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The Mona Lisa Speaks
Brilliant & confident Robertson Ross, an outdoorsy Canadian computer expert hired to update the Louvre’s security system, falls in love with Mathilde, a classic beauty & cultured Parisian art dealer. But, when he discovers that she’s deeply in debt to Jacques Renard, a powerful & dangerous lord of the French criminal underground, he has to embark on the risky & thrilling theft of the Mona Lisa to save her – & their unborn child. Rob’s biggest problems actually begin after he successfully steals the Mona Lisa & replaces her with a perfect copy. Facing betrayals at all turns, he needs every bit of his intelligence, cunning, courage, & computer skills to stay alive & reunite with his true love. This is a story of thrills, danger, & a Canadian from the frozen North falling in love with Paris.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2013
3 people are currently reading
750 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 8, 2014
"If you were the Mona Lisa
You'd be hanging in the Louvre
Everyone would come to see you
You'd be impossible to move
It seems to me is what you are
A rare and priceless work of art
Stay behind your velvet rope
But I will not renounce all hope"
Madonna's song called Masterpiece in which first few lines talks about the unconditional love towards Leonardo Da Vinci's painting, The Mona Lisa. So many people around the world have undoubtedly tried to get their hands on Mona Lisa, because after all these times, still people fall in love with her unconditionally. But, Christopher Angel, an American author-cum-film-maker, has penned down a mystery novel by the name, The Mona Lisa Speaks, during a visit to the Louvre. I was surprised to find that the painting talks, actually she has feelings and unfortunately in the end, despite of all the deserving glory and unconditional love in the world, the Mona Lisa, ends up in the store rooms, or rather say, dungeons of the Louvre. This is a very brilliant and enchanting mystery surrounding Mona Lisa's painting in the Louvre and how her destiny changes forever.
Firstly, a huge thanks to the author-cum-film-maker, Christopher Angel, for giving me this opportunity to read his novel and review for the same.
A young computer techie, named Robertson Ross, has been appointed temporarily from his company in Canada, to work on the security systems of Louvre. But on his job, he falls in love with an enchanting and spellbindingly beautiful, young Parisian art dealer, named Mathilde. Little did he know about her background or about her deep, dark secrets. Eventually, Rob gets tangled up with the most powerful mafia man in Paris, who deals with art forgery and high-end furniture business, Jacques Renard, who held his girlfriend, Mathilde and his unborn child's lives in stake, in return to steal the Mona Lisa from the Louvre and replace it with a fake one. And little did he know, his easiest task of replacing the real with the fake might cost too much, it might drive him on the edge, almost life-taking! But now he is having second thoughts about Mathilde and about the whole plan, was he a used as a patsy? Will he save the real Mona Lisa?
I can undoubtedly say that mystery is at its best in this book, but still they were too many loose ends and loops that the author didn't mind to mention about it at the end. In the beginning, the pace was bit slow, like falling in love too obviously, falling for the mafia’s orders too obviously, it was like the story was starting to fall flat, but then when Rob started to chalk out his plan to steal the Mona Lisa, the book gained pace and it ended quite brilliantly. The characters were nice, the mafia man, could have been more deadly and smart, he failed to spark up any interest in me, whereas Rob and Mathilde are really very strong and remarkable character, Mathilde always acting as the naive one around Rob and Rob, the fearless guy, will go to any end, to save his unborn child and his Mona Lisa, Mathilde. And amidst of all these drama, The Mona Lisa actually spoke of her feelings from how glorious she felt at being the centre of attraction in Louvre to sometimes getting some fresh air to how insulting she felt while hanging in a florists shop to dreadfully ending up in the dark. I felt so amusing about her feelings!
The book is good, got some adrenaline-rushing actions and Paris streets will guide you in his mystery. The vivid descriptions of the enticing Paris will capture your heart completely, and will definitely make you wanna visit the very old Louvre in Paris.
You'd be hanging in the Louvre
Everyone would come to see you
You'd be impossible to move
It seems to me is what you are
A rare and priceless work of art
Stay behind your velvet rope
But I will not renounce all hope"
Madonna's song called Masterpiece in which first few lines talks about the unconditional love towards Leonardo Da Vinci's painting, The Mona Lisa. So many people around the world have undoubtedly tried to get their hands on Mona Lisa, because after all these times, still people fall in love with her unconditionally. But, Christopher Angel, an American author-cum-film-maker, has penned down a mystery novel by the name, The Mona Lisa Speaks, during a visit to the Louvre. I was surprised to find that the painting talks, actually she has feelings and unfortunately in the end, despite of all the deserving glory and unconditional love in the world, the Mona Lisa, ends up in the store rooms, or rather say, dungeons of the Louvre. This is a very brilliant and enchanting mystery surrounding Mona Lisa's painting in the Louvre and how her destiny changes forever.
Firstly, a huge thanks to the author-cum-film-maker, Christopher Angel, for giving me this opportunity to read his novel and review for the same.
A young computer techie, named Robertson Ross, has been appointed temporarily from his company in Canada, to work on the security systems of Louvre. But on his job, he falls in love with an enchanting and spellbindingly beautiful, young Parisian art dealer, named Mathilde. Little did he know about her background or about her deep, dark secrets. Eventually, Rob gets tangled up with the most powerful mafia man in Paris, who deals with art forgery and high-end furniture business, Jacques Renard, who held his girlfriend, Mathilde and his unborn child's lives in stake, in return to steal the Mona Lisa from the Louvre and replace it with a fake one. And little did he know, his easiest task of replacing the real with the fake might cost too much, it might drive him on the edge, almost life-taking! But now he is having second thoughts about Mathilde and about the whole plan, was he a used as a patsy? Will he save the real Mona Lisa?
I can undoubtedly say that mystery is at its best in this book, but still they were too many loose ends and loops that the author didn't mind to mention about it at the end. In the beginning, the pace was bit slow, like falling in love too obviously, falling for the mafia’s orders too obviously, it was like the story was starting to fall flat, but then when Rob started to chalk out his plan to steal the Mona Lisa, the book gained pace and it ended quite brilliantly. The characters were nice, the mafia man, could have been more deadly and smart, he failed to spark up any interest in me, whereas Rob and Mathilde are really very strong and remarkable character, Mathilde always acting as the naive one around Rob and Rob, the fearless guy, will go to any end, to save his unborn child and his Mona Lisa, Mathilde. And amidst of all these drama, The Mona Lisa actually spoke of her feelings from how glorious she felt at being the centre of attraction in Louvre to sometimes getting some fresh air to how insulting she felt while hanging in a florists shop to dreadfully ending up in the dark. I felt so amusing about her feelings!
The book is good, got some adrenaline-rushing actions and Paris streets will guide you in his mystery. The vivid descriptions of the enticing Paris will capture your heart completely, and will definitely make you wanna visit the very old Louvre in Paris.
October 26, 2013
I lived near Boston at the time of the Isabella Gardiner Museum art thefts, and the mystery then was so intriguing I was engrossed in the who and how. Since that time, I’ve watched innumerable productions on television about modern art heists, read a ton of books with art thefts at their center, and am constantly intrigued by the puzzles that are presented. Christopher Angel brings all of that intrigue and more in this book!
Watching the planning of a robbery, done with the modern conveniences by someone who is well-versed in the technology end of trail-covering was a never ending source of entertainment. How DO people think of these options, and why would the theft become a viable one? I’m not a huge believer in that ‘anything for love’ premise, but it felt so present and important to spur the story forward. For why else but the love of the chase and intrigue would Rob get involved.
For that matter, Rob was the sort of protagonist that I had hoped for in the Dan Brown’s stories. There was never the hesitancy or lack of purpose in Rob’s character, logically laying out the problems, seeking possible bad outcomes and dreaming for the possible happy ever after defined him and gave him life.
The Louvre is one of my favorite wanders: hours getting lost in the halls and exhibits. All brought to life in details so specific and tactile that you could be there walking right along. Paris also gets that special treatment, with the scents wafting from cafes, the exhaust, that je ne se quois element that is so inexorably Paris for me.
I was so engrossed in this story and the imagery that unraveling the knotted twists in the plot became secondary, tertiary, to just reading along and enjoying. But there were twists, and dead-ends and enough moments laden with tension to bring a masseuse to tears. And it was a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review with France Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Watching the planning of a robbery, done with the modern conveniences by someone who is well-versed in the technology end of trail-covering was a never ending source of entertainment. How DO people think of these options, and why would the theft become a viable one? I’m not a huge believer in that ‘anything for love’ premise, but it felt so present and important to spur the story forward. For why else but the love of the chase and intrigue would Rob get involved.
For that matter, Rob was the sort of protagonist that I had hoped for in the Dan Brown’s stories. There was never the hesitancy or lack of purpose in Rob’s character, logically laying out the problems, seeking possible bad outcomes and dreaming for the possible happy ever after defined him and gave him life.
The Louvre is one of my favorite wanders: hours getting lost in the halls and exhibits. All brought to life in details so specific and tactile that you could be there walking right along. Paris also gets that special treatment, with the scents wafting from cafes, the exhaust, that je ne se quois element that is so inexorably Paris for me.
I was so engrossed in this story and the imagery that unraveling the knotted twists in the plot became secondary, tertiary, to just reading along and enjoying. But there were twists, and dead-ends and enough moments laden with tension to bring a masseuse to tears. And it was a thoroughly enjoyable ride.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review with France Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
October 14, 2013
Another thriller I couldn’t put down. I feel like I’m being spoiled!
It didn’t take me long to get into this book, a tightly written story that kept me captivated all the way through. Canadian computer security expert Robertson Ross foils a robbery attempt on art gallery owner Mathilde, and in the process, meets the woman of his dreams. Except it’s not that easy. Love never is, and Mathilde has more problems than she lets on.
Right from the start, I was delighted with this book. It’s so nice to read a book where an American isn’t the protagonist. I could cheer on a fellow Canadian (fictional though he may be). And I could imagine myself in the Louvre, wandering the halls, seeing the art, and wishing I too could see the expansive storage of artifacts and art.
Reading this story felt like a delicious indulgence—art, Paris, daring thefts, computer geekery, and true love, all rolled up in one. The author’s direct first-person narrative sucked me into the story so quickly, and in sections I almost didn’t dare to breathe, wondering how Rob might get himself out of the sticky situations he found himself in. I was never quite sure how things would turn out.
This is a fantastic read, and I was delighted to see a bonus chapter of a followup book. Now, to wait until that one is released!
It didn’t take me long to get into this book, a tightly written story that kept me captivated all the way through. Canadian computer security expert Robertson Ross foils a robbery attempt on art gallery owner Mathilde, and in the process, meets the woman of his dreams. Except it’s not that easy. Love never is, and Mathilde has more problems than she lets on.
Right from the start, I was delighted with this book. It’s so nice to read a book where an American isn’t the protagonist. I could cheer on a fellow Canadian (fictional though he may be). And I could imagine myself in the Louvre, wandering the halls, seeing the art, and wishing I too could see the expansive storage of artifacts and art.
Reading this story felt like a delicious indulgence—art, Paris, daring thefts, computer geekery, and true love, all rolled up in one. The author’s direct first-person narrative sucked me into the story so quickly, and in sections I almost didn’t dare to breathe, wondering how Rob might get himself out of the sticky situations he found himself in. I was never quite sure how things would turn out.
This is a fantastic read, and I was delighted to see a bonus chapter of a followup book. Now, to wait until that one is released!
August 13, 2013
Mona Lisa speaks is the cyper-pop thriller romance I was looking to read. The protagonist has balls of steel. Historical intricacy of the museum and the painting are perfect nectar for a 21st century labyrinthine art-theft tale that spins into an over-the-top, totally delicious pulp story. Bravura writing, that's intimate, confident, informative and always kept me second guessing about what was next. Honestly Paris hasn't felt this alive to me in eons. I loved the nuance and detail that the author put into every corridor of the Louvre, every street in Paris, every car chase, phone call, chess move and technical triumph won by hiding the theft of the Mona Lisa from the world. This was a world class thriller, more savvy than Ken Follett with way more cajones than Dan Brown. Worth your time, every word, every chapter propelled it and it was satisfying. Someone make the movie, please.
July 25, 2013
What a great ride. From the first page, Angel pulled me in and had me guessing where the mystery would lead. But he surprised me at every turn. The twists were believable and exciting, a tough combination to master.
I can totally see this book as a movie someday. The Paris setting, the play on the real life mystery of Mona Lisa's short disappearance, and the non-stop action made me feel like I should be sipping soda and eating popcorn. At times, I even wanted to yell out loud at the main character when he was about to step into trouble.
The love relationship was sweet and complex. Definitely a couple I can envision finding themselves in the middle of intrigue again soon. Can't wait to read the sequel.
I can totally see this book as a movie someday. The Paris setting, the play on the real life mystery of Mona Lisa's short disappearance, and the non-stop action made me feel like I should be sipping soda and eating popcorn. At times, I even wanted to yell out loud at the main character when he was about to step into trouble.
The love relationship was sweet and complex. Definitely a couple I can envision finding themselves in the middle of intrigue again soon. Can't wait to read the sequel.
October 9, 2013
Sometimes, the stars align together!
I like a good mystery, I like art, being myself a painter, and I like computers and the whole digital world! And guess what, they are all here in The Mona Lisa Speaks, in a perfect mix!
Right away, the narrator and hero takes you with him in Paris along La Seine on one of those famous Vélibs, and the action packed art heist mystery won’t let you go. You end up in the very special world of art connoisseurs and dealers, also in some obscure areas of Le Louvre where no tourist can wander, in the company of an incredible geek.
Robertson has been hired by Le Louvre to update their security system. On his bike to work one day, Robertson sees a...
my full review is here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2013/10/30/b...
I like a good mystery, I like art, being myself a painter, and I like computers and the whole digital world! And guess what, they are all here in The Mona Lisa Speaks, in a perfect mix!
Right away, the narrator and hero takes you with him in Paris along La Seine on one of those famous Vélibs, and the action packed art heist mystery won’t let you go. You end up in the very special world of art connoisseurs and dealers, also in some obscure areas of Le Louvre where no tourist can wander, in the company of an incredible geek.
Robertson has been hired by Le Louvre to update their security system. On his bike to work one day, Robertson sees a...
my full review is here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2013/10/30/b...
June 9, 2013
The Mona Lisa Speaks is a suspenseful page turner of a story with more twists and turns than the catacombs of Paris. I really felt for Robertson, our protagonist who falls for the very complicated Mathilde and the love story inside of the suspense is well done by Angel. I loved the planning and execution of the Mona Lisa robbery and the illustration of Jacques Renard, the devil himself. The action in the story really picks up in the second half of the novel and I read this novel in almost one sitting. I also loved the very clever inspector Stendhal, how he follows Rob and Mathilde to the very end… I’m just wondering when this comes out as a movie.
August 7, 2013
A goodreads first Read! Wow, an amazing book that had me gripped from the start. A Canadian computer nerd gets caught up in a plot to steal the Mona Lisa. I won't say any more because it will spoil it! But with comments from the Mona Lisa herself, and set in Paris - this book would make an excellent film - Very Thomas Crown but much better. Well done Christopher Angel - do I gather there is a second book? Can't wait!
September 27, 2013
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. And I want to thank the author for this great book.
Beautiful sights of Paris, famous European classic art, highly sophisticated technologies, some seemingly different people united in a thick with suspense plot, the crime of the century, wild chase and smart moves – all of these make this book perfect to be made into a movie!
I would love to read the next book about Rob and Mathilde.
Beautiful sights of Paris, famous European classic art, highly sophisticated technologies, some seemingly different people united in a thick with suspense plot, the crime of the century, wild chase and smart moves – all of these make this book perfect to be made into a movie!
I would love to read the next book about Rob and Mathilde.
October 24, 2013
I won this from Goodreads First Reads. This is an exciting book. I enjoyed the visual images of Paris the writer created. I liked all of the high tech angles that set up how the heist is able to take place. The personification of the painting is a fun addition to the story.
March 2, 2021
Having started this book with high hopes - I love a heist - it soon turned into disappointment. The plot was okay (even if incredibly unlikely to the nth degree), someone having to steal the Mona Lisa to repay a lover's debt, but the actual writing style didn't work for me with a whole lot of underlining, italicisation and far too much description. A car chase that could have been exciting was bogged down by stilted description at every turn, which is unfortunately a huge downside throughout the entire novel. Ultimately the characters weren't believable and the main character should have been caught on multiple occasions. Still, the plot was quite fun if you ignored the book's problems, and the occasional passages of narration from the Mona Lisa were suitably imaginative. Like a heist? Give it a go but don't expect fireworks.
December 7, 2013
The Mona Lisa Speaks is a pretty fast-paced story. It started off relatively slow, introducing the characters and setting up the main premise of the plot but once all of the pieces were in place, the novel just grabs hold of the reader takes him or her along for the ride without hitting the breaks once. I love how Paris was used throughout the novel, both the familiar tourist spots as well as the quiet neighbourhood areas.
Rob is a smart and interesting main character; he doesn’t crack even as the stakes become too high and it seems like there’s no good way–or any way–out. At the same time, I felt he was a little too cool under pressure; I would’ve like to have seen him work through the psychological pressure he was under, convey a bit more of that natural human reaction to the situation he was faced with.
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Mona Lisa Speaks, it’s high on the adrenaline and quite the page turner. I only wished that . I recommend this novel if you’re into action/suspense novels and enjoy reading stories set in Paris.
You can read this review in its entirety over at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2...
Rob is a smart and interesting main character; he doesn’t crack even as the stakes become too high and it seems like there’s no good way–or any way–out. At the same time, I felt he was a little too cool under pressure; I would’ve like to have seen him work through the psychological pressure he was under, convey a bit more of that natural human reaction to the situation he was faced with.
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Mona Lisa Speaks, it’s high on the adrenaline and quite the page turner. I only wished that . I recommend this novel if you’re into action/suspense novels and enjoy reading stories set in Paris.
You can read this review in its entirety over at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2...
October 25, 2013
A refreshing new twist on the thriller/suspense genre. The main character is an intelligent person who thinks his way out of a bad sitaution rather than use brute force and 'gut it out'.
As well, it takes place in Paris (France, not Texas), which just puts it over the top.
As well, it takes place in Paris (France, not Texas), which just puts it over the top.
March 30, 2015
Well, that was quite a ride. It probably doesn't deserve a 4 star rating but it was just so much fun, so exhilarating. And it took place in Paris.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews