The incomparable New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Lowell explores the fine art of murder.
Lacey Quinn is determined to prove that the striking landscapes she inherited, done by her late, much-loved grandfather, are as good as anything hanging in museums of California Impressionism today. But the paintings now in her possession are more than the works of a talented master; they are anguished voices from the grave . . . crying murder!
Suddenly Lacey’s investigation into the life and death of the enigmatic artist is leading her down an ever-darkening road paved with lies, blood, and devastating secrets. It also leads her to Ian Lapstrake, a security specialist employed by the appraisal house Rarities Unlimited, who has taken an interest in Lacey’s inheritance . . . and in her safety. Because someone wants to prevent Lacey Quinn from examining her grandfather’s work too closely, by any means necessary. And clues to a series of horrific, unexplained killings may be hidden in the brushstrokes—clues that have now indelibly marked Lacey and Ian for death.
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"I really need to pay attention and start recording the books that I have already read. I already listened to this on CD a long while ago. It is a good one! I have a really big weakness-art. This one delves into the art world and gets murder and mayhem and a little romance. Super fun! "
— Kara (4 out of 5 stars)
“This author delivers pure, undiluted excitement.”
— Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author“A cut above.”
— Raleigh News & Observer“Suspenseful…engrossing storytelling. An excellent recipe for a thrilling evening.”
— Booklist“Strong, interesting, and sexy.”
— Kirkus Reviews“Exotic, erotic…fun.”
— Ft. Worth Star-Telegram" Excellent! Perfect mixture of suspense and romance. Also, I like that it's realistic. "
— Beflow06, 2/15/2014" As usual, Elizabeth Lowell delivers a good read. It's just a light romantic mystery to read on a rainy day. "
— Yvette, 2/7/2014" bad guy is evident before the end, denounment is not especially a surprise either. The characters are pleasant and it was interesting watching them figure it all out. "
— Christa, 2/7/2014" Action and sappy romance all in one. "
— Rlthorkildsen, 1/30/2014" Wish I liked this book better. What started out as a mystery in the art world, and had a lot of promise, got bogged down by annoying sexcapades and drippy dialogue. On top of that, the mystery fizzles out at the end. I could write more, but it's not worth the effort. "
— Martha, 1/24/2014" An enjoyable but predictable read and definately not my favorite Lowell book. I enjoy reading about the art in Lowell's books as it seems to be very well researched and this book is no exception. This is the first time I have been introduced to Suza Donovan and I really liked her and the reference to "The Donovan" so I will pick up their book at some point. "
— Sam, 1/21/2014" I really need to pay attention and start recording the books that I have already read. I already listened to this on CD a long while ago. It is a good one! I have a really big weakness-art. This one delves into the art world and gets murder and mayhem and a little romance. Super fun! "
— Kara, 1/3/2014" Liked the painting aspects; very interesting storyline! "
— Sarah, 12/16/2013" Enjoyable read, but I really feel like Lowell has covered this ground again (Western art, powerful political clans) in some of her St. Kilda books. "
— Joy, 11/15/2013" Not as bad as I was predicting. I really enjoyed the non-sexual intimacies that Lowell included between the couple. The plot was fairly predictable however. I don't think I'll be seeking her out as a novelist. "
— Penny, 11/14/2013" There were so many interesting areas that could have been developed in this book. Perfect for a plane, but not a must read. "
— Shelley, 11/10/2013" My fav so far in the Rarities Unlimited series. (Only one more to go!) Although I figured out a big plot twist well before it was revealed, but I still didn't know who the bad guy was until the final confrontation. I like it when that happens, in books and movies, if not in real life! "
— Cupcakencorset, 10/29/2013" Nice solid mystery with a bit of romance thrown in. "
— Alicia, 10/7/2013" I kind of liked this story until the very end when dishonesty and greed and DISHONESTY were all explained. But I did have part of the plot figured out-now that is amazing! "
— Carol, 7/26/2013" Too much sex and use of the "r rated" word. Enjoyed her humor and wit, good dialogue. "
— Mitchie, 6/18/2013" Thanks again Audrey! I enjoyed this book....It was hard to put down. I can't wait to read about the Donovan's...sounds interesting. "
— Emma, 2/25/2013" This was a fun and enjoyable novel. "
— Mary, 2/16/2013" I love all the Rarities series. Ms. Lowell does a wonderful job writing about art and jewelry in her mysteries. "
— Jackie, 2/10/2013" This book was awesome! I cannot wait to read her next book! =) "
— Tanya, 2/21/2012" Everything just wrapped up really quickly in the end and just fizzled off to disappointment. "
— Kelly, 12/29/2011" While the mystery was interesting, the conversations were wayyyy too clever, (like she'd collected clever sayings for her characters to say), the characters were too beautiful, rich & sexy to be believable. Anyway, it made me groan. "
— Ellenh, 7/8/2011" This was more love story than mystery and not usually the kind of book I choose. A quick read but a predictable outcome. "
— Erna, 6/2/2011" this was a good book, but it just didn't draw me in. "
— Shannan, 2/6/2011" Good reading. Like her style. "
— Judy, 1/8/2011" Decent mystery. Should have read them in order, but did enjoy. "
— Dale, 12/25/2010" This was a very enjoyable book that kept me reading and reading and reading. I couldn't put it down.... "
— Tina, 10/28/2010" My fav so far in the Rarities Unlimited series. (Only one more to go!) Although I figured out a big plot twist well before it was revealed, but I still didn't know who the bad guy was until the final confrontation. I like it when that happens, in books and movies, if not in real life! "
— Cupcakencorset, 10/7/2010" This was a fun and enjoyable novel. "
— Mary, 8/29/2010" Not as bad as I was predicting. I really enjoyed the non-sexual intimacies that Lowell included between the couple. The plot was fairly predictable however. I don't think I'll be seeking her out as a novelist. "
— Penny, 2/25/2010" Too much sex and use of the "r rated" word. Enjoyed her humor and wit, good dialogue. "
— Mitchie, 1/11/2010" I couldn't get into this book. I didn't love the characters, the story was so-so and predictable. I felt the same way with the first book in the Rarities Unlimited series. I haven't read #2 yet and I still plan to read it even though I didn't really care for #1 or #3. "
— Stefanie, 12/22/2009" I haven't read Elizabeth Lowell in a long time and I forgot how much I like her mysteries. There's romance, sure, but it's not all about that. It's not just a romance novel and I appreciate it. Great plot. "
— Iris, 12/20/2009" While the mystery was interesting, the conversations were wayyyy too clever, (like she'd collected clever sayings for her characters to say), the characters were too beautiful, rich & sexy to be believable. Anyway, it made me groan. "
— Ellenh, 8/4/2009" this was a good book, but it just didn't draw me in. "
— Shannan, 8/3/2009" Good reading. Like her style. "
— Judy, 2/7/2009" Action and sappy romance all in one. "
— Rlthorkildsen, 10/15/2008" Two and a half is probably a better rating, but there wasn't anything spectacular about this mystery, and I had the twist pegged a hundred pages or so from the end. The last two chapters felt rushed. That said, it was a fine audio book to entertain me on my way to work. "
— Jen, 9/12/2008" This was a very enjoyable book that kept me reading and reading and reading. I couldn't put it down.... "
— Tina, 8/15/2008Elizabeth Lowell’s acclaimed suspense novels include the New York Times bestsellers Blue Smoke and Murder, Innocent as Sin, The Wrong Hostage, Always Time to Die, The Color of Death, Die in Plain Sight, Running Scared, and Moving Target, as well as four books featuring the Donovan family: Amber Beach, Jade Island, Pearl Cove, and Midnight in Ruby Bayou. She has more than thirty million books in print. She lives in Arizona and Seattle, Washington, with her husband, with whom she writes mystery novels under a pseudonym.
Maria Tucci is an Italian born actress. She has had roles on Broadway for over twenty years and was nominated for a 1967 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Dramatic) for The Rose Tattoo. In films, she is best known for her role in To Die For. She has appeared in numerous television series, including Law & Order. As a professional audiobook narrator, she has shared with other cast members in the Audie Award nomination in 2010 for Selected Shorts: A Touch of Magic and in 2007 for Selected Shorts: Vol. 19 Timeless Classics. She is married to the eminent American editor Robert Gottlieb.