The Vanishing Man

A Charles Lenox Mystery

By: Charles Finch

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

"James Langton offers a splendid narration.... He makes the thefts, kidnapping, and murder a delicious puzzle for the struggling young detective and for listeners as well." (AudioFile Magazine)

From the critically acclaimed and USA Today best-selling author Charles Finch comes The Vanishing Man, the second in a prequel trilogy 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 greater 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, that the family is willing to risk anything to keep hidden.

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

©2019 Charles Finch (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"James Langton's vocal interpretation of Lenox adds a layer of humanity to the reserved detective.... Langton gives each of the book's prominent characters a distinctive voice, but his main success is the vocal personality he provides Lenox." (Publishers Weekly on A Beautiful Blue Death)

"Langton captures the vocal essence of the ruling class as well as the colorful voices of the working class.... Listeners will experience the ambiance of Victorian London and hear a baffling plot expertly presented." (AudioFile Magazine on An Old Betrayal, Earphones Award winner)

always a joy

I love this series. the characters are engaging and the story never disappoints. I'm looking forward to the next one

Charles Finch just gets better and better

I've been listening to this series for years. As the series progresses, and with the addition/help of the prequel(s), the characters are well developed. The narrator (James Langton) is polished and appropriately varied. The Vanishing Man is probably my favorite book in the series so far. Charles Finch artfully composed the story in a way that struck the right notes at just the right moment. Although I predicted one or two things early on, hearing the author's wonderfully crafted words, as they shed light on the situations, overshadowed any satisfaction of having been right and elevated it to the satisfaction found in a story well told. I began reading the series because of the extraordinarily precise and deeply rich writing for this genre (IMHO); and, quite frankly, I think Charles Finch is better than ever. His words are a work of art and the Audible versions are music to the ears.

Great read!!!!!!!!!

I love reading books written in series and I really love the characters in this book!!!! It has some nice twists and turns and was very funny in places! I'm looking forward to the next book!

Best yet!

Loved the infusion of humor with young relation Lancelot. Wish he would continue to include humor, he has a real flair for it.

Full-some Story Telling

This review is for the entire Lenox mysteries series. The reason I love these stories is that the writer, as interpreted by the narrator, provides the reader with an all encompassing feel for each character, as he unravels the plot of the mystery while at the same time giving little insights into Charles Lenox's method as an amateur detective. This, in my opinion, creates a very satisfying experience for the reader as one feels completely immersed in the story and period.

Excellent Historical Mystery

I had already listened to several in this series prior to this prequel and enjoyed them thoroughly! So glad this one was just as good and in depth.

I love Charles!

What is there not to like? Charles Finch has created such a likable group of beautiful people set in the Victorian era of changing times, yet there here are still strict rules of propriety and dress that is fascinating. So much detail and thought throughout the book that created the foundation to his future stories.
His characters are well rounded in both descriptions of physical attributes and their moral character. I love the cast! After meeting Charles Lennox, Elizabeth the neighbor, Graham the most perfect Butler...and the story unfolded, I could not stop with just one book.

The very best as usual!

My favorite series on Audible! Wonderful stories! It's like traveling back in time! Perfect Narrator!

Politics not necessary to the story

This was my third Charles Lennox book. Loved the funny interactions with Graham, the housekeeper and Lancelot. However, the wrap up was spoiled with the whole slavery in America bit. It was not relevant to the story, but I guess is a prequel to the next book which is centered around abolitionist struggles in America. I don’t like it when the author puts their political views into a novel. It is a real turn off. Of course it is the number one topic of the day in the U.S. - racist!

My favorite of this series so far.

Liked more insight into Charles character, and humor provided by cousin, and the “finder” character.