Disappearing Nightly
Grade : B

It's not often I'm willing to shell out more than ten bucks for a book I've heard nothing about, but the cover copy of Laura Resnick's Disappearing Nightly sounded so good I went ahead and ordered it. Luckily, it didn't disappoint and I got my money's worth.

Actress Esther Diamond is the understudy for the female lead in Sorcerer!, an off-Broadway musical built around magician Joe Herlihy. So far all she's gotten to play is a half-dressed, oversexed wood nymph in the chorus while she waits for the night Golly Gee, the pop star playing the lead, won't be able to go on. Esther gets her chance sooner than anticipated though when Golly Gee disappears one night during the show's final scene. That's not completely unexpected. The scene's high point is when Joe puts her into a crystal cage and makes her disappear on stage. Except that Golly Gee really does disappear, and suddenly Esther isn't sure it's such a good idea for her to take over the role, especially if it means getting into the crystal cage.

It doesn't help when she starts to receive anonymous letters warning her that Evil is present and she shouldn't get in the box if she values her life. She soon meets the sender, a little old man who claims to be centuries old and fighting Evil. His story would be unbelievable if other magician's assistants weren't disappearing all over New York during vanishing acts, from an amateur performance at a child's birthday party to a magic routine in a drag show. Needless to say, something strange is happening, and Evil may very well be involved. It's up to Esther, along with a growing cast of eccentric personalities, to get to the bottom of it, while she tries to keep sexy Detective Connor Lopez from catching on to what they're up to.

This is a fresh and creative storyline that I found intriguing right from the start. What really makes it enjoyable is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. The story is narrated in first-person by Esther, who has a wry tone and gets off plenty of good lines. It's rare that I laugh out loud reading a book. I might smile, I might chuckle, but it's harder to get a genuine laugh out of me. So it's no small thing when I say this book make me laugh out loud several times. The narrative is zippy and dialogue-driven with a certain loopy energy. It's wacky without crossing over into silly, always a tricky line to tread, and one which Resnick pulls it off handily. The quirky cast of characters is deftly portrayed. There are quite a few people to keep track of, yet the author gives them distinctive personalities and makes them vivid creations in just a few strokes.

This isn't a romance novel, but Esther and Lopez do share a flirtatious relationship that's fun and looks most promising for future books. The mystery at the center of the story is nicely done and kept me guessing for much of it, even if some of the long-winded conversations and explanations about magic occasionally slow the pace. The climax manages to be both funny and suspenseful, injecting humor into the situation without losing how serious the stakes are. It's masterfully done. I also heartily appreciated that, while this is the first in a new series (coming in December 2006: Doppelgangster), it tells a completely self-contained story that didn't make me feel like I'd have to read another book to get complete satisfaction out of this one. The ending brings this adventure to a complete close that would be wholly satisfying even if there weren't any books to follow, while leaving the main characters ready for whatever comes next. I can't wait to find out.

It seems like most Fantasy/Paranormal stories are either deadly serious or overly campy. Disappearing Nightly finds a happy middle ground. Part mystery, part comedy, part madcap paranormal romp, it's a great ride and one of the funniest books I've read in a long time.

Reviewed by Leigh Thomas
Grade : B
Book Type:

Sensuality: N/A

Review Date : November 30, 2005

Publication Date: 2005/12

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