INTO THIN AIR (01/07/13)







I've had my eye on "The Art Forger" by B.A. Shapiro since October, but was awaiting more detailed reviews and feedback from friends. (Literary reviews had been mixed.)

This morning Marlene P., a reliable source and committed reader raved about this book...and so I'm ready to share her views.

Her first comment was "It's great to finally read a really good book, well written, well plotted, and as a bonus, is art related."

For those who live near Boston or remember this infamous unsolved art heist, "The Art Forger" will hit home. It's presented as a fictionalized thriller, based on the 500 million dollar heist from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

Marlene P. described "The Art Forger" by B.A. Shapiro as a view of the art world, blended  with history and intrigue. It helps if you have an interest in art, but if you like a fast paced authentic thriller "The Art Forger" is for you. (And you may discover your hidden artistic side.)


(01/08/2013)
I received an email in regard to the review of "The Art Forger" from EVELYN K. an art historian, author and blog reader...

She suggested reading "Provenance" by Laney Salisbury and Aly Sujo. "The book tells a fastpaced and audacious story of art fraud on a grand scale that even reached the Tate Museum." 
"Provenance" is a well researched exciting story of the criminal mastermind, John Drewe and his accomplice, artist John Myatt. The book was released in 2010 and has received excellent reviews.

EVELYN K. also recommended "Stealing Rembrandts" by Anthony M. Amore and Tom Mashberg. This is an exciting well researched expose of the art world underbelly. Author, Anthony M. Amore is the head of security at the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum and for the past seven years has served as the museum's chief investigator into the 1990 theft.

MY OPINION: 
You do not need an art background to enjoy these books. They read with the flavor of a mystery and are tense, well written, exciting stories.



For more information on B. A Shapiro and updates on the Gardner Art Heist, see below.....

Http://bashapirobooks.com

Http://www.gardnermuseum.org/resources/theft

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/31/robert-gentile-art-heist_n_1393741.html     






Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA
            




 Missing Art at the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum


                           
Missing Art
                                               


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5 comments:

  1. Sounds interesting especially since it was based upon a real event. One thing that is amazing is how many of real art thefts go unsolved.

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  2. So true...last year they thought they were close in solving this crime but it's all still pending. I included the link about the very recent investigation and possible suspect...

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  3. It's the link from the Huffington post....

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  4. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was googling information left and right. I wanted to see all the art they talked about, I wanted to read more about the theft, etc. Great read :)

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  5. Coming from you, Jennifer is a great tribute. I can't believe how many books you manage to read and review..and do such a good job at it...and remain objective.
    This museum is a jewel in the heart of Boston. You would be amazed at its beauty. It would definetly enhance your appreciation of the book.

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