“As engaging and entertaining a worldwide romp as [Counterfeit Conspiracies and Marked Masters] . . . a marvelous story” (Kings River Life Magazine). Abstract clues lead to new questions. New leads turn to “dead” ends. A heist plot ties to forgeries. Adversaries resurface twisting an already complicated case. And art recovery expert Laurel Beacham must not only outwit criminals, but keep her … only outwit criminals, but keep her wits around Jack Hawkes’s cheeky ego.
Before the criminals they were tracking headed underground, evidence pointed toward two organizations as key to an epic art heist. Despite their best efforts, Laurel and her team haven’t caught a break in months–even Jack’s unofficial intel stuttered to a halt. But on New Year’s, as Big Ben’s bell tolls midnight, the guilty return and nowhere is safe. A source in Rome is killed within hours. Other allies are attacked in Rome and London, and a contact in Germany reports dangerous shadows closing in. The nearer the answers, the higher the stakes. Worse, Jack may not be the only one Laurel must learn to trust to avoid another brush with death.
“This third tale in the author’s Bodies of Art Mystery series takes off as fast as a speeding locomotive . . . The twists in this story will keep you reading until the amazing end . . . Have a great deal of fun while delving into the art trade filled with betrayal, old secrets, greed, and some extremely strange gifts.” —Suspense Magazine
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I enjoyed it thoroughly, however I wish the first 2 books were available for download. I read her entire series that was available.
This is the best series ever! I reviewed for NetGalley & loved every word of this book. This may be my favorite volume. I really liked learning more background on Jack and Laurel. All mystery fans should check out this series. Each can be read as a stand alone, but are more enjoyable as a series.
I loved the adventure and excitement of Abstract Aliases almost as much as I loved the fascinating characters. Ritter Ames is master artist weaving beautiful bits of setting with tantalizing touches of the past and blending them with the current dynamic plot played against the AMAZING characters. As I watched a secondary character literally retouching a masterpiece of tapestry in the book Abstract Alias; I immediately identified that craftsmanship with the way Ms. Ames presents her Bodies of Art novels, going back over the past in such a way that it makes the over all picture more beautiful without overwhelming the newly revealed threads. I delight in seeing the past work more clearly while I get to revel in the newest revelations.
In AA, the third book of the series, readers will be delighted to know that Jack and Laurel move closer to the relationship we have all wanted to see and Laurel learns a bit more about the real Jack. This is my favorite novel of the series but you know how that is; my ranking may well be because it is the one I have most recently read. Or it may be the best book so far!
As this book opens, it’s been two months since we last checked in on Laurel Beacham and Jack Hawkes. While they have been doing their best to gather clues to stop the coming heist, things have been quiet. Too quiet. However, something is about to explode on New Year’s Day, and I’m not talking about the London fireworks. While Laurel and Jack are waiting for those fireworks to start, they are shocked have an encounter with one of the men involved in the upcoming heist. Then the next day, Laurel’s London office is broken into. Once again one step ahead of danger and one step behind their prey, Laurel and Jack must act quickly. Will they gain any new clues?
The teaser may seem a bit vague, but much of the fun of this book is watching the plot unfold and getting swept up in the proceedings. The plot is fast paced with hardly any time for the characters, or us, to breath. Still, we do get real characters, and I’m enjoying watching Laurel and Jack grow as individuals as well as in their relationship. The rest of the characters are just as strong. This is more of a caper type plot than a traditional cozy, and I loved it. There is a larger story going on, and it is helpful to read this series in order as a result – especially since events of the earlier books in the series are spoiled here. However, this book does have a satisfying story that ties into the larger story, and we get some interesting revelations. Fans of the series will enjoy this book.
I won this book from Goodreads giveaways. I was not required to give a favorable review. All thoughts are my own. This was a very interesting story of art thieves, murder, family lies and travel across Europe on finding out how and where forged art pieces are being bought and sold in the country and also the good people can turn bad and good people can get hurt trying to stop them.
Ritter Ames has written this one about art and paintings. Fun read even if you’re not interested in art.
A
bit confusing to keep up with places and characters, but a good read.
“Abstract Aliases” earns 5/5 Newly Recovered Masterpieces!
This third book in the Bodies of Art Mystery series is as engaging and entertaining a worldwide romp as the first two books, and I highly recommend the entire series. There is an ongoing thread connecting the books together making it more enjoyable starting at the beginning of the series with “Counterfeit Conspiracies” and “Marked Masters.” Ritter Ames has penned a marvelous story with Laurel Beacham continuing to show her cleverness and intuition portraying a strong character, Jack Hawkins as the perfect partner—even though she might not recognize it, and realistic description and dialogue which adds to the excitement…I was thrilled!
Makes no sense without previous books in series; constant unexplained references to earlier events and characters. A. Few interesting asides about art forgery.
Abstract Aliases is the third book in a Bodies of Art Mystery series written by Ritter Ames. The story moves along quickly, keeping me engaged. The storyline is well thought out and developed, the characters are relatable, the dialogue smart and witty, and the plot is full of surprising twists and turns which makes this a gripping story. I highly recommend this book.
Laurel Beacham has always loved art, and works hard to recover lost, stolen, or forged art and holds the head position over the London branch of Beacham Foundation. Laurel continues to work with Jack Hawkes. There’s still a lot she doesn’t know much about Jack but trusts him more and their relationship is growing. We learn some surprising things Laurel’s past in this installment. Laurel and Jack are tracking two organizations they believe are involved with an art heist and investigating the deaths of multiple art forgers but they don’t seem to be making any progress and hitting obstacles and interference with each move they try to make.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.