Loot

Aaron Elkins is an awesome writer. I learn so much about art with everyone of his books.This is one of his best…fast paced and there’s no way I could have an the surprise ending!

Aaron Elkins has a great writing style. I found myself pulled into the story, and really enjoyed each new character he introduced into the story. He brings a human approach to the characters and I found that the plotline was exciting and plausible. I could not put this book down.

Loot seemed like a just right read for me. World War 2. Looted art (stolen masterpiece in the war). Murder. All kinds of topics into one piece of exciting fiction. Sadly author, Aaron Elkins, forgot the exciting part. The plot was ok(ish). But there were some implausible moments that just never would have happened as they did in this book. The romance the narrator had the niece of the first murder victim was entirely too ridiculous ... love / hate that I doubt would have developed as they did. The climax was ok, but the last chapter was a “where are they know” wrap-up, which I just hate. It’s like the story after the story but the author ran out of time or energy to actually tell it, so here is a brief blurb about each character. Pointless. Honestly, I expected more from a writer of Aaron Elkins stature.Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t hate the book. It was a light read, just don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed.

Note: This is not a novel in the Gideon Oliver "bone detective" series.This mystery features a Boston art specialist who is leading a somewhat purposeless life: recently divorced, recently unemployed (twice). Then an acquaintance who owns a pawn shop calls to share a potential discovery: a lost picture of Velasquez that has just been pawned. To be polite, he agrees to view the painting--which appears to be genuine.When things go downhill, he joins in the search for the truth, leading to exciting, dangerous adventures in Europe.This is an enjoyable read!

Very enjoyable, both suspenseful and witty. A fine addition to his excellent “Skeleton Detective” series.

I enjoy reading about World War II and the profound way that the Germans "spirited away" great pieces of art. In general I find Aaron Elkins' characters as people I would like to meet. Finding relatable characters makes stories come to life. I recommend the book to anyone looking for a memorable read.

Elkins’ art-world based stories are always entertaining. This one was an action-packed adventure involving Nazi-era looted art and contemporary Russian mafia. Great characters, fabulous settings - Vienna, St. Petersburg, Zurich - and even a little love interest. Really Top notch!

history is part of this book that we need to keep in touch with so as it never happens again. The plot was a holding factor ,thus one wanted not to put the story away, but rather to hurry to reach the finish,although sorry when the end was reached. Elkins is now on my list of Whats next AAaron?

Excellent read, well written, fast pacing that kept you reading and a liberal dose of WW2 history. Well done!

アーロン・エルキンズ著で絵画探偵とくれば「クリス・ノーグレン」だろ？と思うのだが別人格での話。相方も「アン・グリーン」じゃなくて喧嘩っ早そうな女性。しばらく骨探偵の「ギデオン・オリヴァー」シリーズが出てこないので　もう枯れたのか？と思っていたらナチスがらみの略奪絵画探し、と聞いたので久しぶりのクリス・ノーグレンか？と思ったらハズレ。もっとも話自体は練ってあり流石に手慣れた感じがする。それと共に「何だ　クリスじゃなくても良いのか」と古来からのファンは複雑である。エルキンズ氏の作品を年代別に読んでいると女性に対する見方が毎回辛辣になってるような気がするんだが？勘違いじゃなさそうなんですが.......