Author jumps right into political insults and casts the protagonist as proudly “woke.” The obvious disconnect between life as Middle East assassin and naive Western social fads is sadly lost on this author. I read to escape political division, so I wish I could get my money back on this one.

Creative storybrelling by Daniel Silva. I would read everything he writes.

Silva takes us on a journey of master forgeries and a greedy leader of a Ponzi scheme with Gabriel Allon on their tail. Allon produces many twists and turns in this story. He introduces readers to the underworld of art theft, forged art works suddenly appearing attributed to old world masters, and the Ponzi scheme. Allon and his protégé’s spring traps to bring down the leader of the Ponzi scheme and serve as a lesson to investors and the art world that, in the long run, master artworks are not good investments.

As others have written in the reviews, the author’s left leaning politics really were unnecessary. Although upon completing the book and seeing Jeff Zucker (Former CNN President) listed as the first name in the friends acknowledgment section, one can hardly be surprised given the circles the author runs in.

As are all of these Gabriel Allon books, this one didn’t disappoint. Wow. Wow. Wow. Meticulously researched, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the wonderful visits to many cities I have lived in. Silvia’s books are a joy to read. This series is just awesome.

While Allon is enjoying his retirement, it’s not as satisfying for the reader. The novel was missing most of what originally drew me to the series. I’d suggest moving on to a new main character so we can get back to the tradecraft that made the earlier novels so enjoyable.

Allon is all about art after retirement. A fascinating look into art as a trading commodity and a good mystery to boot! It’s not his usual fare but Mr. Silva has concocted a great yarn nonetheless!

If nothing else, an excellent expose of the fraudulent practices of some in ponzi practices prevalent in many ‘investment’ schemes. At best, a wonderful read, full of colorful characters, rich with the embroidery of a startlingly good teller of tales.

Time to find a new series, Daniel what the heck the preachy political tone and watering down of the elements that made this character successful has run its course. No one wants to read your about your political views in a fiction book. Wake up! Oh wait you are woke.

Definitely one of my favorite Allon books. Love that it was different than most of the others.