The Art of Vanishing

by Cynthia Kuhn

Cynthia Kuhn has done it again! The second book in the Lila McClean Academic Mystery Series is as good as the first.  This cozy mystery emphasizes the pressure placed on assistant professors to publish, receive high administrative approval, and achieve tenure. The main focus of The Art of Vanishing, however, is the mystery itself which evolves into multiple mysteries.  Thematic elements are great. Characters in a cozy should be interesting and developed. An appealing setting is always a plus. A little romance gives extra spice to the story. I will give The Art of Vanishing an “A” in all those categories, but Cynthia Kuhn receives an “A+” for the mystery at the heart of the book. Just when it seems that there will be resolution, the waters are muddied and everything has to be viewed in a new light. At the conclusion, all loose ends are tied up satisfactorily. The reader is not left hanging, but would certainly look forward to another book in the series.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Henery Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: Part of a series, but works as a standalone

Publication:   February 28, 2017–Henery Press

Memorable Lines: 

“The tenure thing is simple: be professional and do what’s expected of you.” “Sure, if you don’t count the personality conflicts,” I said. “And all of the political subcurrents,” he replied. “Or the jealousies.” “Or the secret alliances.” “Or any number of factors we know nothing about.” “Yeah,” he said, “not counting those.” We looked at each other for a moment and burst out laughing.

The implication of my impending failure filled the room, making it harder to breathe.

My mother had always done outrageous things; that was part of her modus operandi as an artist.  If there was a rule, my mother was going to break it. A line, she’d step over it. It had been very difficult to rebel when I was a teenager because she herself was all about rebellion.