Laurel Imperiole, an editor for Women Now magazine, is vacationing in Italy with Detective Aaron Gerard, of the NYPD Identity Theft Squad. They've left work behind and are concentrating on getting to know one another better. In an art gallery, Laurel bumps into a well-dressed man but she thinks nothing of it until she and Aaron have left. She knows that man, Jeff Sargasso, but he allegedly died in on 9/11 at the World Trade Center.
Laurel is filled with rage that he would walk away from his family and make a new life. She remembers that he had an appointment that morning with a billionaire Japanese art dealer and that fifteen million dollars disappeared - all over a painting. At first, Aaron disbelieves Laurel, thinking she thought she saw Jeff, but it was someone else. But the more she talks, the more he begins to believe her.
He goes back to New York and she stays in Florence. They call Helen McCordenale, a friend and private investigator, to help them uncover what really occurred. Laurel tries to find Jeff in the art world in Florence, but she hasn't many clues. One clue, though, really stands out and may aid her - a stick pin Jeff was wearing. But when a woman ends up murdered, Laurel realizes that she must tread carefully, especially if he goes back to New York to see his wife, Monica.
Aaron and Helen gradually begin to unravel the intricacies of the investigation and realize that Jeff, going under a presumed name, is on a flight to New York. Also, billionaire Miayamu Moto is coming to New York too. Coincidence? Probably not, so they begin to stake out the area, but when Laurel returns to the states, she acts before she thinks and is soon in a struggle for her life.
Telling Lies has many subplots that support the main story that I can easily see in more installments. I really didn't care for the character of Laurel, I found her shallow and pigheaded. I came to love Helen though, she is a remarkable character with guts and heart. The conspiracy, the murders, the authenticity of Italy and it's language, as well as the cunning plot turn Telling Lies into a well-done, though-provoking novel of not only entertainment, but what could have really happened. I read it cover-to-cover! I couldn't put it down - pure excellence!
Laurel is filled with rage that he would walk away from his family and make a new life. She remembers that he had an appointment that morning with a billionaire Japanese art dealer and that fifteen million dollars disappeared - all over a painting. At first, Aaron disbelieves Laurel, thinking she thought she saw Jeff, but it was someone else. But the more she talks, the more he begins to believe her.
He goes back to New York and she stays in Florence. They call Helen McCordenale, a friend and private investigator, to help them uncover what really occurred. Laurel tries to find Jeff in the art world in Florence, but she hasn't many clues. One clue, though, really stands out and may aid her - a stick pin Jeff was wearing. But when a woman ends up murdered, Laurel realizes that she must tread carefully, especially if he goes back to New York to see his wife, Monica.
Aaron and Helen gradually begin to unravel the intricacies of the investigation and realize that Jeff, going under a presumed name, is on a flight to New York. Also, billionaire Miayamu Moto is coming to New York too. Coincidence? Probably not, so they begin to stake out the area, but when Laurel returns to the states, she acts before she thinks and is soon in a struggle for her life.
Telling Lies has many subplots that support the main story that I can easily see in more installments. I really didn't care for the character of Laurel, I found her shallow and pigheaded. I came to love Helen though, she is a remarkable character with guts and heart. The conspiracy, the murders, the authenticity of Italy and it's language, as well as the cunning plot turn Telling Lies into a well-done, though-provoking novel of not only entertainment, but what could have really happened. I read it cover-to-cover! I couldn't put it down - pure excellence!
Are you a fan of mystery, art dealing with a 9/11 twist? I was intrigued, so I signed up for this one. The story centers aorund a magazine editor who gets tangled up in the middle of an art dealing that involves a man who was presumed to perish when the Towers fell in New York City. Getting from a magazine editor to the end was a ride worth taking.
The intermingling story lines were easy to navigate. Part of the mystery was trying to find out what piece of art was being coveted and why each party wanted it in their possession. Not only were there many parties who wanted the piece of art, there were three different detectives trying to find the answer, a jumble of characters that each had a distinct personality and plotline.
A great mystery to grab while we are in the midst of honoring the anniversary of 9/11. Through the rest of the year, this art dealing heist is thrilling from beginning to end.
The intermingling story lines were easy to navigate. Part of the mystery was trying to find out what piece of art was being coveted and why each party wanted it in their possession. Not only were there many parties who wanted the piece of art, there were three different detectives trying to find the answer, a jumble of characters that each had a distinct personality and plotline.
A great mystery to grab while we are in the midst of honoring the anniversary of 9/11. Through the rest of the year, this art dealing heist is thrilling from beginning to end.
This was supposed to be a fast paced tale of art, espionage and murder.....was just a mystery --- moved slow and made me fall asleep! I was disapointed in the book!
