If you were to write a blurb in fewer than three sentences for THE REMBRANDT AFFAIR, what would it be? Behind every fortune is a crime. Gabriel Allon returns to trace a missing painting through Switzerland, Buenos Aires, and Nazi Germany in order to find the truth and return the painting to it’s rightful owner from one of the most powerful men in the World.

Gabriel Allon is a talented spy and assassin, but also a master art restorer. If you could have two careers that seem to be complete opposites, what would they be? I’m really not making this up, but a spy and a dancer. I’ve always been good at playing parts, and trying new situations, so being a spy has always intrigued me. Being a dancer just seems like such a different world where you have to be more introverted and in tune with your feelings.

What three words would you use to describe the character of Gabriel Allon? Strong, Intelligent, Sordid. I’m not sure sordid is an actual descriptive character word, but it fits.

THE REMBRANDT AFFAIR takes the reader all over the world. Of all the locations mentioned, which would be your ideal vacation spot? Buenos Aires definitely! The food, culture, dancing!

Art theft plays a major role in the novel. If no crime were involved, what piece of art would you like to have in your home? Wow, I don’t even know how I could choose just one. You would understand if you ever saw my home, there is art everywhere. Okay, just one? Really? Um, let’s see, I’m going with the Sistine Chapel. Yea, it’s not really a “piece” but I can build a house to fit.

Zoe Reed is a powerful female character in the novel. Tell us about an influential woman in your life. My grandmother. She raised me, got up for 4 am bus trips, supported me in every swim meet, saw every symphony concert, picked me up from football practices (I was a ball girl, lol) and always has my favorite dinner waiting for me when I go home, ho-made pot pie and pumpkin pie for dessert.

Who was your favorite “good guy” in THE REMBRANDT AFFAIR and why? Seems like an easy out, but I’ve gotta go with Gabriel. I liked how Daniel showed both the hard and soft sides of him with his marriage.

All of the technology discussed in the novel is real. Does any of it surprise you? I’m not sure I can be surprised by technology, frankly I’m usually surprised to find out we don’t have something available. For instance, we can send a man to the moon but we can’t figure out how to make a road that doesn’t get potholes?

What celebrity would play Gabriel Allon if THE REMBRANDT AFFAIR were on the big screen? George Clooney, because he’s George Clooney.

Which fellow book-loving, blogging friend do you think would enjoy THE REMBRANDT AFFAIR? Barbara, a friend from GoodReads :)

You can visit Daniel’s Website here: http://www.danielsilvabooks.com/content/index.asp

The Rembrandt Affair

Novel Whore Rating: 4 Notches on the Bed Post

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* I received a review copy of The Rembrandt Affair from the publisher as part of the TLC Book Tour, go read more reviews!

Dr. Harvey Burdell was a successful dentist with a penchant for engaging in shady business deals on the side. Thrown into the mix is Emma Cunningham, a widower with 2 children that occupied the upper floors of the townhouse in exchange for running the household and staff. Emma is cast at the murderess that was after Dr. Burdell’s fortune. What follows is nothing short of a scary legal process that had me clenching my gut for 2 days.

The coroner puts the entire household under house arrest with no access to legal representatives while he carries out a coroner’s jury proceeding. The jury is chosen from men around the city that are charged with listening to testimony given by household servants, neighbors, and anyone else the coroner could dig up to testify against Ms. Cunningham. To add to that legal nightmare, reporters from every newspaper in NYC are present as they record and release the daily transcripts for the entire city to read the next day.

As the story unfolds we are taken back through history as NYC settled around land that still held Indian tribes and African Americans that were escaping slavery in the South. It was interesting for me to try to imagine an NYC that considered 16th Street to be uptown, with nothing but farmlands as far as the eye could see, and NJ was nothing but a swampland. It was more difficult than I would have imagined, but I loved reading about John, a young boy, and other characters just hopping in a canoe that they left on the bank of the Hudson. Such a different mental picture than the NYC of today, so of course I had to look up actual photos. Moran does an excellent job recreating a city that was once filled with horse drawn carriages, women in hoop skirts, and racial/sexual tensions that are coming to a head.

I love stories that are created from true events, but I’m always left wondering which parts are true and which parts were created for the story by the author. I love that Moran included information at the end of the novel stating which characters were real and what actually happened to their lives during and after the trial. If you are one of those people that reads the ending before starting a book, I urge you to read the book first before flipping to the last pages!

If you love historical novels and mysteries with many turns, definitely pick up 31 Bond Street. Once you’ve read it make sure you enter the contest to win a box of Bond Street Chocolates plus a signed 1st edition of 31 Bond Street by choosing who you think should be cast in the 31 Bond Street movie.

31 Bond Street

Novel Whore Rating: 4 Notches on the Bed Post

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* I received a review copy of 31 Bond Street from the publisher as part of the TLC Book Tour, go read more reviews!

Campion opens with Alice asking the question “Yet when had I a choice to be other than I was?” It’s certainly a question we’ve all considered about our own choices. Most historical accounts portray Alice as a usurper that worked her way into the King’s bed in order to take over the castle, gain lands, and a fortune of her own. Campion paints a picture that I think is much more realistic when looking at the power that a commoner would have had in England at the time. A time when a commoner, especially a woman, would have no choice about the trail her life would take.

By piecing together actual records of Alice’s land holdings, marriage records, and historical accounts of court proceedings, Campion weaves a tale around a young Alice that is married off at a mere 15 years of age to a man she truly comes to love. What seems like a fairy tale wedding, quickly turns into a nightmare centered around a secret that must be kept in order to protect the Dowager Queen. Alice and her young daughter’s lives are soon in peril, their only chance of protection coming from King Edward and Queen Philippa, with strings Alice isn’t quite sure she wants to accept, but is left without another option.

The attention to historical detail is amazing in The King’s Mistress, including dressings, jewels, entertainment, and interactions between different levels of society. I also loved how other historical figures played into the story, especially Chaucer. There are certain historical figures I could never picture as a young child and Chaucer was definitely one of those, but Campion really brought him to life. The King’s Mistress really hits the mark, bringing history back to life in a fictional tale that ties together true events of the court of King Edward III to the life story of his renowned mistress.

The King’s Mistress

Novel Whore Rating: 5 Notches on the Bed Post

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* I received a review copy of The King’s Mistress from the publisher as part of the TLC Book Tour, go read more reviews!

Avery tackles this question from the inside by following the fictional story of 2 young sisters, Rachel and Sara. Rachel and Sara are diametrically opposed, Rachel, the beautiful one, is a true believer, and Sara, the unattractive intelligent one, is beginning to have serious doubts. While portraying characters like this can be annoying, it really served to show both sides of how members of fanatical sects both stay and go. Rachel is torn throughout the novel between understanding why God is testing her and how she can make sure the people she loves will go to heaven by following the sects rules. Sara on the other hand, is desperately trying to find a way to show Rachel what lies in wait for her if she remains in the community.

Avery does a fantastic job of showing how interpersonal relationships play out in a family with multiple wives vying for one mans attention. Legal issues are deftly interspersed to show what happens when help is needed by wives that can’t legitimately claim a husband, or a child a father, because the law only recognizes the first wife. Incestuous marriages, cult leaders on power trips, boys that are forced out of the community so there are more wives for the leaders, and power plays among wives are brought to light in a community that portrays themselves as the holiest nation on Earth.

Hidden Wives is an interesting look at how fundamentalist cults operate in and out of the law, and how girls are denied their basic rights, and any right to choose. I’m still torn though, faith is a powerful concept, and while it’s easy to look in and say you would never make the same choices in their situation, if you are raised in a particular faith, I imagine it’s difficult to draw a line and turn your back on your entire family.

Hidden Wives

Novel Whore Rating: 5 Notches on the Bed Post

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The story opens with an overview of the inner thoughts of Freddy who excels at his job, much to his dismay, as he finds himself about to move up the corporate ladder. He’s stuck in a life he doesn’t want, but can’t figure out how to get out of it. Cohen does an excellent job of making you feel Freddy’s despair, and sensing his mental imbalance.

I especially loved the inner workings of the corporate ladder at Chanet’s where managers are promoted and axed in volatile ways, from the lowly chocolate manager where employees are demoted before being publicly humiliated and fired, to the manager of the year that has his image printed on everything from store perfume to toilet paper. The supporting characters of middle and upper managers are viciously portrayed in a way that makes you want to laugh, and never work in the corporate world again, or maybe that’s just me.

The story moves slowly for almost half the book, building the characters. I was almost begging for the murder to finally happen. Then the story seemed to go by too fast. After Freddy murders Mindi and is arrested, he uses his fame to finally get his writing published, his life’s goal. Freddy’s lawyer Philip is stuck watching disgustedly as his client lies and manipulates his way through the case, unable to do anything until he comes up with a plan that ingeniously turns Freddy’s goals upside down.

The Killing of Mindi Quintana is a great first book for Cohen, I can’t wait to see more.

The Killing of Mindi Quintana

Novel Whore Rating: 3 Notches on the Bed Post

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* I received a review copy of The Killing of Mindi Quintana from the publisher

Title and series number of the book you read: Hidden Prey (Lucas Davenport, No. 15)

Year published: 2004

Tell us about Lucas Davenport: What is Lucas doing when he first appears in the book? Lucas is relaxing with his secret love, televised golf, when his wife drives her car through the garage door. Yea, this is why I don’t park in the garage because I’d either end up hitting the door or driving into the house when I accidentally put the car in drive instead of reverse. I immediately like Lucas’ wife Weather (okay, not her name though), and his reaction considering the fact that he’s warned her a million times to not come into the driveway so fast. While he’s cleaning up the mess he gets a call from his boss about a dead Russian that’s turned up that just happens to be a spy. I love those kinds of calls.

Lucas’s occupation or professional role? After years working intelligence and homicide Lucas is now running the Office of Regional Research at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension “fixing shit” for the governor. I love that, there are so many jobs that can only be described as fixing shit for someone.

Lucas’s personal status: Lucas is newly married and now a father to Sam.

Lucas Davenport is a known clothes-horse; did you notice any special fashion references? I only remember one reference after reading the book, so it wasn’t overwhelming. I do recall his Porsche in the garage though, lol.

Let’s talk about the mystery: Avoiding spoilers, what was the crime/case being solved? A Russian spy group is active in the U.S. after lying in wait for decades. The youngest generation, a young boy, Carl, has been trained since he was young to kill, starting with dogs and working his way up to human targets, by his grandfather. A known Russian spy is murdered which opens the case and forces Lucas to work with the FBI and a Russian intelligence officer, an uncomfortable trio that is unwelcome in the small town of Hibbing and surrounding area.

Does the title of your book relate to the crime? I think Hidden Prey related to the hidden Russian cell and the fact that no one knew who they were after.

Who was your favorite supporting character, good or evil? Hmm, I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, but I guess Trey because she really makes a life change that is difficult after so many years of addiction and living on the street.

What was your favorite scene or quote? When Carl runs away from Lucas still holding the pizza box. Nothing like murdering someone and still bringing dinner home!

Finally, how do you envision Lucas Davenport? If he were to be portrayed in a movie, what celebrity would play him? I thought Lucas was kind of aloof, adept at his job, but not a real stickler for rules. He wanted to get the job done and was prepared to do it no matter what, but not in a “my way or the highway” kind of attitude. I can picture Jude Law playing Lucas

I would add the Prey series to my nightstand with the Harry Bosch series, great for quick reading on planes, the beach or when you just want something you don’t have to think about too much.

Storm Prey

Novel Whore Rating: 3 Notches on the Bed Post

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Set in Mexico and the U.S. from 1929-1951, Kingsolver tells the story of Harrison Shepherd, a young boy on the verge of adolescence, interacting with some of the largest political players in history. Born to an American father that knows nothing of him, and a Mexican mother that is always looking for her next companion, Harrison is on his own navigating through life. By chance, Harrison begins working for Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, first as a paint mixer, then cook, and finally a secretary. The story is told through Harrison’s diaries he keeps along the way, and actual news stories that were printed throughout the world as historical events occurred.

I love The Lacuna because of the great mix Kingsolver creates between reality and fiction. Weaving the story of Lev Trotsky, Stalin and the U.S. reaction to communism and the Iron Wall with the story of Harrison’s coming of age as an author himself. One of the things that really ticked me off was wanting to read the novels Harrison wrote throughout the story! Especially having spent a lot of time in Mexico last summer visiting many of the historical sites Harrison wrote his stories around like Chichen Itza, the underground cenotes, and Mayan villages.

While Kingsolver was writing about political upheaval that happened over 60 years ago, several lines struck me about our current state of affairs.

“But people desire fair government. You say that constantly.”

“They want to believe in heroes, also. And villains. Especially when very frightened. It’s less taxing than the truth.”

So true. One of the many reasons I can’t stand watching the news anymore.

Final thought: Pick it up!

The Lacuna

Novel Whore Rating: 5 Notches on the Bed Post

Wine Pairing: Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 2007

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Dr. Guillotin, designer of the guillotine, Tobias Schmidt, builder, Nicolas Pelletier, first victim, Father Pierre, Nicolas’ priest, and Sanson, the executioner, are followed in what seems at times to simply be a dissertation on the current philosophical state of capital punishment. The characters are strong which makes the story all that more compelling as I found it hard to dislike any one of them, even though I felt like I should have disliked them.

I enjoyed Estrin’s introductions of other historical figures like Mozart, Mesmer, and Louis XVI, whose own unfortunate fate ended under the guillotine just years later.

The writing is interesting, but didn’t necessarily feel like a story at some points with the essays in the authors voice, and discussion on modern politics. It’s possible Estrin could have written two books, but of course unlikely he would have sold many of the one just on capital punishment. I think it’s an interesting combination, but one I would have enjoyed more had I known and been interested in reading more philosophical capital punishment issues. From a historical standpoint I really enjoyed learning more about the players in the guillotine movement and the French Revolution itself and I definitely have a hankering (did I really just say hankering?) for reading more on the subject.

The Good Doctor Guillotin

This review is part of the Unbridled Books Spotlight Tour – stop by to read new reviews of other recent releases!

Novel Whore Rating: 3 Notches on the Bed Post

Wine Pairing: Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2007

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The second thing I love about historical fiction is that the events the novels surround are often events that our history books glossed over or skipped altogether. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford centers around the evacuation of Japanese citizens who were sent to internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Luckily, Mr Ford doesn’t simply regale us with dates and places. The main character Henry Lee lets us into his life as a young Chinese boy living in Seattle during World War II when the Japanese were already beginning to feel the racial tension. Henry falls in love with a young Japanese girl, much to the dismay of his strict father.

Novels that show a relationship between father and son are few and far between these days, so it was interesting to see the Lee’s relationship, especially the effect the evacuations had on the interactions between them. Henry’s father is portrayed as a brute that sends mixed messages like forcing Henry to wear a button that says I’m Chinese, while not allowing him to speak Chinese even though his father can’t speak English. The dynamics are bitter and sweet.

The one thing I did find lacking was the relationship between Henry and his son Marty. I could see the parallels between the two relationships easily, but I didn’t like the way Marty was thrown into the story, or his girlfriend.

I really enjoyed Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet for including a glimpse into the Jazz scene in Seattle and the use of landmarks that still exist today. One of my two requirements of a novel that I keep are that is makes me want to learn more, and visit someplace, Ford has accomplished both.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Novel Whore Rating: 3 Notches on the Bed Post

Wine Pairing: Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2007

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Much like Beloved, Song of Solomon centers around the family of an ex slave, but that is pretty much where the similarities end. Marcus Dead married the daughter of the greatest black man in town. The relationship between Marcus and his wife is strained at best, with rumors of incest between his wife and her dead father swirling throughout the story. At the center of Song of Solomon is Marcus the third, now called Milkman due to how long his mother nursed him. Morrison parallels Milkman’s life with the racial tensions between whites in blacks in Michigan circa 1950’s, as Milkman becomes his father’s business partner, but without growing up or ever having to do anything for himself.

The main story line circles back around to Marcus’ own father who was killed on his property by white men that wanted his land. Morrison combines poetry, and songs to reveal the story of past generations that seem almost mystical. Characters like Pilate, Marcus’ sister that was born without a belly button, and Guitar, Milkman’s best friend that becomes an assassin intent on evening out the deaths of blacks killed by whites by killing an equal number of whites, are compelling. The obliviousness of Milkman as he goes through life, the social mistakes he makes, and the side relationships between his mother and sisters unfold as he goes on a quest for bags of gold, but finds his past and future instead.

The Naked Review:

Song of Solomon

Novel Whore Rating: 5 Notches on the Bed Post

Wine Pairing: Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2007

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