The Art of Deception

A Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery

By: Leonard Goldberg

Narrated by: Steve West

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

"Suspenseful and entertaining, with many twists and turns.... This is one of the best Sherlock Holmes series since Laurie R. King's Mary Russell books." (Historical Novel Society)

USA Today best-selling author Leonard Goldberg returns with another puzzling case for the daughter of Sherlock Holmes to unravel in this exciting mystery, The Art of Deception, sure to be enjoyed by fans of Sherlock Holmes as well as Laurie R. King and Charles Finch.

In the west end of London, an apparently crazed individual is on the loose, breaking into art galleries and private homes to slash valuable paintings of women. Despite Scotland Yard's best efforts, the criminal remains at large and continues on his destructive path.

When Joanna and the Watsons are called in to solve the mystery, they soon discover that although the canvases have been slashed, their backings remain pristine, with no cuts or scratches. The criminal, it seems, is no mere vandal - he's searching for something hidden behind the portraits.

Suspicion soon falls on two skilled art restorers who previously worked at the gallery where all the vandalized art was purchased. When Joanna finds the body of one in a bricked off fireplace at the gallery, the other is left as the prime suspect. But then he's discovered dead as well. Luckily, Joanna has a plan for ensnaring the criminal once and for all. But it must not fail, or more paintings - and lives - will be lost.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

©2020 Leonard Goldberg (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Pretty Good Tale

The dialog is a bit stilted. Everyone “elucidate.” But the galling bit is the authors lack of historical research. The story is set in 1916, but there is only passing reference to the war. King Edward is delighted with the results, but he died before the war began. We are told that a knight is a member of the House of Lords. The wife of an Earl is referred to with a courtesy title. It’s these little things that distract from the story.

Tedious beyond belief - too much explaining

Tiny spoiler alert
It takes a lot to get me to write a review - but in this case I'm simply so completely annoyed at the condescending, overly mansplaining (even though from a woman) and the dialogue, stilted to the point of pain. So much so that my mind just stopped listening over and over because it was just too hard to pay attention.

I can't figure out how this mind-bogglingly tedious book got a 4.7 rating! Too much explaining over and over and over again, the same points - I'm sure it doubled the length of the book if not more. Hasn't this author ever heard "show not tell"?
Yes, I get in Sherlock Holmes books it's necessary to explain the deductions that are out of reach of most humans, but this went too far. She seemed to think that not one single person around her, except her son, had a single thought in their brain and couldn't figure out even the most mundane thing. So extremely condescending.

The story would have been interesting if it hadn't been so tediously told. And seriously, they were all too stupid to even consider it may have been an unknown masterpiece?? Come on!

I'm a pretty easygoing listener - I read at least 3-5 books a week and very seldom have I been so irritated by a book. Why did I keep listening? I did want to find out what the hidden painting was - also, he missed a good opportunity to add more intrigue - early on there were mentions of diamonds - so the suspense would have been more if we weren't sure if they were maybe smuggling diamonds or paintings.

I'd previously downloaded the entire series, but won't be reading the rest. I had listened to previous books and they were mildly annoying, but this one went out of its way to be condescending and over-explain in tedious detail, then to explain it again to Scotland Yard, The art historian, and the dutchess and every other person who came on the scene.

Just ok

As a lifelong Holmes fan I have enjoyed reading some of the new offshoots so to speak. I really enjoy the premise of his daughter etc.
I also enjoyed the first two books though the writing is a little slow and not quite to the intellectual level of an original Holmes story. I feel like Mr Goldberg is sort of dumbing down the dialogue as though he’s writing a school aged version for the 8th grade reading level.
I’m also not a fan of the narrator. His style is very sloooooow and bland. Puts me to sleep.
I’m actually writing this review after only reading the first chapter. I will make myself finish it but am unlikely to buy another.

Art of Discussion

This is a complicated story which is great to hear JoAnna figure out through conversations with her husband, Dr. Watson and her son. We learn some about art and the great masters. Thanks for a good story!

Great Book

I love this series and this novel doesn’t disappoint. Highly recommend reading this and the other book in the series.

I saw part of that coming

Very good listen if you like Sherlock Holmes. I enjoy how the Watsons are more sentimental then the actual daughter.

GROSS ERROR IN FACTS.

WHILE THE STORY IS FASCINATING, IT BOTHERED ME THATI N PLACES WHERE THE AUTHOR REFERRED TO WORLD WAR ONE AS WORLD WAR TWO, WHICH WAS NOT POSSIBLE DUE TO THE TIME PERIOD THE BOOK WAS SET IN.

Poor editing or writing?

The author repeatedly refers to the Second World War which is still decades in the future. This is not the first book in which he has done so.

A well received installment

I enjoyed the story. The characters were well developed and the story had a few twists and turns as the mystery was investigated. A little simplistic, but overall well told. The narration let the story moving along and I found it was easy to listen to and get lost within. If you like the series, you will like this installment.

Wonderful story n this series

I’ve listened to the other books in this series & love them all! Each book has its own forte & plot. I fell in love with the characters & also the way the narrator easily glides from person to person, so distinctly that you don’t need a description of which character just spoke. It’s delightful. I listen to my stories throughout the day. It helps keep my mind engaged (I actually use these for pain management & it works. I don’t think of my pain & I get to enjoy a terrific story!).
Each story takes you down a different path of mystery & resolution. I know you will love these. Check out all 5.