The Heist

By: Daniel Silva

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Gabriel Allon, art restorer and occasional spy, searches for a stolen masterpiece by Caravaggio in number-one New York Times best-selling author Daniel Silva’s latest action-packed tale of high-stakes international intrigue.

Sometimes the best way to find a stolen masterpiece is to steal another one....

Master novelist Daniel Silva has thrilled listeners with 16 thoughtful and gripping spy novels featuring a diverse cast of compelling characters and ingenious plots that have taken them around the globe and back - from the United States to Europe, Russia to the Middle East. His brilliant creation, Gabriel Allon - art restorer, assassin, spy - has joined the pantheon of great fictional secret agents, including George Smiley, Jack Ryan, Jason Bourne, and Simon Templar.

Following the success of his smash hit The English Girl, Daniel Silva returns with another powerhouse of a novel that showcases his outstanding skill and brilliant imagination, and is sure to be a must-listen for both his multitudes of fans and growing legions of converts.

©2014 Daniel Silva (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

Sounding a Lot like the last one

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not really, because I felt like I was listening to his prior books

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

No surprises

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

He's the best - and the only reason I finished it

Could you see The Heist being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes

Any additional comments?

If you are new to Silva, you will undoubtedly find this an unusual and interesting read. However, if, like me, you have read them all, this is just an amalgam of everything that came before it, with some new rogue countries currently in the news that allows the settings to be different.

Gabriel matures....another good one

Silva continues to give us a a great story for his Israeli agent., Gabriel Allon. can't wait to see how he handles being the new chief of King Saul Blvd.

Complex Story on an International Canvas

This is a complicated story of international politics, espionage. and art history all rolled into one plot. Characters pop in and out and, with a few noteworthy exceptions, don't leave much of an impression after they're gone. Good guys are painted in shades of gray white the bad guys are painted very black yet remain mostly faceless. All this intrigue is set against a contemporary backdrop which is starkly illuminating in light of current events in Syria and elsewhere. Even with all the high stakes soy stuff, the art theft plotline is probably the most interesting. If your a fan of the author, you will likely enjoy catching up with a number of familiar, even beloved characters; otherwise you may opt to experience this author elsewhere.

My first Silva

novel. I'm pleased I listened. Story had me a bit confused at first, but after a bit things began to settle. Unique story line. Could have spent a bit more time with the characters - there was little there beyond the dialog. If you appreciate good character development, where you feel you know the people involved, you'll be disappointed for sure.

Stupendous!!

This was an amazing book. I did not want to put it down. I highly recommend for you to read this book!!!

Brilliant, textured, satisfying

One of Silva's best without a doubt. Surprising twists and turns. Expertly crafted ending, satisfying in every way.

More about politics than art or intrigue

I was expecting this book to have more of a Dan Brown feel, with some story and mystery built around the details of the artworks discussed. Instead this is a spy novel set within the Syrian uprising, and not really that much about art or secrets hidden in art at all. Probably ok if you like a political spy thriller, but it wasn't what I expected and I just barely got through it. There are many parts that come across as preachy about global politics.

Least favorite, but wouldn't skip it...

Enjoyed the start then started to get real familiar about half way through. I love this series however and would not skip it. I love the characters and look forward to future adventures.

Love these stories!

Hated for this to finish! Looking forward to the next one. Narrator is excellent, I can't imagine listening to anyone else tell these stories.

Good Story!

A bit long but another fascinating tale by Silva. The story seemed a bit convoluted, but unwound eventually to a solution.