Helpful Score: 3
An interesting, fascinating novel told in a diary format - kept me in suspense.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a quick read but one with lots of intrigue and good art history. Enjoyed the combination very much!
Helpful Score: 3
A quirky and strangely fascinating story of Patricia Dolan who is a willing participate in the theft of a exceedingly valuable Vermeer painting. Patricia has no prior involvement with any felonious act, but she is in deep now. How the tale spins out while the reader is introduced to an authentic Irish village and its curious residents makes for an intriquing read.
I really enjoyed this story.
In fact, I read it twice !
In fact, I read it twice !
This story is about the theft of a mythical Vermeer work of art, painted on a small wooden block. Part of The British Royal Collection, it supposedly belongs to the queen. Patricia Dolan works in the Frick Gallery reference section. Her passion is Dutch painters and she is particularly fond of Vermeer's The Music Lesson. Her life centers on her work after the death of her daughter which shattered her marriage. Sad and still grieving, she is an easy mark for a visiting cousin, Michael O'Driscoll, who had traveled from Ireland to seek out his cousin.
Patricia falls for the handsome cousin who seduces her and corrals her into an art theft. Little does she know that she has been carefully researched and targeted to be a participant in the operation. Blinded by emotion Patricia takes a leave of absence and travels to Ireland. There she receives the stolen painting that she loves. However, when a local friend sees the painting by accident and is killed because of this she realizes the danger in which she and the painting are enmeshed. As the group negotiates with the Brits, the operation falls apart. However, Michael is not perturbed because loss of the painting will embarass the Brits. As this short read spirals to a climax Patricia has the last word. To discover more search out this reading gem for yourself.
Patricia falls for the handsome cousin who seduces her and corrals her into an art theft. Little does she know that she has been carefully researched and targeted to be a participant in the operation. Blinded by emotion Patricia takes a leave of absence and travels to Ireland. There she receives the stolen painting that she loves. However, when a local friend sees the painting by accident and is killed because of this she realizes the danger in which she and the painting are enmeshed. As the group negotiates with the Brits, the operation falls apart. However, Michael is not perturbed because loss of the painting will embarass the Brits. As this short read spirals to a climax Patricia has the last word. To discover more search out this reading gem for yourself.