“Wetzel pens a riveting tale of Schlatter as the ‘New Mexico Messiah’ in this meticulously researched volume. . . . We join Wetzel in an entertaining narrative of tracking down evidence of the likely fate of Schlatter and then are taken through the process of discerning fact from fiction.” — Library Journal

“Completely fascinating, meticulously researched, and well-written narrative nonfiction about a divine(ly crazy) figure from American history.” — Goodreads.com

“The Vanishing Messiah resurrects the enigmatic figure of Francis Schlatter, whose healing ministry once held America spellbound. Who was this charismatic man, and what really became of him?” — David Von Drehle, author, Rise to Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and America’s Most Perilous Year

“As good as it gets when it comes to historical crime: a story of devout faith, deception, body snatching, and the remarkable lengths one man will go to to pursue what he believes is his calling.” — Cedar Rapids Gazette

Read an excerpt from The Vanishing Messiah
Hear an interview with author David Wetzel
Order from University of Iowa Press