Someone is watching. Someone is waiting.Despite having attracted the attention of a dangerous stalker, Special Agent Jason West is doing his best to keep his mind on his job and off his own troubles.But his latest case implicates one of the original Monuments Men in the theft and perhaps destruction of part of the world’s cultural heritage–a lost painting by Vermeer. Naval Reserve Lieutenant … painting by Vermeer. Naval Reserve Lieutenant Commander Emerson Harley wasn’t just a World War 2 hero, he was the grandfather Jason grew up idolizing. In fact, Grandpa Harley was a large part of what inspired Jason to join the FBI’s Art Crime Team.
Learning that his legendary grandfather might have turned a blind eye to American GIs “liberating” priceless art treasures at the end of the war is more than disturbing. It’s devastating.
Jason is determined to clear his grandfather’s name, even if that means breaking a few rules and regulations himself–putting him on a collision course with romantic partner BAU Chief Sam Kennedy.
Meanwhile, someone in the shadows is biding his time…
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I can always count on Josh Lanyon for an interesting, well developed plot, intelligent dialogue, and amazing chemistry between her main characters. The Monuments Men Murders does not disappoint. All of the cases surrounding the Art Crimes Division have been wonderful, and I really enjoyed the story of missing art stolen by the Nazis.
The ongoing relationship between BAU Chief Sam Kennedy and Art Crimes FBI Agent Jason West is at a stable place when the story opens. What happens to cause their discord in Monument Men Murders is a fantastic twist, and gives those on Team Sam even more ammunition! In his defense, Jason has important reasons for doing what he does, and as the captain of Team Jason I’m still going to bat for Jason’s motives.
Sometimes these two men are just such opposites that it’s hard for them to find common ground. Plus the differences in the lives they’ve led and their age gap just have them approaching every situation so differently. Having the whole series from Jason’s point of view, it feels to me that Jason is making all of the concessions (and I think he is). If you agree with me, you’re going to love the way this one ends!
First review:
Sigh. Really enjoyed this one.
Sam and Jason are not going to have an easy relationship.
Jason seems to be struggling in this book. I want to give him a hug. He seems a little stressed.
This is why I enjoy Josh Lanyon’s books so very much. The characters feel so very real. I can’t wait for the audio book on this one. I always find something new on a reread or the audio book.
Second review:
This is my third or fourth read/listen of this book.
This book is the reason I felt compelled to update all of my reviews for this series. The story was emotionally charged. There were laughs and tears. The tension between Sam and Jason was constant for the whole book. I couldn’t decide who needed a reality check more. I still want to smack Sam with a psychology textbook. No. A Calculus text book. Calculus books are usually thicker and drier… The side characters in this book really weren’t helping with the tension. I am glad that we get to see more of Jason’s work partner. JJ is starting to be more valuable than just a handy backup gun.
So about Montana… I like Montana. Nobody notices my accent/drawl in Montana. The weather kinda sucks, and law enforcement is a bit abrasive to tourists and apparently FBI agents. I can see why Sam likes Montana. Read the book, and you will know why I am contemplating Montana. No, you still can’t make me move there. Montana is cool, but snow is not.
Anyway…
The narration was great again.
Be prepared to experience tension from beginning to end. Read/listen all the way to the end.