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mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
3.0
Another Malice Domestic find, this new mystery series by Charlotte and Aaron Elkins introduces Alix London whose father was a notorious art forger. Despite her father's past, Alix works in the art world and the story begins with her being hired to authenticate a possible Georgia O'Keeffe painting. The previously unknown painting has generated a lot of interest but poses a great deal of danger for those around it. I enjoyed the setting -- most of the action takes place in New Mexico -- and the art history (Georgia O'Keeffe is one of my favorite artists). This was a pleasant diversion and a nice break from some heavier books I'd read before I picked this one up.
cristelle_snyman's review
2.0
5/10, listened to the Audible version narrated by Kate Rudd. Really hoped to like it more due to the awesome art themes, but the writing just fell flat for me, wasn't crazy about the narration either (although I can't quite say why). Probably won't try the others in the series, but feel disappointed about it.
bigotterbooks's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars. This was really good. The setup is Alix London is the daughter of a very famous convicted art forger; she is trying to get on with her life, forget the past, etc etc. The problem is she is a scarily talented art type person herself so of course she has traded room & board for restoring some old paintings. She is approached by a rich rich rich, hilariously funny lady to authenticate a newly discovered painting by Georgia O’Keeffe in New Mexico. Mysterious things and murder ensue. There is, as usual, a totally dishy FBI agent so we get a decent romance along with the investigation. Is Alix following in her father’s footsteps as a fraud or is she on the right side of the law in figuring out what is going on? The plot moves right along, the scene setting is awesome. The characters are believable and act like you would expect them to-police stuff and art people do what you think they will do. The subplot of the dad was interesting and added to the overall story. I enjoyed it and will read the next in the series.
robinwalter's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
An enjoyable and entertaining mystery, a promising start to the series. It might be that two Elkins are better than one.
jasmyn9's review against another edition
3.0
A Dangerous Talent was a really fun read. I won't vouch for the accuracy of the artistic facts, I'm not an expert in that area. However, the main character, Alix London, is. Alix has an interesting history in the art world, and it's a history that doesn't really help her reputation. With a father convicted for forgery, she's had a hard time finding clients that will trust her.
But she does have a few, and the newest one, Christine Lemay, has decided she just must have a Georgia O'Keefe. And so begins Alix's first trip into mystery and mayhem. Chris and Alix are a great team. Chris is the loud and wonderfully outrageous woman that doesn't care what anyone thinks, and is a nice balance to Alix's much more conservative nature.
A simple trip to view and authenticate Chris's painting turns out to involve a dead body, an explosion, and an FBI agent. With a great mix of mystery and action, and maybe the beginnings of something with a certain hunky guy. This may not top the list of all-time favorites, but A Dangerous Talent was something I was very happy to stumble upon.
But she does have a few, and the newest one, Christine Lemay, has decided she just must have a Georgia O'Keefe. And so begins Alix's first trip into mystery and mayhem. Chris and Alix are a great team. Chris is the loud and wonderfully outrageous woman that doesn't care what anyone thinks, and is a nice balance to Alix's much more conservative nature.
A simple trip to view and authenticate Chris's painting turns out to involve a dead body, an explosion, and an FBI agent. With a great mix of mystery and action, and maybe the beginnings of something with a certain hunky guy. This may not top the list of all-time favorites, but A Dangerous Talent was something I was very happy to stumble upon.
jdhobbes's review against another edition
4.0
I started this book with low expectations, but I have to admit that it wasn't long before I was hooked. This is a fast-paced, highly engrossing, highly entertaining mystery. The Elkins duo manage to strike a balance which so often eludes mystery writers: a pleasant puzzle which, when solved, makes sense but doesn't leave the reader wanting to bang someone's head against the wall for being deliberately obtuse. And they still manage to throw some curveballs in there too, just enough to keep you on your toes without being totally outlandish.
I for one will be eagerly awaiting the next Alix London mystery!
I for one will be eagerly awaiting the next Alix London mystery!
caitz's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
calicocatkin's review against another edition
4.0
A really enjoyable mystery. The art world, in which this takes place, makes for a memorable and interesting setting. The characters were more realistic and sympathetic than is typical for crime novels; the mystery/plot itself was somewhat weak, but I didn't really mind as the rest made up for it. 3.5 stars.