Bottando sends Flavia di Stefano to speak to the old lady who fingers an Englishman, Geoffrey Forster, for the crime. Upon Flavia’s return, Bottando tells her he has decided not to pursue the case, especially since Corrado Argan is trying to make Bottando appear incompetent and thinks a thirty-year-old file is perfect in proving this.

Flavia, however, is intrigued and mentions Forster to her live-in-lover, Jonathan Argyll, also an art dealer, who is traveling to England on another matter. Jonathan agrees to contact Forster, but when he arrives at the arranged meeting, finds Forster dead at the bottom of the staircase.

Jonathan’s passport is seized by the police and he is asked to remain in Weller while an inquiry into Forster’s death is made. He is befriended by Mary Verney, an older woman, who invites him to stay with her for the duration. Because Jonathan suspects that Forster’s death was not an accident, and since his name has recently come up in connection to three paintings in the Giotto files, Jonathan continues to ask questions, all the time closer to the truth than he ever imagined.

Giotto’s Hand is a rich story, full of details that any art history buff would love. The world Jonathan and Flavia work in is a an intriguing one, full of interesting characters and a long history. Pears deftly draws this world in a way any novice can easily understand, but not so simplistic that someone will-versed in art history would be bored.

Weller, the town Jonathan stays in has several enjoyable characters, all very cleverly connected to each other. Jonathan has developed (over five previous books) into a solid interesting detective. Although the mystery is easily solved, even when the case appears to be wrapped up readers will not be surprised to learn that there is more to the story than there appears to be.

Giotto’s Hand is recommended for readers looking for a light mystery full of atmosphere and an unusual setting.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry