Books matching: forging a painting
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- #1
A beautifully written, psychologically intense thriller that explores obsession and control with unapologetic kink. Not for the faint of heart, but a must-read for fans of dark, edgy romance.
In 'The Con Artist' by Kitty Thomas, the story follows Saskia Roth, a talented artist who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and desire when she forges a painting for a wealthy tech tycoon named Lachlan Niche. As their complex relationship unfolds, Saskia navigates between her passion for art and the dark world of manipulation and obsession. The writing style in the book is described as flawless, with vivid descriptions of the characters' emotions and surroundings, creating a dark and twisted atmosphere that keeps readers engrossed.
It was twenty thousand a head just to get in to the night’s festivities. That didn’t include the VIP tour or the silent auction of the pieces on display. Even if she’d been invited, she wouldn’t have...January 2016•311 pages - #2
In 'The Duke of Diamonds' by Emily Windsor, the story revolves around Evelyn Evie Pearce, a baronet's daughter in dire financial straits after her father's death. To save her ailing sister from destitution, Evie concocts a plan to defraud the Duke of Rothwell, known as the Duke of Diamonds, by selling him a forged painting. The Duke, obsessed with a painting of a mysterious woman, finds himself intrigued by Evie's lies and drawn into a web of deceit and attraction. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, secrets, and unexpected twists, as the characters navigate a world of hidden motives and unexpected connections.
The writing style in 'The Duke of Diamonds' is described as witty, charming, and filled with British humor. The fast-paced story is complemented by well-developed characters, including a funny maid, a nasty villain, and a cast of intriguing side characters. The author's ability to blend humor with romance and intrigue creates an engaging narrative that keeps readers entertained and invested in the evolving relationship between Evie and the Duke of Rothwell.
April 2020•308 pages - #3
A lively deep dive into art-world mischief and Nazi-era intrigue - more sprawling historical puzzle than tidy whodunit, but a must for fans of art, history, and the delightful folly of experts.
'The Forger's Spell' by Edward Dolnick is a multifaceted book that delves into the fascinating world of art forgery during the 1930s and 1940s. It narrates the story of Han Van Meegeren, a forger who specialized in creating and selling fake Vermeer paintings to art experts and even Nazi art collector Hermann Goering. The book explores Van Meegeren's techniques, the historical context of Nazi looting of Europe, and the art world's gullibility. Through a blend of biography, history, and art forgery, the book sheds light on the intricate deception and the consequences faced by the forger when his true identity is revealed.
The narrative of 'The Forger's Spell' is described as a roller coaster ride through the art world during World War II, showcasing the egos of various individuals involved in the deception. From the forger's ambition to the art historian's fascination and the Nazi leader's avid art collecting, the book weaves a tale of misattributions, groupthink, and the power dynamics within the art world. It explores themes of illusion versus reality, the psychology of forgery, and the consequences faced by those involved in the intricate web of deceit.
Until almost the very end, Han van Meegeren thought he had committed the perfect crime. He had pocketed more than $3 million—the equivalent of about $30 million today—and scarcely a trace of scandal c...2008•384 pages - #4
A sophisticated, moody thriller that’s not quite as razor-sharp as the original but delivers plenty of dark fun and vintage intrigue for fans of Highsmith and criminal anti-heroes.
In 'Ripley Under Ground', the second book in the Ripley series by Patricia Highsmith, the sociopathic protagonist Tom Ripley finds himself entangled in an art fraud scheme involving forged paintings of a deceased artist. As Ripley navigates through a web of deception and murder to protect his illicit operation, the tension rises, leading to a suspenseful and dark narrative. The book delves into Ripley's manipulative nature, his ability to evade suspicion, and the moral ambiguity that surrounds his actions, all set against a backdrop of intricate plotting and elegant writing.
- #5
A beautifully written, atmospheric novel about art, loss, and deception across centuries. Not a conventional thriller, but a thoughtful literary tale best for readers who enjoy rich prose and layered stories.
'The Last Painting of Sara de Vos' by Dominic Smith is a multi-layered story that spans across different time periods and locations, focusing on the lives of a female Dutch painter named Sara de Vos, a wealthy collector Marty de Groot, and a young art historian and restorer Ellie Shipley. The narrative weaves between the 1600s in Holland, the 1950s in the U.S., and the year 2000 in Australia, where all these characters' paths intersect. The book delves into the world of art, forgery, and the roles of women in the art world, providing a captivating and informative exploration of Dutch landscape painting and the intricate process of creating and detecting forgeries.
The painting is stolen the same week the Russians put a dog into space. Plucked from the wall right above the marital bed during a charity dinner for orphans. This is how Marty de Groot will tell the...2012•373 pages - #6
I never asked for an assistant, and if I had, I definitely would not have chosen her.
With her sharp tongue and lack of discipline, what she needs is a firm hand, not a job.
The more she tests my limits, the more tempted I am to bend her over my kne
... - #7
'Don't Look' by Jessa Kane follows the story of Mick, an FBI agent set to solve a case involving an infamous Russian mobster. However, his plans are disrupted when he meets Hailey, the mobster's daughter. Their instant connection leads to a whirlwind of sexual tension, lust, and danger as Mick tries to protect Hailey from her sadistic and villainous father. The writing style is described as engaging, taboo, and fast-paced, with a mix of suspense, mystery, and steamy romance that keeps readers hooked until the end.
May 2018•66 pages - #8
A gripping, entertaining read that reveals the extraordinary true story of one of art's biggest scams. If you like true crime, art mysteries, or just a lively tale with colorful characters, Provenance is well worth your time.
'Provenance' by Laney Salisbury dives into the intricate world of art forgery and deception orchestrated by John Drewe and John Myatt. Drewe, the mastermind behind the scheme, dupes Myatt, a struggling artist, into creating and selling forged masterpieces with authentic provenance to top dealers. The narrative unfolds with years of research, detailing Drewe's elaborate impersonations and sales of modern artworks, all while exploring the disintegration of moral and ethical standards in society. expertly weaves together a fast-paced story of intrigue in the art world, showcasing the complexities of art scams, the importance of archives, and the long-running crime that deceived experts and art lovers alike.
One sunny April afternoon in 1990 two Englishmen strode up the steps of London’s Tate Gallery, passed beneath the imposing statues atop the pediment—Britannia, the lion, and the unicorn—and made their...July 2009•361 pages - #9
A steamy, angsty second-chance romance with flawed but endearing characters - great for historical romance fans who enjoy emotional depth (and a little family chaos), though some may wish for a faster pace and less repetition.
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage delves into the tumultuous relationship between Lady Isabella and Lord Mac Mackenzie. Their impulsive marriage following a scandalous debut ball leads to years of separation, fueled by Mac's alcoholism and disappearing acts. The book explores themes of second chances, reconciliation, and trust-building, all set against the backdrop of a mystery involving forged paintings and an imposter.
All of London was amazed to learn of the sudden marriage of Lady I—S—and Lord M—M—, brother of the Duke of K—,last evening. The lady in question had her Come-Out and her Wedding the same night, leadin...June 2010•337 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series MacKenzies & McBrides )









