by Ace Atkins
Part of Spenser, book 38
First published 2010
The Hammond Museum calls in Spenser for what should be straightforward work: protect art scholar Dr. Ashton Prince during a ransom drop for a stolen painting. Money changes hands, but the operation falls apart. Prince dies on Spenser's watch, and the thieves keep both the cash and their prize artwork. The failed exchange eats at Spenser. He suspects Prince knew more about the theft than he let on. The detective digs deeper into the art world's shadowy dealings, pursuing the criminals who made him look like a fool. The thieves prove more dangerous than expected, turning the investigation into a deadly pursuit. Spenser must outwit opponents who stay several moves ahead, risking everything to recover the painting and restore his reputation. The case tests both his skills and his survival instincts in ways that could prove fatal.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller, detective, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, investigation, reputation
Setting: Hammond Museum
5 pages · Audio CD · Random House Audio