This is a cracking debut about a less than convincing private investigator. He has all the attributes and qualities to do well in this netherworld of criminal classes and bestriding the thin line between lawful and illegal activity.
The trouble is Tom Knight is 73 years old and impulsive, often placing his body where his brain regrets being.

Not a difficult read, but the crimes are serious and the threat is ever present in his endeavours. A nice book to progress and engage with but, a wonder if Tom’s body will make it to the end.

The author creates tension and a degree of mystery but also includes humour in the antics of a man trying to defy his age. Ready to fight crime, uphold justice rather than tend his allotment.

I thoroughly enjoyed the concept and the challenges this protagonist uniquely faces. I thought the multi-layered plot line was always interesting and never required me to suspend belief. It was also fun to see characters in later life delighting in their own pleasure and amusement.

Detective fiction can be familiar after a while. Location, character and humanity set the best apart.

This new series has real promise of being sublimely different, amusing and full of life. Important when getting old fills many with dread and uncertainty.

The plot perhaps steers one away from rushing to see out one’s days in a Care Home but even here the life engendered with the characters interaction, reflects human warmth rather than stereotype smells and senility.

The book ends with the next instalment so the promise is there for more of the same. Based on this first outing I am looking forward to following Tom’s journey - easy to keep up with as he walks with a stick!

This was a rare DNF for me at about 2/3. I kept plodding along with it and finally realized that I was now lost, annoyed and bored at once. At some point you just have to give up when you're not enjoying something and you aren't getting paid to complete it. :) The book itself has a premise I like -- the detective is older (73) with a bad knee and lots of issues that we all have to deal with as we get older. But I wonder if the author is also older because some of the way he writes is just not really cool in this day and age (it never was, but it used to be that we had to accept it). The PI lies about his age on a dating app to meet women, and then falls for a woman who dumps him when she finds out he's 20 years older than her and has lied. He was in the bathroom taking Viagra when she found him out and it's a sort of cringe-worthy bumbling mess as that all unfurls. Then she is framed for murder at an old folks' home and he tries to come to her rescue to save her and win her back.

I kept thinking that I didn't know some of the side characters well enough because I was halfway through a series, but it turns out this is the first in a series. I felt no connection to friends who seemed to be people we were expected to know. His friend Merv says racist comments like a certain ethnic type smelling bad. The book is written with near-constant disparaging comments about women's ages, weights, bodies, etc. There is no humanity or empathy for characters who use drugs, have Alzheimer's or have less than perfect bodies. Sexuality and the bodies of older or fatter people come up as mortifying and humorous scenes. A bad cop adversary is written like an over-the-top stereotype and the back-and-forth between him and Tom framing each other just made me uncomfortable.

As I went on, I found myself having trouble following the plot line and characters, and I was still nowhere near the end and dreading every time I picked it up to read more. I am curious who did it but at this point I'm not even sure if I'd remember whatever character it ended up being.

I'm sure this book has an audience that will enjoy it, but it's not a good fit for me.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

This was a cute story- not overly great or well written, but definitely could have been better with a good edit. I am seeing this more and more.

I’m always looking for a new mystery series and this was my latest attempt. Sadly it didn’t really work for me. Promising opening and interesting premise but it began to wear and grate on me as the story went on. Neat resolution but I probably won’t come back for more. Never mind. May work for other people though.

I quite enjoyed this story of mystery. The plot was intriguing, there was some suspense and a bit of dark humour. What's not to like? I look forward to future installments of the Tom knight mystery stories.

Vanishing Act by Charlie Hodges is the first in a series of books featuring Tom Knight.

Book blurb:'Proving that you're just as young as you feel, the Tom Knight mysteries combine delicious comedy with a precision engineered plot.'

This one really delivers the goods. Tom Knight, a former intelligence officer with a bad knee, is having a bit of trouble remembering that he's no longer a young man, or even a middle-aged one for that matter... he's seventy-three. After the death of his beloved wife two years ago Tom went into a sort of hibernation from which he's only recently awakened thanks to Fran, a new acquaintance who has reinvigorated certain feelings that the old fellow had long since forgotten. But, alas, Fran, who's in her early 50s, ended their budding romance when she found out that Tom had been deceiving her about his real age (He's not fifty-nine).

When Fran is arrested and charged with the murders of several elderly women at the retirement home where she works Tom sees an opportunity to win her back by proving her innocence. With the assistance of Merv, a very resourceful fellow who dabbles in various money-making schemes on the fringe of legality, Tom gets to work on the case. If his knee holds out and he can keep clear of his nemesis Detective Constable Bullock he might just win back Fran.

Vanishing Act is the Goldilocks of mystery stories--Not too hard, not too soft, just right. Witty with some nice twists and fun, fully developed characters. There's a decent amount of action along with the more traditional sleuthing type of mystery plus a wacky character or two and one particular plot point that is not only unbelievably brilliant but funny as well. Somewhat reminiscent of the late Donald E. Westlake.

Anyone over a certain age will surely sympathize with having to adjust to the fact that one's mind doesn't understand the limitations of one's physical abilities. It's rare to find a book (or series) with an older protagonist who isn't either saccharine sweet or an overbearing curmudgeon. I will definitely be looking for more books in this series.

Suitable for most readers (Rated PG). A few cases of mildly strong language, adult situations, and references to drug use.

***I received a free digital copy of this title from NetGalley.

The book appealed to me as I enjoy cozy novels and was keen to read something different. The main character certainly provided a new perspective and I enjoyed discovering more about Tom Knight as the story unfolded. The plot was interesting and hold my attention and the character descriptions were brief but are enough for the reader to use their own imagination. The use of innuendo and certain remarks surprised me a few times but I would be interested in reading more books in the series and to see what Tom gets himself involved in next!

Vanishing Act is the debut novel in a new PI murder mystery series by Charlie Hodges. Released 17th Sept 2020 by Farrago, it's 286 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I tend toward a reading list that's heavily weighted toward the stately home golden age refined British mysteries, so finding this gem of a modern day fairly gritty PI mystery with a geriatric ex-SAS officer protagonist was a surprise to put it mildly. I was admittedly hooked from the first chapter and the pace didn't let up and it kept me reading straight through. The dramatis personae are varied and interesting and well fleshed-out. Aside from Tom Knight (ex-SAS former badass 73 year old trapped inside a treacherous body suffering the ravages of time and the abuse to which it's been subjected over the years), and his sidekick Merv, the author has provided a plethora of suspects from which to choose (including one very corrupt policeman who was both annoying -and- incompetent).

The disparate plot threads wind tighter and eventually resolve into a wistful resolution. The book is eminently readable and enjoyable. There are flashes of true wit and self deprecating humor. The author has manfully avoided the cheap age-ist humor which most would've included. Tom is a sympathetic and well drawn character and despite his foibles (charging headlong into danger with a very dodgy knee), he's likeable intelligent and well drawn.

Four stars. I'll be looking for future installments with anticipation.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

An enjoyable and highly entertaining mystery, gripping and well written.
i liked the characters, the humour and the style of writing.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I received a free ARC copy of this British mystery novel at the invitation of Farrago, Publisher, author Charlie Hodges, and Netgalley. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. The protagonists in this story are intriguing, the pace quick, and lots of subtle snips good for a laugh or two. I am hoping this will be a series. We old folk need our heroes, too.

Tom Knight is in his third profession after years with the military in the Intelligence Corps and SAS. Upon his military retirement, he took courses and qualified as a teacher but after a couple of years in that profession, he is bored. Tired, and bored. Lonely, tired, and bored. He has decided on becoming a self-employed PI and feels qualified with his military background. His bum knee might slow him down a bit but he can still function with self-medicating injections of morphine and his very attractive cane. Too, his occasional need to smoke a good joint might not set too well. He hopes for at the least interesting action, with the occasional need to hire his best friend Merv to back him up. It has been a while since he and Merv saw action together.

Ted is two years widowed. He meets Fran on a dating site and is drawn to set up a meet. And though not optimistic, he claims only 59 of his 73 years and acquires a prescription for Viagra. Just in case... After a scrumptious home-cooked meal and intellectual chatter, she is wooed - until she stumbles across his passport on the bedside table. In seconds Ted moves from attractive, personable date material to Dirty Old Man.

And then Fran is accused of killing three of the little old ladies she nurses at a rest home in the city. Perhaps if Tom and his friend Merv can clear her of this crime that Ted is sure she could not have done, he might have another shot at a date?

The story is of an old soldier, ex intelligence corps, trying to woo a much younger women, but she flees on discovering his real age, calling him a dirty old man. The young woman is a care worker in an old people’s home. He then learns that she has been arrested for murder after incriminating evidence was found on her person when three old ladies were found dead during her night shift. Believing it to be a convenient open and shut case to suit the investigating Detective, he decides to investigate the crime to see if he could find the truth. Using devices when able he follows various leads that turns up as red herrings while getting up the nose of the police. Disguised he innocently interviews suspects and gets away with it; with other leads he has to get up close without being seen by surmounting physical barriers that often ends in disaster and injury. An interesting story following a has been old soldier and his ex-army mate who contrary to all probability manages to crack the case and spring his lady love free from jail. While she is most grateful there is no getting away from the fact that he is still a geriatric passed it old codger who is left to lick his wounds. Quite a lesson, we are not as young as we feel, but only as our body will let us.

Summary

In the opening scene of The Vanishing Act, we are introduced to our protagonist in the form of Tom Knight, an ageing, ex-SAS officer, who has now relocated to Eastbourne to spend his twilight years. Tom however, is not one to go gentle into that good night, and despite his bad leg, still works as a private detective and almost finds love in the form of the charming Fran, who dumps him, when she finds out that Tom lied about his age.

In a cruel twist of fate, Fran is framed for the murder of 3 women at her care home and Tom, jumps in to the rescue, hoping to be, both figuratively and literally, her ‘Knight in Shining Armour’!

Liked

This book is cleverly written, with the right amount of plot twists and maintains a witty tone throughout. The characters of Tom Knight and Merv are very well written and the other odd assortment of characters who make an appearance, as Tom progresses on his quest, have also been introduced in an extremely skilful manner; as such it does not seem deliberate and they blend in very well with the story line.

Charlie Hodges is definitely a gifted writer and I can certainly see the ‘Tom Knight’ series building up beautifully with more books to come.

Did not Like

It does waffle a little bit. About 80% through the book, I found myself drifting off and losing grip of the plot, however, the saving grace was that, all the additional ‘waffle-inducing’ plot lines that were introduced, built up to a really good climax and all the loose ends were tied up nicely!

Final Thoughts:

Put this up on your read list if you’re on the lookout for a book to take you through a long weekend, something that is delightful, witty and darkly comic

The first of Hodges’ Tom Knight detective stories, and Hodges’ literary debut, is less comedy than suggested in the summary, but certainly light-hearted and leaning towards the farcical.

There were elements I really appreciated; it was mostly easy-reading, with a gentle pace, good twists and turns in the ‘whodunit’ and believable characters with real worries and fears about loneliness, dating, love and growing old.

I also appreciated the originality of the plot, and the adventure 73 year old Tom Knight accidentally stumbles across when the lady he is infatuated with is arrested for murder.

However, I did think that there were elements of the writing that lacked in originality, with Hodges creating overly caricatured and stereotyped characters (bigoted, sexist, racist, ageist) to show the reader they were meant to dislike/distrust them, and Tom Knight’s ageing joints didn’t go more than a few pages without a mention.

The main issue I had with this novel, that really stopped me from engaging with it, was that the writer included dialogue with obviously prejudicial views and language in the characters that the reader was meant to like...to the extent I disliked (and at times was revulsed by) all but two characters, who were not the main protagonist.

This brings me onto trigger warnings for this novel which include themes of sexual harassment, prejudice (sexual and racial), bullying and violence.

It’s quite a difficult novel to rate, because I can see so much potential in the writing and originality of plot (which actually I would rate at a 3 or 4) but as the elements that jarred with me did so to the extent it made me uneasy, I can’t rate it higher than a 1.

I’d like to thank Duckworth Books/Farrago and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Vanishing Act’ by Charlie Hodges in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

73-year-old Tom Knight ex-SAS officer and now a private detective in Eastbourne has a new love interest, Fran, who works in New Horizons care home. When three elderly ladies die in the home simultaneously a syringe and cannabis are found in Fran’s handbag and the police arrest her for their murder. Despite Fran having no romantic interest in Tom, especially as he lied about his age, he’s convinced she’s innocent and decides to win her heart by uncovering the truth.

‘Vanishing Act’ is a dark comedy with amusing dialogue and interesting characters especially that of Tom Knight who for all his good intentions has a body that’s giving up on him as he struggles to climb over walls and fences. The plot is different, it’s enjoyable and very readable, and as this is the first book in the Tom Knight series it’ll be interesting to see how his character develops and what he gets up to next.

The Misadventures Of Tom.....
Enjoyable comedy mystery introducing Tom Knight, ex SAS and private detective. When Tom investigates the plight of his former lady love, Fran, mayhem ensues. Genuinely funny and entertaining with an engaging protagonist in Tom and a colourful cast of supporting characters. As you follow Tom and his misadventures you may find yourself rooting for him all the way. A promising start to a new series.

Really enjoyed this mystery with a 73=year old lead character Tom knight.a former private detective,He lies about his age on a dating appp the woman he meets is angry he lied. about his age.When she is accused of three murder he gets busy investigating to win her back,entertaining,#netgalley#farragoboojs

One of the benefits of joining NetGalley (and getting approved) is how many new writers I’ve managed to find, even though the desire to join it was largely driven by getting hold of books by writers I already enjoy.

Charlie Hodges’ Vanishing Act is one of the former kind – I’ve never heard of Hodges, though he has had a successful career as a writer for television in the UK, among other things. The premise of the novel, which is what I’m trying to build up to but failing miserably at, is quite cool.

Private eyes are usually of two types – either weary middle-aged with a hell of a lot of experience and cynicism, or young, upbeat, upright. Tom Knight, the protagonist of Vanishing Act, is closer to the grave than most literary gumshoes. The seventy-three-year-old former British Army officer has a bad knee but the spirit of a man at least a decade younger, which is what prompts him to lie about his age in order to score a date with Fran. Things go awry just as they’re going well, and Knight finds himself in the dog house. Not for long, however, for a triple murder in the home for the elderly where Fran works sees her implicated in the horrific crime, and Knight takes it upon himself to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Hodges’ writing style seems a perfect fit for the kind of man Knight is and for the world he inhabits. The book is, in almost equal parts, delightful and dark, taking the reader from a poetic view of the sea to drug dens to sprawling estates. The protagonist is wonderfully layered and has the kind of nuances and little touches that seldom make their presence felt in the first novel of a series, but which Hodges manages to craft without drawing attention to them.

The supporting characters are solid too – especially the asshole cop Bullock (unlike most mysteries, he isn’t just a bumbler, but an evil one at that), but the peripheral ones, vital to a murder mystery, are a let-down, especially the ones on whom Knight’s suspicion falls when his lady love is transported to prison. The denouement thus feels a little off: the characters need to be fleshed out a little more for the shock value to come off.

The mystery itself piques one’s interest and trying to undo the threads is both fun and tedious, often at the same time. It’s quite an adventure, the way Hodges designs the events in the novel, and his very subtle hints at racism and the class structure are particularly inspired.

The novel is also strangely sweet in exploring Knight’s interactions with Fran and other women he gives a twice-over. Maybe we aren’t used to a lot of literature where the elderly discuss sex or get stoned, but by the looks of it, we could do with a bit. Props to Hodges for the way he ends the novel too. Either way would have been fun, but his chosen conclusion marks it out for the better.

Vanishing Act is one of those books which deserves a chance not just because it’s unique in a couple of ways but also because it works on delivering that uniqueness. It hobbles along in much the way its protagonist does at times but is ultimately a fairly satisfying read.

I struggled with this book & contemplated giving up a few times. I didn't particularly like any of the characters, apart from Fran, and I found it hard to concentrate as each POV ran into the next. I thought there were a couple of genuinely funny parts, but it was not enough.

A gentle enough crime with some fairly well drawn characters. Our hero, Tom Knight, is reasonably likeable, in spite of fibbing on a dating site! He solves the crime, but in an interesting twist, doesn't get the girl.

Vanishing Act by Charlie Hodges introduces us to Tom Knight, a widowed private investigator who’s 73 years old but trying to pass off as a 59-year old in order to seduce Fran, a worker at a local care home. He almost succeeds but she sees his passport and discovers his true age. Fran is accused of murder and Tom sets off to prove her innocence in the hope that she will then look more kindly upon him. Or maybe it’s because he believes in justice.

Tom is a very fallible hero. He smokes weed. His knees are knackered and a stick, crutches, walking frame and wheelchair all make appearances. However, Tom’s more than capable of holding his own against villains who aren’t as fit or as clever as they should be. The book plays to our desire to see the good guy win, especially if we see him as the underdog.

There are some moments in the book that made me laugh out loud and I still snigger at the thought of them a couple of days later, e.g. the orgy and the dogging episode – especially the brief view of the orgy. I really enjoyed the book with the plot constantly moving forward. The only aspect that I didn’t understand was why the murderer hunted down their last victim. To be fair, not everything is explained – the reader is left to work it out, e.g. why three women were killed in the same evening, so maybe I missed the logic.

I shall definitely look out for the author’s next book, Live Bait, which is previewed at the end of this book.

#VanishingAct #NetGalley