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The El Greco Enigma: A Trina Piper Thriller
A puzzle hidden in a painting…
A secret lost for centuries…
One chance to reunite the present with the past. Historian Trina Piper agrees to help a small Spanish church authenticate an old letter written by the Renaissance painter El Greco. It should be an easy job, and gives her the chance to visit the beautiful medieval city of Toledo. But when the letter turns out to contain a hidden clue, she agrees to stick around and dig a little deeper. Toledo’s history is buried beneath layers of fire and steel, weapons and war. With the help of the local parish priest, Trina soon discovers the El Greco letter is anything but a relic from the past. It’s a message to the future, and she may be the only one who can read it… although she’s not the only one who wants to know what it says. Soon she’s forced to cross swords—literally—with a determined adversary. As their blades ring out in battle, she can only be certain of one the victor will determine whether Toledo’s hidden past will finally come to light… Or stay buried forever.
A secret lost for centuries…
One chance to reunite the present with the past. Historian Trina Piper agrees to help a small Spanish church authenticate an old letter written by the Renaissance painter El Greco. It should be an easy job, and gives her the chance to visit the beautiful medieval city of Toledo. But when the letter turns out to contain a hidden clue, she agrees to stick around and dig a little deeper. Toledo’s history is buried beneath layers of fire and steel, weapons and war. With the help of the local parish priest, Trina soon discovers the El Greco letter is anything but a relic from the past. It’s a message to the future, and she may be the only one who can read it… although she’s not the only one who wants to know what it says. Soon she’s forced to cross swords—literally—with a determined adversary. As their blades ring out in battle, she can only be certain of one the victor will determine whether Toledo’s hidden past will finally come to light… Or stay buried forever.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2023
14 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 19, 2023
I received an Advanced Review Copy. This novella introduces new readers to the adventures of Trina Piper, primariy a rare docunent authentification expert she has other more mystical talents which are not brought to bear in this novella The story is simple, a slgnature attributed to Spanish artist El Greco requires authentification. Simple, 5 minute job requiring a visit to Toledio, of medieval Toledo Steel Sword Blade fame. What folliows is a mesmerising romp through Toledo seeking to provide such verification. needless to say it is not simple, greed, duplicity, danger is invoved as others have their own deviious agendas. . Trina romps through the chaos,accompanied by a one armed priest, a not so simple religious man of immense talent. This is a beautifully crafted mini-mystery, captivating and immersive. A total pleasure to read whether bought or if reviewed. Indeed I did buy a copy afterwards as a good wordsmith (Steve Ruskin) is worth his weight in gold (in this case. UK gdp). If you love adventure, like to smile occasionally as stories grow, love a warm ending then this is definitely a book for you. For Me. For nearly everybody.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
I LUV books that send me to GoogleLand!
The author takes us on a journey in which ‘Toledo’s history was written in its architecture and its art’. Readers experience not only the sights through Trina’s eyes, but also the scents and the sounds. Oh! And tapas… I appreciate the wee bit of Spanish throughout as it made the Toledano communications more realistic (and I got to practice). Readers also get the background story to the artist and the painting as well as the culture and politics of his time.
Putting riddles aside…the translations into Spanish are just gorgeous:
‘May my art preserve your art until He in his mercy allows your family’s song to be sung again.’
“Que mi arte conserve el tuyo hasta que Él en su misericordia permita volver a cantar el canto de tu familia.”
Fave line:
‘In exchange for the painter’s genius, one must accept his eccentricity.’
Now, for a cuppa Earl Grey while I await more “Trina Travels”. With some ‘churros con chocolate’…
The author takes us on a journey in which ‘Toledo’s history was written in its architecture and its art’. Readers experience not only the sights through Trina’s eyes, but also the scents and the sounds. Oh! And tapas… I appreciate the wee bit of Spanish throughout as it made the Toledano communications more realistic (and I got to practice). Readers also get the background story to the artist and the painting as well as the culture and politics of his time.
Putting riddles aside…the translations into Spanish are just gorgeous:
‘May my art preserve your art until He in his mercy allows your family’s song to be sung again.’
“Que mi arte conserve el tuyo hasta que Él en su misericordia permita volver a cantar el canto de tu familia.”
Fave line:
‘In exchange for the painter’s genius, one must accept his eccentricity.’
Now, for a cuppa Earl Grey while I await more “Trina Travels”. With some ‘churros con chocolate’…
July 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book for several reasons. Initially, I thought it was a great story born from the author's imagination. Turns out it is based on historical events. To me that makes it even better.
I enjoyed the protagonist, Trina. She is tasked with verifying an El Greco document. Based on her other adventures, you can guess that one simple task isn't all that is going to happen to her. She is going to be challenged.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the location the story is set in, the descriptions of the buildings, and the people there. It makes me want to visit that part of Spain.
The characters are developed well, and the dialogue is engaging. It is a standalone novella that gives you a slice of what a Trina Piper story offers. I certainly can't wait for another one of her adventures.
I enjoyed the protagonist, Trina. She is tasked with verifying an El Greco document. Based on her other adventures, you can guess that one simple task isn't all that is going to happen to her. She is going to be challenged.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the location the story is set in, the descriptions of the buildings, and the people there. It makes me want to visit that part of Spain.
The characters are developed well, and the dialogue is engaging. It is a standalone novella that gives you a slice of what a Trina Piper story offers. I certainly can't wait for another one of her adventures.
July 26, 2023
Trina Piper embarking on a new adventure? Yes, please! To Spain and all its history tied up in Moorish rule and then reconquest by Spain? I'm all in.
Throw in a (retired) sword-fighting priest, an old letter, with a mysterious man who smells of bergamot, and the story just gets better and better.
This book had all the things I personally love: Spanish and Moorish history; a bit of dual-timeline story-telling; sword fighting; riddles in a poem; archeology; mystery; and references to my favorite movie of all time. Ruskin hit it out of the park with this novella. Excellent story-telling that moves at a good clip, lots of details without becoming pedantic, and a sweet ending that leaves you happily anticipating Trina's next adventure.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Throw in a (retired) sword-fighting priest, an old letter, with a mysterious man who smells of bergamot, and the story just gets better and better.
This book had all the things I personally love: Spanish and Moorish history; a bit of dual-timeline story-telling; sword fighting; riddles in a poem; archeology; mystery; and references to my favorite movie of all time. Ruskin hit it out of the park with this novella. Excellent story-telling that moves at a good clip, lots of details without becoming pedantic, and a sweet ending that leaves you happily anticipating Trina's next adventure.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
August 9, 2023
Trina Piper is summoned to the city of Toledo in order to investigate a painting. As she researches the city, she finds out that while Toledo was renowned for its sword makers and bladesmiths over the years the way that they fashioned their blades has been lost. What originally was supposed to just be a simple trip with very little pay involved turns into one of the biggest finds that she has ever made. Go with Trina to Toledo and see if Toledo has really lost its heritage and the sword making industry or if It's wrapped up in an enigma that just needs to be found.....
July 25, 2023
This one's a stand-alone short story set in the world of document authenticator Trina Piper.
In the tradition of The DaVinci Code, the story blends European history, eclesiastsical art, hidden mysteries, intrigue and swashbuckling daring-do to weave a tale that grabs your attention on the first page and keeps you spellbound until the final mystery is revealed and the villain vanquished.
The Enigma is an interesting read and a great introduction to the Trina Piper series.
In the tradition of The DaVinci Code, the story blends European history, eclesiastsical art, hidden mysteries, intrigue and swashbuckling daring-do to weave a tale that grabs your attention on the first page and keeps you spellbound until the final mystery is revealed and the villain vanquished.
The Enigma is an interesting read and a great introduction to the Trina Piper series.
July 30, 2023
An interesting read, combining history, archeology and mystery. Trina accepts a request to verify an old letter, but soon finds herself enthralled in a mystery of art work and the revelations of the 'Blacksmiths Song'. Not an easy task as she is up against an adversary who will stop at nothing to find and sell it on the Black Market Recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2023
I really enjoyed the novella, THE EL GRECO ENIGMA. Trina is intelligent, energetic, and just imperfect enough to be an interesting main character. The tale was fast moving with a puzzle to solve, a great sidekick, a mysterious stranger, and a satisfying conclusion.
I reviewed a free Advance Reader copy of this book with no strings attached.
I reviewed a free Advance Reader copy of this book with no strings attached.
July 25, 2023
A short story in the Trina Piper series takes her to Spain to solve clues hidden by El Greco in a famous painting.
This fast paced tale is well crafted, portrays the historically significant city of Toledo in detail, and exposes a secret of the famous local sword making.
Well worth reading as an introduction or expansion to Steve Ruskin’s historic thriller series.
This fast paced tale is well crafted, portrays the historically significant city of Toledo in detail, and exposes a secret of the famous local sword making.
Well worth reading as an introduction or expansion to Steve Ruskin’s historic thriller series.
July 25, 2023
Surprising great story. I love the historical aspect of it. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it based on the title but it was quite an entertaining read. I'll definitely read more by the author. Don't let the title throw you...it was a great story!
February 9, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this thriller. The characters grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept me interested in what would happen next. This story left me wanting more. Nicely written; will definitely be reading more from this author!
August 16, 2023
With only a slight fantasy element, this is a nice bit of historical fiction.
April 18, 2024
I thought that this was a pretty good and entertaining quick read.
January 26, 2025
It's always an advantage to learn some actual history along with enjoyable fiction.
January 14, 2026
Excellent read
Very interesting storyline good strong characters all in all a worthy read that I enjoyed and have no problem recommending.
Very interesting storyline good strong characters all in all a worthy read that I enjoyed and have no problem recommending.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews