So, picture this: Val Caruso, an art curator who's going through a series of tough breaks, finds himself smack-dab in the middle of a massive crime. And let me tell you, this is no ordinary crime, ladies and gentlemen. It's a mind-boggling mystery that only a true artist like Val can solve.
Now, Val's life is far from rainbows and unicorns. His promotion? Yeah, that's a big fat red X. His divorce? Done and dusted. And to top it all off, he's stuck in a never-ending rut as he reaches the milestone of his fortieth birthday. But fear not, dear listeners, because fate has a little surprise up its sleeve for our unfortunate protagonist.
You see, Val's given the chance to embark on a thrilling adventure in Milan. And no, it's not some cliché Eat, Pray, Love journey of self-discovery. This here is the real deal. He's been tasked with assisting Holocaust survivor Sol Bezzecca in recovering a pair of incredibly valuable sketches by none other than Renoir himself. These precious artworks were once bestowed upon Sol's family by the legendary artist, only to be stolen by the despicable Italian Fascist militia during World War II. And now, after all these years, they've somehow resurfaced and are up for auction. Val's mission? To get them back where they belong.
But hold on, folks, because this thrilling Italian escapade takes a treacherous turn. Val finds himself entangled in a complex web that reaches back to the horrors of World War II, and let me tell you, it's stickier than honey on a hot summer's day. In this tangled mess, he encounters art thieves, expert forgers, and someone who wants him out of the picture permanently. And let me remind you, this is no Bob Ross landscape we're dealing with. This is a high-stakes game where the prize is more than just money. It's the chance to reunite an old man with his precious past, a past that is priceless beyond measure.
Yet, dear listeners, even with danger lurking at every turn, Val remains undeterred. He's more determined than ever to track down those lost Renoirs. Because let's face it, the odds are stacked against him, but he's not one to back down from a challenge. The thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of reuniting a survivor with his rightful heritage, it's a pursuit that's worth risking it all for. And in this case, "risking it all" might just mean putting his life on the line.
So, buckle up, dear listeners, because this rollercoaster ride through the dark underbelly of the art world is going to be one hell of a journey. With Edgar Award winner Aaron Elkins at the helm, and the talented David Colacci as your guide, get ready to immerse yourself in a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat for a whopping nine hours and zero minutes. Trust me, this audiobook is a solid 3 out of 5 stars, making it a perfect companion for those long commutes or lazy weekend afternoons.
Just remember, folks, when it comes to solving crimes and reclaiming stolen masterpieces, it takes a special kind of artist. And Val Caruso? Well, he's about to prove just how special he is. Sit back, relax, and let the hunt begin.