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Stealing Mona Lisa: A Mystery
A Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2011 Fiction and a Library Journal Best Mystery of 2011
What happens when you mix a Parisian street orphan, a hot-tempered Spanish forger, a beautiful American pickpocket, an unloved wife, and one priceless painting?
The charming Eduardo de Valfierno makes a very respectable living in Argentina fleecing the nouveau rich—they pay him to steal valuable pieces of art, and Valfierno sells them flawless forgeries instead. But when Eduardo meets the beautiful Mrs. Hart on his latest con, he takes a risk that forces him back to the city he loved and left behind—Paris. There he assembles his team of con artists for their final and most ambitious theft, one that will enable them to leave the game forever: The Mona Lisa. But when a member of the team turns up missing, and Mr. Hart shows up in Paris, Valfierno and his crew must stay one step ahead of a relentless police inspector, endure a devastating flood, and conquer their own doubts to keep the priceless painting in play—and survive. Based on the actual theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911, and published on the 100th anniversary of the crime, Stealing Mona Lisa is a sophisticated, engaging caper, complete with a richly imagined group of con artists and a historical mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Stealing Mona Lisa is a Kirkus Reviews Best of 2011 Mysteries title.
One of Library Journal's Best Mystery Books of 2011
352 pages, ebook
First published August 2, 2011
About the author
Carson Morton
5 books10 followers... was born in London, England and moved with his family to the United States as a young lad (11). He grew up in Point Lookout and Long Beach on the South Shore of Long Island and attended college at The State University of New York at Oneonta, finally settling in the town of Woodstock, New York in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. He worked as a professional musician for many years, making an album for United Artists Records with his group Razmataz, and playing with the likes of John Sebastian, Billy Preston, and John Hall of the group Orleans (and now NY State Congressman).
He began his writing career as a playwright, having a number of works published and produced both here and in Europe. Turning to screenwriting, he was represented by Writers & Artists Agency in L.A. He was commissioned to write a number of screenplays as well as having a number optioned. He won first prize in the 1998 Hollywood Film Festival Columbus Discovery Awards for his screenplay, FINDER'S KEEPERS.
In the Nineties, he wrote and recorded the theme song for the first Fox Children’s Network’s Cartoon series, ZAZOO U. When the network made its debut, the first thing heard was Carson singing the theme song. He also worked for the Fox Children’s Network as a consultant.
His song ONE MAN’S TRASH IS ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE has been recorded by a number of artists as well as published in a Macmillan & Co. textbook.
To honor his father - who was born in Dublin, Ireland - he recently became a dual Irish/American citizen. He’s an avid sailor and kayaker and can often be found on the numerous large lakes in the Nashville, TN area or, when he’s lucky, off the coast of Southern Ireland. He currently lives in Nashville, TN, and is actively involved with the local Celtic music scene and has in the last few years released a CD of children's music, a CD of original Celtic-flavored songs, and 3 CD's of old ukulele songs. He often performs at the world-famous Bluebird Café in Nashville. For relaxation, he calls up a swell dame and goes down to the Lower Broadway honky-tonks for a little swing dancing. He has three sons.
Stealing Mona Lisa is his first novel.
He began his writing career as a playwright, having a number of works published and produced both here and in Europe. Turning to screenwriting, he was represented by Writers & Artists Agency in L.A. He was commissioned to write a number of screenplays as well as having a number optioned. He won first prize in the 1998 Hollywood Film Festival Columbus Discovery Awards for his screenplay, FINDER'S KEEPERS.
In the Nineties, he wrote and recorded the theme song for the first Fox Children’s Network’s Cartoon series, ZAZOO U. When the network made its debut, the first thing heard was Carson singing the theme song. He also worked for the Fox Children’s Network as a consultant.
His song ONE MAN’S TRASH IS ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE has been recorded by a number of artists as well as published in a Macmillan & Co. textbook.
To honor his father - who was born in Dublin, Ireland - he recently became a dual Irish/American citizen. He’s an avid sailor and kayaker and can often be found on the numerous large lakes in the Nashville, TN area or, when he’s lucky, off the coast of Southern Ireland. He currently lives in Nashville, TN, and is actively involved with the local Celtic music scene and has in the last few years released a CD of children's music, a CD of original Celtic-flavored songs, and 3 CD's of old ukulele songs. He often performs at the world-famous Bluebird Café in Nashville. For relaxation, he calls up a swell dame and goes down to the Lower Broadway honky-tonks for a little swing dancing. He has three sons.
Stealing Mona Lisa is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
August 17, 2011
This was a terrific book. This novel of the theft of the "Mona Lisa" left me wanting to learn more about the real theft of the famous portrait hanging in the Louvre. The characters, while scoundrels, were very likeable and made the story that much more enjoyable. I became lost in Marquis Vilfiernio's telling of his and his compatriots escapades.
I especially liked the ending of this book as it left something to the imagination!
I especially liked the ending of this book as it left something to the imagination!
November 23, 2018
It's categorized a "literary thriller." As such, it doesn't disappoint--and yet, it's still a light, fun read.
According to Wikipedia, in 1932 (Morton says 1925), journalist Karl Decker published a story in the Saturday Evening Post claiming one Eduardo de Valfierno had masterminded the daring heist of the Mona Lisa in 1911. Though notoriously fast and loose with facts, in order to make his story stick, Decker presumably met his source, and most of Stealing Mona Lisa depicts the alleged tale he heard.
Recreating the interview, the novel unfolds in flashback form. In the opening scene, an English reporter passes a waiting horse-drawn hearse and enters a Paris boarding house where he finds the ailing Valfierno. Though frail, Eduardo regales his guest with a sporting account of forgery, theft, comraderie, greed, betrayal and loss. Likely as not, the yarn is spin, but it makes for pretty compelling stuff, and it comes as a shock (for the journalist too) when, impeccably timed, right at the climax,
If you like a nimble caper, told from multiple points of view, laced with humour and whiffs of romance, this is an entertaining read.
Historical fiction at its best!
According to Wikipedia, in 1932 (Morton says 1925), journalist Karl Decker published a story in the Saturday Evening Post claiming one Eduardo de Valfierno had masterminded the daring heist of the Mona Lisa in 1911. Though notoriously fast and loose with facts, in order to make his story stick, Decker presumably met his source, and most of Stealing Mona Lisa depicts the alleged tale he heard.
Recreating the interview, the novel unfolds in flashback form. In the opening scene, an English reporter passes a waiting horse-drawn hearse and enters a Paris boarding house where he finds the ailing Valfierno. Though frail, Eduardo regales his guest with a sporting account of forgery, theft, comraderie, greed, betrayal and loss. Likely as not, the yarn is spin, but it makes for pretty compelling stuff, and it comes as a shock (for the journalist too) when, impeccably timed, right at the climax,
If you like a nimble caper, told from multiple points of view, laced with humour and whiffs of romance, this is an entertaining read.
Historical fiction at its best!
September 7, 2014
Dictionary.com defines a "mystery" as "anything that is kept secret or remains unexplained or unknown." I did not find anything in this book to be a mystery, yet it is classified as such.
Instead, I found there to be quirky characters, interesting overlap between characters, and some fun dialogue - that's about it. Otherwise it was quite blah. I had to motivate myself to keep turning the pages because I'm determined to finish all books I start, but I skimmed most of the pages as a lot of the paragraphs contained info that wasn't pertinent to the storyline.
Sigh. I wanted this to be a great book. It has the makings of a great one, but definitely falls short.
Instead, I found there to be quirky characters, interesting overlap between characters, and some fun dialogue - that's about it. Otherwise it was quite blah. I had to motivate myself to keep turning the pages because I'm determined to finish all books I start, but I skimmed most of the pages as a lot of the paragraphs contained info that wasn't pertinent to the storyline.
Sigh. I wanted this to be a great book. It has the makings of a great one, but definitely falls short.
December 11, 2024
The plan that Valfierno and his accomplices came up with to steal the Mona Lisa was impressive. The only part I didn’t fully understand was why they sold multiple forgeries of the same painting. I get creating one forgery to trick the police with in order to get the original out, but why risk selling more than one? I feel like that would heighten their risk of getting caught by having more pieces in motion.
It didn’t make a lot of sense to me why the detective was so sure this was an inside job, as in a group of their employees were the ones at fault. Yes, people did see what appeared to be employees taking the Mona Lisa painting out of the display room, claiming to be taking it to be photographed, but the officers also determined that a group of people had spent the night in the supply closet. They assumed instantly that the perpetrators responsible for stealing the Mona Lisa had spent the night there in order to take the painting in the morning. But if they were employees, why would they need to spend the night inside the museum? If they truly worked there, they could have just been checked in at the gate that morning.
It didn’t make a lot of sense to me why the detective was so sure this was an inside job, as in a group of their employees were the ones at fault. Yes, people did see what appeared to be employees taking the Mona Lisa painting out of the display room, claiming to be taking it to be photographed, but the officers also determined that a group of people had spent the night in the supply closet. They assumed instantly that the perpetrators responsible for stealing the Mona Lisa had spent the night there in order to take the painting in the morning. But if they were employees, why would they need to spend the night inside the museum? If they truly worked there, they could have just been checked in at the gate that morning.
September 29, 2022
I've always wondered what it was about the Mona Lisa that made it so beloved? popular? Reading this fictionalized historical account of its theft helps me understand better now. It was plastered in all the papers of the world at the time of its theft---and its return probably was, as well.
This was a really fun book. I'd not checked out a book from the public library in forever and hadn't read a fiction in a really long time, but when I was in with my kids the other day, I decided to grab this spontaneously. I'm so glad I did! Other than a few curse words, it was pretty clean.
Favorite quote: (Upon hearing his friend say, "A man must make a living,") Apollinaire says, "A man must create a life. There's a big difference."
This was a really fun book. I'd not checked out a book from the public library in forever and hadn't read a fiction in a really long time, but when I was in with my kids the other day, I decided to grab this spontaneously. I'm so glad I did! Other than a few curse words, it was pretty clean.
Favorite quote: (Upon hearing his friend say, "A man must make a living,") Apollinaire says, "A man must create a life. There's a big difference."
January 25, 2016
In all honesty, I was apprehensive about even beginning this book after reading some of the reviews. Many dogged it because it was a let-down "mystery". I believe that the mysterious element in regard to Stealing Mona Lisa is simply the fact that one can let their imagination go in a multitude of directions. This book is not meant to be a heavy-lifting piece of literature.
I enjoyed Stealing Mona Lisa as a frolicking romp through the land of the art world of Paris in 1911. The whole premise is based on the concept of "what if?" Many don't realize that there was an actual theft of the revered Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911. Picasso, himself, was even questioned. Carson Morton takes liberties with the actual facts of the theft while weaving a delicious story through his cast of interesting characters. The flood of Paris is presented a year after the fact, but adds a watery roadblock to the plot.
The main character of Valfierno is a composite of the prickly traits of every art thief imaginable. His cohorts have back stories that play off one another. Morton's descriptions of 1911 Paris add zest to the story. My recommendation is to enjoy this book as historical fiction and not as a "who done it?" mystery. It is presented as a glimpse into an actual theft incident of one of the greatest treasures of art. I believe that Mona Lisa, herself, would smile in amusement.
I enjoyed Stealing Mona Lisa as a frolicking romp through the land of the art world of Paris in 1911. The whole premise is based on the concept of "what if?" Many don't realize that there was an actual theft of the revered Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911. Picasso, himself, was even questioned. Carson Morton takes liberties with the actual facts of the theft while weaving a delicious story through his cast of interesting characters. The flood of Paris is presented a year after the fact, but adds a watery roadblock to the plot.
The main character of Valfierno is a composite of the prickly traits of every art thief imaginable. His cohorts have back stories that play off one another. Morton's descriptions of 1911 Paris add zest to the story. My recommendation is to enjoy this book as historical fiction and not as a "who done it?" mystery. It is presented as a glimpse into an actual theft incident of one of the greatest treasures of art. I believe that Mona Lisa, herself, would smile in amusement.
January 31, 2016
This is one of those books you can say silly banal stuff about, like rollicking good fun! A page turner!
One laugh after the other. This was a book club book which can sometimes be a disappointment, but this book delivered. Caught my attention right away. Without giving too much away, it is based on the real
the 1911 burglary of the Mona Lisa.
One laugh after the other. This was a book club book which can sometimes be a disappointment, but this book delivered. Caught my attention right away. Without giving too much away, it is based on the real
the 1911 burglary of the Mona Lisa.
July 18, 2025
What a great summer read - fun right until the end!
October 19, 2025
It was interesting. I think I liked the plot of stealing the Mona Lisa more than any of the characters and their personal dramas.
June 19, 2011
Stealing Mona Lisa is a fictional story based off of the real theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911. The story follows Eduardo de Valfierno, a man who makes his living selling forgeries of masterpieces to clients who believe they are receiving the original paintings. He and his partner in crime, an orphan who once saved his life, plot to steal the Mona Lisa. A young woman, Julia weasels her way into the action. Her character annoyed me at times. I suppose that she was supposed to be charming, but she just came off as foolish for the most part.
As they make their plans, one of Valfierno's buyers, Mr. Hart, becomes interested in buying the piece, while Mr. Hart's wife Ellen becomes interested in Valfierno. Though Valfierno and Ellen like each other, the dynamics of their relationship fall flat and I never quite found the chemistry between them believable.
The story was interesting, and the pace was quick. There are a couple of twists and turns in the plot that keep you interested in the story and wanting to read more, but I thought some of the characters were in fact lacking a bit of character, some more than others. Overall I enjoyed reading the book. Thanks to goodreads giveaways for this one!
As they make their plans, one of Valfierno's buyers, Mr. Hart, becomes interested in buying the piece, while Mr. Hart's wife Ellen becomes interested in Valfierno. Though Valfierno and Ellen like each other, the dynamics of their relationship fall flat and I never quite found the chemistry between them believable.
The story was interesting, and the pace was quick. There are a couple of twists and turns in the plot that keep you interested in the story and wanting to read more, but I thought some of the characters were in fact lacking a bit of character, some more than others. Overall I enjoyed reading the book. Thanks to goodreads giveaways for this one!
October 9, 2011
What happens when you mix a Parisian street orphan, a hot-tempered Spanish forger, a beautiful American pickpocket, an unloved wife, and one priceless painting?
The charming Eduardo de Valfierno makes a very respectable living in Argentina fleecing the nouveau rich—they pay him to steal valuable pieces of art, and Valfierno sells them flawless forgeries instead. But when Eduardo meets the beautiful Mrs. Hart on his latest con, he takes a risk that forces him back to the city he loved and left behind—Paris. There he assembles his team of con artists for their final and most ambitious theft, one that will enable them to leave the game forever: The Mona Lisa.
But when a member of the team turns up missing, and Mr. Hart shows up in Paris, Valfierno and his crew must stay one step ahead of a relentless police inspector, endure a devastating flood, and conquer their own doubts to keep the priceless painting in play—and survive.
Based on the actual theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911, and published on the 100th anniversary of the crime, Stealing Mona Lisa is a sophisticated, engaging caper, complete with a richly imagined group of con artists and a historical mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The charming Eduardo de Valfierno makes a very respectable living in Argentina fleecing the nouveau rich—they pay him to steal valuable pieces of art, and Valfierno sells them flawless forgeries instead. But when Eduardo meets the beautiful Mrs. Hart on his latest con, he takes a risk that forces him back to the city he loved and left behind—Paris. There he assembles his team of con artists for their final and most ambitious theft, one that will enable them to leave the game forever: The Mona Lisa.
But when a member of the team turns up missing, and Mr. Hart shows up in Paris, Valfierno and his crew must stay one step ahead of a relentless police inspector, endure a devastating flood, and conquer their own doubts to keep the priceless painting in play—and survive.
Based on the actual theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911, and published on the 100th anniversary of the crime, Stealing Mona Lisa is a sophisticated, engaging caper, complete with a richly imagined group of con artists and a historical mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
March 6, 2016
Sometimes you read a book at the wrong time; that may have happened here. I recently finished some great books so reading this next seemed frivolous and annoying. It's not a bad book, parts are quite good. But ultimately Morton took someone else's fabrication, made it more ludicrous (Picasso) and lacked direction in his writing. Friends I respect told me they really enjoyed it so I read it and I'm not going to trash it. But I just feel blah about having read it. Don't think I'll pick up another Morton any time soon. Here's the link to Morton's "inspiration" for the idea: http://content.time.com/time/arts/art...
June 15, 2011
i thoroughly enjoyed this mystery/historical fiction that I won on GOODREADS. The writing was very easy and flowing full of lovely details.. The characters were developed. Eduardo de Valierno was a likeable crook/charlatan. His band of crimimals are also pleasant. The author described early Paris so well that the reader was easily transported back. The flood at the end of the novel was frightening.
I would recommend this book. The ending is wonderful!
I would recommend this book. The ending is wonderful!
June 20, 2021
"An evocative and engaging reworking of the famous Valfierno myth and the theft of the world's most famous painting. Morton writes beautifully and transports us to an Art Deco world of intriguing criminals." --Noah Charney, author of The Art Thief and Stealing the Mystic Lamb
"An intriguing and captivating story about a great scam with a twist in the world of con artists, art forgery and mystery." --Frank W. Abagnale, New York Times bestselling author of Catch Me If You Can
“Historical fans will welcome professional musician Morton’s first novel … Morton smoothly blends fact and fiction while evocatively exploring the era’s seamy underbelly.” --Publisher’s Weekly
"With all the careful brushstrokes of a classic, Morton gives us a historical tale of deception and theft surrounding the actual 1911 theft of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. This delightful caper is told from the point of view of Marquis Eduardo de Valfierno, now on his deathbed, several years later … Suspense builds steadily as we hold our breath, waiting to see if all the moving parts can make this audacious endeavor succeed. You’ll never look at museum art in quite the same way. Great characters, a captivating tale, and vivid descriptions of old Paris make this debut a pleasurable read. Morton's screenwriter/playwright background ensures sparkling dialog. Bring out the popcorn and settle in for excitement, thrills, and tension. Tremendous crossover appeal for historical fiction (think Susan Vreeland) and romance readers, too." --Library Journal, starred review
“Like La Jaconde, Carson’s debut novel is set in an elegant frame – a newspaper reporter wrests story from the dying Valfierno – that still isn’t as finely crafted as what lies inside.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Based on the actual theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911, Morton’s first novel is a canny heist story with fine characterizations and skillful plotting, and it isn’t hurt one bit by all the shimmering Parisian ambience. This entertaining caper may leave readers wondering about the authenticity of the art on the museum walls.” --Booklist
“The visual writing is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Well-crafted, beautifully written, and engaging mystery. The pacing is superb … Carson Morton is, quite frankly, a masterful storyteller.” –New York Journal of Books
“Morton’s powers of description, in both the time frame and setting, really bring you to the center of Paris and make you believe in the events. His skill with dialogue is impeccable, reflecting the gentlemanly (and con man-ly reserve of Valfierno), and contrasting it with the impetuosity of the thief Julia. Overall, this is a first-rate historical novel and a fascinating crime story. If the theft of Mona Lisa didn’t actually happen this way, one kind of wishes that it had.” –Bookgasm, Mark Rose
"Stealing Mona Lisa by Carson Morton provides all the elements of a good caper. Thanks to Morton for the wink he gives us at the end of this caper. We want to clap our hands and laugh. If you are looking for a fun read to round out your summer at the beach, coming all too soon to an end, I can recommend Morton’s fictional reconstruction of actual and reported characters and events surrounding the theft and disappearance of the Mona Lisa from 1911-13." –Washington Independent Book Review, Deborah Vink
“A work of art – quite literally” –Richmond Times-Dispatch
--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
"An intriguing and captivating story about a great scam with a twist in the world of con artists, art forgery and mystery." --Frank W. Abagnale, New York Times bestselling author of Catch Me If You Can
“Historical fans will welcome professional musician Morton’s first novel … Morton smoothly blends fact and fiction while evocatively exploring the era’s seamy underbelly.” --Publisher’s Weekly
"With all the careful brushstrokes of a classic, Morton gives us a historical tale of deception and theft surrounding the actual 1911 theft of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. This delightful caper is told from the point of view of Marquis Eduardo de Valfierno, now on his deathbed, several years later … Suspense builds steadily as we hold our breath, waiting to see if all the moving parts can make this audacious endeavor succeed. You’ll never look at museum art in quite the same way. Great characters, a captivating tale, and vivid descriptions of old Paris make this debut a pleasurable read. Morton's screenwriter/playwright background ensures sparkling dialog. Bring out the popcorn and settle in for excitement, thrills, and tension. Tremendous crossover appeal for historical fiction (think Susan Vreeland) and romance readers, too." --Library Journal, starred review
“Like La Jaconde, Carson’s debut novel is set in an elegant frame – a newspaper reporter wrests story from the dying Valfierno – that still isn’t as finely crafted as what lies inside.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Based on the actual theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911, Morton’s first novel is a canny heist story with fine characterizations and skillful plotting, and it isn’t hurt one bit by all the shimmering Parisian ambience. This entertaining caper may leave readers wondering about the authenticity of the art on the museum walls.” --Booklist
“The visual writing is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Well-crafted, beautifully written, and engaging mystery. The pacing is superb … Carson Morton is, quite frankly, a masterful storyteller.” –New York Journal of Books
“Morton’s powers of description, in both the time frame and setting, really bring you to the center of Paris and make you believe in the events. His skill with dialogue is impeccable, reflecting the gentlemanly (and con man-ly reserve of Valfierno), and contrasting it with the impetuosity of the thief Julia. Overall, this is a first-rate historical novel and a fascinating crime story. If the theft of Mona Lisa didn’t actually happen this way, one kind of wishes that it had.” –Bookgasm, Mark Rose
"Stealing Mona Lisa by Carson Morton provides all the elements of a good caper. Thanks to Morton for the wink he gives us at the end of this caper. We want to clap our hands and laugh. If you are looking for a fun read to round out your summer at the beach, coming all too soon to an end, I can recommend Morton’s fictional reconstruction of actual and reported characters and events surrounding the theft and disappearance of the Mona Lisa from 1911-13." –Washington Independent Book Review, Deborah Vink
“A work of art – quite literally” –Richmond Times-Dispatch
--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
April 30, 2024
4.5 stars Until I read this book, I was unaware that the Mona Lisa really did get stolen from the Louvre in 1911. The author takes that real historical event and spins a wild story that made for a highly entertaining read. After reading quite a few psychological thrillers, I was definitely in the mood for this heist caper.In Stealing Mona Lisa, Mr. Morton throws together a number of characters to pull off the perfect theft.
As the novel opens, we see a reporter interviewing Eduardo de Valfierno on his deathbed in Paris. From there, we go back into Eduardo's memories. Eduardo had been making a living selling art forgeries to the elite of Buenos Aires. However, he finds himself drawn back to his beloved Paris in search of a larger score. He plans to create numerous copies of the Mona Lisa to sell to rich collectors of uncertain moral compass but in order to get his copies just right he will need to "borrow" the original.
Eduardo starts off by reassembling his faithful old team, but quickly finds himself joined by a young woman who is determined to move from being a skilled pickpocket to helping pull off an art heist that might promise a substantial payday. And of course Eduardo needs a very skilled painter to be his forger, so after his longtime partner dies, he finds a very good if sometimes hot-tempered young painter to take the job.
The author has a light touch as he shows Eduardo juggling the work of planning the heist, managing the various temperaments of his team members, and trying to keep his prospective buyers interested without them breathing down his throat. And then there is that powerful attraction he feels for the unhappily married wife of one of his patrons...
While there are some dramatic moments, this book overall has a lighter mood than many of the mysteries on the market. I wouldn't call it a cosy but it does have some humor mixed into the dramatic art heist. Given that they're con artists and thieves, I can't say I wholeheartedly approved of the main characters in the book but they have their likable moments. I found them entertaining company, though I'd never turn my back on them in real life.
As the novel opens, we see a reporter interviewing Eduardo de Valfierno on his deathbed in Paris. From there, we go back into Eduardo's memories. Eduardo had been making a living selling art forgeries to the elite of Buenos Aires. However, he finds himself drawn back to his beloved Paris in search of a larger score. He plans to create numerous copies of the Mona Lisa to sell to rich collectors of uncertain moral compass but in order to get his copies just right he will need to "borrow" the original.
Eduardo starts off by reassembling his faithful old team, but quickly finds himself joined by a young woman who is determined to move from being a skilled pickpocket to helping pull off an art heist that might promise a substantial payday. And of course Eduardo needs a very skilled painter to be his forger, so after his longtime partner dies, he finds a very good if sometimes hot-tempered young painter to take the job.
The author has a light touch as he shows Eduardo juggling the work of planning the heist, managing the various temperaments of his team members, and trying to keep his prospective buyers interested without them breathing down his throat. And then there is that powerful attraction he feels for the unhappily married wife of one of his patrons...
While there are some dramatic moments, this book overall has a lighter mood than many of the mysteries on the market. I wouldn't call it a cosy but it does have some humor mixed into the dramatic art heist. Given that they're con artists and thieves, I can't say I wholeheartedly approved of the main characters in the book but they have their likable moments. I found them entertaining company, though I'd never turn my back on them in real life.
July 8, 2018
Such a great story. A love story, a mystery, and an easy, quick read. The book is full of characters you learn to love and ones that you can even relate to. The author did such a great job in telling this story, was a very good take on the actual crime of 1911 in Paris, France. Was very cinematic and the language was almost poetic at times. Got a few favorite quotes from it. The language was really easy to understand. Yes there may have been some random unnecessary details and the book often jumped in random ways but that comes down to the reader and what they may deem as random and unnecessary detail.
Also need to add that Julia was such a fun character and some reviews don’t give her justice. Julia happened to be my favorite. She made me laugh and was witty. She actually saved the other guys a few times. Yes she can be a bit annoying but I imagined her as a young and fun early twenties lady, someone who just wants to have fun, very carefree, which one may deem as annoying and immature. All up to the readers imagination. All in all a great book with a great story line that has great characters, and so many twists and turns. A book that will make you feel as if you are actually in Paris and looking into the lives of these characters. Plus on the side you get this really nice little love story between the main protagonists, Valfierno, and the wife of one of his clients, Ellen Hart, which I absolutely loved and had a best ending; not a sappy ending like one from those teen films or young adult novels. The ending was subtle but you knew what the deal was. Definitely worth a read.
Also need to add that Julia was such a fun character and some reviews don’t give her justice. Julia happened to be my favorite. She made me laugh and was witty. She actually saved the other guys a few times. Yes she can be a bit annoying but I imagined her as a young and fun early twenties lady, someone who just wants to have fun, very carefree, which one may deem as annoying and immature. All up to the readers imagination. All in all a great book with a great story line that has great characters, and so many twists and turns. A book that will make you feel as if you are actually in Paris and looking into the lives of these characters. Plus on the side you get this really nice little love story between the main protagonists, Valfierno, and the wife of one of his clients, Ellen Hart, which I absolutely loved and had a best ending; not a sappy ending like one from those teen films or young adult novels. The ending was subtle but you knew what the deal was. Definitely worth a read.
August 15, 2025
Based on the actual theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911, the author has created his own version of what could have actually happened. Eduardo de Valfierno, made a living in Argentina fleecing the rich by convincing them he had stolen authentic works of art for them, and giving them very good reproductions. But when he moves back to Paris and decides to do the same thing with the Mona Lisa, the stakes are even higher - especially when the wife of one of his wealthy American clients follows him to France.
A great mystery, and I think I would have liked it more if it was actually true. I don't know that I really felt connected to the characters, and so even though the story was good, I didn't love it.
A great mystery, and I think I would have liked it more if it was actually true. I don't know that I really felt connected to the characters, and so even though the story was good, I didn't love it.
February 6, 2024
The story of the 1911 theft on Mona Lisa from the Louvre is strange enough on its own. Morton has told the story from the lens of the mysterious Count de Valfierno, a notable grifter from Argentina who apparently made a living for many years by passing off as orogonal many forged copies of museum masterpieces, fleecing many nouveau riche industrialist along the way. Alas, I read The Vanished Smile fifteen years ago and enjoyed both the history and the comedy so much that I found this version of the tale flat by comparison. In this case, the actual history was more entertaining that the fiction!
April 3, 2024
Morton's historical mystery poses a "what if" scenario to the stealing of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911. The main characters include a Parisian con man, his former street urchin apprentice, an Italian revolutionary, and 2 very different American women. The story moves quickly and brings to life the early 20th-century worlds of art, greedy billionaire art collectors, and the con game. Morton's disparate characters come together as a family unit after surviving collapsing con games and the Paris flood of 1911. The chapters covering 1925 and 1937 bring the story to a satisfying conclusion.
March 13, 2022
This was a great stand alone, action packed book based on the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911. The author took some liberties to imagine how the theft was done and it resulted in a fun day of reading. Valfierno is a con artist who orchestrates the selling of masterpieces all over the world. The irony is that if the buyers realize they have purchased a forgery, they can’t tell anyone because they have been part of the scheme to steal the works of art. This was a delightful read that had me chuckling throughout.
January 5, 2025
Carson Morton wove the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 into an interesting story. Although the painting was recovered, this century-old theft was never actually solved — there is speculation on how it happened. With some literary license, Morton presented a scenario.
Eduardo de Valfierno makes a respectable living by selling forgeries to the nouveau riche, who unknowingly think they are purchasing original stolen pieces of art. Valfierno assembles a team of con artists, including an excellent forger and executes the theft of the Mona Lisa.
Eduardo de Valfierno makes a respectable living by selling forgeries to the nouveau riche, who unknowingly think they are purchasing original stolen pieces of art. Valfierno assembles a team of con artists, including an excellent forger and executes the theft of the Mona Lisa.
March 3, 2019
I really was disappointed in this book. The concept was engaging, but I just felt like the story never really bloomed. I wasn't particularly enthralled with, what I felt, was kind of peculiar group of thiefs, and although they were occasionally entertaining, I just didn't find them believable. This book is described as a historical mystery, but having read the actual story of this event, I found Stealing Mona Lisa to be rather flat.
September 12, 2019
I enjoyed this fictionalized account of a true event. The book starts in Buenos Aires Argentina and moves to the streets of Paris. A con artist works with a forger to sell reproductions of priceless works of art. The culmination is the actual stealing of the Mona Lisa and selling reproductions of that portrait to rich American industrialists. Many lively characters add depth to the story and leave you guessing as to where is the real Mona Lisa.?
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September 14, 2022Carson Morton spins a somewhat engaging tale based on the actual theft of the 1911 Mona Lisa. He creates a heist story that moves slowly but steadily throughout until an ending of cinematic proportions erupts with flooding, desperate escapes, cryptic denouement, and a wink to the audience in the ending frame.
The author’s bio indicates an interest in screenwriting and this is how the story appears; it wants to become a movie.
The author’s bio indicates an interest in screenwriting and this is how the story appears; it wants to become a movie.
July 7, 2024
Great characters, a captivating tale and vivid description of Old Paris, makes this a pleasureable read
Based loosely on the " stealing of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre.
Lots of fun twists and turns to keep you interested from beginning to end.
What happens when you mix a mysterious con-artist, a parisian street orphan, a hot tempered Spanish forger, a beautiful American pickpocket, a deperate unloved wife and one priceless painting.
.
Based loosely on the " stealing of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre.
Lots of fun twists and turns to keep you interested from beginning to end.
What happens when you mix a mysterious con-artist, a parisian street orphan, a hot tempered Spanish forger, a beautiful American pickpocket, a deperate unloved wife and one priceless painting.
.
November 10, 2019
I liked the idea of the plot and even liked a couple characters. It started out well but as I went along it began to be a chore to read. The second half of the book is when it all fell apart for me. I considered 2.5 stars but after finishing it and reading about the liberties the author took with history, I'll stick with 2 stars.
August 15, 2020
For the most part this was an enjoyable little romp. I was surprised to see how many little elements of the case did make it in, though frequently accompanied by some great liberties with the truth. Morton, thankfully, is upfront about that. I honestly would have loved a more detailed author's note at the end. It's hard not to read this and want to know more about the facts that we do have.
April 12, 2024
Not a bad book, but not great literature. He spent too much time describing, in minute detail, every street in Paris the characters traversed. It started to feel like he was simply showing off his intimate knowledge of the city. In addition, while it was a decent story, I didn’t relate to any of the characters and, in fact, I disliked just about everyone
September 24, 2019
Based loosely on the 1911 event that rocked the art world — the theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in Paris — this piece of historical fiction is a lovely ride. Fast paced, and littered with enough historical fact to arouse the curious-minded, Stealing Mona Lisa is worth a read.
August 17, 2020
This was a really fun book. It doesn't hurt that I can't resist a book about art. It's billed as a mystery, which I didn't really find it to be an appropriate category since you know the whole way through exactly who did it. But there was a fun and very unexpected twist at the end.
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