Review by dixie998 -- The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci

[dixie998]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci" by Belle Ami.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci by Belle Ami is a paranormal historical romance. Angela, a brand-new art historian, begins her internship at the Getty Museum, but is plagued with dreams of the past as soon as she undertakes her work. Her boss, Dr. Alberto Scordato, is a lecherous pig who she must not piss off due to his heavy influence in the art world. An art detective, Alex Caine, consults with her about a lost Da Vinci painting, that his client, a wealthy German real estate mogul, is trying to find in order to clear his family name of a Nazi blemish. As their search for the painting gains traction, Angela and Alex find themselves drawn closer together; Scordato’s intent on finding the painting and claiming it for himself puts them in danger from all sides.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I didn’t give it 4 stars because there were some plot holes that I found distracting. I also found a couple of typos (pg. 163: “game” instead of “gain” and pg. missing quotation marks). There were certain romantic elements that had me rolling my eyes and some big assumptions that the author makes without explaining them. I didn’t give it 2 stars simply because I enjoyed reading it. I became emotionally involved with the characters and was intrigued by the story very soon after the beginning of the book.

I liked Angela’s passion for art and history. As a historian myself, I was drawn to the details that came out not just in the physical travel and search for the painting, but also in Angela’s dreams and visions. Alex was a loveable character and the stuff that fictional crushes are made of. I couldn’t help but applaud their blooming attachment and cute flirtations. I had no problem hating Scordato at all. He is definitely a villain in every sense of the word. The historical figures were also easily liked and clear enough in their descriptions that I effortlessly pictured them and believed in their stories. I even found the supporting characters scattered throughout the book to be reasonable and engaging.

The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci has all the elements that appeal to an eclectic audience. The romance in this book was well balanced and, as long as the reader recognizes the true fiction of the situation, authentic. The paranormal element was believable and historically based; the details were swathed in enough mystery that research into the subject simply deepened my curiosity. The thrilling action was fast paced and kept my attention without too much effort.

My one major issue that I can’t seem to get past, is the very end of the book. The story quickly establishes a link between the historical figures and Angela and Alex. The connection is described as “their past lives”. I had no problem accepting it and I actually liked how it bound everyone together. However, by the end, Angela realizes that it is simply her “second sight” and, to me, that just seemed to detach the network that Ami had created. I realize that this book is the beginning of a series but, I believe it is best as a standalone book.

Overall, it is an easy, captivating read that I enjoyed.

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The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci
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[joycechitwa]

It's good that you were able to enjoy the book in spite of its flaws. Most books that are part of a series usually end in suspenseful cliffhangers or at least have some unexpected twist that leaves you hungry for the next book. This one didn't seem to have that for you. Hopefully the next one in the series will get past this book's hiccups and deliver a totally astounding historical thriller.