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quinnster's review
4.0
I didn't read the synopsis so I spent a good part of the story wondering where Brockton was. But I actually really enjoyed Descartes and Dubois. I really hope Dubois makes an appearance in the next book!
ingo_lembcke's review
4.0
Short prequel to be read before the latest book by the same author: The Inquisitor’s Key aka The Bones of Avignion.
I liked it, but think it was too expensive, it should have been a giveaway (freebie).
Don't be fooled by the supposed length, half of it is a preview of The Inquisitor’s Key.
Started and finished on the same day.
I liked it, but think it was too expensive, it should have been a giveaway (freebie).
Don't be fooled by the supposed length, half of it is a preview of The Inquisitor’s Key.
Started and finished on the same day.
chadsan's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.25
unsolvedmysteries1's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Novella that is a prequel to The Inquisitor’s Key. Interesting story about Art Fraud and Theft.
appalonia's review
4.0
I really loved this short story and the preview to Jefferson Bass's new book. The short story involves a French police investigator who responds to a robbery at an art museum, only to find out the thief had actually added a painting -- a painting that is an exact copy of the one displayed at the museum.
The story's opening and the character of Inspector René Descartes drew me immediately into the story. I enjoyed reading the Inspector's thoughts about art, how he allowed his mind to open and gained an appreciation of the paintings. In the beginning I was thrown a little when I realized the story wasn't going to include Bill Brockton (at least, not yet). But I enjoyed the Inspector and after reading the preview of The Inquisitor's Key I am really looking forward to reading it!
The story's opening and the character of Inspector René Descartes drew me immediately into the story. I enjoyed reading the Inspector's thoughts about art, how he allowed his mind to open and gained an appreciation of the paintings. In the beginning I was thrown a little when I realized the story wasn't going to include Bill Brockton (at least, not yet). But I enjoyed the Inspector and after reading the preview of The Inquisitor's Key I am really looking forward to reading it!
finsfan66's review
4.0
Did not read the excerpt from "The Inquisitor's Key", only "Madonna and Corpse"
canada_matt's review
5.0
In what can only be called an eventual teaser, Bass presents a great little story that, until the closing sentences, does not seem to have any connection to the Body Farm series. Filled with excellent nuances about the world of art and art forgery, Bass lays what will be the eventual groundwork for a new character, or so it seems. Being an ardent Bass reader and trying to read everything in order, I have not yet read The Inquisitor’s Key, nor have I even delved into the teaser chapters provided with this novella. I will dive in soon, but I wanted not to be tainted by foreknowledge when reviewing this piece.
Lovers of the Bone Yard series may be flummoxed by the story, as they are waiting for Bill and Miranda to appear on the scene at any moment. The entire story, broken into nine short chapters, does anything but talk about forensics or anthropology. We learn about a police inspector who works in and around Avignon and a forger who seems to have been peddling his wares for years. What looks like an open and shut case leaves much to the imagination. I could see this being a sub-plot tie-in to the next full-length novel, but the reader will have to be patient and commence that one, as I will, do determine if this novella was a way to introduce a new character, or a small branch out, away from decaying bodies and into the lucrative world of art.
Kudos, Messrs. Jefferson and Bass. Nice work and I cannot wait to tackle the latest full-length novel.
Lovers of the Bone Yard series may be flummoxed by the story, as they are waiting for Bill and Miranda to appear on the scene at any moment. The entire story, broken into nine short chapters, does anything but talk about forensics or anthropology. We learn about a police inspector who works in and around Avignon and a forger who seems to have been peddling his wares for years. What looks like an open and shut case leaves much to the imagination. I could see this being a sub-plot tie-in to the next full-length novel, but the reader will have to be patient and commence that one, as I will, do determine if this novella was a way to introduce a new character, or a small branch out, away from decaying bodies and into the lucrative world of art.
Kudos, Messrs. Jefferson and Bass. Nice work and I cannot wait to tackle the latest full-length novel.
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