The Disappearance Boy

Childhood polio has left Reggie Rainbow with a limp, but his strong arms and nimble fingers are perfect behind the scenes of down-at-heel variety theatres—where he helps illusionist Mr Brookes 'disappear' his glamorous assistants. When Mr Brookes accepts a booking at the Brighton Grand, Reggie finds himself in a strange new town. The seaside air works its own magic and the disappearance boy begins to wonder how much longer he can go on keeping secrets for a living…

"Vivid characters, a fascinating subject and an expertly evoked setting. Excellent'"– Daily Mail;

"Bartlett delights in taking that which was once hidden and making it clear for all to see." – Independent;

"This book and its enchanting characters had me under their spell. I was bewitched." – Sheila Hancock;

"Mysterious, tender and utterly compelling." – S.J. Watson

"One of England's finest writers" – Edmund White