The Last Judgment: A Jonathan Argyll Mystery

I've read up to now four of the six "art thrillers" by Iain Pears and this is the deepest and the most meaningful. We have a second-rate picture in an art gallery in Paris, where our friend Jonathan Argyll has gone to buy some drawings to send to a museum in the States. He stops wandering to observe this picture, showing the death of Socrates: although not a masterpiece, the scene enthralles him. The gallery owner approaches him and explaines the picture has been bought by a client living in Rome. Jonathan is due back to Italy, so he offers to take the parcel to its buyer, while the gallery owner sends the drawings to the U.S.A. museum. But no good action goes unpunished: first somebody tries to steal the parcel from Argyll, then the buyer is murdered, while the French police inform Jonathan the picture had been stolen and, as a consequence, its removal from France illegal. Up to now the tone is light. But as the carabinieri and the art police go on inquiring about the murder and the picture, other disquieting connections pop up, leading to the dark past of war times and war crimes. Why is this second-rate picture so important to so many people? What secret is hidden in it? Neither Argyll nor the crime scientists can find an answer. But when Flavia and Jonathan join their efforts... the solution can be found.

I've now read 5 Pears novels. Certainly, his art history series differs greatly from his masterpiece, An Instance of the Fingerpost: A Novel. They are lighter in general, though this one has some heavier topics. It is also easier to figure out whodunnit though the plot is a bit complex. It depicts the pragmatism of the police--ignoring the call of justice though. Realistic, perhaps, but a bit sad nevertheless. However, this one does have some humorous dialog in it--more than the others I've read: p. 17: As he took a step back and put his foot on an old sandwich cunningly hidden under the armchair. p. 105: It is dangerous to form an opinion about someone merely on his choice of wistaria. p. 155: Even had he been her husband's fairy godmother that was no excuse for turning up at such an hour. But, my favorite part is the p. 130 Attack of the winos! What a riot! I'll upgrade to a 4 because of the humor.

The other reviews are right about political intrigue taking too much space in contrast to art history. However, I think the characters are evolved more in this book then any other, and the personal aspect of the three main characters are brought out more then in the first three books. I agree this is not the best book to start with, but it is still a good read and essential if you are going to invest in reading the whole series. Most importantly for me, it is still written with a ton of wit.

The Last Judgement is slightly more political than the other Argyll art history mysteries. As always there is a dash of sense of humor that keeps the enjoyment level high. A light hearted murder mystery, The Last Judgement involves WW II, family secrets, political intrigue and of course art history. While people will probably see the ending coming; the way it's resolved and the aftermath are appealing.

To all lovers of Pears, let me recommend another sensational author you will love: Glenn Kleier. His novel, THE LAST DAY is nothing short of brilliant and I believe you will find it just as astounding as I have. It's become my all time favorite novel and I'd like to share the great enjoyment it gave me.