The Family Tomb

Rating:
Summary: Treasure, thieves, and romance in Florence
Review: Everything Michael Gilbert has written is either on my "looking for" list or my "already read" list. Only a few other authors, including Andrew Garve and Edmund Crispin, rate that distinction. How can I describe a Michael Gilbert book? There is, above all, a sense of relaxation caused by the feeling in me that here, after many mediocre books by other authors, one is in the hands of a master. Perhaps it is akin to hearing the opening notes of a new concerto and realizing that what will follow will be special. Or the feeling that the superb appetizer from a great chef will be followed by an equally excellent entree and dessert. Michael Gilbert's books impress me the same way.
In this book, set in modern-day Florence, Gilbert spins a tale of Etruscan treasures, unscrupulous art collectors, some VERY villanous bad guys, several colorful expatriate Brits, and a soupcon of romance. Along the way, we learn about Etruscan values, Florentine and Italian politics, Mafia methods, and even English crossword puzzles. It's all done with a delightful flair that makes me think Gilbert really enjoys writing.