Now the art world is in a tizzy because her grandfather is writing a tell-all book about his life, art forgers are not happy because all their secrets are being revealed and Annie’s friend Bryan is being looked at for the art theft. Annie knows better and suspects sexy Michael Collins, art thief and master impresario, of the deed. When Michael contacts Annie to attend a swanky cocktail party in return for the safe return of the Chagall, Annie reluctantly agrees. But she soon realizes Michael has brought her so she can identify the real art in their host’s collection so he knows what to steal.

Outraged, Annie focuses her attention on the sculptor Seamus’s death. Her attention is soon divided when mother Beverly shows up to Seamus’s funeral and warns Annie away from the entire situation including moody sculptor Pascal. Annie’s head is spinning, her grandfather is calling in from various parts of the world, Michael is showing up unexpectedly in all kinds of places (breaking and entering is also one of his specialties) and stuffy landlord Frank is not so standoffish any longer.

What’s a girl to do?

Annie is one of the funniest, most likable amateur sleuths out there today. She has been mixed up with many things as a young woman and is attempting to stay on the straight and narrow, though she uses her shady connections when friends are in trouble. She has a keen eye and can spot her grandfather’s handiwork at forty paces. She is loyal to a fault and tries to keep Bryan, Beverly and Frank happy while fighting a physical attraction for Michael whom she knows is just trouble. The plots are cleverly linked and every event that occurs happens for a specific purpose, making the story wonderfully rich in detail. Annie’s friends are eccentric, and her grandfather’s posse keeps their eyes on Annie, keeping her safe even as she continues to place herself in perilous situations.

Don’t miss this one!

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry