Archetypal adventure, second chances

books:


	• Vanishing Act Thomas Perry Random House Value Publishing, 1997 average customer review:based on 35 reviews
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highly recommended

Is every Indian a wilderness expert?

This novel features Jane Whitfield, a Seneca from upper New York sho helps fugitives disappear. She is picky about those she helps and she has quite a few resources at her disposal, including incredible outdoor survival skills and a network of associates to help cover her tracks and provide new identities (Isn't it interesting that EVERY Indian character in this type of book is an expert outdoorsman? Just once, I'd like to see an Indian with all of the outdoor skills of Woody Allen!)

I almost stopped reading this book about 60 pages in - but it got better. There's a pretty good plot twist that pulls its final grade up to '3 stars'.

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The best!

I'm not much of a mystery/suspense fan and most of the genre I've tried leaves me either cold or revolted. Thomas Perry's writing leaves everyone else far behind. Jane Whitefield relies on her intelligence, athleticism and her native wisdom rather than just whipping out a gun. I hope there will be more Jane novels to come. Thank you, Mr Perry!

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Tense, Real and Original

This book was a happy accident for me and I am glad to have discovered Thomas Perry's novels. "Vanishing Act" is an amazing, original story of a half-white, half-Native American woman who acts as sort of a one person "Federal Protection" guide. She helps innocent people in danger disappear. There are several successful clients she meets in the first part of the novel and the dialogue is a true as can be. There is a constant tense feel to the narrative, as not only is this job dangerous, but Jane must prove herself each time, given her race and gender. The ultimate client she helps to disappear turns out to be other than she suspected and she is left to resolve a dangerous and deadly situation. Most impressive in Perry's writing is his attention to detail. Not only are all the Native American rituals and survival techniques explained in detail (and implemented), but his knowledge of the Adirondack Mountains is as accurate as a compass. Jane travels through real existing lakes, ponds, rivers and mountains. It's the kind of book that keeps you up well past midnight just so you can reach the climax and resolution.

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Archetypal adventure, second chances

I thoroughly enjoyed this well-crafted suspense novel and the series it kicks off. The resourceful Jane Whitfield helps people whose lives have been damaged past any possibility of salvaging leave those lives behind and start over with a new identity. Given that this was the motivation that brought many settlers first to the New World, and later to the American West, this is the ultimate American dream. In an increasingly documented world, this is becoming less and less possible. Still, it is fascinating to watch Jane at work.

Exciting from start to finish...

Vanishing Act by Thomas Perry is the first book I've read in the Jane Whitefield series, and was a most pleasant surprise. Instead of dealing with a cop, a PI or a bounty hunter, Jane Whitefield is a half-Indian (from the Seneca Tribe) who serves as a guide to help people "disappear." She uses her native skills to help those who are trying to flee from an abusive spouse or an unsavory past.

In Vanishing Act, an ex-cop turned accountant, John Felker, is being framed by unknown persons and there is a contract out on his life. He seeks out Jane, whom he has heard about by word of mouth. But the men pursuing Felker are right on his tail, and Jane must work hard to give them the slip. But just as Jane thinks everything is finally under control, two bombshells are dropped on her, and things are not as they seem.

One thing that I really enjoyed about this book is the background on Native Americans that Vanishing Act provides. Jane is from upstate NY, and there is much about the tribes from that area-especially before and during the Revolution. Even when she travels to California, we are given information about the California Indian tribes. In this respect, Perry is a lot like Tony Hillerman and his series of Jim Chee/Joe Leaphorn mysteries.

But while there is much to like about Vanishing Act, I thought the plot at times completely implausible. It's hard to believe that when Jane finally identifies the murderer, she would chase him up into the Adirondack Mountains without notifying anyone of where she was going, calling the police, and even leaving a message with someone as to the identify of the killer. It was just a bit beyond belief.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed Vanishing Act, and am planning to read Shadow Woman next.

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reviews: 1, page 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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