Review of The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio
Posted: 07 Oct 2024, 15:51
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio" by Belle Ami.]
The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio is the second book in Belle Ami’s Out of Time Thriller Series. The series follows the art detectives Angela Renatus and Alex Caine, this time investigating the disappearance of a painting by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Newly engaged, Angela and Alex are busy visiting their parents and in-laws when Angela is again plagued by mysterious dreams and visions. The dreams seem to take place in the early Baroque era. After some research, she discovers the protagonists' identity: Caravaggio and his mistress, Fillide Melandroni. At first, the two are unsure about following Angela's visions, since her previous visions about Leonardo da Vinci put them both in great danger. On top of that, Alex is still struggling with PTSD attacks from his time as a soldier in the Middle East. But when the couple returns to Florence and is confronted with a new case involving a stolen painting by Caravaggio, they have no choice but to embark on another dangerous quest for clues. The painting in question, the Nativity with Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence, was stolen in 1969; rumors of the Mafia's involvement were constantly circulating. In their search for the painting, Angela and Alex follow Caravaggio's tragic life throughout Italy. Unbeknownst to them, though, they are not alone on their quest, and dangerous criminals keep a close eye on their every move.
Once again, Belle Ami created a thrilling, and engaging story. She did an excellent job balancing romance, mystery, and action in this second book of her Out of Time Thriller Series. I recommend reading the first book, The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci, beforehand to understand the connection between Angela's visions and the events from the past.
I truly enjoyed reading how Angela and Alex's relationship developed throughout the two books. Despite everything, they are still in love as they were on the first day. Their characters are described more in-depth, giving a better insight into their emotions and actions.
Although Angela and Alex are imaginary characters, Ami has managed to incorporate Caravaggio's life into a fictional narrative. Each work of art described in the book was actually created by Caravaggio. Likewise, the narrative about the theft of Caravaggio’s Nativity with Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence is based on true events. The painting was indeed stolen in 1969; it is unfortunately still untraceable to this day. I am astonished at how much effort Belle Ami must have put into researching Caravaggio's life, his art, and early Baroque art in general.
To conclude, I rated The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio with 5 out of 5 stars. Belle Ami created an exceptionably well-written and thought-out story. In addition, the book is extremely well-edited; I did not spot any errors or typos. The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio is perfect for any adult interested in art history, romance, and action.
******
The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio is the second book in Belle Ami’s Out of Time Thriller Series. The series follows the art detectives Angela Renatus and Alex Caine, this time investigating the disappearance of a painting by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Newly engaged, Angela and Alex are busy visiting their parents and in-laws when Angela is again plagued by mysterious dreams and visions. The dreams seem to take place in the early Baroque era. After some research, she discovers the protagonists' identity: Caravaggio and his mistress, Fillide Melandroni. At first, the two are unsure about following Angela's visions, since her previous visions about Leonardo da Vinci put them both in great danger. On top of that, Alex is still struggling with PTSD attacks from his time as a soldier in the Middle East. But when the couple returns to Florence and is confronted with a new case involving a stolen painting by Caravaggio, they have no choice but to embark on another dangerous quest for clues. The painting in question, the Nativity with Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence, was stolen in 1969; rumors of the Mafia's involvement were constantly circulating. In their search for the painting, Angela and Alex follow Caravaggio's tragic life throughout Italy. Unbeknownst to them, though, they are not alone on their quest, and dangerous criminals keep a close eye on their every move.
Once again, Belle Ami created a thrilling, and engaging story. She did an excellent job balancing romance, mystery, and action in this second book of her Out of Time Thriller Series. I recommend reading the first book, The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci, beforehand to understand the connection between Angela's visions and the events from the past.
I truly enjoyed reading how Angela and Alex's relationship developed throughout the two books. Despite everything, they are still in love as they were on the first day. Their characters are described more in-depth, giving a better insight into their emotions and actions.
Although Angela and Alex are imaginary characters, Ami has managed to incorporate Caravaggio's life into a fictional narrative. Each work of art described in the book was actually created by Caravaggio. Likewise, the narrative about the theft of Caravaggio’s Nativity with Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence is based on true events. The painting was indeed stolen in 1969; it is unfortunately still untraceable to this day. I am astonished at how much effort Belle Ami must have put into researching Caravaggio's life, his art, and early Baroque art in general.
To conclude, I rated The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio with 5 out of 5 stars. Belle Ami created an exceptionably well-written and thought-out story. In addition, the book is extremely well-edited; I did not spot any errors or typos. The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio is perfect for any adult interested in art history, romance, and action.
******
The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon