Vanish in an Instant

In the whole of crime fiction's distinguished sisterhood, there is no one quite like Margaret Millar * Guardian *
One of the most original and vital voices in all of American crime fiction * Laura Lippman, author of 'Sunburn' *
Stunningly original * Val McDermid *
Clever plot, sad characters and a powerful atmosphere * The Times *
A brilliant psychodrama that has a triple-whammy ending... exhilarating * Evening Standard *
Crime writing of a rare order -- Barry Forshaw * Guardian *
It doesn't get more noir than this * Daily Mail *
Revived American classic from 1952 conjures up images from Edward Hopper paintings with characters that keep secrets from each other... The terse prose pushes the story along to a shock reveal * Sunday Times Crime Club *
This subtle, psychological crime thriller crackles with tension and keeps you guessing until the end... A hypnotic novel... Ideal fireside reading * The Lady *
When you read Vanish in an Instant you wonder why it's been out of print and forgotten for so long, Millar is a fine writer and this novel is a well-honed thriller that will appeal to any serious noir fan... damned good * Nudge Noir *
No woman in twentieth-century American mystery writing is more important than Margaret Millar * Dorothy B Hughes, author of 'In a Lonely Place' *
Mrs Millar doesn't attract fans, she creates addicts -- Dilys Winn
She writes minor classics * Washington Post *
Very original * Agatha Christie *
Margaret Millar can build up the sensation of fear so strongly that at the end it literally hits you like a battering ram * BBC *
She has few peers, and no superior in the art of bamboozlement * Julian Symons, author of 'The Colour of Murder' *
Millar was the master of the surprise ending * Independent on Sunday *
One of the greatest this country has ever produced * Globe and Mail *
Margaret Millar is surely one of late twentieth-century crime fiction's best writers, in the sense that the actual writing is her books, the prose, is of superb quality. On almost every page of this one there is some description, whether of a physical thing or a mental state, that sends a sharp ray of extra meaning into the reader's mind. * H.R.F. Keating *
Margaret Millar was one of the pioneers of domestic suspense, a standout chronicler of inner psychology and the human mind. Vanish In an Instant is a perfect gateway to her fiction, after which you'll devour so many more of her classic novels. * Sarah Weinman, author of 'The Real Lolita' and editor of 'Women Crime Writers: Eight Suspense Novels of the 1940s & 50s' *
Margaret Millar is ripe for rediscovery. Compelling characters, evocative settings, subtle and ingenious plots - what more could a crime fan wish for? * Martin Edwards, author of 'The Lake District Mysteries' *
The real queen of suspense... Millar's psychologically complex, disturbingly dark thrillers always manage to surprise the reader, and offer a fascinating window into fifties America. She can't write a dull sentence, and her endings always deliver a shock. * Christopher Fowler, author of the Bryant & May Mysteries *
The setting is perfect for the Christmas season, so it is the ideal excuse to purchase for those blistering cold nights! If you are a fan of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction authors, notably Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham, Ngaio Marsh and Josephine Tey, you would love this * Vincent's Bookcase (blog) *
Millar is a really skilful writer. Her portrayal of the 'imperfection' of human nature was brilliant... It was a pleasure to read the book... I highly recommend it * Umut Reviews (blog) *
Wickedly smart 1950s crime novel... great characters, genius plot and a thoroughly good read * Thriller Books Journal *
Finely tuned and guaranteed to have you on edge * Crime Fiction Lover *
A slow burn mystery that felt like watching a black and white movie, the dialogue, the background, the characters, all quirky and quietly observant. A twisty path to a Poirot-worthy conclusion, Margaret Millar, like Christie, is masterful at misdirection * Liz Loves Books (blog) *
A superbly plotted tale of murder and deception * Raven Crime Reads (blog) *
Millar is a brilliant plotter, hooking red herrings left, right and centre, but proves just as sharp at character, grim humour and smart description * South China Morning Post *
Millar's novel layers suspense, mystery and psychology * Lizzy's Literary Life (blog) *
This is an extraordinarily stylish and skilful novel... Let's hope more of Millar's novels will be reprinted * Shiny New Books *
A hell of a nice little mystery... Pushkin Press have saved it from disappearing for good via this gorgeous reprint... The cover is delicious and benefits the handsomely stylish contents within. Highly recommended * Hits the Fan (blog) *
Like Chandler, Millar never wasted a single word or sentence and her tight psychological plots are a joy to read time and time again. This is definitely one to read over the festive season * Crimesquad *
Superb writing, superb plotting... bloody marvellous * Col's Criminal Library *
She was a master of character, a genius of plot twists, and a superb stylist * LA Review of Books *
Every bit as good as everyone has been saying * Desperate Reader (blog) *