A Long Time Coming

By: Aaron Elkins

Narrated by: David Colacci

It takes a real artist to solve a crime this big - in a brilliant, engrossing mystery by Edgar Award winner Aaron Elkins....

Art curator Val Caruso is not a happy camper. His promotion has just been nixed, his divorce has become final, and he’s dug himself into a nice little rut for his fortieth birthday. The uplift? A trip to Milan to help Holocaust survivor Sol Bezzecca recover a pair of cherished sketches by Renoir. They’d once been given to Sol’s family by the then-unknown artist, looted by the Italian Fascist militia, and now after decades in hiding have turned up for auction. It’s Val’s job to get them back.

Unfortunately, his Italian adventure takes a dangerous turn when he becomes trapped in an intricate web that reaches back to World War II - and is still very sticky with art thieves, forgers, and somebody who wants Val out of the picture permanently. When the lost Renoirs are stolen yet again, Val is more determined than ever to hunt them down. The reward for reuniting an old man with his rightful past? Priceless.

But doing it is going to be murder.

©2018 Aaron Elkins (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

A fun satisfying guessing game

This is an enjoyable read. If you like art history, you will like it. If you like Italy, you will like it. Elkins gives you just enough historical fiction without dwelling on too much detail. The storyline is good, but it is the involved "con" that makes it fun. You will possibly guess who is guilty, but watching them carry it off is worth the read. David Colacci is outstanding. This is well worth the time and minimal cost . Believe me and enjoy this one!

Wonderful story

Well-written story with sooo much HEART. Intriguing mystery, EXCellent appealing “good guys,” and thoroughly foul “bad guys,” who happily do not prevail. Lots of interesting art history and Milan, Italy ambiance.

Charmed.

Art lovers will be entertained, as well as educated. The main character is the narrator and ruminator who speaks to the audience (breaks thro the 4th wall). It is slower paced than some mysteries but perfect for the character's disposition and events. Clearly he loves Italy and great painters (Renoir primarily here) I fiddled with my paints while listening. I hope the author will write another.

Memories

A Long Time Coming is a terrific story about the art world. Not the sort of art a middle class patron could afford. The really wonderful art of the masters. You may be surprised at what goes on in the high dollar art world. Aaron Elkins does a fantastic job of weaving the tale of the bad actors in the art world with a lonely old man whose memories of his childhood and one painting are worth more than all the money in the world.

great story

this is a good book, i hope Elkins turns this into a seies and uses David Colacci as narrator, he is one of my favorite narrators. very well done.