A review by aliab
A Trace of Deceit by Karen Odden

3.0

Overall it was an enjoyable read. I liked the setting as the story takes place in 19th century Victorian London. The characters well-written. It got quite emotional at times, and I think that the author did a great job describing the characters' feelings and explaining the reasons behind their actions. I don't often read stories involving stolen art or even art in general, and so I found the mystery around the disappearance of Madame de Pompadour's portrait interesting. Still, it's the mystery resolution that fell short for me. I found it to be predictable and rather anticlimactic. I would have enjoyed more suspense and some more elements of surprise.