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Lincoln Rhyme #5
Người Biến Mất
Mọi chuyện bắt đầu ở trường Âm nhạc và Nghệ thuật biểu diễn Manhattan, thành phố New York. Kẻ sát nhân đã biến mất khỏi hiện trường tội ác và tự khóa mình trong một căn phòng kín. Chỉ trong vài phút, cảnh sát đã nhanh chóng bao vây gã. Khi tiếng la hét dừng lại, theo sau là tiếng súng, cảnh sát lao vào trong phòng. Căn phòng trống trơn.
Lincoln Rhyme và Amelia Sachs được mời tham gia điều tra vụ án và truy tìm tay ảo thuật gia mà họ gọi là “Gã phù thủy”. Khi mà những vụ giết người tàn độc xảy ra ngày càng nhiều hơn và tần suất ngày càng dày đặc, Rhyme và Sachs phải hành động quyết liệt để ngăn chặn cuộc trả thù đẫm máu, có thể làm “biến mất” tất cả...
Lincoln Rhyme và Amelia Sachs được mời tham gia điều tra vụ án và truy tìm tay ảo thuật gia mà họ gọi là “Gã phù thủy”. Khi mà những vụ giết người tàn độc xảy ra ngày càng nhiều hơn và tần suất ngày càng dày đặc, Rhyme và Sachs phải hành động quyết liệt để ngăn chặn cuộc trả thù đẫm máu, có thể làm “biến mất” tất cả...
576 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2003
1279 people are currently reading
9838 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
501 books11.7k followers#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,157 reviews
July 10, 2017
I learned so much about the circus, magic acts and magicians. I loved it. The circus happens to be a favorite of mine, minus the clowns. Lol. Great JD book!!!
August 23, 2024
And now, revered audience! Presto!
A musician is brutally murdered in the rehearsal hall of a music school and the culprit, with a bang, a brilliant flash of light and a puff of smoke, vanishes into thin air from inside a locked room with no apparent exits. Within hours, a second victim is virtually sawn in half and the murderer walks away from the gory murder scene escaping the clutches of the police in a brilliant disguise that even Sherlock Holmes would have been proud of. When a bizarre third murder attempt fails, the coin finally drops. Quadriplegic forensic criminologist, Lincoln Rhyme, and his partner/lover, Amelia Sachs, having assembled the clues and the scant forensic evidence left behind at each scene, realize their target is a master magician who is basing his murder scenarios on historical illusions made famous by the likes of Houdini and Selbit. They've called him "The Conjurer"!
And like the polished illusionists he seeks to portray in his novel, Deaver uses sleight of hand, psychological and physical misdirection, disguises, ventriloquism, escapism and the art of physical illusion to create false trails, red herrings, cul de sacs, twists and turns and investigative dead ends that will leave you baffled as to not only who's doing the dastardly deeds and what is the murderer's motive but ... believe it or not, you won't even know who the real target is until very close to the end of the novel.
Deaver is a successful thriller writer and, like many of his genre contemporaries, will never be accused of crafting deep characterizations or composing literary fiction. But THE VANISHED MAN is thoroughly enjoyable, utterly compelling brain candy that will have you absorbed and turning the pages quickly for hours at a time. In addition, he has fleshed out his story with a thoroughly researched series of engrossing, entertaining, educational and informative essays on the history, psychology and mechanics of the stage performance of illusions and magic.
Absolutely recommended to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
Paul Weiss
A musician is brutally murdered in the rehearsal hall of a music school and the culprit, with a bang, a brilliant flash of light and a puff of smoke, vanishes into thin air from inside a locked room with no apparent exits. Within hours, a second victim is virtually sawn in half and the murderer walks away from the gory murder scene escaping the clutches of the police in a brilliant disguise that even Sherlock Holmes would have been proud of. When a bizarre third murder attempt fails, the coin finally drops. Quadriplegic forensic criminologist, Lincoln Rhyme, and his partner/lover, Amelia Sachs, having assembled the clues and the scant forensic evidence left behind at each scene, realize their target is a master magician who is basing his murder scenarios on historical illusions made famous by the likes of Houdini and Selbit. They've called him "The Conjurer"!
And like the polished illusionists he seeks to portray in his novel, Deaver uses sleight of hand, psychological and physical misdirection, disguises, ventriloquism, escapism and the art of physical illusion to create false trails, red herrings, cul de sacs, twists and turns and investigative dead ends that will leave you baffled as to not only who's doing the dastardly deeds and what is the murderer's motive but ... believe it or not, you won't even know who the real target is until very close to the end of the novel.
Deaver is a successful thriller writer and, like many of his genre contemporaries, will never be accused of crafting deep characterizations or composing literary fiction. But THE VANISHED MAN is thoroughly enjoyable, utterly compelling brain candy that will have you absorbed and turning the pages quickly for hours at a time. In addition, he has fleshed out his story with a thoroughly researched series of engrossing, entertaining, educational and informative essays on the history, psychology and mechanics of the stage performance of illusions and magic.
Absolutely recommended to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
Paul Weiss
June 15, 2023
Deaver does it again. How does he come up with these ideas?
Well we all know how well he writes the typical cast of Rhyme characters but he's also an expert at the guest stars of each book and this one was no exception.
His plot twists, man I don't understand how I never see them coming. Talk about talent!
Plus the plot of this book was sooo interesting. Magic and illusion, such a fun filled topic. Kept me intrigued from page 1.
Can't wait to read another!
Well we all know how well he writes the typical cast of Rhyme characters but he's also an expert at the guest stars of each book and this one was no exception.
His plot twists, man I don't understand how I never see them coming. Talk about talent!
Plus the plot of this book was sooo interesting. Magic and illusion, such a fun filled topic. Kept me intrigued from page 1.
Can't wait to read another!
July 22, 2025
3,5 Niciun caz imaginat de Jeffery Deaver nu e simplu, dar când criminalul este un maestru magician cazul este unul complicat. Deși mi-a plăcut modul de desfășurare a numerelor de magie mi s-a părut că l-a un moment dat a devenit prea mult cu atâtea piste și crime doar pentru a deruta.
February 15, 2017
I can honestly say I am surprised that I loved this book. I thought the last two Rhyme books were seriously off and I didn't even know if I could continue with this one, but I did. Glad I bought it. We have Rhyme and Sachs investigating a case in which a murderer has someone escaped from what appears to be a locked room. The more they investigate, the more they find themselves embroiled in the world of magic and illusion. I got a kick out of this book since Deaver sprinkles little gems throughout regarding some famous tricks and illusions. I also loved how those into this use a variety of methods to trick an audience's senses.
The love between Ryhme and Sachs makes more sense in this one. Thank goodness. I really didn't get what was going on between the two of them in the last two books and wondered how the heck they even worked together. What really works this time through is that we get to see a stronger and more confident Sachs. We have Sachs testing for the sergeant's exam and it looks like she has a promotion in her sights.
Rhyme is still his sarcastic self and ready to rush out and feel injured on perceived slights. However, this one made him more human to me due to an introduction of a secondary character named Kara.
I love the characters we have grown to know through the series like Lon and others. But with the introduction of the character Kara I finally found someone that I hope pops up in future books.
We also per usual have a POV starring the bad guy and I wish that Deaver would stop that. These books feel so full and I wish he either cut the number of characters we track, or just leave out the bad guy's justification. Also the final final reveal of the bad guy didn't work for me at all. It was way too out there to be believed. But I felt that way about most of the bad guys in these books except for The Bone Collector.
The writing was great. There is a lot of historical information and detail included in this book. I can say that for once I didn't feel overwhelmed on how the science was presented to me either. Deaver did a better job of including the science talk in dialogue with characters.
The flow was off throughout though. I think that's because of the multiple red Herrings we get in this book. At one point I maybe said please just let it end. But the book kept going and going. The big case that Rhyme and Sachs investigating ties into an active case dealing with a white supremacist movement so that was gross to read about it considering what is going on in the US right now. It seems like lately a lot of my books are apt due to current political shennigans.
The ending though leaves things changed in Sachs professional life. I wonder how that is going to impact her continuing work with Rhyme.
The love between Ryhme and Sachs makes more sense in this one. Thank goodness. I really didn't get what was going on between the two of them in the last two books and wondered how the heck they even worked together. What really works this time through is that we get to see a stronger and more confident Sachs. We have Sachs testing for the sergeant's exam and it looks like she has a promotion in her sights.
Rhyme is still his sarcastic self and ready to rush out and feel injured on perceived slights. However, this one made him more human to me due to an introduction of a secondary character named Kara.
I love the characters we have grown to know through the series like Lon and others. But with the introduction of the character Kara I finally found someone that I hope pops up in future books.
We also per usual have a POV starring the bad guy and I wish that Deaver would stop that. These books feel so full and I wish he either cut the number of characters we track, or just leave out the bad guy's justification. Also the final final reveal of the bad guy didn't work for me at all. It was way too out there to be believed. But I felt that way about most of the bad guys in these books except for The Bone Collector.
The writing was great. There is a lot of historical information and detail included in this book. I can say that for once I didn't feel overwhelmed on how the science was presented to me either. Deaver did a better job of including the science talk in dialogue with characters.
The flow was off throughout though. I think that's because of the multiple red Herrings we get in this book. At one point I maybe said please just let it end. But the book kept going and going. The big case that Rhyme and Sachs investigating ties into an active case dealing with a white supremacist movement so that was gross to read about it considering what is going on in the US right now. It seems like lately a lot of my books are apt due to current political shennigans.
The ending though leaves things changed in Sachs professional life. I wonder how that is going to impact her continuing work with Rhyme.
May 18, 2020
UPDATE 01/12/19
4*/5
Sách trinh thám thì đọc nhiều rồi nhưng lần đầu tiên đọc cuốn trinh thám mà lấy ảo thuật làm sắc màu chủ đạo cho tác phẩm luôn. Người Biến Mất cũng là lần đầu tiên tớ tiếp xúc với kho tàng trinh thám đồ sộ của Jeffery Deaver và phải nói là cực kỳ ấn tượng, từ cách bác dẫn dắt triển khai mạch truyện cho đến cách nhào nặn ra một hung thủ hết sức tài tình như thế. À lúc nhận sách thực sự là hú hồn với độ to bự của ẻm, tớ cứ tưởng nhỏ xinh đủ dùng mà úi giời ơi gần 600 trang lận á có tí sốc văn hóa.
Nội dung của Người Biến Mất cụ thể là thế này. Ở trường Âm nhạc và Nghệ thuật biểu diễn Manhattan một vụ án mạng đã xảy ra. Tưởng như đã dồn được kẻ sát nhân vào bước đường cùng nhưng không, khi hắn tự khóa mình trong một căn phòng kín bỗng vang lên một tiếng la hét tiếp theo sau đó là một tiếng súng. Bùm! Vừng ơi mở ra, căn phòng trống trơn, hung thủ cũng bốc hơi không để lại một dấu vết. Cùng lúc đó, Lincoln Rhyme và Amelia Sachs đã nhập cuộc và cùng nhau truy tìm tay sát nhân ảo thuật gia với biệt danh là "Gã Phù Thủy". Khi mà những vụ giết người xảy ra ngày càng tàn độc và đẫm máu hơn, Rhyme và Sachs phải đuổi kịp Gã Phù Thủy trước khi gã thực sự biến mất.
Nghe gần 600 trang có vẻ hơi nản nhưng mà không hề nhá, tác giả Jefffery Deaver đã nhanh gọn lẹ đâm thẳng vào vụ án luôn chứ không có diễn giải lâu la lề mề ru ngủ cho người đọc đâu. Dù tớ không quá quan tâm đến ảo thuật lắm cơ mà khi đọc Người Biến Mất thì cứ đọc luôn một mạch không ngừng nghỉ được ấy vì cuốn quá đi người ơi. Hóa ra mấy trò ảo thuật trong Người Biến Mất toàn là những màn trình diễn "kinh điển" của các nhà ảo thuật gia vĩ đại hồi trước luôn đó, mà công nhận người xưa giỏi thật toàn nghĩ ra mấy tiết mục gây choáng cho người xem khủng khiếp chứ không như mấy màn trình diễn a lê hấp biến ra bồ câu mà chúng ta hay xem mọi khi đâu á.
Điều ấn tượng trước hết nhất chính là yếu tố ảo thuật, cũng là phông nền chủ đạo trong tác phẩm này tất nhiên rồi. Qua tác phẩm siêu bự này người đọc có thể tiếp nhận thêm một vùng trời tri thức mới về ảo thuật, về những trick rất hay ho có thể gây choáng ngợp và những thuật ngữ mà trước đây đúng là con người không ham mê ảo thuật như mình thì quả thật không biết tí gì luôn á. Như kiểu tìm được vùng trời kiến thức mới ấy các bạn tôi ơi. Hóa ra ảo thuật cũng tựa tâm lý học ấy các bạn ạ không đùa tí nào, cách diễn giải những trò lừa tâm lý vật lý của tác giả trong đây cũng dễ hiểu chứ không khó nhằn đâu ha. Jeffery Deaver xây dựng nhân vật, đặc biệt là thằng cha tội phạm trong này quá tài tình luôn. Nghe có vẻ hơi sai sai nhưng cứ đọc đến phần thằng cha này show hàng trình diễn tài ảo thuật của hắn là mắt chữ A mồm chữ O, phải công nhận là Gã Phù Thủy này giỏi thấy gớm luôn ạ không ngoa tí nào. Nếu ai đã từng đọc Conan thì chắc hẳn biết đến nhân vật Siêu Trộm Kid với tài giả trang khiến người đọc nhiều lúc phải thốt lên đậu má, thì thằng cha sát nhân Phù thủy trong này cũng y vậy luôn á.
Người Biến Mất cũng gây choáng ngợp cho tớ bởi những cú lừa hết sức tài tình đến từ tác giả. Những khi tưởng câu chuyện diễn ra rồi kết thúc thế này thì Jeffery Deaver lại cua khét lốp một cái khiến cháu đỡ không kịp bác ơi. Nhất là đoạn gần cuối ấy các bạn ạ tớ cứ tưởng thế là dấu chấm hết rồi nhưng không, một cuộc đuổi bắt truy lùng Gã Phù Thủy lại bắt đầu tiếp tục. Người Biến Mất ngoài ra có đề cập đến nữ quyền qua hình tượng nhân vật Amelia Sachs hay Kara nhưng không kiểu cố nhồi nhét hay vô duyên đâu mà yếu tố này được thể hiện hợp tình hợp lý có duyên và có liên kết với mạch truyện đó nha. Kara cũng là nhân vật tớ thích trong Người Biến Mất, cô là học trò một nhà ảo thuật gia và những màn trình diễn của Kara trong Người Biến Mất cũng là một trong những cú lừa tớ độc giả luôn á úi giời ơi quá đỉnh.
Nhìn chung đối với lần đầu tiên tiếp xúc với tác phẩm của Jeffery Deaver thì tớ rất ấn tượng, chắc chắn sẽ tìm hiểu thêm các tác phẩm khác của bác đã được xuất bản tại Việt Nam. Cuốn này Bách Việt dịch ổn, bìa đẹp, sách siêu bự hơi khó mang đi lại nhưng một khi đã yêu thì không gì cản trở đôi ta. Highly recommend cho các bạn fan trinh thám, đặc biệt là những bạn ưa thích hay đang tìm hiểu về ảo thuật ấy nha trời ơi múc đi không phí tí nào.
4*/5
Sách trinh thám thì đọc nhiều rồi nhưng lần đầu tiên đọc cuốn trinh thám mà lấy ảo thuật làm sắc màu chủ đạo cho tác phẩm luôn. Người Biến Mất cũng là lần đầu tiên tớ tiếp xúc với kho tàng trinh thám đồ sộ của Jeffery Deaver và phải nói là cực kỳ ấn tượng, từ cách bác dẫn dắt triển khai mạch truyện cho đến cách nhào nặn ra một hung thủ hết sức tài tình như thế. À lúc nhận sách thực sự là hú hồn với độ to bự của ẻm, tớ cứ tưởng nhỏ xinh đủ dùng mà úi giời ơi gần 600 trang lận á có tí sốc văn hóa.
Nội dung của Người Biến Mất cụ thể là thế này. Ở trường Âm nhạc và Nghệ thuật biểu diễn Manhattan một vụ án mạng đã xảy ra. Tưởng như đã dồn được kẻ sát nhân vào bước đường cùng nhưng không, khi hắn tự khóa mình trong một căn phòng kín bỗng vang lên một tiếng la hét tiếp theo sau đó là một tiếng súng. Bùm! Vừng ơi mở ra, căn phòng trống trơn, hung thủ cũng bốc hơi không để lại một dấu vết. Cùng lúc đó, Lincoln Rhyme và Amelia Sachs đã nhập cuộc và cùng nhau truy tìm tay sát nhân ảo thuật gia với biệt danh là "Gã Phù Thủy". Khi mà những vụ giết người xảy ra ngày càng tàn độc và đẫm máu hơn, Rhyme và Sachs phải đuổi kịp Gã Phù Thủy trước khi gã thực sự biến mất.
Nghe gần 600 trang có vẻ hơi nản nhưng mà không hề nhá, tác giả Jefffery Deaver đã nhanh gọn lẹ đâm thẳng vào vụ án luôn chứ không có diễn giải lâu la lề mề ru ngủ cho người đọc đâu. Dù tớ không quá quan tâm đến ảo thuật lắm cơ mà khi đọc Người Biến Mất thì cứ đọc luôn một mạch không ngừng nghỉ được ấy vì cuốn quá đi người ơi. Hóa ra mấy trò ảo thuật trong Người Biến Mất toàn là những màn trình diễn "kinh điển" của các nhà ảo thuật gia vĩ đại hồi trước luôn đó, mà công nhận người xưa giỏi thật toàn nghĩ ra mấy tiết mục gây choáng cho người xem khủng khiếp chứ không như mấy màn trình diễn a lê hấp biến ra bồ câu mà chúng ta hay xem mọi khi đâu á.
Điều ấn tượng trước hết nhất chính là yếu tố ảo thuật, cũng là phông nền chủ đạo trong tác phẩm này tất nhiên rồi. Qua tác phẩm siêu bự này người đọc có thể tiếp nhận thêm một vùng trời tri thức mới về ảo thuật, về những trick rất hay ho có thể gây choáng ngợp và những thuật ngữ mà trước đây đúng là con người không ham mê ảo thuật như mình thì quả thật không biết tí gì luôn á. Như kiểu tìm được vùng trời kiến thức mới ấy các bạn tôi ơi. Hóa ra ảo thuật cũng tựa tâm lý học ấy các bạn ạ không đùa tí nào, cách diễn giải những trò lừa tâm lý vật lý của tác giả trong đây cũng dễ hiểu chứ không khó nhằn đâu ha. Jeffery Deaver xây dựng nhân vật, đặc biệt là thằng cha tội phạm trong này quá tài tình luôn. Nghe có vẻ hơi sai sai nhưng cứ đọc đến phần thằng cha này show hàng trình diễn tài ảo thuật của hắn là mắt chữ A mồm chữ O, phải công nhận là Gã Phù Thủy này giỏi thấy gớm luôn ạ không ngoa tí nào. Nếu ai đã từng đọc Conan thì chắc hẳn biết đến nhân vật Siêu Trộm Kid với tài giả trang khiến người đọc nhiều lúc phải thốt lên đậu má, thì thằng cha sát nhân Phù thủy trong này cũng y vậy luôn á.
Người Biến Mất cũng gây choáng ngợp cho tớ bởi những cú lừa hết sức tài tình đến từ tác giả. Những khi tưởng câu chuyện diễn ra rồi kết thúc thế này thì Jeffery Deaver lại cua khét lốp một cái khiến cháu đỡ không kịp bác ơi. Nhất là đoạn gần cuối ấy các bạn ạ tớ cứ tưởng thế là dấu chấm hết rồi nhưng không, một cuộc đuổi bắt truy lùng Gã Phù Thủy lại bắt đầu tiếp tục. Người Biến Mất ngoài ra có đề cập đến nữ quyền qua hình tượng nhân vật Amelia Sachs hay Kara nhưng không kiểu cố nhồi nhét hay vô duyên đâu mà yếu tố này được thể hiện hợp tình hợp lý có duyên và có liên kết với mạch truyện đó nha. Kara cũng là nhân vật tớ thích trong Người Biến Mất, cô là học trò một nhà ảo thuật gia và những màn trình diễn của Kara trong Người Biến Mất cũng là một trong những cú lừa tớ độc giả luôn á úi giời ơi quá đỉnh.
Nhìn chung đối với lần đầu tiên tiếp xúc với tác phẩm của Jeffery Deaver thì tớ rất ấn tượng, chắc chắn sẽ tìm hiểu thêm các tác phẩm khác của bác đã được xuất bản tại Việt Nam. Cuốn này Bách Việt dịch ổn, bìa đẹp, sách siêu bự hơi khó mang đi lại nhưng một khi đã yêu thì không gì cản trở đôi ta. Highly recommend cho các bạn fan trinh thám, đặc biệt là những bạn ưa thích hay đang tìm hiểu về ảo thuật ấy nha trời ơi múc đi không phí tí nào.
November 23, 2014
8/10
A return to form for Lincoln Rhyme in an exciting novel that fell away at the end but that didn't detract from the interesting premise and gripping story from the off. The last couple of novels in the series fell a bit flat but this one was back to its best with multiple plot links going on at the same time, teasing cliffhanger chapter endings and an evil villain who is killing people off in a fashion of famous magic tricks, sorry, illusions.
The thing with reading a number of Jeffery Deaver novels is that you start to see the signposts of what is coming in the next part and second guess the inevitable twist. This book seemed to steer clear of that or perhaps it was the way that a magic trick was explained throughout and labelled the points of a trick/illusion to watch for which led as a bit of a distraction as I thought they were signposts. Clever Deaver.
My issue with the book was the ending as it seemed too far fetched, even for this type of book. There was a big reveal which I think was meant to be a drop the book kind of moment but ended up just being a shrug of the shoulders and finish it off before it ruins the good work put in earlier.
This wasn't complex or especially thought provoking and the ending was a little disappointing but if you've read any in the series this is one of the better ones and worth a read.
If you like this try: "Back Spin" by Harlan Coben
A return to form for Lincoln Rhyme in an exciting novel that fell away at the end but that didn't detract from the interesting premise and gripping story from the off. The last couple of novels in the series fell a bit flat but this one was back to its best with multiple plot links going on at the same time, teasing cliffhanger chapter endings and an evil villain who is killing people off in a fashion of famous magic tricks, sorry, illusions.
The thing with reading a number of Jeffery Deaver novels is that you start to see the signposts of what is coming in the next part and second guess the inevitable twist. This book seemed to steer clear of that or perhaps it was the way that a magic trick was explained throughout and labelled the points of a trick/illusion to watch for which led as a bit of a distraction as I thought they were signposts. Clever Deaver.
My issue with the book was the ending as it seemed too far fetched, even for this type of book. There was a big reveal which I think was meant to be a drop the book kind of moment but ended up just being a shrug of the shoulders and finish it off before it ruins the good work put in earlier.
This wasn't complex or especially thought provoking and the ending was a little disappointing but if you've read any in the series this is one of the better ones and worth a read.
If you like this try: "Back Spin" by Harlan Coben
December 19, 2018
I read the first two chapters on Amazon and seemed really promising so I bought the book. Soon after author starts with lectures on forensics and how police system works which seems to be his passion or lectures on political correctness. I had to escape paragraphs and even pages to save myself from that. Also, there are lame jokes, obviously humor is not his strong point.
The author seems really capable of creating suspense when he wants to. If he only sticks to the actual story and drops the nitty gritty of forensic evidence gathering.
The author seems really capable of creating suspense when he wants to. If he only sticks to the actual story and drops the nitty gritty of forensic evidence gathering.
May 21, 2020
A very detailed explanations about circus and performances were given throughout the story while holding its own story twists and the mystery.
Hands down for the unpredictability of the Deaver's books.
Hands down for the unpredictability of the Deaver's books.
June 30, 2025
This book is part of a series but it can be read as a stand alone. In this one Lincoln and the crew are after a murderer who uses magic and deception in his crimes. He is known as the Conjurer and might be the toughest foe yet.
No real surprise here as Jeffrey Deaver provides another excellent entry in this series. This book has all the staples I expect from this series. There is the antagonist that is an excellent foil for our main characters. Speaking of main characters there is their insight to the investigation and how they proceed to the next steps. There is the cat and mouse game. And during this cat and mouse game there are twists after twists that leaves the reader having no clue when and how we are going to reach the culmination of events. I will say I think this antagonist is my favorite one of all the books I have read from this series. I liked how magic and deception contrasted with Lincoln who believes in science to get to the root of the problem.
I am the point in this series that I expect a solid and enjoyable book. Once again Jeffrey Deaver meets my expectations. He provides an intelligent read that keeps the reader guessing with the twists and turns. He also provides action scenes for entertainment while pushing character growth for the established characters.
No real surprise here as Jeffrey Deaver provides another excellent entry in this series. This book has all the staples I expect from this series. There is the antagonist that is an excellent foil for our main characters. Speaking of main characters there is their insight to the investigation and how they proceed to the next steps. There is the cat and mouse game. And during this cat and mouse game there are twists after twists that leaves the reader having no clue when and how we are going to reach the culmination of events. I will say I think this antagonist is my favorite one of all the books I have read from this series. I liked how magic and deception contrasted with Lincoln who believes in science to get to the root of the problem.
I am the point in this series that I expect a solid and enjoyable book. Once again Jeffrey Deaver meets my expectations. He provides an intelligent read that keeps the reader guessing with the twists and turns. He also provides action scenes for entertainment while pushing character growth for the established characters.
November 15, 2015
Although complaining about twists in a Jeffery Deaver story is like complaining about murders in an Agatha Christie novel, I did feel they were overdone in this one; to the point where I stopped caring about various revelations as I began to expect they'd get overturned a few pages later (I was often right). You can get 'twist fatigue' after a while. If, at the end, Lincoln Rhyme had torn off a rubber mask to reveal he was actually Pee Wee Herman, or Meryl Streep...I would have shrugged.
The story is also longer than it has to be. Deaver does meticulous research, but seems compelled to ensure that every iota of information he's gathered ends up on the page. While interesting in itself, the background information often got in the way of the plot and I found myself skimming much of it.
The worst part, for me, was the climax. When you get to the end, and the final twists are revealed (a drawn-out process), I thought that the criminal enterprise at the heart of the story turned out to have been NEEDLESSLY COMPLICATED. I mean, it really is very, very elaborate.
For example, if you want to steal a watch out of a pawn-shop window, you could just smash the glass with a brick and take it, or you could hire an actor to pretend that he's the store owner's long lost cousin, Lazlo (who was thought to have died in a mysterious boating accident), who then introduces his handsome young business parter to the owner's daughter, whom he then seduces and marries, then fakes her death so that the owner has to go to her funeral, during which time the homeless man who begs for pennies outside the store (but who is really a world class jewel thief seeking revenge on the owner, who is actually his estranged step-brother) takes the opportunity to enter the store and hide the watch inside a stuffed macaw, which is then purchased by an anonymous on-line buyer in Argentina...Come on! Steal the watch already. You had a brick.
(Just to be clear, none of the above as any bearing on the plot of 'The Vanished Man'.)
My irritations led me to put the book down for long periods, but I stuck with it and, despite the basic silliness of the plot, I found the finale pretty exciting. I will try another Lincoln Rhyme, but I'll be careful about choosing it.
The story is also longer than it has to be. Deaver does meticulous research, but seems compelled to ensure that every iota of information he's gathered ends up on the page. While interesting in itself, the background information often got in the way of the plot and I found myself skimming much of it.
The worst part, for me, was the climax. When you get to the end, and the final twists are revealed (a drawn-out process), I thought that the criminal enterprise at the heart of the story turned out to have been NEEDLESSLY COMPLICATED. I mean, it really is very, very elaborate.
For example, if you want to steal a watch out of a pawn-shop window, you could just smash the glass with a brick and take it, or you could hire an actor to pretend that he's the store owner's long lost cousin, Lazlo (who was thought to have died in a mysterious boating accident), who then introduces his handsome young business parter to the owner's daughter, whom he then seduces and marries, then fakes her death so that the owner has to go to her funeral, during which time the homeless man who begs for pennies outside the store (but who is really a world class jewel thief seeking revenge on the owner, who is actually his estranged step-brother) takes the opportunity to enter the store and hide the watch inside a stuffed macaw, which is then purchased by an anonymous on-line buyer in Argentina...Come on! Steal the watch already. You had a brick.
(Just to be clear, none of the above as any bearing on the plot of 'The Vanished Man'.)
My irritations led me to put the book down for long periods, but I stuck with it and, despite the basic silliness of the plot, I found the finale pretty exciting. I will try another Lincoln Rhyme, but I'll be careful about choosing it.
January 26, 2018
Roller coaster
Real roller coaster of a book. Starts off well, gets better and better until it peaks about 2/3 through. Then drops off quite dramatically, until all of a sudden it becomes brilliant again. The description and explanation of the magic and illusions is beautifully done. So many twists and plot changes, really need to concentrate. Next Lincoln Rhyme book here I come.
Real roller coaster of a book. Starts off well, gets better and better until it peaks about 2/3 through. Then drops off quite dramatically, until all of a sudden it becomes brilliant again. The description and explanation of the magic and illusions is beautifully done. So many twists and plot changes, really need to concentrate. Next Lincoln Rhyme book here I come.
October 8, 2024
Der mordende Illusionist
Eine junge Musikstudentin wird ermordet, die Polizei ertappt den Täter am Tatort und doch gelingt ihm mit ein wenig Hokus – Pokus die Flucht. Kurz darauf gibt es bereits ein weiteres Opfer, diesmal in der Mitte zersägt.
Rhyme und seine Partnerin erkennen früh die Verbindung zum Zirkus, Abläufe und Spuren ergeben ein Profil welches viel Erfahrung aus der Welt der Magie und Zauberei beinhaltet. Und der Täter plant weitere Taten.
In gewohnter Weise liefert sich das Ermittlerteam ein Wettrennen mit dem Täter, auf Basis winzigster Spuren schlussfolgert Lincoln Rhyme erstaunliche Fakten und doch laufen die Ermittlungen immer wieder ins Leere. Schon das Motiv ist unklar, geht es um Rache für einen Unfall im Zirkus oder ist das eigentliche Ziel ein Staatsanwalt, der gegen den Führer einer patriotischen Miliz ermittelt? Und auch Rhyme selbst macht auf gefährliche Art die persönliche Bekanntschaft des „Hexers“. Neben teils sehr ausführlichen Erläuterungen zur Welt der Illusionen, gibt es auch wieder einen Einblick in das Leben der sympathischen Protagonisten der Serie, Amelia Sachs legt die Prüfung zum Sergeanten ab und eckt mit ihrer schroffen Art an, Lincoln und sein Pfleger führen ihre Frotzeleien fort und mit Kara, einer angehenden Zauberkünstlerin, bekommt das Team die dringend benötigten Insiderkenntnisse.
Jeffrey Deaver schreibt, wie immer spannend und die Handlung ist rasant, trotzdem sind manche Wendungen zu viel und einzelne Überraschungsmomente zu weit hergeholt. Das ist aber auch die einzige Schwäche des Buches.
Eine junge Musikstudentin wird ermordet, die Polizei ertappt den Täter am Tatort und doch gelingt ihm mit ein wenig Hokus – Pokus die Flucht. Kurz darauf gibt es bereits ein weiteres Opfer, diesmal in der Mitte zersägt.
Rhyme und seine Partnerin erkennen früh die Verbindung zum Zirkus, Abläufe und Spuren ergeben ein Profil welches viel Erfahrung aus der Welt der Magie und Zauberei beinhaltet. Und der Täter plant weitere Taten.
In gewohnter Weise liefert sich das Ermittlerteam ein Wettrennen mit dem Täter, auf Basis winzigster Spuren schlussfolgert Lincoln Rhyme erstaunliche Fakten und doch laufen die Ermittlungen immer wieder ins Leere. Schon das Motiv ist unklar, geht es um Rache für einen Unfall im Zirkus oder ist das eigentliche Ziel ein Staatsanwalt, der gegen den Führer einer patriotischen Miliz ermittelt? Und auch Rhyme selbst macht auf gefährliche Art die persönliche Bekanntschaft des „Hexers“. Neben teils sehr ausführlichen Erläuterungen zur Welt der Illusionen, gibt es auch wieder einen Einblick in das Leben der sympathischen Protagonisten der Serie, Amelia Sachs legt die Prüfung zum Sergeanten ab und eckt mit ihrer schroffen Art an, Lincoln und sein Pfleger führen ihre Frotzeleien fort und mit Kara, einer angehenden Zauberkünstlerin, bekommt das Team die dringend benötigten Insiderkenntnisse.
Jeffrey Deaver schreibt, wie immer spannend und die Handlung ist rasant, trotzdem sind manche Wendungen zu viel und einzelne Überraschungsmomente zu weit hergeholt. Das ist aber auch die einzige Schwäche des Buches.
June 11, 2011
VANISHING QUALITY
The plot is long, convoluted and enthralling, however having read most of Jeffrey Deaver's work and realizing that he really entertains in all his stories as a master of the "wild twist", I can see that in this book he has abused too much of this resource, losing "the magic" that makes readers gasp.
Particularly I agree with another reader (Mr Gavin H from Sidney, Australia) below that the way "Malerick", the bad guy of this story, fakes his dead and makes his way out of tight police custody is too much to believe for a wild twist.
Also, the forensic job Lincoln Rhyme performs to solve the murder looks very poor compared to the hard work he used to do in early novels like "The Bone Collector", and at the ending you can see him coming out of the blue in the home of the murderer in his wheelchair with the complex riddles solved in a brief explanation in just no more than 5 pages, out of a story 500 pages long
This novel exhibits the same level of lackluster class that I experienced in "The Stone Monkey", both of them have nothing to do in terms of brilliance, entertainment and character drawing with early Deaver's works like acclaimed "The Bone Collector" or "The Devil's Teardrop"
Noteworthy, are however the remarks that illustrate the world of magic, presented when the author tells the tale as if he were inside the mind of the main character, an illusionist and magician from Las Vegas
The plot is long, convoluted and enthralling, however having read most of Jeffrey Deaver's work and realizing that he really entertains in all his stories as a master of the "wild twist", I can see that in this book he has abused too much of this resource, losing "the magic" that makes readers gasp.
Particularly I agree with another reader (Mr Gavin H from Sidney, Australia) below that the way "Malerick", the bad guy of this story, fakes his dead and makes his way out of tight police custody is too much to believe for a wild twist.
Also, the forensic job Lincoln Rhyme performs to solve the murder looks very poor compared to the hard work he used to do in early novels like "The Bone Collector", and at the ending you can see him coming out of the blue in the home of the murderer in his wheelchair with the complex riddles solved in a brief explanation in just no more than 5 pages, out of a story 500 pages long
This novel exhibits the same level of lackluster class that I experienced in "The Stone Monkey", both of them have nothing to do in terms of brilliance, entertainment and character drawing with early Deaver's works like acclaimed "The Bone Collector" or "The Devil's Teardrop"
Noteworthy, are however the remarks that illustrate the world of magic, presented when the author tells the tale as if he were inside the mind of the main character, an illusionist and magician from Las Vegas
August 29, 2023
This started brilliantly and fizzled out towards the end, with its convoluted plot and twists. When the killer was caught and jailed, only halfway through the book, I had this sinking feeling that this was not going to end well.
Why, oh why, did he have to add so many unnecessary twists. There were a whole series of twists that had no 'Rhyme' or reason. Well, there was some complicated reason, which was laughable. This was an entangled mess.
However ignoring the plot, I did enjoy learning so much from this book. Many reviewers complained about too much details on the detective procedural, but this is the only part that I liked in this book.
Jeffrey Deaver's books usually have good amount of details on police procedural. Information on tattooing in 'the Skin Collector', Art of interrogation and Kinesics in 'The Sleeping Doll', detailing of forensics not only to identify the criminal, but to track his movements and predict his next moves in 'The Coffin Dancer' and 'The Cold Moon', Electricity and alternate power sources in 'The Burning Wire', negotiating skills, the world of hearing impaired, the history of sign language in 'The Maiden's Grave', Document examination in the 'Devil's Teardrop' (though this was my least favorite), Germany's black market and political scenario during WW2 in 'Garden of Beasts', Game theory and shepherding in 'The Edge'.
This book too gives an amazing insight into the world of magicians- The types of illusion, escape artists, protean (quick change) magic, popular illusionists and their techniques, animal tricks, mentalism, picking locks(scrubbing). The way Kara explained all these illusions by actual demonstration was like watching a movie.
Then the information about the tools used for forensics- microscope, gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer etc, some info on sergeant assessment, references to famous NYPD detectives, their techniques (The NYPD Head in 1880s, Thomas Brynes once broke a major theft ring by tracing a tiny fiber found at a crime scene). Rhyme's way of methodically writing all the inputs from the crime scene, to profile the 'UNSUB' is simply brilliant. These techniques (walking the grid, displaying all the findings on a large board) are repeated in all books of Rhyme series, so it doesn't matter even if we don't read the books in the published order.
Why, oh why, did he have to add so many unnecessary twists. There were a whole series of twists that had no 'Rhyme' or reason. Well, there was some complicated reason, which was laughable. This was an entangled mess.
However ignoring the plot, I did enjoy learning so much from this book. Many reviewers complained about too much details on the detective procedural, but this is the only part that I liked in this book.
Jeffrey Deaver's books usually have good amount of details on police procedural. Information on tattooing in 'the Skin Collector', Art of interrogation and Kinesics in 'The Sleeping Doll', detailing of forensics not only to identify the criminal, but to track his movements and predict his next moves in 'The Coffin Dancer' and 'The Cold Moon', Electricity and alternate power sources in 'The Burning Wire', negotiating skills, the world of hearing impaired, the history of sign language in 'The Maiden's Grave', Document examination in the 'Devil's Teardrop' (though this was my least favorite), Germany's black market and political scenario during WW2 in 'Garden of Beasts', Game theory and shepherding in 'The Edge'.
This book too gives an amazing insight into the world of magicians- The types of illusion, escape artists, protean (quick change) magic, popular illusionists and their techniques, animal tricks, mentalism, picking locks(scrubbing). The way Kara explained all these illusions by actual demonstration was like watching a movie.
Then the information about the tools used for forensics- microscope, gas chromatograph, mass spectrometer etc, some info on sergeant assessment, references to famous NYPD detectives, their techniques (The NYPD Head in 1880s, Thomas Brynes once broke a major theft ring by tracing a tiny fiber found at a crime scene). Rhyme's way of methodically writing all the inputs from the crime scene, to profile the 'UNSUB' is simply brilliant. These techniques (walking the grid, displaying all the findings on a large board) are repeated in all books of Rhyme series, so it doesn't matter even if we don't read the books in the published order.
July 19, 2022
4.25/5
Một cuốn sách mà chắc tác giả đã phải dành nhiều năm nghiên cứu về ảo thuật. Đọc giống như được mở mang tầm mắt về những khái niệm tâm lí và thủ thuật trong ảo thuật ấy mọi người.
Câu chuyện xoay quanh Lincoln Rhyme và Amelia Sachs trong công cuộc điều tra truy tìm Gã phù thủy - Người biến mất. Những cuộc giết người liên tiếp xảy ra và liệu mục đích của tên sát nhân là gì khi hắn là bậc thầy về ảo thuật và đánh lạc hướng? Đây là lần đầu tiên mình đọc một quyển trinh thám chỉ vỏn vẹn một hung thủ mà kéo dài đến 600 trang, nó lại khiến mình bỗng dưng quay sang thích đọc trinh thám phá án hơn là tâm lý. Một tên tội phạm thông minh tài giỏi nhưng hơi lag ở pha chạy xe, một hiện thân của siêu trộm Kid cho những ai fan Conan. Hứa hẹn quyển này sẽ truyền cảm hứng cho mình đọc 13.67 của Chan Ho Kei và Sông ngầm của Lôi Mễ.
Câu chuyện này nó cuốn người đọc vào một cách tài tình, trong hai ngày mà mình đã nuốt sạch 600 trang sách, đủ để chứng minh giá trị của em nó. Nếu bạn nghĩ ra 1001 cái kịch bản có thể xảy ra trong truyện này thì sẽ có một đấy, nhưng không biết cái nào là ảo ảnh của ảo thuật mà tác giả tạo nên thôi.
Điểm trừ duy nhất cho những đầu mối lõng lẻo, vài chi tiết vẫn chưa giải mã hết và cái kết hơi lạc đề.
Một cuốn sách mà chắc tác giả đã phải dành nhiều năm nghiên cứu về ảo thuật. Đọc giống như được mở mang tầm mắt về những khái niệm tâm lí và thủ thuật trong ảo thuật ấy mọi người.
Câu chuyện xoay quanh Lincoln Rhyme và Amelia Sachs trong công cuộc điều tra truy tìm Gã phù thủy - Người biến mất. Những cuộc giết người liên tiếp xảy ra và liệu mục đích của tên sát nhân là gì khi hắn là bậc thầy về ảo thuật và đánh lạc hướng? Đây là lần đầu tiên mình đọc một quyển trinh thám chỉ vỏn vẹn một hung thủ mà kéo dài đến 600 trang, nó lại khiến mình bỗng dưng quay sang thích đọc trinh thám phá án hơn là tâm lý. Một tên tội phạm thông minh tài giỏi nhưng hơi lag ở pha chạy xe, một hiện thân của siêu trộm Kid cho những ai fan Conan. Hứa hẹn quyển này sẽ truyền cảm hứng cho mình đọc 13.67 của Chan Ho Kei và Sông ngầm của Lôi Mễ.
Câu chuyện này nó cuốn người đọc vào một cách tài tình, trong hai ngày mà mình đã nuốt sạch 600 trang sách, đủ để chứng minh giá trị của em nó. Nếu bạn nghĩ ra 1001 cái kịch bản có thể xảy ra trong truyện này thì sẽ có một đấy, nhưng không biết cái nào là ảo ảnh của ảo thuật mà tác giả tạo nên thôi.
Điểm trừ duy nhất cho những đầu mối lõng lẻo, vài chi tiết vẫn chưa giải mã hết và cái kết hơi lạc đề.
December 31, 2017
The Vanished Man is book Five of the Lincoln Rhyme series by Jeffery Deaver. Lincoln Rhyme team became part of the murder investigation into the death of three young people under strange circumstances. The readers of The Vanished Man will follow Lincoln Rhyme and his team to see how they found the killer.
I enjoy reading The Vanished Man. More I read the books in this series the more I love Jeffery Deaver's portrayal of Lincoln Rhymes and his aid Thom. I have only Jeffery Deavers does a great job in ensuring that his readers engaged with the characters and the plot of the Vanished Man. I like the way, Jeffery Deaver entwines Kara and Jaynene into the story of The Vanished Man. I love Jeffery Deaver writing style and way he describes his settings.
The readers of Vanished Man will learn about magicians tricks and the role of a magician to their audience. Also, readers of Vanished Man will learn about collecting evidence from a crime scene. Reading Vanished Man you learn about the problems C4 patients have. Reading of The Vanished Man, you will learn about detective training with the New York law enforcement.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy reading The Vanished Man. More I read the books in this series the more I love Jeffery Deaver's portrayal of Lincoln Rhymes and his aid Thom. I have only Jeffery Deavers does a great job in ensuring that his readers engaged with the characters and the plot of the Vanished Man. I like the way, Jeffery Deaver entwines Kara and Jaynene into the story of The Vanished Man. I love Jeffery Deaver writing style and way he describes his settings.
The readers of Vanished Man will learn about magicians tricks and the role of a magician to their audience. Also, readers of Vanished Man will learn about collecting evidence from a crime scene. Reading Vanished Man you learn about the problems C4 patients have. Reading of The Vanished Man, you will learn about detective training with the New York law enforcement.
I recommend this book.
May 13, 2025
Kolejny solidny kryminał, chociaż tutaj to już było pomieszanie z poplątaniem i zmyłka na zmyłce. 3,5⭐
July 4, 2012
By far, Jeffery Deaver is the one author with that uncanny ability to develop plot twists and very complex characters that leave you stunned to the end. If you've seen the movie, trust me, the books are far more ingenious and developed as compared to what we were presented with on the silver screen. The Bone Collector is a series novel starring Lincoln Rhyme, our famous forensics expert bound to his bed and mobile wheelchair.
Reading this novel I am reminded to never commit a crime. The art of forensics as described by Deaver leaves one little doubt as to trace evidence left behind at a crime scene. Of course, this leaves Deaver no choice but to create such stunning criminal minds that they are indeed a match for our hero Lincoln Rhyme...that the possibility does exist to get away with it in spite of Mr. Rhyme's calculating mind.
But it's not just about the crime...primarily Deaver takes his time as he develops his cast of characters across a whole series of ingenious books...enveloping all of the primary human emotions within such characters: from romance, to jealousy, to hatred, to loyalty, betrayal, and so forth.
P.S. Same review for the whole series. If you've read this review of Lincoln Rhyme, you've read them all.
Reading this novel I am reminded to never commit a crime. The art of forensics as described by Deaver leaves one little doubt as to trace evidence left behind at a crime scene. Of course, this leaves Deaver no choice but to create such stunning criminal minds that they are indeed a match for our hero Lincoln Rhyme...that the possibility does exist to get away with it in spite of Mr. Rhyme's calculating mind.
But it's not just about the crime...primarily Deaver takes his time as he develops his cast of characters across a whole series of ingenious books...enveloping all of the primary human emotions within such characters: from romance, to jealousy, to hatred, to loyalty, betrayal, and so forth.
P.S. Same review for the whole series. If you've read this review of Lincoln Rhyme, you've read them all.
Read
March 7, 2020Tôi thề plot twist cuốn này đỉnh thực sự ạ. Đọc kiểu: vãi nồi 😀😀😀
February 13, 2022
Overall Rating : B+
"In our show what can you believe? Whom can you trust?
Well, Revered Audience, the answer is that you should believe nothing.
And you should trust no one. No one at all.
Now, the curtain rises, the lights dim, the music fades, leaving only the sublime sound of hearts beating in anticipation.
And now our show begins..."
A sadistic magician is on the loose, killing what seems like random people in bizarre magic acts. But is it random? And can Amelia Sachs and Lincoln Rhyme catch him before they become the final act?
I'll tell you when I first started this series so long ago, I had some concerns. That each book was going to be the same as the one before with a different setting. You know - there's a bad guy, they need to find him, shit happens, and then BAM! the good guys win. With Lincoln Rhyme, however, it's so much more.
What you get is twists, upon, twists, upon MORE twist until you're completely floored by the finale and flipping back to see when exactly they figured it out. You get a POV of the antagonist, but do you really even know who it is? The answer may shock you lol (I certainly was) Add in some personal drama and terror and you got yourself a great crime thriller.
Besides Lincoln Rhyme, most of the other characters are a little one dimension, but you can't expect everything to be perfect. As well as way to many pages of scientific/technical mumbo jumbo that I skimmed over(who really even reads those???) But, really, I'm just here for the police chases and the grand reveal ;)
5/15 Books read and not a one that has been a dud so I'm keeping on with the series. The greatest mystery though is if Rhyme is going to stay a quadriplegic the entire time. And I aim to find out XD
"In our show what can you believe? Whom can you trust?
Well, Revered Audience, the answer is that you should believe nothing.
And you should trust no one. No one at all.
Now, the curtain rises, the lights dim, the music fades, leaving only the sublime sound of hearts beating in anticipation.
And now our show begins..."
A sadistic magician is on the loose, killing what seems like random people in bizarre magic acts. But is it random? And can Amelia Sachs and Lincoln Rhyme catch him before they become the final act?
I'll tell you when I first started this series so long ago, I had some concerns. That each book was going to be the same as the one before with a different setting. You know - there's a bad guy, they need to find him, shit happens, and then BAM! the good guys win. With Lincoln Rhyme, however, it's so much more.
What you get is twists, upon, twists, upon MORE twist until you're completely floored by the finale and flipping back to see when exactly they figured it out. You get a POV of the antagonist, but do you really even know who it is? The answer may shock you lol (I certainly was) Add in some personal drama and terror and you got yourself a great crime thriller.
Besides Lincoln Rhyme, most of the other characters are a little one dimension, but you can't expect everything to be perfect. As well as way to many pages of scientific/technical mumbo jumbo that I skimmed over(who really even reads those???) But, really, I'm just here for the police chases and the grand reveal ;)
5/15 Books read and not a one that has been a dud so I'm keeping on with the series. The greatest mystery though is if Rhyme is going to stay a quadriplegic the entire time. And I aim to find out XD
September 6, 2019
This was my first encounter with a Jeffery Deaver novel, and it was a bit disappointing. The Vanished Man is one of the Lincoln Rhyme series, featuring a quadriplegic forensic expert and his protégé, Amelia Sachs.
The story has great potential, as it features an expert illusionist bent on vengeance. Denver has done a fine job exploring the world of magic and illusion, and blended this with an evil criminal element. Unfortunately more than just the bad guy manages to vanish, as credulity quickly disappears as well.
Any fiction novel requires some suspension of disbelief, but while reading this one I found myself shaking my head and wondering just who would believe some of the outlandish methods utilized by the illusionist in order to evade capture. I quickly lost count of how often the police were hoodwinked by his misdirection and tricks.
In fact, Deaver inserted so many switches and misdirections that the book became bloated at more than 500 pages. It easily could have been pared down to 320-350 pages, and would have been better for it. The pacing bogged down as a result— an invitation to the dreaded act of skimming. The characters are decently rendered but felt a bit one dimensional. Even the bad guy, who was potentially the most interesting character, felt a bit flat. All in all, a book that could have really been excellent but fell short, for me anyway.
The story has great potential, as it features an expert illusionist bent on vengeance. Denver has done a fine job exploring the world of magic and illusion, and blended this with an evil criminal element. Unfortunately more than just the bad guy manages to vanish, as credulity quickly disappears as well.
Any fiction novel requires some suspension of disbelief, but while reading this one I found myself shaking my head and wondering just who would believe some of the outlandish methods utilized by the illusionist in order to evade capture. I quickly lost count of how often the police were hoodwinked by his misdirection and tricks.
In fact, Deaver inserted so many switches and misdirections that the book became bloated at more than 500 pages. It easily could have been pared down to 320-350 pages, and would have been better for it. The pacing bogged down as a result— an invitation to the dreaded act of skimming. The characters are decently rendered but felt a bit one dimensional. Even the bad guy, who was potentially the most interesting character, felt a bit flat. All in all, a book that could have really been excellent but fell short, for me anyway.
February 24, 2017
This was one of my favorite in the series so far! Deaver does it again... an intriguing and fast paced thriller with a storyline that captivates page after page.
September 20, 2020
Lần này nhà văn Jeffery Deaver đưa độc giả đến với một chủ đề mới trong series truyện trinh thám về nhà hình sự học Lincoln Rhyme: thế giới ảo thuật đầy huyền bí.
Vẫn là những màn cân não gây cấn diễn ra liên tục, tưởng chừng như không có hồi kết giữa lực lượng điều tra tội phạm thành phố New York,đứng đầu là Lincoln cùng các cộng sự mẫn cán của mình..và bên kia chiến tuyến là tên sát nhân bệnh hoạn Malerick. Bên cạnh những vật chứng thu thập ở hiện trường, đội điều tra phải tiến hành phân tích tâm lý, hành vi luôn thay đổi liên tục khó đoán của tên hung thủ máu lạnh để truy bắt hắn, để thực thi công lý.
Tuy có vài tình tiết gần cuối có cảm giác không hợp lý lắm nhưng tựu chung truyện vẫn hay vẫn cuốn hút, nhất là đối với những bạn có niềm đam mê với ảo thuật.
" Ảo thuật không chỉ là những kỹ xảo bên ngoài. Nhà ảo thuật nghiên cứu tâm lý của khán giả và tạo ra những tiết mục để đánh lừa họ - không chỉ đôi mắt mà cả tâm trí họ nữa.
Sự đánh lạc hướng là trái tim và linh hồn của ảo thuật. Tay nhanh hơn mắt ? Thực ra không phải thế. Mắt luôn luôn nhanh hơn. Vậy nên nhà ảo thuật đánh lừa cặp mắt, không để nó chú ý tới những gì bàn tay làm..."
Vẫn là những màn cân não gây cấn diễn ra liên tục, tưởng chừng như không có hồi kết giữa lực lượng điều tra tội phạm thành phố New York,đứng đầu là Lincoln cùng các cộng sự mẫn cán của mình..và bên kia chiến tuyến là tên sát nhân bệnh hoạn Malerick. Bên cạnh những vật chứng thu thập ở hiện trường, đội điều tra phải tiến hành phân tích tâm lý, hành vi luôn thay đổi liên tục khó đoán của tên hung thủ máu lạnh để truy bắt hắn, để thực thi công lý.
Tuy có vài tình tiết gần cuối có cảm giác không hợp lý lắm nhưng tựu chung truyện vẫn hay vẫn cuốn hút, nhất là đối với những bạn có niềm đam mê với ảo thuật.
" Ảo thuật không chỉ là những kỹ xảo bên ngoài. Nhà ảo thuật nghiên cứu tâm lý của khán giả và tạo ra những tiết mục để đánh lừa họ - không chỉ đôi mắt mà cả tâm trí họ nữa.
Sự đánh lạc hướng là trái tim và linh hồn của ảo thuật. Tay nhanh hơn mắt ? Thực ra không phải thế. Mắt luôn luôn nhanh hơn. Vậy nên nhà ảo thuật đánh lừa cặp mắt, không để nó chú ý tới những gì bàn tay làm..."
June 17, 2021
"E ora lo spettacolo è finito, Riveriti Spettatori, com'era inevitabile.
Ma è la natura della nostra arte, e ciò che sembra vecchio oggi sarà nuovo e innovativo da qualche altra parte, domani o dopodomani. [...]
E così sono io ad applaudire voi, adesso, perché mi avete onorato con la vostra presenza durante il mio modesto spettacolo. Spero di avervi dato gioia ed eccitazione. Spero di aver portato la meraviglia nei vostri cuori mentre mi seguivate nel mondo sotterraneo in cui la vita si trasforma in morte, la morte in vita e ciò che è reale in ciò che è irreale.
Mi inchino davanti a voi, Riveriti Spettatori."
Prendiamo Rhyme Lincoln, criminologo tetraplegico e la sua assistente Amelia Sachs, aggiungiamo alla logica e alla scienza della criminologia il noir di efferati omicidi e condiamo il tutto con spettacoli di illusionismo e magia: avremo uno spettacolo pirotecnico e grandioso, per una lettura incalzante e di sicura tensione.
Ma è la natura della nostra arte, e ciò che sembra vecchio oggi sarà nuovo e innovativo da qualche altra parte, domani o dopodomani. [...]
E così sono io ad applaudire voi, adesso, perché mi avete onorato con la vostra presenza durante il mio modesto spettacolo. Spero di avervi dato gioia ed eccitazione. Spero di aver portato la meraviglia nei vostri cuori mentre mi seguivate nel mondo sotterraneo in cui la vita si trasforma in morte, la morte in vita e ciò che è reale in ciò che è irreale.
Mi inchino davanti a voi, Riveriti Spettatori."
Prendiamo Rhyme Lincoln, criminologo tetraplegico e la sua assistente Amelia Sachs, aggiungiamo alla logica e alla scienza della criminologia il noir di efferati omicidi e condiamo il tutto con spettacoli di illusionismo e magia: avremo uno spettacolo pirotecnico e grandioso, per una lettura incalzante e di sicura tensione.
May 5, 2022
“Isn't most of our lives an illusion?" she continued.
"How's that?"
"Well, everything in the past is memory, right?"
"True."
"And everything in the future is imagination. Those're both illusions – memories are unreliable and we just speculate about the future. The only thing that's completely real is this one instant of the present – and that's constantly changing from imagination to a memory. So, see? Most of our life's illusory.”
I had so much fun reading this one. The plot, The characters, the climax, everything was amazing & the story kept me guessing till the last moment. ( Don't even get me started on the multiple plot twists towards the ending *chef's kiss* )
I use to visit all the magic fairs in summer carnivals with my late god-mother. She and I used to wait hours to get a ticket so we could watch each and every show they played. It was one of the happiest time of my life. I miss her. And this book took me back to those days.
"How's that?"
"Well, everything in the past is memory, right?"
"True."
"And everything in the future is imagination. Those're both illusions – memories are unreliable and we just speculate about the future. The only thing that's completely real is this one instant of the present – and that's constantly changing from imagination to a memory. So, see? Most of our life's illusory.”
I had so much fun reading this one. The plot, The characters, the climax, everything was amazing & the story kept me guessing till the last moment. ( Don't even get me started on the multiple plot twists towards the ending *chef's kiss* )
I use to visit all the magic fairs in summer carnivals with my late god-mother. She and I used to wait hours to get a ticket so we could watch each and every show they played. It was one of the happiest time of my life. I miss her. And this book took me back to those days.
October 18, 2022
Zawsze bardzo lubiłam serię o Lincolnie, ale mam wrażenie, że jak byłam młodsza czytało mi się to lepiej ;). Fajnie wrócić do bohaterów po dłuższej przerwie, ale jednak nie jest to mój ulubiony tom. Nie przepadam za iluzjonistami i całą tą otoczką, dlatego moje zaangażowanie uciekało często i gęsto, ale doceniam poziom zaawansowania i manipulowania faktami. Trzyma poziom, ale jest zwyczajnie „nie moja” ;).
March 12, 2023
DNF @ 7%. This series is just dumb.
August 21, 2016
Addio monsieur Deaver. Come fu, tanti anni or sono, con Mr. Follet, più tardi con il Sig. Piazzese, anche in questo caso siamo giunti..., sono giunto, al capolinea. Finecorsa. Evidente, almeno ai miei occhi, l'inserimento di parti intere scritte dai collaboratori, appunti di ricerca "copincollati" senza alcun intervento d'autore. Evidente, lo sforzo metodico di costruire a ogni costo, a tavolino, una storia intorno al mondo dell'illusionismo, anziché articolare con gusto un intrigante spunto originale. Fastidiosa, la giustapposizione, chiaramente posticcia, di colpi di scena continui, a orologeria, inventati al momento, che non affondano le radici nel profondo della vicenda. Disdicevole, o almeno a me sgradito, che le situazioni più intricate e spinose si risolvano grazie a intuizioni e gesti che neanche un super-eroe della Marvel Comics saprebbe escogitare o compiere (da loro ti aspetti i super-poteri. In un poliziesco minano la credibilità del tutto). Insomma... Cioè, infine: grazie, Mr. Deaver, per i suoi primi 4 o 5 romanzi. Grazie per le ore liete e avvincenti, trascorse ammirando la sua abilità. L'editore e il suo pubblico le chiedono costanza nella produzione, e io la capisco. Ma le nostre strade si separano qui.
PS: ho letto tutto, il suo libro, per il rispetto che si deve a chi ha perso ore sulla scrittura, e per scoprire fino a che punto lei ... oramai si "fidi" dei suoi lettori... Ma, mi creda, avrei interrotto volentieri la lettura a metà del cammino
PS: ho letto tutto, il suo libro, per il rispetto che si deve a chi ha perso ore sulla scrittura, e per scoprire fino a che punto lei ... oramai si "fidi" dei suoi lettori... Ma, mi creda, avrei interrotto volentieri la lettura a metà del cammino
October 7, 2008
Bored and looking for a quick, fun read, I turned to Vanished Man. Deaver's novels have a lot of twists and surprise endings. Yet because they are all like this the structure almost becomes predictable. I like the Lincoln Rhyme series. Rhyme reminds me of the main character on the t.v. show House. He lacks social skills and has a dry sense of humor but he really knows his field. In fact, it's his knowledge and methods of arriving at conclusions that reel me in. The killer in this storyline is able to escape crime scenes by making himself obvious and therfore less suspicious. Though magic and illusion are alluring as part of the plot, one wonders how many risks and unnecessary ploys a suspect can understake. It just doesn't seem convincing. Overall, I wouldn't say this was one of Deaver's best novels, but it relieved my boredom. I'll probably read another one of his novels in the future.
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