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The Rembrandt Secret. Alex Connor
History's biggest conspiracy is about to be revealed. But not if a brutal murderer has anything to do with it . . .
Marshall Ziegler's father runs a gallery in London, which Marshall has always ignored. But when his father is beaten to a pulp, disembowelled and left to die, Marshall suddenly needs to know every last detail of his life.
He discovers that his father knew a dark secret at the heart of Rembrandt's life, one that has the potential to bring down one of the worlds most lucrative industries. But a sadistic murderer is on the case, killing in increasingly brutal ways to keep it hidden.
Will Marshall beat the killer to the truth? Who can he trust? Will he stay alive long enough to reveal the greatest secret never told?
Marshall Ziegler's father runs a gallery in London, which Marshall has always ignored. But when his father is beaten to a pulp, disembowelled and left to die, Marshall suddenly needs to know every last detail of his life.
He discovers that his father knew a dark secret at the heart of Rembrandt's life, one that has the potential to bring down one of the worlds most lucrative industries. But a sadistic murderer is on the case, killing in increasingly brutal ways to keep it hidden.
Will Marshall beat the killer to the truth? Who can he trust? Will he stay alive long enough to reveal the greatest secret never told?
551 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
49 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Alex Connor
37 books74 followersAlexandra Connor (aka Alex Connor) was born in UK and lives in England. She is an author, artist and art historian. Also arts presenter on TV and in 2018 won the Rome Prize for Isle of the Dead, aka Il Dipinto Maledetto. Fellow of Royal Society of Arts, listed in Debretts 'Prominent People of Today.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 22, 2011
This is one of the cleverest thrillers I've read in a long time. The characters are all sharply drawn, and brought to life. They felt very real. There are so many twists and turns - just when you think you might have figured it all out... there is another twist. Kept me on the edge till the end. Well researched and put together. A novel which makes you think, but an author with such a clever mind, that the best you can do is guess! A wonderful insight into the art world as well. I was left feeling quite bereft by the end, wondering which book I could read that could possibly come close. Highly recommended.
April 4, 2013
Oh, Gawd. I saw trouble ahead, but I couldn't resist. How could I, an art historian, NOT read a novel about Rembrandt? And how, having read it, could I be anything but irritated? I decided to make a new shelf for this one. I'm calling it The Dan Brown Shelf, and it's where I plan to park all the breathless conspiracy paperbacks you find in the airport bookstore. You know the ones, in which the characters are ultra glamorous or ultra evil, and they sort through the ultra-complicated plot points in their ultra-sophisticated musings as they sip flutes of Krug in their ultra-expensive flats in the most exclusive neighborhoods in London or Paris or New York. Gah. Poor Rembrandt. He deserves better than this.
October 30, 2011
I was really looking forward to this one, I got myself a good rainy day and a comfy chair and a cup of tea and everything, settled down to read it and, disappointingly, thought it was a bit rubbish. I thought about giving it up about halfway through but I kind of wanted to find out what happened so I finished it.
I don't even know if I can put my finger on why I didn't like it. There was nothing wrong with the plot, now that I look back on it, I just thought it jumped about a bit and I had to flick back a few times to try and remind myself what was going on. It was a bit of a struggle to get through, a few of the characters were thoroughly irritating, and there were a couple of parts that after I'd read them I thought, what the heck did that have to do with anything?
I'm gutted I didn't like this more, because it had the makings of a really good book. Just didn't do it for me.
I don't even know if I can put my finger on why I didn't like it. There was nothing wrong with the plot, now that I look back on it, I just thought it jumped about a bit and I had to flick back a few times to try and remind myself what was going on. It was a bit of a struggle to get through, a few of the characters were thoroughly irritating, and there were a couple of parts that after I'd read them I thought, what the heck did that have to do with anything?
I'm gutted I didn't like this more, because it had the makings of a really good book. Just didn't do it for me.
February 8, 2013
The book was interesting and I liked the link to history although at the beginning I was suspicious it'd be just another Dan Brown. It was a welcome change to the Scandi stories I read (and like) a lot. On the other hand, it could have been shorter. During the last third of it I already knew who the killer was but the final revelation came as a surprise. You may sometimes have the feeling that the "historical part" is better that the "thriller" side of the story as this is the author's first thriller having written more books based in history (which I haven't read). Recommended (a lot).
July 23, 2011
A fun entertaining historical whodunnit about the underbelly of the art world, laced with murder and intrigue. It will make you wonder about what we really know about the early masters of art and their ateliers. Did the master or the student really paint a work? All we really have are the art historians and so called experts with their own personal prejudices and professional desires to succeed and make their mark, and the dealers? Well that is another matter entirely...
March 2, 2024
This book had many twists and turns- it gave me some insight into the art market and about Rembrandt.
December 14, 2013
If, like me, you enjoy history told with a veritable spin, an immersive narrative and just a little hint of danger then you are definitely in for a treat with The Rembrandt Secret by Alex Connor. There’s something intriguing about the old masters and I for one can never get enough of thrillers set in this genre. I love a book that, although loosely based on fact, has a license to bend the truth and make you wonder if, what you are reading is indeed fact or fiction. I felt this way throughout the book and couldn’t wait to get to the final chapter and read what the author had to say about what really happened.
On numerous occasions I found myself searching the web via google – other search engines are available of course – looking at the various paintings depicted in this story. It somehow added another depth to the book when you could see what the author was describing. I’ve never been one for Rembrandt’s art – I’m more of a Claude Monet fan myself – but the book certainly educates and gently forces you to learn more even though it’s a work of fiction. I love books that do that. It made me want to know more about Rembrandt and who and what he stood for.
At the heart of the story is Marshall Zeigler who is struggling to come to terms with the death of his father, and as the story progresses he realises he never really knew his father at all. Secrets are unravelled, stories told and whenever millions of pounds are at stake death is no strange bedfellow – no one is safe. The various murders in this book are pretty gruesome and before long Zeigler realises that an unknown serial killer is responsible and he is determined to find out who killed his father.
As an outsider to the Art world and with few contacts he soon realises that trust and honesty is at a premium. Who can he turn to for help? His life is at a crossroads and it takes numerous bold and risky decisions to move forward. One thing is certain, he can never go back to his old life.
The story is told at breakneck speeds and rarely lets up even when we delve into the 17th century and first hand accounts of Geertje Dircx Rembrandt’s mistress and spurned housekeeper. I really enjoyed this passage of writing and every time we visited Geertje I smiled.
Characterisation is good, apart from the aforementioned Zeigler there are no stand out personalities, the story revolves around Ziegler and his decisions to exact revenge on the person or persons who murdered his father. There are a number of surprises instore and I really enjoyed the reveal in the end. Very enjoyable and I will definitely read more from Alex Connor.
On numerous occasions I found myself searching the web via google – other search engines are available of course – looking at the various paintings depicted in this story. It somehow added another depth to the book when you could see what the author was describing. I’ve never been one for Rembrandt’s art – I’m more of a Claude Monet fan myself – but the book certainly educates and gently forces you to learn more even though it’s a work of fiction. I love books that do that. It made me want to know more about Rembrandt and who and what he stood for.
At the heart of the story is Marshall Zeigler who is struggling to come to terms with the death of his father, and as the story progresses he realises he never really knew his father at all. Secrets are unravelled, stories told and whenever millions of pounds are at stake death is no strange bedfellow – no one is safe. The various murders in this book are pretty gruesome and before long Zeigler realises that an unknown serial killer is responsible and he is determined to find out who killed his father.
As an outsider to the Art world and with few contacts he soon realises that trust and honesty is at a premium. Who can he turn to for help? His life is at a crossroads and it takes numerous bold and risky decisions to move forward. One thing is certain, he can never go back to his old life.
The story is told at breakneck speeds and rarely lets up even when we delve into the 17th century and first hand accounts of Geertje Dircx Rembrandt’s mistress and spurned housekeeper. I really enjoyed this passage of writing and every time we visited Geertje I smiled.
Characterisation is good, apart from the aforementioned Zeigler there are no stand out personalities, the story revolves around Ziegler and his decisions to exact revenge on the person or persons who murdered his father. There are a number of surprises instore and I really enjoyed the reveal in the end. Very enjoyable and I will definitely read more from Alex Connor.
October 17, 2020
Highly recommended!!! This has got to be one of the best I have ever read.
The dialogue throughout was superb and although it went back in time very often, it was an integral part of the novel.
The story line is exceptional and it kept me wanting more. Yes it had twists and turns but the reader is constantly surprised at where the story line is heading.
Alex CONNOR had written what I consider to be 'one of the best', with her research and attention to detail second to non!!
Although could be considered along the lines of Dan BROWN, this is much more professional.
Yes Highly Recommended.
The dialogue throughout was superb and although it went back in time very often, it was an integral part of the novel.
The story line is exceptional and it kept me wanting more. Yes it had twists and turns but the reader is constantly surprised at where the story line is heading.
Alex CONNOR had written what I consider to be 'one of the best', with her research and attention to detail second to non!!
Although could be considered along the lines of Dan BROWN, this is much more professional.
Yes Highly Recommended.
June 9, 2019
This is just one absolutely amazing and fascinating book.. So full of mystery and tension on every single page. It makes you so curious and wanting to know everything that you can't just put it aside.. I read that book in one day. Everything was amazing, which is exactly why I was disappointed in the end with the cardinal change that happened in the events and the horrifying truth that had been revealed.. I was completely shocked, because everything was so real
September 18, 2011
As a mystery/thriller this book is good enough but If you're into art history, it is even better!
Makes you wonder how many theories in the art world out there have some kind of truth in them and how many are plainly rumors....
Entertaining read!
Makes you wonder how many theories in the art world out there have some kind of truth in them and how many are plainly rumors....
Entertaining read!
March 29, 2015
Gallerie d'arte, intrighi, paura, passioni segrete e tanti misteri da scoprire che legano il passato di un grande artista al presente dei personaggi che si trovano trascinati in un complicato "gioco", molto pericoloso e non privo di sorprese...
November 13, 2023
I really enjoyed 90% of this book. Agree with some other people's comments that there's bits that could be taken out as they aren't really important to the story.
My gripes with this book where the occasional grammar errors where sentences had missing words and so disrupted the flow of reading (just a pet peeve of mine) but also the last rembrandt "letter" written takes place in 1556 aka roughly 100 years BEFORE the other letters which are 1651-1654 😅
I'm also not crazy about how this book ended either. I won't spoil it but I did find myself internally thinking "ugh, really?"
But I mean other than those critisms, it's an engaging book and would say its worth a read!
My gripes with this book where the occasional grammar errors where sentences had missing words and so disrupted the flow of reading (just a pet peeve of mine) but also the last rembrandt "letter" written takes place in 1556 aka roughly 100 years BEFORE the other letters which are 1651-1654 😅
I'm also not crazy about how this book ended either. I won't spoil it but I did find myself internally thinking "ugh, really?"
But I mean other than those critisms, it's an engaging book and would say its worth a read!
January 20, 2023
Well I had a bad feeling when I was given this to read, I hoped it was more of a serial killer thrill, then after a chapter or two I felt it was going to be yet another Dan Brown clone, unfortunately I was right. Disappointing cloned joining of The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons minus the Vatican.
July 20, 2025
Quite a poor book. I did finish it - eventually, but it wasn't the page turning thriller that others in this genre are. I didn't feel anything for any of the characters and the plot was, to me, very thin. Art forgery a secret? Worth killing for? Not IMO.
I wouldn't recommend this and would think twice before selecting anything else by Alex Connor.
I wouldn't recommend this and would think twice before selecting anything else by Alex Connor.
January 8, 2023
A decent page turner that is very easy to read. The penultimate chapter turned this book from a 3 to 4* - I did not see it coming whatsoever.
This is the first book I've read by Connor, but I'll definitely be looking up more in the future.
This is the first book I've read by Connor, but I'll definitely be looking up more in the future.
September 1, 2023
Good story, but possibly needed a good editor?
Repetitive at times & could have been a little shorter with a little more pace. Some small niggling inconsistencies. Also the characters seemed to suddenly rub each other the wrong way for no apparent reason.
But I liked the premise.
Repetitive at times & could have been a little shorter with a little more pace. Some small niggling inconsistencies. Also the characters seemed to suddenly rub each other the wrong way for no apparent reason.
But I liked the premise.
July 1, 2018
Exceptionally slow with no action, even after 4 hours of reading. You just don’t care for or about the characters. Interesting plot but poor execution
January 8, 2019
It was ok for a light read
January 20, 2019
Dropped this halfway through
January 25, 2019
The Murky World of Art Dealing
Second book of Alex Connors I have read both books were enjoyable interesting characters,plots and gives a great understanding of the Art World
Second book of Alex Connors I have read both books were enjoyable interesting characters,plots and gives a great understanding of the Art World
March 10, 2019
This one was interesting, I liked the mystery here and the art angle was fun as well. The characters were quirky and intriguing and it was a fast, good read.
August 20, 2019
Surprisingly entertaining for someone not really interested in arts. Although I predicted the killer after 1/3 of the book, it's still much fun to read.
April 22, 2020
read it for the 2nd time and still loved it.
Read
May 20, 2021Did not finish. The book spent too much time introducing characters before getting on with it. Also, lacked logic.
September 30, 2021
The subject matter of this novel was right up my alley. Plot was good with so many unexpected twists and turns. The writing style annoyed me at times, though nothing that a better edit couldn't fix.
March 23, 2022
I liked this book it was about two topics I like, art history and a murder mystery. It is well written, and has a surprise ending you will not expect, it can be a little tedious at times
June 27, 2022
Sama ideja o tajni Rembrandta i autentičnosti njegovih slika te koje bi to posljedice moglo imati na svijet umjetnosti je vrlo interesantna. Napet i uzbudljiv roman.
November 18, 2022
I was a little disappointed in this book but will look out for her other books, all stand alone.
May 27, 2023
Zdecydowanie powinna otrzymać większy rozgłos.
February 4, 2025
100% would recommend this book. It’s mysterious and will keep you guessing on what’s to come next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews