Imagine The Thomas Crown Affair merged with Entrapment. What makes a good heist movie even better? A handsome leading man paired against a hot leading lady and The Starling scores BIG in that category. ~ Kay, GoodreadsThe Starling is a total page turner, I couldn’t read it fast enough.~ Katie, GoodreadsVivianne Faulks is a rising star in the art world with an uncanny ability to spot forgeries. … the art world with an uncanny ability to spot forgeries. Her impeccable eye is a carefully honed gift. Her family’s secrets depend on it.
When she averts a disastrous acquisition, and reveals the work a near-mythical forger, the FBI’s Art Crimes Division asks her to investigate the disappearance of a priceless Van Gogh. Paired with the enigmatic Paul de Gaules, a man with a shady reputation who straddles both the legal and illegal sale of priceless art, Vivianne knows she’s out of her league.
Their investigation leads them from the vaults of the Musee d’Orsay to the snow-capped Alps, and to the icy banks of Lac Leman. With each step, Vivianne is drawn into the shadowy world of illegal art auctions, organized crime, sex clubs, and terrorist plots. And as her family’s darkest secret teeters on the edge of exposure, she wonders where Paul’s loyalties lie. Is she his muse, or an innocent pawn in a deadly game?
“WOW! I loved The Starling!…Once I started reading I literally could not stop.”~ Erika, Goodreads
What will you get with The Starling?
You’ll embark on a journey across the globe, from the sweeping skyline of New York to Paris, France, the City of Lights. You’ll travel the majestic snow-capped Alps and descend to the tranquility of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman). Mystery, love, lies, and secrets, will bring Vivianne and Paul together as they track the disappearance of a newly surfaced Van Gogh. The honking of horns will blare in your ears, you’ll breathe in the perfumed air of Paris, and your blood will grow cold in the icy waters of Lac Leman. The Starling is not for the faint of heart.
Is his love genuine…or a forgery that will unravel her family’s secrets?
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Well my goodness, this is a side to Ellie Masters that I haven’t seen before.
This book was a page turning, who, what, when and why read!!! This was not a book written overnight! So much went into putting each piece of the puzzle together. While figuring out this masterpiece, I might have learned a thing or two about artwork. Such wonderful detail went into writing this book, nothing was left out. From walking the street as a tourist, to picking apart the masterpieces created by wonderful artist, the attention to detail did not go unnoticed in this fantastic FBI thriller!
Vivianne Faulks was brought up with her father’s overbearing protectiveness. It was as though he locked her in a gilded cage her entire life. Sheltered, protected, and a life that is already planned for her. She wants to make a name for herself before becoming the charity attending, stay at home wife/mother.
That was until she met the smooth-talking French speaking Paul De Gaules. He is forbidden to Vivianne because she is already spoken for. But one cannot notice the spark that was felt when he saved her from falling over in her high heels.
It’s a story of who is the one committing the crime? The secret is there…You just have to read the story to find out!
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Absolutely enjoyed this intriguing and mystery filled story. It was extremely well written and the character development was fantastic. I really loved Viv & Paul. I was sucked in right away and didn’t want to put it down. A real page turner.
This was very intriguing read. I enjoyed it
This is my first FBI read and it was thrilling. Mystery, suspense, intrigue, it’s all in here, plus intense attraction and passion, with great characterization. It will keep you guessing with twists you won’t see coming and you will love it.
This is the first book I’ve read by Ellie Masters and I was sucked in from the beginning. This is such an amazing book. I love Viv and Paul’s characters. The descriptions given in the story are wonderful and makes you feel like you can see everything as if you’re there. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique storyline. I hope she will write more about these characters because I didn’t want this book to end, lol.
Secrets. Lies. Deception. Sibling rivalry at it’s finest. What starts off as an investigation quickly turns into a game of cat and mouse to see who can outwit who. He chose her because she would fit the profile. At least that’s the line he fed her. She wanted out of the confines of her family. A great story with loads of action and intrigue and unexpected twist.
This is my first read by this author. The blend of story, intrigue, action, history and information makes for a great read. I enjoyed my first read and I will most definitely read more.
Imagine The Thomas Crown Affair merged with Entrapment and know that The Starling is an Oscar winner beyond those art heist films. What makes a good heist movie even better? A handsome leading man paired against a hot leading lady and The Starling scores BIG in that category. I am completely in love with the leading characters Vivianne Faulks and Paul de Gaules.
The Starling has it all; intrigue, secrets, lies, sexual tension, international espionage, and stunning visual imagery like you wouldn’t believe. I was truly standing in Paris thanks to Ellie Masters gorgeous descriptions.
Vivianne Faulks is an art expert, particularly with Van Gogh paintings. She is known for being able to identify a fake vs. the original. Although she has a secret as to why she is so good that she has never shared with anyone.
Paul de Gaules has a reputation in the art world. A man who walks the line between legal and illegal art sales. As Vivianne is drawn more into his world she fears her own secret being uncovered while stumbling upon the very ones she’s supposed to be investigating.
The game they find themselves in is not the original one they signed up for and the ante is more than just a lost painting. Both have decisions to make that will put their lives in danger, but it’s hard to trust someone when there are so many secrets between them.
From the moment you pick up this book you will be captivated by peeling back the layers and discovering each characters secrets. For as each truth is revealed another omission of truth lies dormant. Will it ever be revealed? That is the exciting adventure you should definitely pick up and read to discover yourself.