An adrenaline-fueled adventure set in the Netherlands, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, and Turkey about stolen art, the mafia, and a father’s vengeance.
When researcher Zelda Richardson begins working at a local museum, she doesn’t expect to get entangled with an art theft, knocked unconscious by a forger, threatened by the mob, or stalked by drug dealers.
To make matters worse, a Croatian gangster is convinced Zelda knows where a cache of recently pilfered paintings is. She must track down an international gang of art thieves and recover the stolen artwork in order to save those she loves most.
The trouble is, Zelda doesn’t know where to look. Teaming up with art detective Vincent de Graaf may be her only hope at salvation. The trail of clues leads Zelda and Vincent on a pulse-pounding race across Europe to a dramatic showdown in Turkey that may cost them their lives.
Marked for Revenge is the third book in the Zelda Richardson Mystery Series. The novels in this series can be read in any order.
As a fan of Alderson's, I was anxious to start reading Marked for Revenge: An Art Heist Thriller. First, I like how Alderson shows a story. Yes, she shows it with all the details and fluidity of her writing that brings the reader right smack in the middle of the thriller. Filled with suspense, twists and just magnificent writing, the reader gets a view of this journey as it unfolds. The pace of the story is perfect, and the story brings the reader in at the right moment, and after reading the first few pages, this reader couldn't wait to read more. What happens next and how does this matter to the story? Questions that are soon answered as I continued on. Yes, I love Alderson's stories, and I love her Zelda, someone that is filled with zest and curiosity, and a lot of knowledge. Again, I was honored to read more of her stories, and as she writes, I will read. This one definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. Sometimes it's just a few words that bring a reader in, and in this case, it was Luca saying, "I am listening." And that's all it took.
Loved, loved, loved this story. Mystery and history, with enough suspense and excitement to capture any reader's imagination make this an exceptional read. This author does her research, and the result is educational and entertaining. This book can be read as a standalone or part of the series.
Ivan Novak has waited three years for the revenge of his daughter’s death that his soul demands. Now the opportunity has come to make Luka Antic pay; by forfeiting his thriving art crime empire and, with any luck, his life. The timing is critical and the outcome uncertain, but the outcome will give him peace of mind knowing that Marjana’s death was avenged.
The targeted artwork is in numerous museums in the Netherlands including the Amstel Modern where director Julie Merriweather has brought together the works of an impressive group of renowned artists. After only six months as director, Julie intends for this exhibit to make her mark in the art world but a theft on opening night could put an end to her dream.
The book is a well-written crime novel with good character development. There were plot twists and subplots. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary. The storyline is suspenseful and unpredictable which made it impossible to put down once I started reading.
