4 out of 4 stars
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I found Isabella's Painting by Ellen Butler to be filled with intrigue, danger and excitement. The narrative grabbed my attention from the first sentence. The twists and turns kept me guessing. Numerous times, to my delight, I couldn't determine who could be trusted and who couldn't. I was sure I'd have someone's motivations figured out, only to realize that I was wrong.
Karina's life turned upside down when she found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. All she was supposed to do was go to the family library and tell her boyfriend's father that Congressman Olsen was waiting to speak with him. Why didn't she just deliver the message, return to the lavish Christmas party, and pretend that she didn't just witness an odd situation? Actually, she wasn't sure what she walked in on, but her curiosity radar was going absolutely bonkers. She knew something wasn't right. She also knew she should just let it go. It was none of her business. Yet, how could she ignore what her instincts were telling her? There was something fishy going on in the Dunne household, and she was determined to find out what it was.
In the middle of the night, she snuck back into the family library while Patrick and his parents were sleeping. What she found would put all their lives in danger. Since Karina would not just walk away and ignore her insatiable curiosity, she found herself on the wrong side of the Boston Mafia, as well as the FBI, not knowing whom she could trust. How could she ignore what she saw? The priceless piece of history needed to be returned to its rightful owner. What should she do? People's lives were at stake. That curiosity of hers could be the death of her and everyone she holds dear, or it could just be what saves them all.
This masterfully crafted tale was riveting. It was hard to put down. The author's descriptions were so colorfully detailed that it was easy to imagine that I was actually there. The characters were well developed with interesting personalities. Most of the book is told from Karina's perspective and written in the first person. There are a few chapters written from another character's perspective. Those chapters are told in the third person. The transitions from one to the other is smooth and easy to follow. I liked getting the other character's perspective. It helped to explain their motivations.
This fast-paced historical fiction is about a real painting called The Concert by Johannes Vermeer. The true story of the missing painting is a fascinating one. It was stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on March 18, 1990, along with ten other paintings and drawings, and two artifacts worth $500 million. None of the artworks were ever recovered, as of the time of this book's release. In the Afterward, on page 271, you will find more details of the robbery written in an entertaining format. I liked that it wasn't just a list of statistics. There are many theories about what may have happened to the painting, and the other works of art, after they were stolen. It was easy to believe that the scenario presented in this narrative could potentially happen.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I believe Isabella's Painting was professionally edited. I only found three errors that did not distract from the reading experience. I actually tried to find something I didn't like about this book and wasn't successful. Even the violence was handled tastefully and only added when a scenario required it for authenticity.
I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction packed with intrigue, danger and just a dash of romance that does not distract or overwhelm. Readers who enjoy a good crime thriller, without a lot of violence, should find it engaging. In addition, art connoisseurs and treasure hunters may delight in an opportunity to help solve a mystery surrounding multiple famous works of art. The only ones who might not enjoy it are readers who are looking for something scary with lots of blood and gore.
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Isabella's Painting
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when I get a little money I buy books; and if I have any left l buy food and clothes
