What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sports Beat #2
Vanishing Act: Mystery at the U.S. Open
Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson return in another fast-paced, action-packed sports mystery from bestselling sports writer John Feinstein.
The two hopeful sports reporters have kept in touch after their wild time at the Final Four, and when Susan Carol manages to score a press pass to cover the first week of the US Open Tennis Tournament in New York, Stevie works out a way to be there as well.
The behind-the-scenes action in the world of professional tennis is overwhelming and occasionally bewildering, but it turns downright inconceivable when a young Russian phenom, Natalia Makarova, disappears right before her second-round match. Somewhere between the locker rooms and the Louis Armstrong Court, one of the most-watched players of the tournament simply vanishes.
The media coverage is staggering. Everyone is looking for Natalia--including Stevie and Susan Carol. Was she kidnapped? Did she run? Is she even still alive? The rumors are growing wilder by the hour. But they don't even come close to the shocking truth...
The two hopeful sports reporters have kept in touch after their wild time at the Final Four, and when Susan Carol manages to score a press pass to cover the first week of the US Open Tennis Tournament in New York, Stevie works out a way to be there as well.
The behind-the-scenes action in the world of professional tennis is overwhelming and occasionally bewildering, but it turns downright inconceivable when a young Russian phenom, Natalia Makarova, disappears right before her second-round match. Somewhere between the locker rooms and the Louis Armstrong Court, one of the most-watched players of the tournament simply vanishes.
The media coverage is staggering. Everyone is looking for Natalia--including Stevie and Susan Carol. Was she kidnapped? Did she run? Is she even still alive? The rumors are growing wilder by the hour. But they don't even come close to the shocking truth...
279 pages, Hardcover
First published August 22, 2006
132 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
John Feinstein
75 books592 followersJohn Feinstein was an American sportswriter, author, and sports commentator.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 1, 2016
This book is where Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson's legacy as journalists is defined. The two thirteen-year-old sportswriters improbably leveraged their wits and pluck to break wide open a story of major corruption in college basketball after winning a contest allowing them special access to the Final Four NCAA tournament, but that's the way luck works sometimes. When Stevie and Susan Carol negotiate an arrangement to have them cover the tennis U.S. Open several months after the NCAA adventure, their reputation as extraordinary journalists would be sealed if they were to untangle another case of skullduggery; blind luck couldn't explain that happening again to the same two kids. And that's precisely what happens in Flushing, New York, at America's most prestigious annual tennis tournament. The sport's biggest stars are set to compete, some who were actual professional players—Serena Williams, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, Lisa Raymond, Thomas Johansson, Jonas Björkman, and Roger Federer, to name a few—and others made up for this book. Stevie and Susan Carol's press contacts get them up-close access alongside the adult reporters, and Susan Carol's Uncle Brendan, an up-and-coming tennis agent, grants them personal interviews with the modest stable of players he represents. Corruption or none, this U.S. Open looks to be a unique thrill for the kid journalists who made such a splash at the NCAA basketball championship.
Stevie is enamored of rising Russian-American tennis star Nadia Symanova and is excited about seeing her in person, but he's equally spellbound by Brendan's top prospect, fifteen-year-old Evelyn Rubin, after meeting her. Both girls are pretty and athletic, and Stevie eagerly volunteers to cover their matches. But the situation takes a bizarre turn when Nadia Symanova disappears before her first-round match, despite the comprehensive security detail surrounding her. Panicked USTA representatives order the grounds scoured, but the blossoming star is gone. Reports soon indicate a dire scenario: Ms. Symanova has been kidnapped. Tournament officials are willing to postpone the match a few days to see if she is recovered, but eventually they'll be forced to default her. At the same time, Evelyn Rubin is performing exceptionally well in her section of the draw, using her smart, finesse game to fatigue players not as young or fit as she. Evelyn is on a collision course with Nadia if the missing girl is found, and as Evelyn repeatedly demonstrates her improved level of play and the story of Nadia's disappearance grows, worldwide interest in their potential matchup intensifies.
Our two protagonists are concerned for Nadia, but something feels off about her kidnapping. Ms. Symanova's father publicly and emotionally accuses a Russian secret intelligence agency of taking his daughter, yet when Stevie and Susan Carol observe him in private, he appears nowhere near as upset as one would expect. What is Mr. Symanova's game? Is his explanation for the kidnapping some kind of ruse? Could the abduction be a fabrication altogether? Stevie and Susan Carol don't know for sure, but they've been through this before, and have a pretty good idea how investigative journalism is done. Their probe soon nets unwanted answers, however, casting suspicion on people close to them both. Are friends and relatives of Stevie and Susan Carol involved in the scandal? What about Evelyn, who Stevie has developed more than a little crush on as he's come to know her off the court? Evelyn's exquisite play, good looks, and winsome demeanor are turning her into America's sweetheart, and she stands to gain millions in endorsement dollars if her star continues to rise. This sweet girl who Stevie now considers a friend wouldn't resort to illegal tricks to further her career, would she? Evelyn is closer in age to Stevie and Susan Carol than to most players in the U.S. Open, hardly making her a cynical pro. As Stevie and Susan Carol's investigation digs deeper, they'll unearth shocking information they don't know what to do with. Can they repeat the miracle of the NCAA tournament and solve another high-profile sports mystery? Depending on who is implicated by their discoveries, will they even want to?
The mystery part of Vanishing Act: Mystery at the U.S. Open is somewhat convoluted, but that isn't a terrible thing. I like a convoluted puzzler now and then, even if I don't grasp everything. To me, this book has two main strengths: the richly written game action, and the exploration of what Stevie feels for Evelyn and Susan Carol, and how they feel in return. The tennis action is limited, but what we get of it is invigorating, especially the climactic match (whose participants I won't disclose in the interest of avoiding spoilers). Tennis can be a heart-pounding sport, and the euphoria of snatching victory from the jaws of ugly defeat is sublime. John Feinstein knows how to set the stage and create realistic athletic showdowns. I wish Vanishing Act featured a bit more of that, like Mike Lupica's junior novels. As to the relationships side of the story, we came to know Stevie and Susan Carol well in Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery, the first book of this series, but Evelyn is another well-rounded character it's easy to care for, and her fate matters to us. Stevie and Susan Carol grow much closer in Vanishing Act than they were before, but I hope we see more of Evelyn in the future, too. Her interactions with Stevie have a light electric charge that enlivens this book.
Last Shot is better than Vanishing Act, in my opinion, but I liked both novels, and I'll be back for book three, Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl. The mysteries hold my attention, but it's Stevie and Susan Carol's overarching personal story that keeps me returning to this series, and will have me reading until the end. They're an interesting duo, already dynamic writers and bold investigators before starting high school. I'm excited to see what's next for them.
Stevie is enamored of rising Russian-American tennis star Nadia Symanova and is excited about seeing her in person, but he's equally spellbound by Brendan's top prospect, fifteen-year-old Evelyn Rubin, after meeting her. Both girls are pretty and athletic, and Stevie eagerly volunteers to cover their matches. But the situation takes a bizarre turn when Nadia Symanova disappears before her first-round match, despite the comprehensive security detail surrounding her. Panicked USTA representatives order the grounds scoured, but the blossoming star is gone. Reports soon indicate a dire scenario: Ms. Symanova has been kidnapped. Tournament officials are willing to postpone the match a few days to see if she is recovered, but eventually they'll be forced to default her. At the same time, Evelyn Rubin is performing exceptionally well in her section of the draw, using her smart, finesse game to fatigue players not as young or fit as she. Evelyn is on a collision course with Nadia if the missing girl is found, and as Evelyn repeatedly demonstrates her improved level of play and the story of Nadia's disappearance grows, worldwide interest in their potential matchup intensifies.
Our two protagonists are concerned for Nadia, but something feels off about her kidnapping. Ms. Symanova's father publicly and emotionally accuses a Russian secret intelligence agency of taking his daughter, yet when Stevie and Susan Carol observe him in private, he appears nowhere near as upset as one would expect. What is Mr. Symanova's game? Is his explanation for the kidnapping some kind of ruse? Could the abduction be a fabrication altogether? Stevie and Susan Carol don't know for sure, but they've been through this before, and have a pretty good idea how investigative journalism is done. Their probe soon nets unwanted answers, however, casting suspicion on people close to them both. Are friends and relatives of Stevie and Susan Carol involved in the scandal? What about Evelyn, who Stevie has developed more than a little crush on as he's come to know her off the court? Evelyn's exquisite play, good looks, and winsome demeanor are turning her into America's sweetheart, and she stands to gain millions in endorsement dollars if her star continues to rise. This sweet girl who Stevie now considers a friend wouldn't resort to illegal tricks to further her career, would she? Evelyn is closer in age to Stevie and Susan Carol than to most players in the U.S. Open, hardly making her a cynical pro. As Stevie and Susan Carol's investigation digs deeper, they'll unearth shocking information they don't know what to do with. Can they repeat the miracle of the NCAA tournament and solve another high-profile sports mystery? Depending on who is implicated by their discoveries, will they even want to?
The mystery part of Vanishing Act: Mystery at the U.S. Open is somewhat convoluted, but that isn't a terrible thing. I like a convoluted puzzler now and then, even if I don't grasp everything. To me, this book has two main strengths: the richly written game action, and the exploration of what Stevie feels for Evelyn and Susan Carol, and how they feel in return. The tennis action is limited, but what we get of it is invigorating, especially the climactic match (whose participants I won't disclose in the interest of avoiding spoilers). Tennis can be a heart-pounding sport, and the euphoria of snatching victory from the jaws of ugly defeat is sublime. John Feinstein knows how to set the stage and create realistic athletic showdowns. I wish Vanishing Act featured a bit more of that, like Mike Lupica's junior novels. As to the relationships side of the story, we came to know Stevie and Susan Carol well in Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery, the first book of this series, but Evelyn is another well-rounded character it's easy to care for, and her fate matters to us. Stevie and Susan Carol grow much closer in Vanishing Act than they were before, but I hope we see more of Evelyn in the future, too. Her interactions with Stevie have a light electric charge that enlivens this book.
Last Shot is better than Vanishing Act, in my opinion, but I liked both novels, and I'll be back for book three, Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl. The mysteries hold my attention, but it's Stevie and Susan Carol's overarching personal story that keeps me returning to this series, and will have me reading until the end. They're an interesting duo, already dynamic writers and bold investigators before starting high school. I'm excited to see what's next for them.
January 4, 2026
Rip john feinstein dude got the best sports fiction books ever frfr
August 16, 2023
good thing stevie was concussed on the subway and not the dc metro because NO WAY was he making it up those treacherous vertical escalators
November 6, 2022
Charlie & I really enjoyed this tale of two budding teenage sports reporters who cover the US Open, the biggest tennis tournament in America. They end up not only covering the sports action but also being involved in a mystery and crime investigation.
December 31, 2013
Vanishing Act by John Feinstein is a quick read, but really allows the reader to step into the world of sport reporters in an exciting way. It makes the reader realize to not take events at their face value. Vanishing Act takes place at the US Open in about the present time. Stevie, a short thirteen year old, and Susan, a tall thirteen year old, both are news reporters. They both met at the final four basketball game and uncovered a blackmail attempt on one of the best players in the league. Now, at the tennis tournament a kidnapping has happened. Most people took this kidnapping at face value, but some people would benefit from this, even Susan's uncle, Brendon Gibson. John Feistein wraps up the mystery so well readers will wonder how they never figured it out, even with all the clues 3rd person limited gave them.
In several parts John Feinstein really puts theme and the mystery together. At one part when Brendon Gibson's client, Rubin, won a huge match he was not there. “Stevie kept looking around, wondering where Brendon Gibson was”(183). The author's writing is just so good that even though this event seems innocuous, it really is not. This book is like The Hunger Games toned done a bit because in The Hunger Games it is not difficult to view the games as just punishment, but it also has to be a warning so the capital stays in control. Both these books have good themes because if a person ever resorts to only looking at face values he/she will be a puppet to the world and that is not a thing that people should want to be. This book is a nice vacation book because it is short, a page turner, and informational.
In several parts John Feinstein really puts theme and the mystery together. At one part when Brendon Gibson's client, Rubin, won a huge match he was not there. “Stevie kept looking around, wondering where Brendon Gibson was”(183). The author's writing is just so good that even though this event seems innocuous, it really is not. This book is like The Hunger Games toned done a bit because in The Hunger Games it is not difficult to view the games as just punishment, but it also has to be a warning so the capital stays in control. Both these books have good themes because if a person ever resorts to only looking at face values he/she will be a puppet to the world and that is not a thing that people should want to be. This book is a nice vacation book because it is short, a page turner, and informational.
April 15, 2010
In the book "Vanishing Act" by John Feinstein, eighth graders Susan and Stevie are invited by a columnist from the Washington Herald. Susan and Stevie have not seen each other since they reported on a Final Four game. The only communication that they had with each other was instant messaging. Susan and her Uncle Brendan invited Stevie to stay with them. Susan’s Uncle had recently started a agency where they draft young children and place them into tournaments. When Susan and Stevie met, it was very different for them. Stevie grew, Susan changed and also kept her accent. When they arrived at the court, they sat down and took their places. Anxiously waiting for the players to start their match, the ref takes the microphone and announces a postponement. very quickly, the word spreads that Nadia, the tennis player, has been kidnapped. How could she have been kidnapped from walking from the locker room to the court? Where did she go? Will she come back? When i was reading this book those questions were running through my head. Overall a great book, exciting funny, and dramatic at all times. Feinstein did a great job explaining the detail of the characters and also the setting. I would recommend this book to people who are at about the high school age because I think that a younger kid would not understand this book. I give this book two thumbs up.
December 2, 2015
This was such a fun read. It is a second in a series so it is better to read the first one first but it is not necessary.
This book takes place at the tennis U.S. Open. Susan and Stevie are there to write some articles and watch the games but are in for a great surprise when a famous women tennis player gets kidnapped. They muddle throw the mystery hoping to find out who kidnapped her. There are some great plot twists and it keeps you at the edge of your seat. There is also light MG romance that is quite adorable.
There is a lot of tennis talk which was great but could be confusing at times since I don't know tennis as well as other sports. It would have been great if that the end we had a tennis glossary were it would explain some of the tennis talk.
One of the only negatives about this book is how fast we get introduced to people. We get so many people and names thrown at us that it was hard to remember who was who at times.
But other than that small negative I really enjoyed the book. As I mentioned before the mystery was great and I found myself solving it along with "Scarlet" and Stevie. I've become quite atached to Stevie and Susan as an unlikely, possible couple. if you like sports, mysteries, and journalism I highly recommend this series. It is also a perfect book for a young YA or old MG reader.
This book takes place at the tennis U.S. Open. Susan and Stevie are there to write some articles and watch the games but are in for a great surprise when a famous women tennis player gets kidnapped. They muddle throw the mystery hoping to find out who kidnapped her. There are some great plot twists and it keeps you at the edge of your seat. There is also light MG romance that is quite adorable.
There is a lot of tennis talk which was great but could be confusing at times since I don't know tennis as well as other sports. It would have been great if that the end we had a tennis glossary were it would explain some of the tennis talk.
One of the only negatives about this book is how fast we get introduced to people. We get so many people and names thrown at us that it was hard to remember who was who at times.
But other than that small negative I really enjoyed the book. As I mentioned before the mystery was great and I found myself solving it along with "Scarlet" and Stevie. I've become quite atached to Stevie and Susan as an unlikely, possible couple. if you like sports, mysteries, and journalism I highly recommend this series. It is also a perfect book for a young YA or old MG reader.
May 23, 2009
"Vanishing Act" is about thirteen year old Stevie Thomas and his best friend/crush Susan Carol Anderson. They made sportswriting history before by covering a huge blackmailing scheme at the NBA (or something related to basketball), and now they are ready to view the US Open without any trouble or qualms. However, just as they begin to enjoy the tennis matches, a star player gets kidnapped. Stevie and Susan Carol work with each other to piece together what exactly happened.
It has been awhile since I've read a YA Mystery novel, so I thought I'd soften the blow by reading one related to my favorite sport: tennis. It did ease progressing through some of the book for me. I liked the whole mystery genre thing going on, but I thought the author could have been just a little bit more descriptive at some points. Also, I really, really disliked Stevie's partners name. I mean, Susan Carol? How annoying is that? But based on the actual novel, I give it a well-deserved four stars.
It has been awhile since I've read a YA Mystery novel, so I thought I'd soften the blow by reading one related to my favorite sport: tennis. It did ease progressing through some of the book for me. I liked the whole mystery genre thing going on, but I thought the author could have been just a little bit more descriptive at some points. Also, I really, really disliked Stevie's partners name. I mean, Susan Carol? How annoying is that? But based on the actual novel, I give it a well-deserved four stars.
February 23, 2015
Vanishing Act
John Feinstein
Vanishing Act is about 2 young tennis players that enter the U.S. Open (tennis tournament). But by the second round one of the competitors just vanishes. The two main characters try to find out what happened to her.
I liked the book but the beginning was very boring and confusing. The first thing the book said was, "Stevie Thomas knew he needed a shower but, as usual..." I find that to be a very boring intro.
I think anyone from 6-8 grade that likes action books would like this book.
John Feinstein
Vanishing Act is about 2 young tennis players that enter the U.S. Open (tennis tournament). But by the second round one of the competitors just vanishes. The two main characters try to find out what happened to her.
I liked the book but the beginning was very boring and confusing. The first thing the book said was, "Stevie Thomas knew he needed a shower but, as usual..." I find that to be a very boring intro.
I think anyone from 6-8 grade that likes action books would like this book.
November 11, 2013
I was sorely tempted to put down this book. That advice about cutting out all the boring parts of life? Feinstein must have forgotten it. I don't need to know the layout of NY city streets, nor read really dull and routine dialog. Why three stars? Because when the plot (finally) kicks in, this is a good story. It will appeal to sports enthusiasts and mystery lovers. Did didn't realize it was part of a series when I picked it off the shelf. Will I read book one? Probably not.
June 1, 2018
I really enjoyed Stevie in this book because I felt everyone misunderstood him. This really helped me grasp the concept of being a person everyone rejects. I feel the same way about Jackpot! A Swindle mystery.
August 27, 2023
Types of bets
In this article you will learn what types of bets exist, how they are made and what are the best options for bettors. From beginner to pro. See here for guidelines that will direct you to the best online bookmakers. From the most common markets to the most alternative, discover which one best suits your bettor profile and... let's play!
Learn more about all possible bet types
What types of bets are there?
There are different bet types for different bettor profiles. First, let's talk about selection bets. There are basically three options: single bet, complex bet and system bet.
bet online
But each event has many betting markets to explore. Read till the end to meet them.
Money line
This is the American format for displaying betting odds. But this also applies to the single winning bet. Let's bet who will be the winner.
What's the only bet?
The single bet is the most basic method of selection. This is a bet on the outcome of an event or game.
Types of sports betting
Bet 1×2 or Final Score (match odds)
This is one of the most popular betting formats. The dynamic is very simple: you have to guess who will be the winner of the match or whether it will be a draw. Each result has a different winning bid. For those who want to gamble online, this is a good way.
A double odds bet
This type of bet, as the name suggests, means "double chance". The bettor bets on two of the three possible outcomes of the match, for example: "home win or draw" (eg from the Premier League). You win if you choose either option. It also offers less risk but in return the profit is not as attractive.
A push bet voids the bet (or no push bet)
Also known as DNB, Draw No Bet, Tie Cancels Aposta is a method in football where the winner of the game is selected, in case of a tie the bet is void and the money is returned. to the bettor This is the main type of bet that prevents risks.
Bet on Over/Under 2.5 Goals (or Over/Under 2.5 Goals)
Refers to how many goals teams score in a match. Here the bettor has to guess whether the teams will score more or less than 2 goals in the match. What can confuse some beginners is the display of wrong numbers: "More than 1.5", "Less than 3.5", "More than 0.5". This is to make it more clear if you are winning.
What are compound bets?
Although the name is different, compound bets are the same as multiple bets. However, everyone has their own preferred way of naming these types of bets. Which is also known as the favorite of gamblers.
Accumulated bet
Accumulated are nothing but odds multipliers, that is, they multiply all the odds of the selected events. The more events, the bigger your profit will be if you achieve all the results.
What are system bets?
With system bets, you can win even if not all your picks win. This is the big difference between stack betting and system betting. For example, with a 2/4 system bet, you win even if you only hit two of your chosen points.
What bets can be combined?
Multiple bets are very easy! The first point to keep in mind is that to make a compound bet you must select a minimum of two and a maximum of twelve events. Once that is done, now you just need to choose your best multiple. It can be in different sports events, modes, times and dates.
In this article you will learn what types of bets exist, how they are made and what are the best options for bettors. From beginner to pro. See here for guidelines that will direct you to the best online bookmakers. From the most common markets to the most alternative, discover which one best suits your bettor profile and... let's play!
Learn more about all possible bet types
What types of bets are there?
There are different bet types for different bettor profiles. First, let's talk about selection bets. There are basically three options: single bet, complex bet and system bet.
bet online
But each event has many betting markets to explore. Read till the end to meet them.
Money line
This is the American format for displaying betting odds. But this also applies to the single winning bet. Let's bet who will be the winner.
What's the only bet?
The single bet is the most basic method of selection. This is a bet on the outcome of an event or game.
Types of sports betting
Bet 1×2 or Final Score (match odds)
This is one of the most popular betting formats. The dynamic is very simple: you have to guess who will be the winner of the match or whether it will be a draw. Each result has a different winning bid. For those who want to gamble online, this is a good way.
A double odds bet
This type of bet, as the name suggests, means "double chance". The bettor bets on two of the three possible outcomes of the match, for example: "home win or draw" (eg from the Premier League). You win if you choose either option. It also offers less risk but in return the profit is not as attractive.
A push bet voids the bet (or no push bet)
Also known as DNB, Draw No Bet, Tie Cancels Aposta is a method in football where the winner of the game is selected, in case of a tie the bet is void and the money is returned. to the bettor This is the main type of bet that prevents risks.
Bet on Over/Under 2.5 Goals (or Over/Under 2.5 Goals)
Refers to how many goals teams score in a match. Here the bettor has to guess whether the teams will score more or less than 2 goals in the match. What can confuse some beginners is the display of wrong numbers: "More than 1.5", "Less than 3.5", "More than 0.5". This is to make it more clear if you are winning.
What are compound bets?
Although the name is different, compound bets are the same as multiple bets. However, everyone has their own preferred way of naming these types of bets. Which is also known as the favorite of gamblers.
Accumulated bet
Accumulated are nothing but odds multipliers, that is, they multiply all the odds of the selected events. The more events, the bigger your profit will be if you achieve all the results.
What are system bets?
With system bets, you can win even if not all your picks win. This is the big difference between stack betting and system betting. For example, with a 2/4 system bet, you win even if you only hit two of your chosen points.
What bets can be combined?
Multiple bets are very easy! The first point to keep in mind is that to make a compound bet you must select a minimum of two and a maximum of twelve events. Once that is done, now you just need to choose your best multiple. It can be in different sports events, modes, times and dates.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2018
My reading experience of this book was really enjoyable. I loved how the book incorporated fiction with nonfiction, because at the same time it sounded as if it was real, because of how it is based at the U.S. Open in New York, but it’s not real but it feels real. What I disliked about the book was the ending. Being an avid sports fan, I disliked how the book did not continue through the tournament, that it ended after the match and did not see if the player reached the final and won. Overall, it was a fantastic book that was hard to put down once I started reading it. I’m a big fan of tennis and so hearing all the great names and people in the tournament, it was cool to see how they were incorporated into the plot. Nothing seemed to confuse me, the book and its plot was really clear and straightforward.
The book, Vanishing Act, answers the question of what does it mean to be an American because when Nadia Symanova went missing two teen sport writers go after her to try and track her down. This shows the true American spirit and demonstrates heroism at its finest. This book shows Americans helping others in need, even if they are not American themselves. They are also willing to do whatever it takes to find the tennis player for example, “And what do I do if I manage to get in?” Susan Carol said. “Won’t the other players know I’m a fraud right away?” “Sit in front of an empty locker as if it’s yours and listen. You’re dressed like a player. There are so many different events going on here at once that no one knows everybody. You never know when you’re going to be in the right place at the right time. If we’re in three different places, our chances are three times as good of hearing something helpful (Feinstein 55).” This quote shows what a true American will do and what they are willing to do to find out the truth on what happened to the player’s disappearance. Our country was founded on the premise of freedom and equality for all, and over time we always find it within ourselves to help other countries or individuals in need.
I would recommend this book to students who are passionate about sports, mainly tennis, otherwise if you are not into sports or tennis, you would have a difficult time trying to understand what goes on in a tennis match and where everything is. I would recommend this book o students from middle school all the way up to high school. I think that reading level is too low for an adult, but out of 5 stars I would rate it a 5. As the reader I very involved, the plot was dramatic, and the characters were riveting.
The book, Vanishing Act, answers the question of what does it mean to be an American because when Nadia Symanova went missing two teen sport writers go after her to try and track her down. This shows the true American spirit and demonstrates heroism at its finest. This book shows Americans helping others in need, even if they are not American themselves. They are also willing to do whatever it takes to find the tennis player for example, “And what do I do if I manage to get in?” Susan Carol said. “Won’t the other players know I’m a fraud right away?” “Sit in front of an empty locker as if it’s yours and listen. You’re dressed like a player. There are so many different events going on here at once that no one knows everybody. You never know when you’re going to be in the right place at the right time. If we’re in three different places, our chances are three times as good of hearing something helpful (Feinstein 55).” This quote shows what a true American will do and what they are willing to do to find out the truth on what happened to the player’s disappearance. Our country was founded on the premise of freedom and equality for all, and over time we always find it within ourselves to help other countries or individuals in need.
I would recommend this book to students who are passionate about sports, mainly tennis, otherwise if you are not into sports or tennis, you would have a difficult time trying to understand what goes on in a tennis match and where everything is. I would recommend this book o students from middle school all the way up to high school. I think that reading level is too low for an adult, but out of 5 stars I would rate it a 5. As the reader I very involved, the plot was dramatic, and the characters were riveting.
December 7, 2017
I love a good mystery book and the Vanishing act by John Feinstein did just that. I read this book because I had nothing else to read and I knew I wanted to read mystery so I chose this. I have to say the ending is kind of cute but I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more action but other than that this book was great. This book is heavily embedded about tennis which I really like for tennis players like myself or I used to be a tennis player. “Tell your mom and dad not to hate me” he said” (Feinstein 271). This “Is my favorites because the truth comes out when one of the main characters uncles is the main villain. In the book of very important tennis player is kidnapped and the whole main idea is finding out what really happened and what scheme was going on. I recommend this book to anyone who loves tennis and have a passion for mysteries both of those two main assets will work good with this book also it is very friendly with kids and easy to read.
May 30, 2019
Stevie and Susan Carol are back with media access to the U.S. Tennis Open. The scandal happens when a highly ranked female player vanishes somewhere between the locker room and the court where she is scheduled to play. There's all kinds of theories and leads for Stevie and Susan Carol to investigate while the public gets caught up in the media hype. They sneak their way into places they shouldn't go and overhear conversations not meant for them all in an effort to solve the mystery.
I love John Feinstein's sports mysteries. There aren't enough fiction books about tennis and finding one that's a mystery is bonus. My only frustration is the large number of people to keep track of. There's the players, coaches, agents and media people. Besides that, there's a lot to learn about the world of high stakes tennis championships and well worth the time.
I love John Feinstein's sports mysteries. There aren't enough fiction books about tennis and finding one that's a mystery is bonus. My only frustration is the large number of people to keep track of. There's the players, coaches, agents and media people. Besides that, there's a lot to learn about the world of high stakes tennis championships and well worth the time.
December 20, 2017
Feinstein, John Vanishing Act: Mystery at the U.S. Open, 256 p. Knopf –
Stevie and Susan Carol are covering another major sports event as they pursue their dreams of becoming major sports reporters. This time they are at the U.S. Open of tennis, where a major star disappears as she is approaching the court for her first game. Never kids to turn down a great mystery, the two do their best to expose the truth behind the kidnapping. This novel is as engaging as the author’s first, with loads of information about sports reporting, tennis professionals and the seedy world of athlete agents. The action is engaging enough that even if people recognize that there are major flaws in the background logic, they will be willing to forgive because the read was so much fun.
MS-ADVISABLE
Stevie and Susan Carol are covering another major sports event as they pursue their dreams of becoming major sports reporters. This time they are at the U.S. Open of tennis, where a major star disappears as she is approaching the court for her first game. Never kids to turn down a great mystery, the two do their best to expose the truth behind the kidnapping. This novel is as engaging as the author’s first, with loads of information about sports reporting, tennis professionals and the seedy world of athlete agents. The action is engaging enough that even if people recognize that there are major flaws in the background logic, they will be willing to forgive because the read was so much fun.
MS-ADVISABLE
September 24, 2024
Read many John Feinstein books and I think this is my first kids book that I've read of his.
interesting plot, but the resolution & ending left a lot to be desired. In the end, the kidnapping was basically a setup to garner attention and money. For a mystery, much like a Dateline episode, there were a couple of theories and possibilities as to who was responsible, but, like I said, the ending wasn't really fulfilling.
interesting plot, but the resolution & ending left a lot to be desired. In the end, the kidnapping was basically a setup to garner attention and money. For a mystery, much like a Dateline episode, there were a couple of theories and possibilities as to who was responsible, but, like I said, the ending wasn't really fulfilling.
February 5, 2019
If you like mysteries, and you like tennis, this is an amazing book for you! This is one of my favorite books that I have read, the suspense it gives to you will reading this is very enjoyable. I would recommend this book to everyone. I had to read this for a school project, and I am glad I read it.
March 8, 2019
I think that Vanishing Act was a good mystery. The setting was easy to picture and the ending was a complete surprise to me. One thing that made it harder to read was the number of characters in the book. It was hard to find specific clues and get closer to solving the mystery with so many suspects, but overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
April 8, 2019
It was a really good book. When you are reading it, it feels like you know something but the author keeps trying to make it so you don't think that while still keeping it in the back of your mind. I liked the plot twist at the very end because you think someone is in the clear but really they are the mastermind behind the whole thing.
March 15, 2020
Actually a really good story! I wasn't expecting quite so much suspense. I had thought I figured out the "who done it" aspect, until the very ending, and the author threw in a final curve ball. Really well done.
Read
September 25, 2023Did not finish. Gave up on the audiobook literally two minutes.
Reasons: read by the author, who unfortunately reads this flat, with bad, echoey sound engineering or conversion. Writing is flat as well. Barely got to the setup and didn’t have the ability to get on with the middle grade mystery.
Reasons: read by the author, who unfortunately reads this flat, with bad, echoey sound engineering or conversion. Writing is flat as well. Barely got to the setup and didn’t have the ability to get on with the middle grade mystery.
September 13, 2017
I think it was a really good suspense story about tennis and this is a good story for detectives and their are a lot of clues leading up to this big mystery.
January 25, 2018
A good book for middle schoolers.
March 18, 2020
I don’t care one bit that this is for young readers. I love the mystery and the investigations of these young two
October 14, 2020
I really liked in this book that the 2 protagonists really secretly like each other and they are friends. Also, they have to work together with different people to catch the bad guys.
November 18, 2020
It is a nice quick read, and also nice for tennis lovers like me. I wish more fictional tennis books would come out.
September 5, 2021
Not me. No thank you
October 7, 2016
Vanishing Act is a great book, currently one of my favorites. It has a great story line and a "WHOA!" ending that I never saw coming. Vanishing act is about these two kids named Stevie and Susan-Carol who are writers and get to travel to different sport events, and write reviews on them for papers. While at a tennis tournament, a world famous Russian player becomes missing which is expected to be kidnapped. Stevie and Susan-Carol want to know how a player could be kidnapped in broad daylight with multiple security guards around. Soon enough they start interviewing people, writing and coming up with ideas of what could have happened, they couldn't believe what they find out. My favorite part is the last 3 chapters because that is were I found out what really happened and it was phenomenal! Anyone who loves a good mystery, game changer, or sport story would love this book, it starts off a little slow but once you get going its like you can't put it down!
February 24, 2017
Vanishing Act by John Feinstein is a very mysterious and intriguing book with many cliffhangers, They foreshadow many thoughts into the reader's mind that big surprises may jump out to be bigger. It is a book that talks a lot about sports and tennis. A player is lost during the biggest tennis tournament in America and many ideas and thoughts are hinted, but incorrect which really grabs the reader's attention. Nadia Symanova, one of the best tennis players in the world is held hostage as well as many other characters that risk their lives to solve this mystery. The best part of the book is how John attempts to drop off clues throughout the book as if giving you a first-person view of trying to solve the mystery which really grabs your attention. This book is meant for an audience that likes sports as well as mysteries. If you have read and enjoyed other mystery, sports, or any other one of John's novels, then this book should be just as enjoyable. This is the second book to The Last Shot by John Feinstein which I recommend to read first to gain a better understanding of the plot. The third book of this series is Cover Up which I am currently reading and recommend you to try out if you have liked his past two novels. Overall, I think this book deserves a try from everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews