Sunday, December 30, 2018

Book Review: MARKED MASTERS : A Bodies of Art Mystery Book 2 by Ritter Ames


Synopsis

Laurel Beacham made working solo a personal success story and is known for her nerve, instincts, and ability to do whatever necessary to return each priceless masterpiece safely intact. As the world’s leading art recovery expert, she’s thwarted more heists than the average law enforcement professional. Museums applaud her skills. Thieves admire the cunning way she operates.

Her last job landed her the head position over the London branch of Beacham Foundation, but bringing one case to a close only opened a bigger one. More importantly, the new case inextricably ties her to Jack Hawkes, a man smart enough to be her equal but who keeps her trust meter firmly in the red zone. Trying to stop a rumored heist of the century, the pair leap headlong into a plot that gets more dangerous and illusive by the minute. The clock counts down as the bodies and forgeries stack up.

Review

Laurel is an art critic with a very interesting sideline - she reclaims stolen art but not through the usual channels. She much prefers to work alone, but she is forced to work with Jack, who infuriates her. He wants it all his way and that is an obvious trait she can take issue with, but she also has developed feelings for him. Laurel has some trust issues that are great for her job, but not so great for building relationships. And Jack is as slippery and cunning as can be.

Ames has created a complicated plot with twists and turns taking the reader from Florida to London and on to Florence. This could be read as a stand alone, however, there are references to the first in the series so you might want to start there. Bottom line? If you like other works by Ames, you will definitely like Marked Masters and likely the others in this series. 

The Bodies of Art Mystery Series by Ritter Ames:
COUNTERFEIT CONSPIRACIES (#1)
MARKED MASTERS (#2)
ABSTRACT ALIASES (#3)
FATAL FORGERIES (#4)

48 comments:

  1. Awesome review! I havent read the book yet, but it sounds super interesting. Definitely going on my growing list of TBR.

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  2. This sounds like a great read! Thanks for the great review.

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  3. Love this series. Excellent writing and fabulous characters. Anxiously awaiting the next one.

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    1. I know the feeling! Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year!

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  4. Thank you for the review! On my TBR pile.

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    1. If it's anything like mine, it grows in leaps and bounds. Thanks for stopping by Deb. Happy New Year!

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  5. LOVE this series! I am "invested" in Laurel and Jack -- and the rest of the crew! -- and just love them. Ms. Ames makes me feel as if I'm traveling the world, without leaving the comfort of my chair. Always ready to read a new adventure with Laurel.

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    1. I agree. Thanks for stopping by - Happy New Year!

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  6. This sounds like a great read for 2019!

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  7. Great review! This series is on my TBR.

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    1. Happy reading in 2019! and thanks for stopping by.

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  8. I became interested in reading mysteries concerning art after reading a story of a woman who wouldn't leave her office but worked for an insurance company and proved forgeries. And another story of a painting hidden in WWII.
    Now I am interested in these books by Ritter.

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    1. I think you'll like them - happy reading! And Happy New Year!

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  9. Sounds intriguing I'll be adding this series to my TBR list for the new year

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    1. Happy reading in the new year - and thanks for stopping by.

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  10. I'm looking forward to reading about "slippery" Jack.

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    1. He's definitely "slippery" but you'll love him anyway. Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year!

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  11. Sounds really good. Looking forward to reading it!

    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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  12. I love mysteries that use art as a backdrop. Entertaining and I usually learn something new. This one is one I will be reading.

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    1. If you like art, you'll enjoy the whole series. Thanks for stopping by.

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  13. Nice review, Christa! I read the first book in the series a bit back, always intending to continue (I love the arts & Ritter’s art/sleuth character w/her quakey (sp) confidence, wry humor, and both her romantic & art observations. Your review has made me curious once again to see how they continue from that 1st book :)

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  14. I’m new and it sounds awesome I’d love to read it soon.

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    1. Best to start with the first one in any series... more enjoyable. Happy New Year.

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  15. I just love this series and I'm looking forward to the next one.

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  16. I absolutely love this series and can’t wait for the next ones. Thank you fposting the review. Christa, and Happy New Year!

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  17. I have not read this yet but it will be put on my list!

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  18. Great review. This sounds like a good book. Thanks for the chance.

    Tammy
    Tighefan42 atgmaildotcom

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  19. Great review! Sounds like a great book!

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  20. Great review. Sounds like a great book, can't wait to read it.

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  21. As I have not yet read this series, your fascinating synopsis has inspired me to begin my reading with book one and continue from there! Thank you! betsypz@yahoo.com

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    1. Good plan - I'm sure you'll enjoy them all! Happy New Year!

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