USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR“This fast-paced, action-filled whodunit was enjoyable and hard to put down. The mystery was good, the characters are likeable and it was fun to watch all the pieces come together in this well-written drama. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.” – Dru’s Book Musings“Funny, fast paced and just a smidge of romance. What more could you ask for? Bring on … What more could you ask for? Bring on the next one!” – T. Sue Versteeg, Author of My Ex-Boyfriend’s Wedding
“A high-octane, fast-paced thrill ride of a mystery adventure that will definitely leave you anxious for the next installment.” – Girl with Book Lungs
“This fast-paced mystery had me reading far past my usual time for bed. I simply couldn’t put it down because I was so drawn into the story. It’s simply wonderful!” – Dianne Harman, Author of the Cedar Bay Cozy Mysteries
“The book takes you on car chases, shooting, great locations around the world all in the hopes of finding a missing friend and lost artifact. I read the book three times enjoying each time.” – Book Him Danno
“Incredible attention to detail. The author creates a world that you truly can get lost in. The book is also a fast-paced, fun read. I’m looking forward to reading book two.” – A Girl and Her ebook
“An intricately woven tale with plenty of action and suspense. The story is crafted in such a way to keep readers guessing. The characters are well-written with smart and witty dialogue. An enjoyable read.” – A Cozy Book Nook
“A fast-paced book, and to save the day, Laurel takes you with her every step of the way on subways, planes, fast cars, and motorcycles all while being in danger. This book is truly a keeper, jump in a go for a ride!” – Destiny’s Book Reviews
“I love the main character of Laurel. She is not just smart – she is quick on the uptake and manages to get herself out of many tight spots…a fast-paced, well-plotted read. I could not put this book down!” – Cheryl Green, MyShelf Reviews
Laurel Beacham may have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she has long since lost it digging herself out of trouble. Her father gambled and womanized his way through the family fortune before skiing off an Alp, leaving her with more tarnish than trust fund. Quick wits and connections have gained her a reputation as one of the world’s premier art recovery experts. The police may catch the thief, but she reclaims the missing masterpieces.
The latest assignment, however, may be her undoing. Using every ounce of luck and larceny she possesses, Laurel must locate a priceless art icon and rescue a co-worker (and ex-lover) from a master criminal, all the while matching wits with a charming new nemesis. Unfortunately, he seems to know where the bodies are buried—and she prefers hers isn’t next.
Related subjects include: women sleuths, cozy mysteries, amateur sleuth books, murder mysteries, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), book club recommendations.
Books in the Bodies of Art Mystery Series:
- COUNTERFEIT CONSPIRACIES (#1)
- MARKED MASTERS (#2)
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you’ll probably like them all…
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New series with an original premise. The fast pace thriller vibes of the plot line pull you in and keep you there, while the touch of romance gives you more to root for. I enjoyed the art history, as much as the characters. Wonderful read
Counterfeit Conspiracies by Ritter Ames is a smartly written, well-plotted story of a jet-setting “art retriever” Laurel, who is the perfect mix of art connoisseur, action figure, and fashionista. I loved the international travel, Laurel’s sidekicks, and the ruggedly handsome mystery man, Jack. A fast paced story I couldn’t put down. Half-way through Book 1, I bought Book 2. I highly recommend.
Laurel Beacham is good at her job recovering lost or stolen art work, but she’s not happy when she has to postpone her vacation a couple of days to track down a sword with possible ties to King Arthur. However, things quickly go wrong when her co-worker and former boyfriend Simon is missing, someone searches his office, and Laurel keeps running into the same man no matter where she goes. Can she figure out what is going on?
I quickly realized this is more of a caper than a straight cozy, and I held on for the ride. This is a fast paced book with plenty of action and twists to keep you glued to the page. The ending was a bit rushed, and this book reads more like a TV show pilot that sets up things we will read about in future books, but that’s a very minor complaint. We get to know Laurel well, but the other characters don’t get much page time. Those that do remain a mystery (on purpose). I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more.
A great series based on art thefts and recovery. ..a print version of a great art thief movie, “The Thomas Crown Affair”. Great interplay of characters. On to the next in the series. Well done, Ritter. (Love the name…must be an interesting story there.)
One of my favorite series!
This story was very interesting and action-packed. I really like how she retrieves the stolen art.
Counterfeit Conspiracies is the first 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. Ms. Ames has intricately woven a tale with plenty of action and suspense that kept me engaged from the beginning of the book until the end and crafted in a way that kept me guessing. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series. I highly recommend this book.
Laurel Beacham is stubborn, quick thinking, independent, has always loved art, and works hard to recover lost, stolen, or forged art. Laurel is not happy when she is forced to postpone her vacation for what appears to be the routine assignment of recovering a sword that may have belonged to King Arthur. Simon, her co-worker and ex-boyfriend, disappears and Laurel is concerned may have been kidnapped by her adversary, Moran. Lauren is determined to find Simon and the artifact. She likes to work alone but Jack Hawkes keeps showing up and she doesn’t know who he is, who he works for, how he knows so much about her, if he can be trusted, or why he keeps interfering with her current assignment. Laurel knows very little about Jack and Nico, her trusted and resourceful co-worker, is not able to find any useful information about him.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.