STOLEN LIGHT is a suspense novel set in the art world and involving the Italian Renaissance, the Cuban Revolution, as well as a love story. Cuba, 1958: the art collection of sugar plantation owner, American--born William Delaney, is seized. Delaney is killed during the incident, and his pregnant wife flees Cuba, never to look back. Now, over fifty years later, Delaneys wife STOLEN LIGHT is a suspense novel set in the art world and involving the Italian Renaissance, the Cuban Revolution, as well as a love story. Cuba, 1958: the art collection of sugar plantation owner, American--born William Delaney, is seized. Delaney is killed during the incident, and his pregnant wife flees Cuba, never to look back. Now, over fifty years later, Delaneys wife dies, and his daughter, Helen Gilmore, intent on knowing the father whose life was shrouded in secrecy, is determined to restore what she can of his legacy. She seeks the help of young Art News writer, Erika Shawn, whose boss hooks her up with a more seasoned hand, art historian, Harrison Wheatley. What begins as an academic endeavor quickly changes character when Helen is brutally murdered and Erika is anonymously warned to give up her assignment. Undeterred, she continues her investigation, Harrison following suit. Their quest leads them to finding what may be a Michelangelo drawing; to unraveling a mystery over a half-century old; and to solving Helens murder. Their sleuthing is complicated by their burgeoning passion, as irresistible and, in a sense, as threatening as their mission. "complex and intriguing" -- Kirkus Reviews
Stolen Light
STOLEN LIGHT is a suspense novel set in the art world and involving the Italian Renaissance, the Cuban Revolution, as well as a love story. Cuba, 1958: the art collection of sugar plantation owner, American--born William Delaney, is seized. Delaney is killed during the incident, and his pregnant wife flees Cuba, never to look back. Now, over fifty years later, Delaneys wife STOLEN LIGHT is a suspense novel set in the art world and involving the Italian Renaissance, the Cuban Revolution, as well as a love story. Cuba, 1958: the art collection of sugar plantation owner, American--born William Delaney, is seized. Delaney is killed during the incident, and his pregnant wife flees Cuba, never to look back. Now, over fifty years later, Delaneys wife dies, and his daughter, Helen Gilmore, intent on knowing the father whose life was shrouded in secrecy, is determined to restore what she can of his legacy. She seeks the help of young Art News writer, Erika Shawn, whose boss hooks her up with a more seasoned hand, art historian, Harrison Wheatley. What begins as an academic endeavor quickly changes character when Helen is brutally murdered and Erika is anonymously warned to give up her assignment. Undeterred, she continues her investigation, Harrison following suit. Their quest leads them to finding what may be a Michelangelo drawing; to unraveling a mystery over a half-century old; and to solving Helens murder. Their sleuthing is complicated by their burgeoning passion, as irresistible and, in a sense, as threatening as their mission. "complex and intriguing" -- Kirkus Reviews
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Jillian –
I read my first novel by Claudia Riess, and was entranced with the characters. I fell in love with Ms. Riess’ characters, Erika Shawn and Harrison Wheatley, in her beautifully conjured art history lesson within a fun romance and who-done-it. As an artist myself, I very much enjoyed traveling through New York’s current art community back in time to Cuba and Florence in a fabulous story. The novel is a painting itself, rich with art and the artist’s who create masterpieces. I found myself casting I read my first novel by Claudia Riess, and was entranced with the characters. I fell in love with Ms. Riess’ characters, Erika Shawn and Harrison Wheatley, in her beautifully conjured art history lesson within a fun romance and who-done-it. As an artist myself, I very much enjoyed traveling through New York’s current art community back in time to Cuba and Florence in a fabulous story. The novel is a painting itself, rich with art and the artist’s who create masterpieces. I found myself casting the characters in Ms. Riess’ fast-paced story in a future movie or TV series, and great fun imagining what actress and actor might be cast as the lovely Erika and the handsome, haunting character of Harrison. I am looking forward to reading “Semblance of Guilt” as soon as it is released. Received this book through Goodreads giveaway.
Candi –
I received this book from a Goodreads contest. "Stolen Light" is a fun mystery involving stolen art, the misattribution of artists, and, peripherally, the Cuban Revolution. Romance is also in the air between our principal characters. I enjoyed the story itself. In fact I think the general plot was a great story idea. However, "Stolen Light" reads like a work ready for an early round of editing. For example, I think the author should trust her readers' ability to remember the identities of minor c I received this book from a Goodreads contest. "Stolen Light" is a fun mystery involving stolen art, the misattribution of artists, and, peripherally, the Cuban Revolution. Romance is also in the air between our principal characters. I enjoyed the story itself. In fact I think the general plot was a great story idea. However, "Stolen Light" reads like a work ready for an early round of editing. For example, I think the author should trust her readers' ability to remember the identities of minor characters without the need for reintroduction. The flow of dialogue could also use significant revision. Some information should come straight from the narrator (or should be reworded to flow more like natural spoken conversation). What stuck out the most for me, though, was a combination of the hasty development of the budding romance and the thinly veiled damsel-in-distress identity of Erika (because for all the pointed defiance and exuded self-reliance, she really was a standard woman-in-need-of-rescuing). All that being said, let me emphasize that I enjoyed "Stolen Light". (In fact, I read it in just a few days--and I have less than one hour a day available for reading unless I stay up past my bedtime.) I would not waste time critiquing it if I thought it was destined for the tawdry romance categorization. I don't. I think this could be a successful mainstream mystery novel, with some rewriting under the guidance of a professional editor. Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
Claire Barfell –
I won this book on Goodreads Giveaways. The story is very good, it has mystery, romance and art history in it. Also, it does get a little complicated and I was afraid I would not understand the ending, but I was wrong. The solution to the mystery was very clearly explained at the end and the reader knows exactly what happened. Very interesting story, it will definitely take you away from every day life.
Glen –
I won this novel in a goodreads drawing. It's an old fashioned romance (I'm talking Harlequin, not the 19 century) about art experts drawn into a conspiracy dating back to 1958 Cuba. There's a lot of art history and inside stuff about the art world, but it doesn't get in the way or distract. Apparently, the author has a bit of a fetish for chinos, though. Not bad, though a trifle quaint. I won this novel in a goodreads drawing. It's an old fashioned romance (I'm talking Harlequin, not the 19 century) about art experts drawn into a conspiracy dating back to 1958 Cuba. There's a lot of art history and inside stuff about the art world, but it doesn't get in the way or distract. Apparently, the author has a bit of a fetish for chinos, though. Not bad, though a trifle quaint.
Linda Donohue –
I received the book through a Good Reads giveaway. Some of the art descriptions were beyond my familiarity of art, but nothing overwhelming. The mystery was well laid out and came together in the end. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Suzi –
thank you goodreads! an excellent book. the banter between the two main characters is clever and engaging. great mystery. i know virtually nothing about art so the book was informative also.
Marcia Rosen –
Finished reading the book and it is absolutely a wonderful read
Pat –
This was a Goodreads give away contest win. This is my honest rating of this book.
Donna Foster –
A mystery with a switch and twist that makes it invigorating.
Brenda Schneider –
A mystery, conspiracy, and romance. Really enjoyed the story. I won this book through goodreads.
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