Loot

narrated by Paul Hecht

ISBN: 0-7887-3472-5 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com

Suspenseful, but lacking depth and truly interesting characters, this mystery provides entertainment without much enlightenment.

Reviewed by David on May 22, 2004

Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth, Art)

Synopsis: Ben Revere is an art historian. While respected in his field, his lack of focus and ambition left Ben drifting, trying to write a book that no longer interests him.

A discovery of a beautiful painting in the pawn shop of his friend spurs him to do research on the fate of looted artwork that disappeared during the second world war. However, before Ben can publish anything, he gets in the way of a brutal robber who appears after the same painting.

Pretty soon, Ben finds ambition in finding out the source of the mysterious painting, as well as the ruthless criminals who appear to have more of the disappeared art.

Full Review: Mildly exciting and sporting fascinating details about stolen art, and the investigation and sometimes litigation surrounding it, the novel fails to paint truly convincing characters. The protagonist is realtively well described, but behaves in somewhat improbable fashion; and the people he meets often seem like well-painted, but flat images.

The book also seems shallow in painting the culture and mores of central and eastern Europe, where much of the action takes place.

In general, however, when read for entertainment, the plot is diverting, and provides plenty of excitement in places. In all the book is enjoyable but light reading.

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 5;

ISBN: 0-7887-3472-5 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com