Abstract Aliases by Ritter Ames is the third book in the “Bodies of Art” mystery series. Publisher: Henery Press, October 2016
Abstract clues lead to new questions. New leads turn to “dead” ends. A heist plot ties to forgeries. Adversaries resurface twisting an already complicated case. And art recovery expert Laurel Beacham must not only outwit criminals, but keep her wits around Jack Hawkes’s cheeky ego.
Before the criminals they were tracking headed underground, evidence pointed toward two organizations as key to an epic art heist. Despite their best efforts, Laurel and her team haven’t caught a break in months—even Jack’s unofficial intel stuttered to a halt. But on New Year’s, as Big Ben’s bell tolls midnight, the guilty return and nowhere is safe. A source in Rome is killed within hours. Other allies are attacked in Rome and London, and a contact in Germany reports dangerous shadows closing in. The nearer the answers, the higher the stakes. Worse, Jack may not be the only one Laurel must learn to trust to avoid another brush with death.
Ritter has done it again with this fast paced, riveting, non-stop action roller-coaster ride filled with a multitude of surprising twists and turns that kept me reading until the end. The author has a way with the narrative putting me in the middle of all that is happening with my own heart palpitating as the drama moved from location to location. The mystery was set-up nicely with enough intrigue that I knew the outcome would be worth the wait. Getting more of the backstory on Laurel and Jack was an added bonus and truly enhanced the telling of this tale. Thank you Ritter for allowing the relationship between Laurel and Jack to progress. Snappy dialogue, great cast of characters and the chance to explore the art world was what the author expertly brought to this story and I can’t wait for the next installment.
My favorite of a great suspense series. Really great characters shine in all three books.
I love these books! And thanks, Dru, for letting us know that there’s another one to read!
I want to read this book.
I must look for this series.
Thanks so much for taking the time to review Abstract Aliases, Dru!
I don’t have a copy of this latest of Ritter’s books yet as I was looking to see if it was available in a CD set or MP3. My husband and I love to listen to our mysteries while riding in the car especially on road trips. But I want to get a copy of the book for sure.
Cynthia
I wanted to say how much I love this series as I love art, art history, etc. and have a great interest in art heists. This series was made for me. 🙂 Great job Ms. Ames. Great job.
Cynthia B.
This is such an enjoyable series. Laurel is a great lead character, and I’m getting very attached to Nico! Great review, Dru!
I just finished the book–already looking forward to the next one!