The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel

Amy    
Lynnie 

nonfiction

The Art Thief is the true story of Stéphane Breitwieser, the most prolific art thief in the world. He and his partner, Anne-Catherine, stole 239 pieces of art/weaponry from museums and cathedrals across Europe between 1994 and 2001 estimated to be worth over a billion dollars. He stole all these pieces for his own personal collection. 

Amy's Review

Really, you know most of the pertinent facts from the first few chapters but you keep reading to find out how he was finally caught. The book goes into his early life, his motivations, his personal life, his methods of theft, his opinions on his own actions versus other art thieves, his psychological profile, the items he stole, input from others who knew him, how he was caught, and what happened afterwards.

Despite all the necessary facts that Michael Finkel had to share in the book, it held my attention for the most part. (It did get a bit slow between the 50% and 65% mark.) Breitwieser’s audacity, hubris, denial of criminal actions, and cunning in carrying out his thefts was fascinating. I like it when nonfiction reads like a novel.

The audiobook was narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Edoardo Ballerini.  While this nonfiction did not challenge his vocal repertoire or acting skills, he did a terrific job of conveying factual information in a non-tedious way. He gets an A.

Lynnie's Review 

Finkel's book reads like fiction at times, but that might be because so much of it seemed unreal to me. The audacity of Breitwieser's thefts and the carelessness with which he treated the pieces in his possession over time infuriated me. The book discusses various theories about why Breitwieser steals, but I found them all unsatisfying. Perhaps, in the end, he stole because he is a thief and that's all there is. After all, he has continued to steal, with his most recent trial held in 2023.

While I enjoyed learning about this, I also found that the book got tedious at about the 40% mark. Whether it was Breitwieser's naval gazing or Finkel's was hard for me to determine, but at that point it felt repetitive and I feel that I could have skipped large portions without missing much at all.

Still, I learned something new, which is what I want from a nonfiction book, so I'm calling it a win. It will definitely give me a new perspective when I'm visiting local museums.

Assassins Are Us by Kimberly Van Sickle

Lynnie

young adult

 

Teenagers will love this action-packed book by Kimberly Van Sickle about Hedy Hinterschott, a young woman who has grown up in a family of assassins where every day is an opportunity for training because the family business will one day pass to Hedy and her twin brother, Gerhardt. First though, they have to survive high school.

I loved Assassins Are Us from the beginning. Hedy is smart, sarcastic, and not one to be messed with. I laughed several times while imagining the events in my mind. Even though Hedy lives in a world of hired assassins, it's also clear that her family is filled with love and has similar dynamics to more traditional families - sibling rivalry, teens trying to get one past their parents, the traditions of multiple generations and the responsibility of carrying on the family legacy (in an extreme way, of course).

This is a very quick read and the fact that there is so much action in the second half makes it feel like it goes even more quickly. The characters are all interesting and I was happy to be along for the ride. I would absolutely read another story about the Hinterschotts. I still have a few questions about Dave that weren't addressed. I hope Van Sickle will write more about this family and tell more of Dave's story at the same time. There is a lot of opportunity for extended storytelling in their world. 

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Amy   

historical fiction

The Covenant of Water is a family saga covering the generations of one family living in southern India throughout the first ¾ of the 20^th century. It begins with a young bride who is sent to marry an older widow at the turn of the century. The novel also focuses on a few white doctors serving in India and the healthcare benefits they bring to their communities.

I learned a lot about India in this long novel and the characters were terrific. The outside world events were very peripheral to the characters’ stories. Abraham Verghese’s focus was the experiences of the characters in a small farming community including their local struggles with healthcare, society, politics, utilities, and nature. However, it’s not all about struggles. There is a lot of joy and satisfaction within the pages.  In fact, there are some pretty humorous sections as well. There was even a pinch of magical realism which always makes me happy.

This novel had a slow start for me. Thankfully, just as I was beginning to lose patience, the novel changed to a new character’s point of view.  But the first 25% was pretty slow-paced. I decided that the slow audiobook narration wasn't helping and I moved it up a notch and kept it there for the remainder of the audiobook. I also think that was about the same time the story got more interesting, though.

I had forgotten that Verghese is a Medical Doctor. When I read another book of his years ago, Cutting for Stone (before we had this blog), I felt many of the medical details he had provided were graphic and gross. Well, this novel is also graphic and gross at times. I could have done without so many details even though a lot of the story is about medical issues and the people who practice medicine in India. Still, despite my cringing and nose-wrinkling, some medical things interested me. Did you know that brains don’t harden until a long time after death?

India has a very complicated history and many divisions of people by caste and religion which is covered in the novel. But this story is about love, family, and caring for others. Some of Verghese’s words about slavery were the clearest, most pointed observations I’ve ever heard and should be read by everyone. I also appreciated how, on three separate occasions, I thought the story was going to take a much darker turn than it did. But, thankfully, Verghese avoided diving the reader into despair. He kept it all relevant and as hopeful as possible. Some authors would’ve gone “there” and made life even more miserable for the characters just to add temporary drama.

In the end, it was a sweeping saga, wonderfully written, full of terrific characters.

The audiobook narrator was the author himself and he was terrific!  He even displayed a (not terrific but passable) variety of accents including European and southern American accents! And he sang a few verses! I usually enjoy authors’ narrations but very few display vocal repertoires like Verghese's.  Despite the fact that he read too slowly for my taste, he gets an A for his vocal acting and skills.

The Imposter Puzzle Book by Roland Hall

Lynnie

puzzle

The Imposter Puzzle Book is not the type of book I would normally buy or pay much attention to if I'm honest, but I LOVE logic puzzles and could not resist the thought of looking at these puzzles over coffee on the weekend. Unlike a traditional logic puzzle that's just a word problem, Roland Hall has put together puzzles that include images, receipts, letters... they are much more immersive than the standard logic puzzle and they were a lot of fun to think about and find the answers.

My only complaint is that the book ended too quickly. There are 12 puzzles to solve, so you'll get through this book quickly if you don't ration the puzzles. But they are great fun while you're working through them. They might even be fun to complete with someone else.

For those looking for a new type of puzzle, this collection will surely entertain you.

The Imposter Puzzle Book publishes on May 7, 2024. Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group, Ivy Press, and NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

Amy   

Lynnie

 

contemporary fiction

An antisocial 64-year old working as a postman in Britain has a big secret that has fueled his private and isolated lifestyle. He has felt alone, ashamed, and abandoned. Yet, he is kind, caring, and capable.  When faced with extreme life changes beyond his control, he finally decides to look ahead to something better after 50 years of hiding and he lets himself connect with others. 

Amy's Review

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle was a sweet tale. The characters were fun and I do love a story where characters grow and improve their lives. I also love a story that aims to open readers’ eyes to truths and allows them to experience life from, possibly, an angle they hadn’t considered or been exposed to before.

However, lacking subtlety, the story was unrealistically extreme. Let me be clear, I appreciate and applaud what Matt Cain was trying to do. But I found it hard to believe Albert’s sudden about-face. While I can understand that trauma provoked changes, he took on an entirely new persona overnight rather than gradually. After a small life of routine, seclusion, and avoidance, he suddenly was able to  function socially. It just felt implausible. And then, after his new outlook on life, every single new attempt and adventure was positive. Albert never failed to achieve a good outcome or reaction. Even his long-time coworkers didn’t seem to find this new Albert surprising. Mind you, this was great for Albert—just unrealistic to me. Nicole’s story was actually my favorite part of the novel and felt more authentic.

Overall, this is a happy story about connection and love. And if you’re looking for a feel-good novel or need a little push to be yourself, this may be the book you’re looking for. It’s got a fun and positive vibe. 

Lynnie's Review

 

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle is a sweet story, about a man who has lived most of his adult life hiding who he really is from everyone around him. Yes, it is as lonely and sad as it sounds. As the book blurb tells you, Albert is facing forced retirement from the Royal Mail. This significant life change gives Albert the courage to finally break out of his shell and confront his own reality as a closeted gay man who gave up the love of his life fifty years earlier and has been alone ever since.

I enjoyed Albert and the cast of characters in this novel but I also found much of Matt Cain's book and the way the characters reacted to one another completely unrealistic. It was so weird to me to see characters who were not only unfriendly toward, but also downright hostile toward, Albert one day have a complete 180-degree attitude change. And to see Albert so willing to accept these shifts in attitude was... weird.

I adored his young friend Nicole because I really liked how the two of them, despite their different situations in life, really accepted and supported one another unconditionally. Truthfully, I was much more invested in that relationship than I ultimately was with whether or not Albert would find George - though I felt that was entirely predictable, which may be why I wasn't terribly invested.

I both read the book and listened to the audiobook and I have to say, Simon Vance has a wonderful voice. If not for him I might have abandoned the book or, at least, skimmed ahead. But I enjoyed his narration immensely - to the point that I gravitated toward the audiobook more than the print book which rarely happens for me. I give him an A. If you can listen to this book, I recommend it. 

Look Closer by David Ellis

Amy  

mystery

Look Closer begins with the murderer leaving the scene of the crime. We know his identity, we know his victim, and we know the method of death. But why did he do it?

The two main characters, Simon and Vicky, have altruistic and admirable sides to their personalities as well as sinister and conniving sides. The lives they have built for themselves seem so normal to the world but so troubled and imbalanced as the reader learns more about them. It was fascinating to watch the layers peeled back slowly and cleverly. Told from four points of view, David Ellis divulged information at appropriate points along the way to keep me hooked. Despite the fact that Simon and Vicky were repulsive people at times, they were also likeable. I couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook.

As with any mystery, I can’t say much in a review without giving things away. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed it. There were some facets I had guessed but others I hadn’t. 

There were 4 narrators on the audiobook: Will Damron voiced Simon, Hillary Huber was Vicky, Elizabeth Garrett was Jane the detective, and Steve West voiced Christian (you'll learn who he is when you read it). They all were terrific! I thought the use of four narrators was perfect for this novel.  I happen to be familiar with and LOVE Steve West’s voice and I know that he’s British. He did a pretty good job with Christian’s American accent and I willingly forgave him any time I could hear a little British slipping in because I do love him so. I’ll give them an A as an ensemble.

Amazon's The Improbable Meet-Cute series

The Improbable Meet-Cute series from Amazon was a Valentine's Day treat. A series of six novellas that are barely related — perhaps one line in each book connects it to another book — these all feel a bit like the beginning of a story, though some feel more complete than others. The novellas are each unique but, like the genre they come from, there is no doubt each one will have a happily-ever-after ending for the characters. I give the entire series three hearts though; there are stories I enjoyed, stories I had problems with... which is exactly what I expect from a series of short stories. I'll review each novella separately, but I think the collection will be a hit with anyone who reads a lot of romance novels. 

 

 

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren  

 

The first in Amazon's The Improbable Meet-Cute series from Amazon, this novella was my favorite of the series and is the definition of a "meet-cute."

C & T "meet" one Valentine's Day due to a typo on an email address. The two continue to send emails to one another over the next decade never revealing their identities, but slowly beginning to depend on one another's advice and to enjoy their long, slow-burning flirtation. It's obvious where the book is headed - I mean, meet-cute is right there in the subtitle and is the entire reason these books were written!

It's still a joy, however, to watch the characters figure things out.

 

Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez

 

I haven't read anything by Abby Jimenez, but have had a couple of her books in my "to be read" queue for a while. This novella made me want to read more of her writing.

In this installment, Holly is a hospice nurse caring for her grandmother and John is a handyman helping his brother renovate his apartment which (surprise!) is in the same complex where Holly's grandmother lives.

A note left on Holly's car window that John intended for someone else leads Holly and John to begin a series of notes to one another. Yup, you can see where this one is going too but it's still a cute and quick journey.   

 

 

Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne

 

 

Rosie and the Dreamboat was my least favorite story in this series, which says a lot because it was still cute.

Rosie and her sister go for a spa day and Rosie gets locked in a floatation tank. Her dreamboat is the young, hot firefighter who has come to rescue her (not that she knows he's a dreamboat, she's trapped in a tank!).

I just didn't enjoy the characters in this one. There's so much awkwardness, I had second-hand embarrassment for all of them. I'm sure they get their happily ever after, but this one was too much drama for me. 

 

 

Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory

 

 
 

The spiciest of the series, it's one of the only ones where the novella goes beyond the meet-cute part of the story.

But the characters were... meh. The best thing about this novella were all the descriptions of the amazing food from the bakery. But the characters did not do it for me. It's hard to be excited about someone who's super grumpy through the entire novella. Who has time to try to read the tea leaves on what our grumpy baker is thinking?

I know people love the representation for girls who are not stick figures but, I assure you, she deserved better than this grumpy baker. 

 

With Any Luck by Ashley Poston

 

Audrey is used to being the one that people kiss before they meet their one true love. She believes it's a family curse and she would like to find her own one and only. This story takes place during a weekend when she is the best man for her best friend Rhett.

I'm going to be honest, this book in the Improbable Meet-Cute collection is tough for me to review objectively. I really enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed the resolution, BUT (& it's a big but) I have an issue with how things unfolded in this novella.

Consent is a big deal for me and there is a situation in this book where one of the characters is so drunk that she is clearly incapable of consent. I'm not going to lie, it bothered me. Obviously it bothered me more than the character, but I hate to see authors write scenes like this, particularly because I think Poston could have made her point without having characters so drunk they can't remember — and therefore consent to — their actions.

I think most people won't have a problem with the story but, if not for the lack of consent, this would have been one of my favorites in the series. 

 

 

Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson

 

 

 

 

Sariah Wilson is another author that I'd never read before but I don't think this novella inspired me to seek out her work. It was fine but the characters in this novella have too much baggage to get through 70 pages without unnecessary drama.

This ranks near the bottom of the Meet-Cute series stories for me. Aside from the distracting attempt to write in an accent (when Wilson really only writes one or two words in each sentence in the accent, which is...not great), I found myself lacking patience for everyone in this story.