Harold Botkin started his career as a professional magician. At some point, he focused less on his craft to devote time to exposing crooks and frauds that claim psychic ability and miraculous healing powers.
This evening, The Great Botkin is in the audience to hear Jesse St. Germain, inspirational speaker and world-renowned psychic. The place is filled to capacity with the faithful believers of Jesse's message.
What the loyal followers don't know is that Botkin is about to reveal that Jesse St. Germain is really just a giant hoax. His act, his methods, and his beliefs are all fabrications funded by devoted fans.
However, it is The Great Botkin who is surprised. Jesse St. Germain doesn't show up for his scheduled performance. It appears the young con man has vanished without a trace.
Concerned and curious, Botkin searches for St. Germain. Years ago, Jesse was a protégé of the elder magician. Because of this acquaintance, Botkin believes Jesse's disappearance was intentional.
Many interstate trips reveal the truth. The Great Botkin, who has exposed many a con man, has himself finally been conned.
Vasnishing Act follows Harry Botkin as he searches for Jesse St. Germain. Botkin knows he's really Jesse Hoover. The old magician wants to find the fake and expose him, debunking all the myths and untruths in which the public believes.
However, Jesse has a plan as well, and it just may put The Great Botkin in danger. Can Harold Botkin expose the truth without falling into the wrong hands? The answers are played out in Jack Douglas's novel of magic and suspense.
The characters in Vanishing Act are interesting. Readers really only get to know Botkin intimately. All others, including St. Germain, are scenery. Players with speaking parts are given fictitious names, but some are based on real magicians. Brite and Fuller, the Penn and Teller knock-offs, are a real hoot.
Douglas succeeds in introducing the public into the world of magic. It is interesting to see how magicians view their craft with their peers and their audience. The author reveals the answers to a few illusions, too, which makes for fascinating reading.
The plot, as unique as it is, does tend to move slowly. This could be due to the vast amount of magic-related information Douglas offers. However, several scenes could have been cut out, trimming the hefty length and maintaining an exciting pace.
Another reason for the plot slow-down could be the complex story line. There is a lot of information for the reader to digest. Two men con the world, one finds out the other is conning him and vows to return the favor. Then the other characters get in on the act and everyone is conning everyone. If you're not careful you'll get lost in the snow job.
As mentioned before, Vanishing Act is a lengthy novel. There's lots and lots of suspense before the climax. It's possible that the ending may not be satisfying to some who have invested a lot of energy into the story. Personally, I thought the conclusion was adequate. Not amazing, not horrid, just comfortably complete.
What works for this story is the subject matter. Magic, psychic phenomena, suspense, illusion, greed, fraud and revenge are all ingredients in this amusing tale.
I generally classify books into light, medium and heavy reading. Because of the complex story line, Vanishing Act is definitely heavy reading. Not ideal for the beach, but best suited for a cozy moment of isolation without distraction.
If a story of magic and suspense appeals to you, by all means pick of a copy of this Douglas novel and find the truth behind the Vanishing Act.
