The Matter of the Crown by Linda Ferreri Published by the author on September 29, 2014
Source: Rachel's Random Resources
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 374
Format: eBook
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The Crown of the Andes, one of the world's most precious and beautiful sacred objects, has been stolen right off the stage at Satterling's Auction House in New York City. Five pounds of magnificent baroque gold that ransomed the Inca Ruler Atahaulpa, and hundreds of perfect Colombian emeralds, all gone without a trace! Will this legendary treasure be destroyed for its gold and emeralds? One woman is dead and another one in hot pursuit.
First I have to mention that the Crown of the Andes is real. It’s currently at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Crown of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, known as the Crown of the Andes, ca. 1660–1770
Colombian,
Gold, repoussé and chased; emeralds,
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Acquisitions Fund and Mary Trumbull Adams Fund, 2015
The rest of The Matter of the Crown is entirely fiction, but I really liked having the image of the Crown in my head as I read about it’s fictional theft and about the murder, kidnapping, intrigues surrounding it. I tend to love books combining art and mysteries and this one full of twists and turns and interesting characters was as good as I was hoping. I also like the bits of religious history that were thrown in.
The book started out a little tough for me. There are several characters that are introduced and it’s tough to see how it’s all going to pull together. Eventually, though, once I got into, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Baldo, a retired Italian policeman who along with an American art lawyer, Claire determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. There are some great twists and turns, although the actual thief may be a little easy to spot.
The Matter of the Crown is definitely a good read for someone who likes a bit of art/religious history thrown in with her mysteries.
About Linda Ferreri
Linda Ferreri is a well-known art lawyer and author. Her books include novels about the Crown of the Andes, a novella entitled The King of UNINI, and whimsical hand-illustrated iBooks. She is known, also, for her drawings. She divides her time between Italy and the United States, and lectures widely around the world about art and history. Her next novel is in progress.
I need that crown
But I’d never be able to actually wear it. I do have a small tiara i pull out occasionally for my birthday. (Don’t judge.)
Simply beautiful. We don’t make things like that anymore.
I know. Isn’t it gorgeous?
Wow! It’s beautiful!
Isn’t it gorgeous? and priceless.
Art religion combo is definitely for me. Thanks for the review.
I love books that combine art and mystery, and a bit of religious history rarely hurts.