The Vanished Man (Lincoln Rhyme 5)

* Burned in fire in Ohio, three years ago. Hasbro and Keller Brothers Circus. Disappeared after. Third-degree burns. Producer was Edward Kadesky.

* Conviction in New Jersey for reckless endangerment.

* Obsessed with fire.

* Manic. Referred to "Revered Audience."

* Performed dangerous tricks.

* Married to Marie Cosgrove, killed in fire.

* He hasn't contacted her family since.

* Weir's parents dead, no next of kin.

* No VICAP or NCIC on Weir.

* Referred to himself as "Wizard of the North."

* Attacked Rhyme because he had to stop him before Sunday afternoon. (Next victim?) * Eye color--brown.

* Psychological profile (per Terry Dobyns, NYPD): Revenge motivates him though he may not realize it. He wants to get even. Angry all the time. By killing he takes away some of the pain because of death of his wife, loss of ability to perform.

* Weir contacted assistants recently: John Keating and Arthur Loesser, in Nevada. Asking about the fire and people involved with it. Described Weir as crazed, overbearing, manic, dangerous, but brilliant.

* Contacting former manager at time of fire, Edward Kadesky.

* Killed victims because of what they represented--possibly happy or traumatic moments before the fire.

* Gasoline-soaked handkerchief, not traceable.

* Ecco shoes, no trace.

Profile as Illusionist

* Perp will use misdirection against victims and in eluding police.

* Physical misdirection (for distraction).

* Psychological (to eliminate suspicion).

* Escape at music school was similar to Vanished Man illusion routine. Too common to trace.

* Perp is primarily an illusionist.

* Talented at sleight of hand.

* Also knows protean (quick change) magic. Will use breakaway clothes, nylon and silk, bald cap, finger cups and other latex appliances. Could be any age, gender or race.

* Also knows protean (quick change) magic. Will use breakaway clothes, nylon and silk, bald cap, finger cups and other latex appliances. Could be any age, gender or race.

* Calvert's death = Selbit's Cutting a Woman in Half Routine.

* Proficient at lock picking (possibly lock "scrubbing").

* Knows escapism techniques.

* Experience with animal illusions.