Rating: 
Summary: The series just keeps on getting better and better
Review: The seventh and final book of the Jonathan Argyll series by Iain Pears comes after his success with the complex historical thriller 'An Instance Of The Fingerpost', a book totally different from these art mysteries, and far more ambitious. This is not to say that the Jonathan Argyll series is not excellent: it, in fact, keeps getting better and better. Weaving a traditional flair for crime writing with considerable knowledge of the history of art, Pears writes an effortlessly intriguing mystery. This particular volume takes a turn when it appears that Flavia's boss, General Bottando, may be involved in the latest art crime swindle himself. The book is not predictable and keeps you guessing and is very enjoyable if not as spellbindingly clever as 'An Instance of The Fingerpost'. Well worth as read.
Rating: 
Summary: Felt cheated
Review: The strengths of this book have been covered in other reviews here and don't need to be repeated. It's a diverting book, and other than occasional stylistic missteps like amateurish shifts in point of view within scenes and italian characters who seem no more italian than the residents of Omaha, Nebraska, the book goes along okay.
However, there's a major flaw in the book for a regular, mostly ignorant reader like me.
The most compelling mystery in the novel is the identity of the unknown artist of a painting that hangs above a character's mantlepiece. Who painted it? I was dying to know. But Pears never answers that question explicitly. Instead he leaves clues scattered throughout the text, expecting the reader to figure the answer out on his own. Cute, buddy. Hide the dang ball on me. Remind me of my own ignorance. Ach! I wanted to throw the book across the room.
I assume this is some kind of game for art history buffs to play, but would it hurt to have put some kind of warning on the front cover that a degree in renaissance painting is necessary to get full enjoyment from the book?
Rating:
Summary: Easy reading, intelligently written
Review: There are times when even the most sophisticated readers need a break and want to read what I call an "airplane" book--"beach" book would also be a good description--at the same time it's hard not to get annoyed with poor writing, unbelievable dialogue and dumb plots. If you've had this problem, try Pears' books. This is the first of the series I've read, and found a good plot with an interesting smidgen of art history and modern Italian culture woven in. I had the added bonus of reading it during a flight home from a 2-1/2 week sojourn in Tuscany and Umbria! This book bears no resemblance to "Instance of the Fingerpost," which was a serious literary work; this is for fun!
Rating:
Summary: Solid Entertainment
Review: This is the latest installment of a mystery series starring the Italian detective Flavia di Stefano and her boyfriend, the art dealer/teacher Jonathan Argyll. These books are well written mysteries with good plots, attractive characters, and an element of screwball/romantic comedy. Pears has inverted the usual stereotypes by pairing a highly competent Italian woman with a somewhat flighty British man. Pears draws on his training as an art historian to base all the mysteries on art theft or fraud or something related to art.
The present book is a good addition to the series. Pears is inventive enough not to have lost momentum and has kept the professional and personal lives of his characters evolving in a way that prevents them from becoming stale. Good bedtime reading.
Rating:
Summary: Solid Entertainment
Review: This is the latest installment of a mystery series starring the Italian detective Flavia di Stefano and her boyfriend, the art dealer/teacher Jonathan Argyll. These books are well written mysteries with good plots, attractive characters, and an element of screwball/romantic comedy. Pears has inverted the usual stereotypes by pairing a highly competent Italian woman with a somewhat flighty British man. Pears draws on his training as an art historian to base all the mysteries on art theft or fraud or something related to art.
The present book is a good addition to the series. Pears is inventive enough not to have lost momentum and has kept the professional and personal lives of his characters evolving in a way that prevents them from becoming stale. Good bedtime reading.
Rating:
Summary: Good read!
Review: This was the first Flavia di Stefano book that I've read, and it won't be the last. Flavia is pulled against her wishes (and against much advice) into the disappearance of a painting borrowed from the Louvre. An already complicated matter becomes worse when it seems that there's a lot more than a simple art theft going on. Strong characterizations, deft plotting, and a lot of enjoyable atmosphere.
Rating: 
Summary: Rome and its politics
Review: What an absolute joy to have another book by Iain Pears! All the old characters are here: Flavia di Stefano, now acting head of the art crimes squad; Jonathan Argyll, now her husband; Taddeo Bottando, about to retire; Mary Verney, the old nemesis as art thief; and so on. Intricate plotting, as usual, with sharply limned characters. And the usual zigzag of events and suspects. A bit confusing towards the end, but easily forgiven.
| 
