Wednesday, June 19, 2024



 This is the second book in a dual-timeline art mystery series by Heidi Eljarbo—an intriguing spin-off from her much-loved Soli Hansen Mysteries.

Assisi, 1973.
On art historian Fabiola Bennett’s first day in Assisi, a local gentleman takes her aside to ask for advice about a painting that has wondrously appeared in the basilica’s bell tower.
So much for enjoying relaxing days filled with dining on pasta and gelato.
Soon, Fabiola and her besties, Pippa and Cary, are thrown into a shrouded mystery and caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue, theft, lies, and attempted murder, all of which overshadows the postcard-like charm of the small, historic town.

Rome, 1511.
Life is going well for Teodoro Nicoletti. Since he was a young man in Florence, he has worked and learned alongside the most-favored artist Raphael.
When Pope Julius II commissions Raphael to paint several frescos in the reception rooms of the Vatican Palace, Teodoro follows his master to Rome and discovers firsthand the admiration and rivalry between Raphael and two other reigning artists: Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
But the prickliest thorn in Teodoro’s side is his beloved Elisabetta’s father. The old man is determined to keep his youngest daughter from becoming Teodoro’s wife.

My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book in this series and looked forward to reading more about Fabiola and the art mysteries that she encounters! I love that the stories have a dual timeline, since it brings the paintings she is working with to life. I also enjoy the glimpse into life in the 70's, since my parents are a similar age to Fabiola. 

Heidi Eljarbo does a wonderful job of bringing the time periods and characters to life, adding in some delightful secondary characters, which I always appreciate. I loved walking the streets of Assisi with her and her friends, as well as Rome in the 1500's. The mystery has a lot of twists and turns, keeping me guessing were the story would wind up. This is a wonderful series to pick up and enjoy! 

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review. 

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