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Vanishing Act
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"Vanishing Act" Summary

A woman disappears and her identity is meticulously erased, leaving behind a trail of mystery and danger.

Estimated read time: 5 min read

One Sentence Summary

A woman disappears and her identity is meticulously erased, leaving behind a trail of mystery and danger.

Introduction

In "Vanishing Act" by Thomas Perry, readers are taken on a thrilling journey into the world of Jane Whitefield, a Native American woman with a unique and dangerous profession. Filled with suspense, action, and an intricate plot, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Perry's masterful storytelling and attention to detail make "Vanishing Act" a must-read for fans of crime fiction and thrillers.

Brief Synopsis

"Vanishing Act" is set in contemporary America, primarily in various locations across the country. The story follows Jane Whitefield, a Seneca woman who possesses a remarkable skill set - she helps people disappear. Jane uses her knowledge of Native American customs and skills to guide individuals who are in danger or seeking to escape dangerous situations.

The plot kicks into high gear when Jane is approached by a desperate man named John Felker. Felker is on the run from a powerful and dangerous criminal organization, and he needs Jane's expertise to vanish without a trace. As Jane helps Felker navigate the treacherous world of disappearing, she becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Main Characters

CharacterDescription
Jane WhitefieldA Native American woman with exceptional skills in helping people disappear
John FelkerA man on the run from a dangerous criminal organization
Carey McKinnonA detective determined to bring Felker to justice
Raymond TakawaA powerful criminal mastermind

Summary of Story Points

Chapters 1-5

  • Jane Whitefield is introduced as a skilled guide for those seeking to disappear
  • John Felker, a desperate man, seeks Jane's help to vanish from his pursuers
  • Jane agrees to help Felker and they begin planning his disappearance

Chapters 6-10

  • Jane and Felker travel to a remote cabin in the mountains to lay low
  • They uncover a conspiracy involving a crooked politician and Felker's former employer
  • Detective Carey McKinnon starts closing in on Felker's whereabouts

Chapters 11-15

  • Jane and Felker are forced to make a daring escape from the cabin as their enemies close in
  • They go on the run, constantly shifting their location to stay ahead of their pursuers
  • Jane uses her knowledge of the wilderness and Native American customs to elude capture

Chapters 16-20

  • Jane and Felker uncover evidence of corruption and betrayal within Felker's former employer's organization
  • They devise a plan to expose the truth and bring down the criminal network
  • Detective McKinnon becomes conflicted as he starts to doubt Felker's guilt

Chapters 21-25

  • Jane and Felker execute their plan to expose the criminal organization
  • A thrilling showdown takes place, leading to the capture of the mastermind behind it all
  • Jane and Felker finally find safety and a chance at a new life together

Main Events

  1. John Felker seeks Jane's help to disappear from his pursuers.
  2. Jane and Felker go into hiding in a remote cabin in the mountains.
  3. Detective McKinnon starts closing in on Felker's whereabouts.
  4. Jane and Felker make a daring escape from the cabin as their enemies close in.
  5. Jane and Felker uncover evidence of corruption within Felker's former employer's organization.
  6. They devise a plan to expose the criminal network and bring down the mastermind.
  7. A thrilling showdown takes place, leading to the capture of the criminal mastermind.
  8. Jane and Felker find safety and a chance at a new life together.

Themes and Insights

"Vanishing Act" explores themes of identity, survival, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. The book delves into the complexities of disappearing, both physically and emotionally, and highlights the importance of trust and loyalty in dangerous situations. Perry's portrayal of Jane Whitefield, a strong and resourceful female protagonist, challenges traditional gender roles and showcases the power of resilience and intelligence.

The book also sheds light on the plight of Native Americans and their struggle to preserve their culture and traditions in a modern world. Perry incorporates Native American customs and beliefs into the story, providing readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation for a marginalized community.

Reader's Takeaway

"Vanishing Act" is a gripping and fast-paced thriller that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Perry's meticulous attention to detail and well-developed characters make for an immersive reading experience. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the power of trust, leaving readers with a sense of admiration for the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Conclusion

"Vanishing Act" by Thomas Perry is a thrilling and thought-provoking crime fiction novel that captivates readers with its compelling storyline and well-drawn characters. With its blend of suspense, action, and intricate plot twists, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. Perry's exploration of identity, survival, and trust adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making "Vanishing Act" a truly memorable read.

Vanishing Act FAQ

  1. What is the genre of 'Vanishing Act'?

    'Vanishing Act' is a crime thriller novel.

  2. Who is the author of 'Vanishing Act'?

    The author of 'Vanishing Act' is Thomas Perry.

  3. What is the main plot of the book?

    The main plot of 'Vanishing Act' revolves around Jane Whitefield, a woman who helps people disappear and escape from dangerous situations.

  4. Is 'Vanishing Act' part of a series?

    Yes, 'Vanishing Act' is the first book in the Jane Whitefield series.

  5. What are the other books in the Jane Whitefield series?

    The other books in the Jane Whitefield series are 'Dance for the Dead', 'Shadow Woman', 'The Face-Changers', 'Blood Money', 'Runner', and 'Poison Flower'.

  6. Is 'Vanishing Act' a standalone novel or should it be read in order?

    'Vanishing Act' can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, but reading the rest of the series will provide a deeper understanding of the characters and their development.

  7. What is the writing style of Thomas Perry in 'Vanishing Act'?

    Thomas Perry's writing style in 'Vanishing Act' is fast-paced, suspenseful, and filled with intricate details.

  8. Are there any notable awards or accolades received by 'Vanishing Act'?

    Yes, 'Vanishing Act' won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1986.

  9. Is 'Vanishing Act' suitable for readers who enjoy crime and mystery novels?

    Yes, 'Vanishing Act' is highly recommended for readers who enjoy crime, mystery, and suspenseful novels.

  10. Can you provide a brief overview of the critical reception of 'Vanishing Act'?

    'Vanishing Act' received positive reviews from critics, who praised its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and suspenseful plot twists.