Review by wallegator -- Isabella's Painting by Ellen Butler
-
wallegator
- Posts: 11
- Joined: 20 Aug 2018, 15:13
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 12
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-wallegator.html
- Latest Review: Isabella's Painting by Ellen Butler
Review by wallegator -- Isabella's Painting by Ellen Butler
[Following is a volunteer review of "Isabella's Painting" by Ellen Butler.]
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler is an active book that will keep you glued to the pages. I enjoyed it so much, I immediately looked to see what else the author has written. Based on a real-life art heist in 1990, there’s plenty of action with well-rounded characters who face anguishing dilemmas. The book is full of drama and has an unexpected ending. It’s definitely worth reading! It has action, mystery, and a complex relationship that takes a dark turn.
Karina Cardinal is a lobbyist (though she hates that term) living in Washington D.C. She’s enjoying a Christmas party at her boyfriend’s parent’s house when she gets a glimpse of a hidden painting. Instead of letting it slide, she digs further and pretty much breaks into their house later to look for it. We’re led down a path with mafia figures, moral dilemmas, and relationship stress. There are many twists and turns, and I was so focused on the mysterious painting I didn’t see the drama with Karina’s boyfriend coming until I was almost finished reading the book. Kudos to the author.
The main characters are all well written. Karina is smart, funny and has a strong moral compass. The book has several strands happening at once. We’re introduced to an F.B.I. agent Karina has known for years and who I’m hoping pops up in future books. I like that Karina really contemplated and worried about doing the right thing. Of course, if she had just ignored the painting there would be no book. However, she seriously mulled over whether she should turn her future father-in-law over to the police and the impact of any decision she makes. In this age of act now, her deliberate thoughtfulness was refreshing. The author has her debating internally about her plans, and it also let us peek into who she is as a person.
The theft at the Gardner Museum in 1990 was world news, and it’s been in the news for many years since. I’d read a few articles on it, and the value of the stolen art is mind-boggling. The author’s clever use of using this renowned theft as a linchpin for her book was intriguing to me. The book is fast-paced and has a variety of plot lines. Suspicions are cast on many, and Karina tries to figure out who she can trust.
Karina’s relationship with her boyfriend Patrick is put to the test. She doesn’t keep him in the loop, which at the beginning, I think is understandable. After all, she’s talking about his dad going to jail. However, as the story moves along, I’m confused about why she isn’t confiding in him. At the end of the book, when his secrets are revealed, I can only assume that Karina had subconscious reservations about him. The author never told or showed us that Karina was concerned about Patrick, but by the time the plot plays out, avoiding him was her best move.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. A little romance, a lot of action and an intricate plot comprises this book you can’t put down. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. FYI, the next book in the series is released in December 2018!
******
Isabella's Painting
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like wallegator's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler is an active book that will keep you glued to the pages. I enjoyed it so much, I immediately looked to see what else the author has written. Based on a real-life art heist in 1990, there’s plenty of action with well-rounded characters who face anguishing dilemmas. The book is full of drama and has an unexpected ending. It’s definitely worth reading! It has action, mystery, and a complex relationship that takes a dark turn.
Karina Cardinal is a lobbyist (though she hates that term) living in Washington D.C. She’s enjoying a Christmas party at her boyfriend’s parent’s house when she gets a glimpse of a hidden painting. Instead of letting it slide, she digs further and pretty much breaks into their house later to look for it. We’re led down a path with mafia figures, moral dilemmas, and relationship stress. There are many twists and turns, and I was so focused on the mysterious painting I didn’t see the drama with Karina’s boyfriend coming until I was almost finished reading the book. Kudos to the author.
The main characters are all well written. Karina is smart, funny and has a strong moral compass. The book has several strands happening at once. We’re introduced to an F.B.I. agent Karina has known for years and who I’m hoping pops up in future books. I like that Karina really contemplated and worried about doing the right thing. Of course, if she had just ignored the painting there would be no book. However, she seriously mulled over whether she should turn her future father-in-law over to the police and the impact of any decision she makes. In this age of act now, her deliberate thoughtfulness was refreshing. The author has her debating internally about her plans, and it also let us peek into who she is as a person.
The theft at the Gardner Museum in 1990 was world news, and it’s been in the news for many years since. I’d read a few articles on it, and the value of the stolen art is mind-boggling. The author’s clever use of using this renowned theft as a linchpin for her book was intriguing to me. The book is fast-paced and has a variety of plot lines. Suspicions are cast on many, and Karina tries to figure out who she can trust.
Karina’s relationship with her boyfriend Patrick is put to the test. She doesn’t keep him in the loop, which at the beginning, I think is understandable. After all, she’s talking about his dad going to jail. However, as the story moves along, I’m confused about why she isn’t confiding in him. At the end of the book, when his secrets are revealed, I can only assume that Karina had subconscious reservations about him. The author never told or showed us that Karina was concerned about Patrick, but by the time the plot plays out, avoiding him was her best move.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. A little romance, a lot of action and an intricate plot comprises this book you can’t put down. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. FYI, the next book in the series is released in December 2018!
******
Isabella's Painting
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like wallegator's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Isabella's Painting by Ellen Butler
