as engrossing as some of author Finch’s other efforts. The descriptions of London and the aristocracy are inspired, and the character interactions are my favorite aspect of the tale. Lenox and his valet Graham are my favorite characters, and their relationship is fabulous. There is a scene with the Duke of Dorset and Lenox’s 12 year old cousin Lancelot that is laugh-out-loud hilarious. These lighter moments help balance the darker elements of the mystery.

THE VANISHING MAN is an excellent addition to the Charles Lenox canon, and I impatiently await the next installment. Recommended to any historical mystery fan.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my uninfluenced opinions here.

This is the second prequel in the Charles Lenox series. Many might not enjoy prequels, but I thoroughly enjoy the more youthful 26 year old Lenox who is struggling to find his niche as a gentlemen private detective.
In my opinion, this case is even better than the previous book, The Woman in the Water. Charles is asked by the Duke of Dorset to visit him and the Duke enlists his help to find a missing portrait. The odd part is the portrait appears to be of little value to the outside world – it is a portrait of an earlier Duke of Dorset. It turns out that next to that portrait is a priceless work of art which was not taken – why?
There are plenty of twists and turns as Charles works out what exactly is going on in the Duke’s household. In addition, Charles is still grieving over the death of his father and Lady Jane attempts to “set him up” with one of her friends to no avail. Charles is fairly melancholy on the personal front.
Luckily the mysteries that evolve in the book shine. I especially loved some of the background to key words in the English language… why do we call money paid to a waiter a “tip” for example.
I would highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries. The details and research are fairly well thought through. On top of that, the characters are engaging and the mysteries keep you guessing.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, St Martin’s Press, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

A second prequel? Is that a thing? Well, yes, in this case it is. Finch has done an interesting thing for a writer of a series- he's catapulted his character- Charles Lenox-back to his relative youth and thus created a way for veteran readers to see how he developed and for new readers to join the party without missing a thing. Lenox is now 26 years old. He's been asked by the Duke of Dorset to find who stole a missing painting (not necessarily the painting itself), which doesn't sound like much initially but it starts off a sleigh ride of things. The duke is kidnapped and ransomed, there's a murder, and Lenox has to juggle it all. He's at the forefront of creative investigation, and it's fun to read his mind working. There are great characters here, including Lady Jane Grey (sigh), and others who will appear later in the series. Finch has a real knack for portraying London in the 1850s, which adds to the enjoyment. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

The Vanishing Man is a wonderful addition to the Prequel series for Charles Lenox Mysteries and it is set three years after the first of the prequel novels A Woman In The Water. As always, it is well-written and well-plotted. I have read all of the books in the Charles Lenox series and it is nice to now go back in time and meet a younger and more unsure Charles who is just feeling his way into his chosen profession. The author does an excellent job of putting you in that time and place and making you feel the censure Charles gets from his peers for choosing that profession. While the mystery is excellent, two of my favorite things had nothing to do with it – one was the excellent outline of the British peerage, it was excellently done, and another was learning the origins of some words like ‘tips’ and ‘clue’. I might also add that if I were just newly coming to this series now, I would prefer to read the prequels before starting on the series itself. For one thing, the travel back in time is a bit of a shock to the system and it is bittersweet to get to know some people when you already know what their future holds.

In this book, Charles is still fairly melancholy and missing his father a lot. The author did an excellent job of putting you in Charles’ place and making you understand his grief and loss. Charles also does a bit of pining for what might have been between him and Jane. On a lighter note, I absolutely loved Charles’ young cousin, Lancelot, who was staying with him over the two-week term break at Eton. There is a scene in there between Lancelot and the Duke of Dorset that will have you in stitches!

Charles still hasn’t decided what to call himself – Private Investigator – Private Detective – he just can’t decide and since there are no others like him, it is up to him. Since his last case, things have been pretty slow for Charles – and then he gets a summons from the Duke of Dorset. So, things are looking up.

Charles arrives at the Duke’s home and is taken directly to the duke’s private-private study (you’ll understand when you read the book) where the duke tells him that there has been a robbery and he wants Charles to solve it. A painting with little value has been stolen from the room they are in, but the duke is convinced that the thief got the wrong painting. There is a priceless painting hanging directly beside the one that was stolen and the duke is sure that is the one the thieves wanted. After hearing the entire tale, Charles isn’t so sure that the thieves took the wrong painting. What was surprising was that the duke was only interested in the name of the thief, he wasn’t interested at all in recovering the painting.

Charles is busy trying to track down the painting when the duke is kidnapped and a ransom demand is left behind. Now, Charles has two mysteries to solve! Then – there is a murder and Charles has three cases to juggle. It will take all of his investigational skills and observational skills to figure out what is happening. He also meets Thaddeus Bonden who is famed for ‘finding’ things and Bonden agrees to help and to mentor Charles in some skills Charles feels he is lacking.

There is excellent character development from the first book to this one and it is nice to be able to explore the early relationships between Charles and his brother as well as Charles and Lady Jane. The love between Charles and his brother, Edwin, is plain to see and I enjoyed their interactions. All of the relationships in Charles’ life – Edwin, Graham, Mrs. Huggins, Lady Jane – are all rich, charming and funny. Then you add in the mischievous Lancelot into the mix and you have some lovely light moments that alleviate those darker ones.

I love Charles’ continuing pursuit of knowledge in the field of his craft. Part of that pursuit causes him to visit bedlam weekly to speak with criminally insane inmates. He wants to understand the criminal mind. Charles is insatiably curious about almost everything and that all goes a long way to help him develop the necessary skills he needs.

I definitely recommend this book and this series. It is very well written and the research is impeccable. You feel as if you are in that place and time along with the characters in the book. Well done Mr. Finch.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

The Vanishing Man
By: Charles Finch
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
4 Stars

This book is the second in a series of prequels to the Charles Lennox mystery series. This story takes place three years after the end of the first prequel, and Charles is twenty-six. He is now living in Hampden Lane next to Lady Jane Grey. Charles is hopelessly in love with Jane, but she is happily married. He feels some sadness that his friends are all getting married and having children. Charles is also still struggling with the stigma associated with his being a detective. In this story, the Duke of Dorset has sought out Charles’s help to help discover who has taken a painting that has gone missing. The painting is of the Duke’s great-grandfather. The Duke said the painting was of little value to him, but he wants to know who the thief was. Charles agreed to look into the matter, but he sensed there was much more to the story than the Duke had let on. As it turns out the mystery is far more complicated and leads back to as far as Shakespeare’s time.

Charles Finch has created another great story about Charles Lennox. I have not read one that I have not throughly enjoyed. This one takes us back in time. Here we get a glimpse of a young man who is starting off in the world and the challenges he faces. We find a young man that seems to be constantly learning from his mistakes and growing with each one. He never shies away from learning more.

We also gain insight to the characters and friendships that are well established in later books. His mother, his brother, his housekeeper, his valet, and of course Lady Jane all appear in this story. Charles meets a mysterious character by the name of Bonden in this story. Bonden seems to be able to melt into crowds and go unnoticed. A skill that helps him to be a recoverer of lost goods. We also meet Charles’s young cousin, Lancelot, whom trouble always seems to follow. Lancelot helps bring a light air to parts of the story. The Duke of Dorset obviously plays prominently in this story, and his character helps to highlight the differences between the privileged and the not-so privileged. Finch does a good job of creating characters that help to paint a great historical background to his stories.

The story itself is very interesting and kept my interest from start to finish. I hardly wanted to put the book down. It’s a good book to cuddle up with during the cold days of winter. The mystery is unique and unfolds in an unexpected manner.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of Charles Finch and to lovers of historical mysteries.

Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #TheVanishingMan

The Vanishing Man is the second book in a prequel trilogy about Charles Lenox. Fans of the original series will fall in love with the younger versions of the main characters. Questions will be answered as to how Lenox curated his skills as a private investigator, a new career in at the time.

Lenox is a man who does not need money from his investigative pursuits, he is a gentleman from an old family. What he does need is something to occupy his mind and satisfy his curious nature. When the Duke of Dorset is in need of someone to find his stolen painting, Lenox's old school chum Ward suggests the Duke contact Charles. Dorset is used to people doing his bidding and not challenging him. Charles informs the Duke that he knows he isn't being given all the details needed to solve the case. From his previous case he knows of a man who can find anything, this man can vanish in plain sight. Charles asks the man for his help in finding the painting while Charles tries to figure out why the painting was taken against the wishes of Dorset.

Charles uncovers the big secret that the painting along with another hold clues to find a long lost Shakespearean play. No one in the Duke family since the 1600s has been able to find the play but now Charles and his valet, Graham, are on the case. But who else knows of the closely guarded clues and how did they take the painting from the Duke's private study without being seen?

London, 1853, Charles Lenox and Lady Jane Grey are about to go shopping but it is to be a short trip as Lenox has an appointment at noon with the Duke of Dorset. In a population of thirty million there were only twenty-eight Dukes in the whole of the United Kingdom and they are first in the land beneath the royal family. The reader is informed of the further ranking of the nobility from the marquesses, earls, countesses, viscounts and barons. An absurd system, dictated mostly by chance, believed in implicitly. So when a Duke calls.....the 26 year old, tall, slender, straight backed bachelor who has been a private Investigator for three years has little option but to accept the investigation.

The Duke of Dorset charges Lenox with find a missing portrait but there is so much more to this mystery that unfolds as the story progresses. Lenox is in favor, then out of favor, and in danger of becoming a social pariah. Social status is all important and the confused state of Lenox’s current status is due to the Duke’s power, whim, confusion and wrath.

Lenox, his valet Graham, young cousin Lancelot and brother Edmund provide much tongue-in-cheek banter that is absolutely perfect. Intrigue abounds, there are underhanded machinations and an interesting history lesson. The kind and good may not be. The shadowy characters may be the most straight forward. The high and mighty may have to take a fall before they can reclaim their position.

This is a strongly written period piece that didn’t race along but did hold my interest. The plot and distractions were extraordinary, interesting and believable?!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy.

Reading Charles Finch's newest is as enjoyable as sitting down to a gourmet meal: Each dish is better than the one before.

For starters, detective Charles Lenox's relationship with his dear friend Jane is warmer than ever. Somehow he let her slip away and marry another man, but their friendship is deep and rewarding.

The presence of Lenox's rambunctious cousin Lancelot, on break from Eton, peashooter in hand, is the palate cleanser: Lady Jane, valet Graham, housekeeper Huggins, all take turns entertaining the fatherless terror.

The main course mystery involves a duke who calls on Lenox to recover a stolen portrait. Did the thief make a mistake when he left behind a portrait of Shakespeare with clues to where an unknown play by the bard is hidden?

One side dish is a character with a reputation for being able to find any lost thing. Lenox takes lessons in how to be a chameleon from the man.

Dessert might be Lenox's weekly interviews with inmates of an insane asylum.

What wine goes with all that? A brother who provides bracing support. A mother who complements the sweet.

This is one of Finch's best. The Vanishing Man whets the reader's appetite for book three in these prequels to his existing series

The Vanishing Man is another prequel to the Charles Lennox mysteries. In 1853, Charles is a youthful 26 trying to establish himself in his new profession. He isn't even sure how to describe himself--investigator, detective? What he enjoys is solving puzzles.

When the Duke of Dorset approaches him about a missing painting, Charles is eager for an endorsement from an important individual. However, as the investigation continues, the Duke turns contrary. What is the secret behind the missing painting and the more valuable one that was left behind?

Read in Oct.

NetGalley/St. Martin's Press
Historical Mystery. Feb. 19, 2019. Print length: 304 pages.

I had this book for two months before I was able to read it (too much happening during the holidays to give proper attention to a "new to me" author), but once I started yesterday morning I couldn't put it down. Nicely written with wonderful descriptions of Victorian England, Charles Finch's The Vanishing Man is the second of three prequels to his popular Charles Lenox series. It's the first book in this series, and by this author, that I've read, and it worked perfectly as a standalone. That being said, I'll certainly be delving further into this series, I just need to decide if I want to start with the first prequel (The Woman in the Water) or the first book in the series (A Beautiful Blue Death). The author does an admirable job of creating real characters, with real relationships, true to the period but still somehow not as strict as one would imagine in Victorian times. The mystery was very well told, and even to this first time reader of Mr. Finch's work it was obvious that this prequel sets the groundwork for the series. I'm so glad I read this book, and will definitely seek out the others. 5 stars!

I began reading the Charles Lenox series with the first book, A BEAUTIFUL BLUE DEATH, and have pretty much enjoyed the series even when a few things niggled at me (with all the money Charles had, couldn't he get a decent set of boots?). As the series has proceeded, I've enjoyed the development of Lenox's detective agency and his family life, but have been slightly wistful for the days when he investigated crime with the help of his former scout Graham and the advice of his best friend Lady Jane. Happily, Finch has delivered in the second of what I understand are three prequel novels featuring Lenox.

In 1853, Lenox is summoned to the home of the Duke of Dorset, ostensibly to locate a stolen portrait of one of the Duke's ancestors. But as Lenox continues to investigate the crime, he realizes there's much more to the Duke's request. The case will eventually involve William Shakespeare and a hidden facet of the Catholic persecution in past centuries. And as he puzzles over the Duke's mystery, he also tries to help a man who claims he is falsely being held in "Bedlam," London's insane asylum.

I really enjoyed this flashback to the "old days," the mystery is convoluted and takes several twists, and Finch also introduces a fascinating character, Thaddeus Bonden, a gentleman who is known for his ability to find anything. A delightful addition to the story is Lenox's twelve-year-old cousin Lancelot, who is turning his household upside down with his pranks, and who has a great scene where he confronts the Duke of Dorset. (I haven't read the first prequel novel, so Bonden may have been introduced there.) I'm looking forward now to reading the first book and also to the release of the third.

I really enjoyed this next installment in Charles Lenox series. I enjoyed learning more about the relationship between him and Jane as it became the relationship they currently have in the "present" Lenox books. However, I felt the mystery portion did not captivate me as much as the first prequel, but I still enjoyed it. Charles Finch does such a fabulous job of creating the setting and making you feel that you're in Victorian London. Its like wrapping myself in front of a fire with a cozy blanket and transporting me back to a magical time.