About this title: The novel which began Iain Pears's acclaimed art crime series, introducing General Bottando and Flavia di Stefano of the Italian National Art Theft Squad. When English art historian, Jonathan Argyll, is caught breaking into a church in Rome, he has an astonishing story to tell. He claims that the church contains a genuine Raphael, hidden under a ...
read more
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Date Published: 2007
ISBN-13:9780007229178ISBN:0007229178
Description: New. Brand new books, maps and cd's available immediately from a reputable and well rated UK bookseller; despatched promptly and reliably worldwide. read more
Edition: First Edition
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, New York
Date Published: 1998
ISBN-13:9780425166130ISBN:0425166139
Description: Very Good. 12mo-over 6¾"-7¾" tall. First edition paperback. Light reading creases on spine and some minor shelf wear/rubbing to the cover edges and surface. Otherwise in very good condition. The book is still tight, the pages are extremely clean and bright and there are no inscriptions. All my books are carefully packed and I make every effort to despatch orders the same day. If you have any questions regarding this book please do not hesitate to ask. A photograph of the actual book is readily ... read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS LTD
Date Published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780006511120ISBN:0006511120
Description: Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd in 1999. Paperback. Number of pages: 208. Condition: Good. Used book but in Good Condition for sensible price. No inscript., gd clean tidy copy Shipped from UK. Delivery is usually 2-3 working days from order by Royal Mail, International Delivery is by Airmail. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Prime Crime, New York
Date Published: 1998
ISBN-13:9780425166130ISBN:0425166139
Description: Good. 0425166139. Spine creases and corner creases.; 226 pages; From cover: "English art scholar Jonathan Argyll was amazed to find himself arrested for vagrancy-while searching for a long-lost Raphael in a tiny Roman church. " read more
Binding: Mass-market paperback
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Date Published: 1998
ISBN-13:9780425166130ISBN:0425166139
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. corner crease to front cover otherwise in v.g. ++ condition. Mass market (rack) paperback. Glued binding. 226 p. Prime Crime Mysteries. Audience: General/trade. read more
Binding: Mass-market paperback
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Date Published: 1998
ISBN-13:9780425166130ISBN:0425166139
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Mass market (rack) paperback. Glued binding. 226 p. Prime Crime Mysteries. Audience: General/trade. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Prime Crime, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Date Published: 1998
ISBN-13:9780425166130ISBN:0425166139
Description: Very Good/No Jacket as Issued. 12mo-over 6¾"-7¾" tall 0425166139 Mystery The edges of the cover are very lightly rubbed, the book is both clean and tight, inside and out. 226 pages. An art history mystery. read more
"Not quite in the same class as Arturo Perez-Reverte's antiquarian mysteries. It is the first of a series however, and Pears would grow as a writer later on. In the meantime we have a twisting tale of art world intrigue that begins to deal with larger topics of the nature of beauty, authenticity and what constitutes a masterpiece, but falls short of really bringing them to life. Instead, we have a neat little mystery, a dose of action and a love interest to boot. In this case the love interest can be forgiven because it serves as the set-up for the rest of series."
"Boring in places and confusing. Characters are okay but are flat as they are barely used to their potential. Protagonist Jonathon Argyll is refreshing as a young almost naieve art historian who becomes involved in art fraud and murder. Of course, his main interest, Flavia works for the art fraud department of the Italian police. Together they track down who is responsible. A light novel that gives a confusing background into the elusive art world."
We guarantee every item's condition, as described on Alibris. If you are not satisfied that an item is as described, return your purchase for a refund.