The Immaculate Deception

This was an OK read but very predictable.

This was a really enjoyable book. I've been trying to figure out why ever since I read it... usually I can pinpoint what it is fairly easily but in this case it isn't "just" the plot, or the characters, or the setting, or the writing... it really is the way they all worked together so harmoniously that you are completely drawn in... in to the place, with the people, doing what they are doing, seeing and hearing them in that setting... I think it's because it's really interesting and it's not as formulaic from a writing standpoint... it isn't exactly train of thought but that's the closest style description I can come up with... it has two protagonists working on the same problem separately and coming up with most of the picture (no pun intended) before "solving" the case so to speak. I was never sure whether the outcome was consistent, or even what the outcome was but I enjoyed the journey. Each time I thought I knew what was going on, it turned out there was another puzzle to solve. I really haven't enjoyed a book or a new author this much in a very long time. I can highly recommend both the book and the author. I have to say the only disappointing part of the book was the realization that there aren't more by this author available for Kindle!

Prime Minister Antonio Sabauda guaranteed the safety of the Claude Lorraine masterpiece, on loan from the Louvre. Alas museum security and art thieves obviously misunderstood the PM as the painting is stolen. Desperate to recover the stolen painting, but without the media and consequently the public knowing, Sabauda assign acting chief of the Rome Police Department's art theft squad with recovering the lost art. The government cannot pay the ransom demands as that would break Italian law that is very clear that kidnappers are not to receive ransom money. Like magic an anonymous package containing the exact amount of Euros arrives. A bit surprised by the appearance of the cash, Flavia is further shocked to learn that the thief Maurizio Sabbatini drowned in a tub of plaster with the time of death occurring before he made the ransom demand. While Flavia struggles with her case wondering if the PM is pulling a stunt or perhaps her retired mentor General Taddeo Bottando, her spouse Jonathan Argyll looks into the stealing of the Immaculate Conception painting four decades ago. Neither realized the link between the thefts, but they better soon as more corpses follow the death of Sabbatini. IMMACULATE DECEPTION provides intriguing varying perspectives of the Italian art world especially from the husband-wife team, the PM, the museum that lost the painting, and the thief, etc. The who-done-it is somewhat convoluted and difficult to follow as the connections between the art thefts seem more like a nebulous version of the DNA helix. Still it is fun to follow Flavia and Jack struggle to solve art mysteries four decades apart and a murder too while their right and wrong morality is challenged as never before. Harriet Klausner

What an absolute joy to have another book by Iain Pears! All the old characters are here: Flavia di Stefano, now acting head of the art crimes squad; Jonathan Argyll, now her husband; Taddeo Bottando, about to retire; Mary Verney, the old nemesis as art thief; and so on. Intricate plotting, as usual, with sharply limned characters. And the usual zigzag of events and suspects. A bit confusing towards the end, but easily forgiven.

The latest installment from Iain Pears, and not a disappointment. The heroine, Flavia Di Stefano and her former roommate/current husband Jonathan Argyll once again dive into an art history mystery set in beautifully described Italy. This time a "mystery painting" and a cleverly planned daylight robbery move the novel along.This story artfully intertwines the lives of Mary Verney, (everyones favorite art thief) with that of Taddeo Bottando-Flavia's boss, and the handy work of the two "detectives". Taddeo actually takes center stage in this novel for a while, which is a refreshing change of pace. We learn about how he became a part of Italy's Art Theft Squad, and how he plans to leave it.The book also holds two major surprises, both dealing with issues close to Flavia. Iain's latest may be his greatest, and certainly leaves us hanging on for the next novel in this series of Art History Mysteries.

like all previous mysteries in the series starring jonathan argyll and flavia, this book is wonderful. it is amusing, educated, intelligent, informative about art, and even well plotted. the characters are the most fun kind of flaky but intelligent people. i am always sorry to finish one of these books.