The Man Who Cheated Death

Vincent Hardare #2

by James Swain

From the bestselling novelist the New York Times calls a writer of “Ingenious Entertainments” comes a dazzling thriller pitting the world’s greatest magician against a deadly killer who calls himself Death.Can someone really predict the future? Magician Vincent Hardare does just that during a TV appearance. It’s all a trick, only the killer whose next murder he’s predicted doesn’t know that. Hardare soon becomes the killer’s target, and must pull every trick out of his bag to save himself, and his family from becoming the killer's next victims.Filled with amazing magic and hair-raising scenes, author James Swain draws on his expertise as one of the world’s greatest magicians to deliver up a novel filled with hair-raising surprises. ABOUT THE AUTHORJames Swain is the author of fourteen national bestselling mystery novels. His novels have been translated into Russian, French, Japanese, and German, and have been chosen as mysteries of the year by Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. Swain has received three Barry Award nominations, a Florida book award for Fiction, and the prestigious Prix Calibre .38 for Best American Crime Fiction.Swain is considered one of the world’s foremost magicians, and has performed and lectured on the subject throughout the world. Visit his website at www.jimswain.comPRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF JAMES SWAIN“These books are non-stop nail biters.” – Lee Child“Swain is one terrific writer.”–The Wall Street Journal“Swain uses language with such blunt force he could be hammering in nails.”–The New York Times Book Review“The only problem with Swain’s riveting thrillers is they end.”–Tess Gerritsen, “Swain is nothing short of marvelous.”–Bookreporter.com“One of today’s best suspense writers.”–Houston Press“Ingenious entertainment.”–The New York Times Book Review“Swain’s mysteries are a sure bet.”–The Chicago Tribune

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2010

About the author

James Swain is the national best selling author of seventeen mystery novels, and has been published in twelve different languages. His books have been chosen as Mysteries of the Year by Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, and have received three Barry Award nominations, a Florida Book Award for Fiction, and France’s prestigious Prix Calibre .38 for Best American Crime Fiction. Born in Huntington, New York, he graduated from New York University and worked as a magazine editor before moving to Florida to run a successful advertising firm. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys researching casino scams and cons, a subject on which he’s considered an expert.

Reviews

[J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

But my Dad really loved it!

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost all novels featuring magician characters are murder mysteries. That's the case here, though the magician isn't ever a suspect in this unlikely story. Two odd bits... it's the second book I've read this week where the authors make the mistake of calling a venomous snake a poisonous snake. The other piece is that this is the second magician centered murder mystery where the magician does an escape while bound to a roller coaster track. Guess these authors like Lance Burton's odd feat from a few years ago.
This is far from Swain's best work. He is a well respected close up magician and gambling expert, but none of that is reflected in this story. His Tony Valentine series is much more fun and engaging.

[Micky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit stupid when the killer escaped like three times otherwise a decent read.not swains best

Bit stupid when the killer escaped like three times otherwise a decent read.not swains best.the other books are better.yup yup

[Jerry Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nail biter!

Every chapter is a new adventure! Each one a new experience in suspense. James Swain has done it again. Magic and murder!

[Oscar · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Swain's books area always a pleasure to read, and this is no exception. However, there are a few issues with this book that keep it from greatness. First of all, this is an old story. According to Swain, he had this written back in the 90's as a sequel to his debut, "The Man Who Walked Through Walls." After finding a copy of the text he thought was lost, Swain "updated" it and released it as an ebook. I'm glad we get to read this story, but the updating could have been a little more thorough. It's hard to deduce when exactly the book takes place. For example, characters use cellphones frequently, but at one point they pop a cassette tape into the detectives car radio. I think I would have preferred having no updates and leaving the story set in the early 90's.

There are other small annoyances as well - a higher than expected number of typos and a few inconsistencies (the phone number for the radio show changed, for example). All in all, the book just doesn't seem all that polished. Then again, for less then $3, you get what you pay for.

As for the story and writing, I have no complaints. The story kept me interested and is passed well, even though it is very straight forward. If you are looking for Deaver-like twists, read the Vanished Man instead. The good characters are likable and the villains suitably despicable. The action sequences will keep you reading. Overall, good fun, even if it is clear this is novel written in the early part of a great writers career.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a wonderful protagonist family named Hardare, all with some degree of magician training, and one of whom has professional bodyguard experience. The latter ability was put to inadequate use in the book, but I am hoping to see the pro do better in subsequent writings about her.

The story was full of twists and turns, most of them believable standing alone, but adding up to a slightly muddled and thinly credible plot. Still, it is a fun read.

The cop has about the stupidest fictional name I ever came across. If you read this book, try to enjoy it, or it could seriously harm your read.

[Douglas Castagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another magic laced mystery from the man who brought us Tony Valentine, and Jack Carpenter. The plot evolves around a serial killer and a famous magician Vincent Hadare. Will the killer be found by hard working police working the clues, or will the end come via the form of magic...A magical read.