The Lost Van Gogh
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15
Ratings1
Average rating4
THE NATIONAL BESTSELLER! "Ingeniously plotted, irresistibly readable, brimming with inside information about the high-stakes art world of theft, forgery, and murder...Also included are brilliantly rendered drawings by the author, who is as accomplished an artist as he is a writer of suspense thrillers." —Joyce Carol Oates From the author of the much-praised The Last Mona Lisa comes another thrilling story of masterpieces, masterminds, and mystery. For years, there have been whispers that, before his death, Van Gogh completed a final self-portrait. Curators and art historians have savored this rumor, hoping it could illuminate some of the troubled artist's many secrets, but even they have to concede that the missing painting is likely lost forever. But when Luke Perrone, artist and great-grandson of the man who stole the Mona Lisa, and Alexis Verde, daughter of a notorious art thief, discover what may be the missing portrait, they are drawn into a most epic art puzzles. When only days later the painting disappears again, they are reunited with INTERPOL agent John Washington Smith in a dangerous and deadly search that will not only expose secrets of the artist's last days but draws them into one of history's darkest eras. Beneath the paint and canvas, beneath the beauty and the legend, the artwork has become linked with something evil, something that continues to flourish on the dark web and on the shadiest corridors of the underground art world. Alternating between Luke Perrone's perilous hunt for the painting, and a history of stolen art and stolen lives, The Lost Van Gogh is an intricately layered historical thriller perfect for fans of The Last Mona Lisa and The Night Portrait.
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I just finished The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer and here is my review.
Alexis is a huge art lover and likes to buy portraits. When she brings the portrait home, she doesn't know someone else is looking for it. When her partner Luke realizes that the painting has another painting underneath, their minds are blown when they realize it's a Van Gogh. It's not a painting ever seen before and looks like it's the last self portrait he ever did.
They need to have it authenticated but on the way Alexis is attacked and the painting stolen. They can't let it go which leads to Luke reaching out to Smith, an ex- interpol agent turned PI. The chase gets more heated the second they leave US soil. Finding the painting is more dangerous than any of them realized.
I loved this book. I am a huge art person and reading about the underground art world.... Fascinating!! There was a heck of a lot going on. We jump back to the past pretty infrequently giving us the backstory of how the painting ended up being covered and how it made it out of nazi germany and to the USA. It also gives us a little glimpse into Van Gogh's last moments.
What didn't I like? Well, sometimes it was a little hard to see who's POV it was because it didn't say at the start of the chapter. That's a huge pet peeve. I shouldn't have to guess. You want multiple POV fine but refrain from using I for one person then the name when it's their POV. I got confused a few times. Not cool.
That's my only gripe. The action was great, the pace was excellent. I loved the characters. Smith was my favorite. I can't help it, he was brilliant. I loved that Alex's dad is an art thief and he was right in the thick of it. It was all very exciting and I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. I don't usually mention covers of books but this cover is perfect.
There were so many excellent details in the book and it was very well researched.
4.5 stars (just the POV lost that half star)
Thank you @sourcebooks and @netgalley for my gifted copies (ebook and paperback)
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Book Review: The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer
Summary:
The story revolves around Luke Perrone, an artist and the great-grandson of the infamous Mona Lisa thief, and Alexis Verde, the daughter of a notorious art thief. Together, they stumble upon a long-standing rumor suggesting that Van Gogh completed a final self-portrait before his death. This discovery sets them on a quest to find the missing painting, drawing them into an epic art puzzle.
As they delve deeper into their search, the painting mysteriously disappears, forcing them to join forces with INTERPOL agent John Washington Smith. Their collective efforts lead them to uncover not only the secrets of Van Gogh's last days but also the dark underbelly of the art world. Unbeknownst to them, the artwork they seek is linked to something sinister that thrives in the shadows of the dark web and the underground art scene.
Review:
“The Lost Van Gogh” is a riveting novel that effortlessly combines art history with an engaging mystery. Santlofer's writing style is impeccable, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story from start to finish. The fast-paced narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning each page in anticipation of what lies ahead.
One of the book's strengths lies in its meticulous attention to detail. Santlofer seamlessly weaves historical facts into the storyline, adding depth and authenticity to the plot. The fusion of art and history creates a rich tapestry against which the characters' journeys unfold, making for an even more immersive reading experience.
Speaking of characters, “The Lost Van Gogh” boasts a diverse and compelling cast. Luke Perrone and Alexis Verde are well-developed protagonists whose personal histories add layers of complexity to their motivations. Their shared passion for art fuels their determination to solve the mystery, making them relatable and endearing to readers.
The plot is executed flawlessly, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The twists and turns are expertly crafted, ensuring that the story remains unpredictable and engrossing throughout. Santlofer masterfully builds tension and suspense, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth behind the missing painting and its dark connection.
In conclusion, “The Lost Van Gogh” is an exceptional novel that seamlessly combines art, mystery, and history. Santlofer's masterful storytelling, well-researched historical backdrop, and captivating characters make for an enjoyable and engrossing read. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply love a good adventure, this book is a must-read. “The Lost Van Gogh” is a testament to Santlofer's talent as a writer and will leave you eagerly awaiting his next masterpiece.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
