(A Fabiola Bennett Mystery, Book 1)
By Heidi Eljarbo
“What is amiss with Mr. and Mrs. Andrews?”
For the past six years, the masterpiece adorned the walls of the National Gallery in London, captivating visitors with its beauty and intrigue. However, when a cryptic message emerged, the National Gallery’s director took immediate action, enlisting the help of a renowned art expert. He hopes Fabiola Bennett will verify the authenticity of the painting, ensuring that the artwork displayed for public admiration is indeed the original and not a cleverly crafted forgery.
There is no mistake. Fabiola confirms that the painting is a copy. But the question remains: what fate befell the original masterpiece? And how could it have been spirited away from the National Gallery without a single soul noticing its absence?
In “The London Forgery: A Historical Art Mystery (A Fabiola Bennett Mystery Book 1)” by Heidi Eljarbo, readers are drawn into a captivating thriller that intertwines the worlds of art and crime. The story revolves around Thomas Gainsborough’s iconic painting, “Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.” However, there is something amiss with the portrait displayed in Room Forty-Five of the National Gallery in London — it is a forgery. This flawless imitation eluded detection for an impressive six years, fooling both experts and the public alike. And no one would have been the wiser if a cryptic clue had not been left for the director of the National Gallery to find. Fabiola Bennett, a passionate art historian, immerses herself in the intricate layers of this artistic enigma, embarking on a thrilling quest to find the painting and to discover just how it was taken from the National Gallery in the first place.
In true Eljarbo style, the novel is set in two different timelines. The first is in 1970s London, and the second is in Sudbury in Suffolk in 1750. In this latter narrative, readers are drawn into the intimate atmosphere of an artist’s studio. The eyes of the artist miss nothing, and the strain between the newly married Mr and Mrs Andrews is not lost on him. With the use of rich symbolism that is seemingly lost on the couple, Gainsborough gives the readers a valuable insight into the lives of this wealthy family. Although the reader only briefly visits this era, the experience offers a profound glimpse into the lives and emotions of both the artist and his subjects.
Eljarbo expertly employs rich and vivid descriptions that brilliantly capture the essence of London in the 1970s. Trafalgar Square, with its iconic architecture, provides a sense of stability and safety. The square buzzes with the energy of both locals and tourists, each drawn to its historic significance and vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, the portrayal of the National Gallery adds another layer of depth to this narrative. The National Gallery, known for its grand façade and extensive collection, is depicted with an emphasis on the awe-inspiring artworks that adorn its walls. Among the featured works, Gainsborough’s “Mr. and Mrs. Andrews” commands attention with its exquisite beauty and composition. Eljarbo skilfully breathes life into this iconic portrait through evocative prose, meticulously detailing the exquisite textures of the clothing, the natural expressions of the sitters, and the serene landscape that envelops them, creating a rich and captivating narrative. Each carefully chosen word paints a picture that captures the essence, colours, and emotions conveyed in the artwork, enabling any reader to recognise it with a sense of familiarity. The talent for crafting words with such finesse and elegance truly deserves the highest accolades.
Recently widowed, Fabiola Bennett has fully immersed herself in her work, using it as a means to cope with her loss. Therefore, when she receives an urgent call from the National Gallery in London from the director asking for her expertise, she promptly reorganises her schedule and books a flight to London. Upon her arrival, Fabiola examines the painting that has led to the director’s concern in detail. Her expertise in art history quickly reveals a minute discrepancy—there are brushstrokes that are not on the original. This revelation comes as a shock to the museum director, Mr. Wilson, who had confidently presented the piece to the public. With her extensive knowledge and keen eye, Fabiola seamlessly integrates herself into the police investigation. She teams up with her long-time friends, Detective Inspector Cary Green, known for his analytical prowess and steadfast dedication to justice, and her best friend, Pippa Yates, whose unwavering support and upbeat personality provide a much-needed balance to the seriousness of the situation. Fabiola embodies the qualities of an experienced art historian: she is meticulous, observant, and possesses a high level of emotional intelligence, which allows her to navigate the complex dynamics of the investigation and her interactions. Her eidetic memory serves as a powerful tool, allowing her to recall minute details that others may overlook. Fabiola’s passion for art is evident in her every action, and she is resolutely dedicated to unravelling the mystery behind the forgery. She understands that the stakes are high, for the integrity of the National Gallery would be called into question if the truth that the painting had been stolen got out. Therefore, she is determined to find the painting and put it back where it belongs. However, her relentless pursuit of answers often leads her to take unnecessary risks. Much like Cary, she searches for the truth with unwavering determination, meticulously examining every possible lead and clue. While her tenacity and thoroughness are admirable qualities, they sometimes come at a steep price, endangering her safety and well-being in the process. Through Fabiola’s character, Eljarbo skilfully holds the reader in suspense, weaving a captivating narrative that keeps them eagerly anticipating what will happen next to this brave protagonist.
Pippa infuses the story with a delightful blend of lightness and humour. As an unapologetic flirt, she has charmed many a man, each with intriguing connections that often extend into the world of art. These relationships become vital tools in her arsenal as she delves into the mysteries surrounding the art theft. With a remarkable talent for adopting various roles, Pippa navigates through the shadows of deception, her charisma and wit shining brightly as she unravels the tangled web of clues and conspiracies. Her playful spirit and her loyalty to Fabiola make her a truly captivating character to read about.
Cary, with his beloved Triumph TR6, is a remarkably grounded character with a charisma that draws people in. Like Fabiola, he is determined to discover the whereabouts of the stolen painting and identify its thief. With his pragmatic outlook and confident demeanour, Cary provides not only insightful perspectives but also a reassuring sense of authority that inspires trust in those around him. He feels responsible for Fabiola and Pippa; he does not want them to get hurt, but he recognises that he needs their help to bring the criminal(s) to justice. Yet, Fabiola, with her adventurous spirit, often pursues leads with an eagerness that leaves him unaware of her intentions!
Eljarbo does not reveal the antagonist in this novel until the final chapters. Through her careful use of foreshadowing and a few red herrings, she keeps the reader in suspense and glued to the pages. Once the antagonist is revealed, everything begins to fall into place, leading to a satisfying conclusion at the end of the novel.
If you are captivated by thrilling mysteries that intertwine suspense with the fascinating world of art history, then “The London Forgery: A Historical Art Mystery (A Fabiola Bennett Mystery Book 1)” by Heidi Eljarbo is an essential addition to your reading list. This gripping novel immerses you in a world of intrigue, where the secrets of a stolen masterpiece hold the key to a riveting tale that will keep you turning those pages.
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Your book sounds amazing! I have added it to my to-read list.
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