Status
Available
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Pocket Books (2004), Edition: Reprint, 560 pages
Description
It begins at a prestigious music school in New York City. A killer flees the scene of a homicide and locks himself in a classroom. Within minutes, the police have him surrounded. When a scream rings out, followed by a gunshot, they break down the the door. The room is empty. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are brought in to help with the high-profile investigation. For the ambitious Sachs, solving the case could earn her a promotion. For the quadriplegic Rhyme, it means relying on his protege to ferret out a master illusionist they've dubbed "the conjurer," who baits them with gruesome murders that become more diabolical with each fresh crime crime. As the fatalities rise and the minutes tick down, Rhyme and Sachs must move beyond the smoke and mirrors to prevent a terrifying act of vengeance that could become the greatest vanishing act of all.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member petaj
A twist or turn every other page, this one kept me guessing and trying to predict what would happen next. The theme is magic, the killer an expert at misdirection - the author is also.
LibraryThing member hemlokgang
This installment of the Lincoln Rhymes series was fast paced and well done. The evil magician and the novice match wits and the magical tricks really make this a good read!
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Murder mystery with a magician and enough twists and turns to keep me guessing throughout.
LibraryThing member sartoel
I listened to this book on one of my road trips from Houston to Minnesota and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I had to pause it while driving through cities - it was so engrossing. A terrific introduction to the Lincoln Rhyme series, made me want to read (or listen to) more of them.
LibraryThing member NWADEL
Just started reading it, definately a keeper 8/17/07
Finished 8/27- Very good read.Definately will read more from this author.
Finished 8/27- Very good read.Definately will read more from this author.
LibraryThing member ctfrench
A music school student is murdered and the killer flees into a locked classroom with no way out. When the police break down the door, the killer has vanished. Criminalist Lincoln Rhyme and his partner Amelia Sachs are called in to investigate. It doesn’t take them long to figure out the police
Deaver writes an exceptional series with outstanding characters. Rhyme is a brilliant man frustrated with his physical disability who relies on Sachs’s skills at gathering evidence and investigating onsite. The two make for one powerful team, aided by detectives within the New York Police Department. Kara is an intriguing character, a young woman talented in magic who despairs over the mental health of her mother and sacrifices much for her welfare. As always, deeper, underlying layers of Rhyme’s and Sachs’s personas are subtly unveiled. Deaver leads the reader through a complicated mystery, filled with twists and turns, the final one which the reader won’t see coming.
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were duped by the killer, whom they name “the conjurer” due to his magical feats in escaping. The conjurer leads the police on a meandering investigation as he continues on his killing spree, leaving behind bits of evidence which they eventually learn are clues to deliberately misdirect them. Rhyme can’t help but be impressed by the conjurer’s skills at illusion and magic. With the aid of Kara, a student illusionist, Rhyme and Sachs attempt to catch their killer through their own planned misdirections.Deaver writes an exceptional series with outstanding characters. Rhyme is a brilliant man frustrated with his physical disability who relies on Sachs’s skills at gathering evidence and investigating onsite. The two make for one powerful team, aided by detectives within the New York Police Department. Kara is an intriguing character, a young woman talented in magic who despairs over the mental health of her mother and sacrifices much for her welfare. As always, deeper, underlying layers of Rhyme’s and Sachs’s personas are subtly unveiled. Deaver leads the reader through a complicated mystery, filled with twists and turns, the final one which the reader won’t see coming.
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LibraryThing member vanedow
Very good, loved all the magic performance history.
LibraryThing member gaturbev
My first Deaver novel. For the most part, I did enjoy the book, but.... I understand about "suspending disbelief", but some of it was just a little hard to buy.
It did entertain me and keep my interest piqued.
It did entertain me and keep my interest piqued.
LibraryThing member riverwillow
As Jeffery Deaver is a master of misdirection in his plotting it seems absolutely right that he's created a master villain who was once a master illusionist. The plot is as complex as a magic trick but Deaver just about manages to keep all the balls in the air as he juggles the various strands of
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the plot. Show Less
LibraryThing member jonnydollar77
A fantastic and gripping tale is woven in this book. The many plot twists keep you on the edge of your proverbial seat in anticipation. Deaver does an excellent job of giving the reader a look into the mind and feelings of the antagonist, a deranged killer who commits his crimes through variations
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of popular magic tricks and/or illusions. This is a must-read for all thriller fans. Show Less
LibraryThing member tjblue
This was a typical Lincoln Rhyme novel. It had two twists at the end! It has been a few years since I've read a Rhyme novel, but reading each one is like visiting with an old friend. I greatly enjoyed it.
LibraryThing member bennyb
Quite a good read. Plenty of suspense and action. I prefered this one to Devils Teardrop.
LibraryThing member Bookmarque
Interesting and definitely kept me guessing. But it was almost too much. Perhaps the effect Deaver was going for was the feeling of being always at a disadvantage. The conjurer kept fucking with them with misdirection and chicanery, so he made the reader feel the same way. If that’s what he was
Deaver’s character development is interesting in this one. Rhyme is still irascible, but seems to be mellowing, as if he were coming to grips with his condition. His helplessness at the hands of the conjurer when he breaks in to threaten Rhyme, is palpable, but Rhyme seems to find a way to try for an upper hand. Hope is a nice thing to see. In another book he was nothing but mister death wish.
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going for, it was effective. Even after I was prepared for more misdirection, I wasn’t prepared for what came next. Deaver’s character development is interesting in this one. Rhyme is still irascible, but seems to be mellowing, as if he were coming to grips with his condition. His helplessness at the hands of the conjurer when he breaks in to threaten Rhyme, is palpable, but Rhyme seems to find a way to try for an upper hand. Hope is a nice thing to see. In another book he was nothing but mister death wish.
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LibraryThing member FerneMysteryReader
This was my first read of a novel by this author and I really enjoyed it. Although I learned after finishing the title that this novel is #5 in the Lincoln Rhyme series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. One is instantly immersed in the world of illusion and magic with a wealth of
I think there are two (2) special treasures within this novel. To illustrate my own comparison, I will share that although I enjoy reading thrillers by Brad Thor, there are times that I become very frustrated as he seems so busy teaching me about the current espionage technology and military weapons capabilities or whatever background for the latest thriller, I become lost in the paragraphs of ‘lecture preaching’ – oh, I’m sorry, I meant ‘lecture teaching’. Jeffrey Deaver could have done the same thing as by the end of this novel, I realized that I really learned a wealth of information about illusion and magic. But Deaver is an artist that is a reader’s joy – the presentation is seamless in a cleverly crafted story that will capture your senses, expand your knowledge, and lead you through a skillfully written and tight page-turner. The other treasure of this novel is the presentation of the Evidence Board composed of discoveries of evidence at the Crime Scene(s) and Profile list of the criminal as each develops through the sequence of the novel chapters and as each becomes a method of comparison for similarities and differences. What a wonderful novel to introduce Jeffrey Deaver to my reading list of fabulous authors!
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history, famous names, and secrets revealed. As Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs become informed, the reader also begins to believe that he/she might be able to use all of the information learned to solve the case in advance of law enforcement. Enjoy the illusion but I doubt you’ll be successful.I think there are two (2) special treasures within this novel. To illustrate my own comparison, I will share that although I enjoy reading thrillers by Brad Thor, there are times that I become very frustrated as he seems so busy teaching me about the current espionage technology and military weapons capabilities or whatever background for the latest thriller, I become lost in the paragraphs of ‘lecture preaching’ – oh, I’m sorry, I meant ‘lecture teaching’. Jeffrey Deaver could have done the same thing as by the end of this novel, I realized that I really learned a wealth of information about illusion and magic. But Deaver is an artist that is a reader’s joy – the presentation is seamless in a cleverly crafted story that will capture your senses, expand your knowledge, and lead you through a skillfully written and tight page-turner. The other treasure of this novel is the presentation of the Evidence Board composed of discoveries of evidence at the Crime Scene(s) and Profile list of the criminal as each develops through the sequence of the novel chapters and as each becomes a method of comparison for similarities and differences. What a wonderful novel to introduce Jeffrey Deaver to my reading list of fabulous authors!
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LibraryThing member wdwilson3
Re-read this, possibly my favorite Lincoln Rhyme book. I love the insight into magic, the false endings (hey, they caught the bad guy but there's 200 pages left!), and more Deaver twists and turns than normal. Probably ten years between readings, enough that I was caught off guard by the plot
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turns. I caught a few things this time through that I think would have been more logical investigative pathways, but that's with benefit of hindsight. Good page-turner. Show Less
LibraryThing member FerneMysteryReader
This was my first read of a novel by this author and I really enjoyed it. Although I learned after finishing the title that this novel is #5 in the Lincoln Rhyme series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. One is instantly immersed in the world of illusion and magic with a wealth of
I think there are two (2) special treasures within this novel. To illustrate my own comparison, I will share that although I enjoy reading thrillers by Brad Thor, there are times that I become very frustrated as he seems so busy teaching me about the current espionage technology and military weapons capabilities or whatever background for the latest thriller, I become lost in the paragraphs of ‘lecture preaching’ – oh, I’m sorry, I meant ‘lecture teaching’. Jeffrey Deaver could have done the same thing as by the end of this novel, I realized that I really learned a wealth of information about illusion and magic. But Deaver is an artist that is a reader’s joy – the presentation is seamless in a cleverly crafted story that will capture your senses, expand your knowledge, and lead you through a skillfully written and tight page-turner. The other treasure of this novel is the presentation of the Evidence Board composed of discoveries of evidence at the Crime Scene(s) and Profile list of the criminal as each develops through the sequence of the novel chapters and as each becomes a method of comparison for similarities and differences. What a wonderful novel to introduce Jeffrey Deaver to my reading list of fabulous authors!
Show More
history, famous names, and secrets revealed. As Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs become informed, the reader also begins to believe that he/she might be able to use all of the information learned to solve the case in advance of law enforcement. Enjoy the illusion but I doubt you’ll be successful.I think there are two (2) special treasures within this novel. To illustrate my own comparison, I will share that although I enjoy reading thrillers by Brad Thor, there are times that I become very frustrated as he seems so busy teaching me about the current espionage technology and military weapons capabilities or whatever background for the latest thriller, I become lost in the paragraphs of ‘lecture preaching’ – oh, I’m sorry, I meant ‘lecture teaching’. Jeffrey Deaver could have done the same thing as by the end of this novel, I realized that I really learned a wealth of information about illusion and magic. But Deaver is an artist that is a reader’s joy – the presentation is seamless in a cleverly crafted story that will capture your senses, expand your knowledge, and lead you through a skillfully written and tight page-turner. The other treasure of this novel is the presentation of the Evidence Board composed of discoveries of evidence at the Crime Scene(s) and Profile list of the criminal as each develops through the sequence of the novel chapters and as each becomes a method of comparison for similarities and differences. What a wonderful novel to introduce Jeffrey Deaver to my reading list of fabulous authors!
Show Less
LibraryThing member piersanti
A very well-written book and just as enjoyable as the first book in this detective-solves-murder-mystery series.
LibraryThing member Mecaza
Always love the Lincoln Rhyme books and this latest one doesn't disappoint. A brand new kind of criminal who outfoxes the criminal team at every turn... Excellent reading!!
LibraryThing member AdrianGHilder
A fast moving plot with an enthralling villain who is a master of disguise and illusionist.
Most people will remember The Bone Collector from Jeffery Deaver starring Denzil Washington and Angelina Jolie in the movie version. Brilliant though this was, The Vanished Man is the superior story in my
Most people will remember The Bone Collector from Jeffery Deaver starring Denzil Washington and Angelina Jolie in the movie version. Brilliant though this was, The Vanished Man is the superior story in my
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opinion. Show Less
LibraryThing member Claudia.Anderson
too many twists and turns to be believable
LibraryThing member Jarratt
A good book with lots of twists and turns. The links in which the antagonist went to attack his eventual target seemed a little over the top but was still satisfying.
The antagonist Malrick is a very good Illusionist. He commits multiple murders to try and throw off Lincoln Rhyme and crew as to his
The antagonist Malrick is a very good Illusionist. He commits multiple murders to try and throw off Lincoln Rhyme and crew as to his
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ultimate motive. Again this is a little convoluted and coincidental but I thought the writing was good and the twists and turns certainly kept me wanting to find out how it ended. Show Less
LibraryThing member readingover50
I enjoyed this novel very much. I loved that the villain was an illusionist, and throughout the book we learned about magicians and the art of illusion. The aspiring magician, Kara, was a great character, and a nice addition to the book. I wish there was a way she could be featured in more
For me, this was the most predictable of the Lincoln Rhyme novels. Usually I am surprised by the twists. This time not so much. I wonder if it was because there was so much talk of misdirection in the story.
Once again, the author take two separate crimes, that seem so disconnected from each other, and ties them together in a very convoluted way. It all makes sense in the end, but getting there takes a little effort.
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stories.For me, this was the most predictable of the Lincoln Rhyme novels. Usually I am surprised by the twists. This time not so much. I wonder if it was because there was so much talk of misdirection in the story.
Once again, the author take two separate crimes, that seem so disconnected from each other, and ties them together in a very convoluted way. It all makes sense in the end, but getting there takes a little effort.
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LibraryThing member susandennis
This latest in the Lincoln Rhymes series is maybe the best. I've never been a fan of magic shows and this book is all about a magician serial killer. For those of us who don't like magic, it's all about the reality behind it. But, I'll just bet those who are captivated by magic will enjoy it just
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as much. As usual the plot is tight, the characters are great and the action is thrilling. Show Less
LibraryThing member Stahl-Ricco
“... the killer escaped from a room from which there was no escape.”
In this one, Rhyme and company are pursuing the Conjurer, a killer who uses ‘magic’ as a part of his murders. He also is a master of the ‘quick change’ and disguises! AND, he’s killing his victims using old, classic
But, he’s up against the Immobilized Man, and that’s bad news for him! It's a good read, full of twists and turns and misdirections - on both sides! It might be a touch too long, but I still enjoyed it!
In this one, Rhyme and company are pursuing the Conjurer, a killer who uses ‘magic’ as a part of his murders. He also is a master of the ‘quick change’ and disguises! AND, he’s killing his victims using old, classic
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magic acts like the Water Torture Cell routine! Also, his plan, “... was a masterpiece, involving dozens of tricks of the illusionist’s trade. Feint and double feint, careful timing, clever diversions.” He’s “a man whose soul was devoted to deception.”But, he’s up against the Immobilized Man, and that’s bad news for him! It's a good read, full of twists and turns and misdirections - on both sides! It might be a touch too long, but I still enjoyed it!
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LibraryThing member buffalogr
This 13 hour book would have been really tight at about half that length. I thought the "patter" excessive. On the plus side, the Conjurer showed us many magic tricks; on the minus side, the Conjurer showed us too many magic tricks -- I lost count. The characters are all quite good and Sachs
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develops nicely in this one. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
This Mystery is Amazing! (#2 — 2005)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2003-03-11
ISBN
0743437810 / 9780743437813