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The Art Collector
The Art Collector will appeal to fans of Daniel Silva and Jonathan Santlofer.
". . . COMPELLING . . . " — KIRKUS REVIEWS
A Warhol protégé, a Manhattan murder and a long-hidden truth It is February 1987. Seal Larsen is a photographer, denizen of New York’s downtown scene and the subject of one of Andy Warhol’s short films. When she dies in a suspicious fall from the 15th floor of her Manhattan apartment building, her friend and neighbor, Emma Quinn, is determined to find out what happened.
A history professor at Columbia University with connections to the intelligence community, Emma soon realizes how little she really knows about her friend. Exploring Seal’s life, her work, her past, Emma makes her way down to Memphis and to rural Tennessee, putting herself at risk. It’s there, on an isolated 2,000-acre farm, that she begins to grasp the tragedy that defined Seal’s life and the truth about her death.
A sequel to The History Teacher, Susan Bacon's award-winning political mystery, The Art Collector is an intrigue, a puzzle, a plot-twister. It is also an exploration of the value of art and the people who make it and of the culture that fueled Manhattan's art boom in the second half of the twentieth century.
Praise for The Art Collector
"The Art Collector is not only an intriguing mystery story that draws you in and keeps you guessing but also a vibrant portrayal of the downtown art scene in Manhattan in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and the Deep South back in the ‘60s. Weaving Seal’s voice into the narrative, Susan Bacon creates a magnetic character—an original and true creative spirit. Having lived through both of those eras in both of those places, I found Susan’s writing and descriptions to be so visual and so real that they brought back vivid memories of those times."
— Ebet Roberts, Legendary photographer of Manhattan’s music scene
“. . . The mystery is compelling and takes unexpected turns, and it’s supported by a steady pace and unique characters. Bacon also provides a satisfying ending—not only to the mystery, but also to a subplot involving Emma’s personal life . . . An intriguing whodunit with memorable characters.”
— Kirkus Reviews (Recommended review)
“When Professor Emma Quinn’s friend and neighbor, Seal Larson, a photographer with Memphis roots, is murdered, Emma finds herself enmeshed in a web of deceit, money, art, and Southern history. Bacon deftly maneuvers the reader through present-day chapters and those set in the past, juggling locations and characters, and crafting a compelling page-turner in the process . . . [She] imbues the work with a sense of place; the reader will feel equally grounded in a sprawling Southern farm, a Manhattan apartment, or The Peabody in downtown Memphis.”
— Jesse Davis, Memphis Magazine
". . . COMPELLING . . . " — KIRKUS REVIEWS
A Warhol protégé, a Manhattan murder and a long-hidden truth It is February 1987. Seal Larsen is a photographer, denizen of New York’s downtown scene and the subject of one of Andy Warhol’s short films. When she dies in a suspicious fall from the 15th floor of her Manhattan apartment building, her friend and neighbor, Emma Quinn, is determined to find out what happened.
A history professor at Columbia University with connections to the intelligence community, Emma soon realizes how little she really knows about her friend. Exploring Seal’s life, her work, her past, Emma makes her way down to Memphis and to rural Tennessee, putting herself at risk. It’s there, on an isolated 2,000-acre farm, that she begins to grasp the tragedy that defined Seal’s life and the truth about her death.
A sequel to The History Teacher, Susan Bacon's award-winning political mystery, The Art Collector is an intrigue, a puzzle, a plot-twister. It is also an exploration of the value of art and the people who make it and of the culture that fueled Manhattan's art boom in the second half of the twentieth century.
Praise for The Art Collector
"The Art Collector is not only an intriguing mystery story that draws you in and keeps you guessing but also a vibrant portrayal of the downtown art scene in Manhattan in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and the Deep South back in the ‘60s. Weaving Seal’s voice into the narrative, Susan Bacon creates a magnetic character—an original and true creative spirit. Having lived through both of those eras in both of those places, I found Susan’s writing and descriptions to be so visual and so real that they brought back vivid memories of those times."
— Ebet Roberts, Legendary photographer of Manhattan’s music scene
“. . . The mystery is compelling and takes unexpected turns, and it’s supported by a steady pace and unique characters. Bacon also provides a satisfying ending—not only to the mystery, but also to a subplot involving Emma’s personal life . . . An intriguing whodunit with memorable characters.”
— Kirkus Reviews (Recommended review)
“When Professor Emma Quinn’s friend and neighbor, Seal Larson, a photographer with Memphis roots, is murdered, Emma finds herself enmeshed in a web of deceit, money, art, and Southern history. Bacon deftly maneuvers the reader through present-day chapters and those set in the past, juggling locations and characters, and crafting a compelling page-turner in the process . . . [She] imbues the work with a sense of place; the reader will feel equally grounded in a sprawling Southern farm, a Manhattan apartment, or The Peabody in downtown Memphis.”
— Jesse Davis, Memphis Magazine
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2024
98 people are currently reading
5743 people want to read
About the author
Susan Bacon
3 books56 followersPerhaps best known for her compelling mysteries, Susan Bacon has a new novel out that’s more in the realm of women’s fiction. Published on November 4, 2025, ALICE ADRIFT is an intimate portrayal of a woman’s struggle to get her bearings in the wake of a tragic loss and a husband’s infidelity.
Susan’s mysteries—THE HISTORY TEACHER (2019) and its sequel, THE ART COLLECTOR (2024)—have won three Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs), including a Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction and a Bronze for Best Series-Fiction.
A graduate of Barnard College, Susan grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and has lived in New York City, Washington, DC, and Memphis, TN, all of which serve as settings for her novels. She is a former journalist, speechwriter and ghostwriter whose credits include an international best-seller.
Today, she lives and writes in Memphis, and is particularly proud of the fact that she recorded her audiobook of THE HISTORY TEACHER at Sam Phillips Recording, birthplace of Rock'n Roll.
PRAISE for THE ART COLLECTOR
“The Art Collector is not only an intriguing mystery story that draws you in and keeps you guessing but also a vibrant portrayal of the downtown art scene in Manhattan in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and the Deep South back in the ‘60s.” — EBET ROBERTS, Legendary photographer of Manhattan’s music scene
"When Professor Emma Quinn's friend and neighbor, Seal Larsen, a photographer with Memphis roots, is murdered, Emma finds herself enmeshed in a web of deceit, money, art, and Southern history. Bacon deftly maneuvers the reader through present-day chapters and those set in the past, juggling locations and characters and crafting a compelling page-turner in the process . . ." — JESSE DAVIS, Memphis Magazine
“An intriguing whodunit with memorable characters.”— KIRKUS REVIEWS (Recommended review)
PRAISE for THE HISTORY TEACHER
"riveting" — Midwest Book Review
“fresh and eye-opening” — EMILY YELLIN, author of Our Mothers’ War
“cagily and compellingly plotted and eminently credible.” — BRUCE WEBER, author of Life Is a Wheel: Memoirs of a Bike-Riding Obituarist
“a satisfying page-turner.”— JESSE DAVIS, Memphis Flyer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 14, 2025
TITLE: THE ART COLLECTOR
AUTHOR: Susan Bacon
PUB DATE: 08.28.2024
It is February 1987. Seal Larsen is a photographer, denizen of New York’s downtown scene and the subject of one of Andy Warhol’s short films. When she dies in a suspicious fall from the 15th floor of her Manhattan apartment building, her friend and neighbor, Emma Quinn, is determined to find out what happened.
THOUGHTS:
Secrets
Murder
Warhol
I enjoy a good mystery with an amateur sleuth, but set the stage in Manhattan during the 80's, then you've got my full attention. The story opens when a young woman mysteriously falls to her death, and Professor Emmanuel Quinn unravels the mystery and the secrets. It's like the story was well written, gave me enough information to keep me turning those pages, all in a satisfying conclusion. A new author to me, and I want to read more.
Solid mystery!
AUTHOR: Susan Bacon
PUB DATE: 08.28.2024
It is February 1987. Seal Larsen is a photographer, denizen of New York’s downtown scene and the subject of one of Andy Warhol’s short films. When she dies in a suspicious fall from the 15th floor of her Manhattan apartment building, her friend and neighbor, Emma Quinn, is determined to find out what happened.
THOUGHTS:
Secrets
Murder
Warhol
I enjoy a good mystery with an amateur sleuth, but set the stage in Manhattan during the 80's, then you've got my full attention. The story opens when a young woman mysteriously falls to her death, and Professor Emmanuel Quinn unravels the mystery and the secrets. It's like the story was well written, gave me enough information to keep me turning those pages, all in a satisfying conclusion. A new author to me, and I want to read more.
Solid mystery!
February 20, 2025
I thought this was a most clever mystery. I loved the setting of the late 1980s as well as the part of the book away from the main mystery which deals with the Iran Contra Affair and other real events of that time.
We also get the point of view of the victim, Seal Larsen, as an after death narration which I thought was a perfect addition to help tell the story.
The story has a variety of settings. From New York to Washington DC and from Memphis to a small town in Tennessee. Each location helps unravel the mystery.
I enjoyed the fact that the person looking into the murder is a history professor, Emma Quinn, who has been named an executor in Seal’s estate.
And there is art. If you are an art lover, this mystery will interest you with so many contemporary artists named as Emma is looking into why Seal died.
We also get the point of view of the victim, Seal Larsen, as an after death narration which I thought was a perfect addition to help tell the story.
The story has a variety of settings. From New York to Washington DC and from Memphis to a small town in Tennessee. Each location helps unravel the mystery.
I enjoyed the fact that the person looking into the murder is a history professor, Emma Quinn, who has been named an executor in Seal’s estate.
And there is art. If you are an art lover, this mystery will interest you with so many contemporary artists named as Emma is looking into why Seal died.
January 31, 2025
The Art Collector by Susan Bacon is a captivating blend of art, mystery, and history, set against the backdrop of New York City's vibrant downtown scene in the 1980s. The novel opens with the mysterious death of Seal Larsen, a photographer and Warhol protégé, who falls from her 15th-floor Manhattan apartment under suspicious circumstances. Her friend and neighbor, Emma Quinn, a Columbia University history professor with ties to the intelligence community, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind Seal's death.
Bacon weaves a compelling narrative filled with art history, secrets, and suspense. The inclusion of Seal's connection to Andy Warhol adds an intriguing layer, and the way Bacon explores the complex relationships between artists, their work, and their personal lives is a highlight for art lovers. The novel also brilliantly ties the world of art to a tense mystery-thriller, with Emma uncovering long-hidden truths about her friend's past, all while piecing together the tragedy that defined Seal's life.
The plot is full of twists and turns, and while some elements of the story can feel a bit predictable, the unraveling of secrets keeps you hooked. The move from the urban landscape of Manhattan to the isolation of rural Tennessee adds an atmospheric depth, as Emma's investigation takes her to a remote farm where the final pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
The characters are compelling, especially Emma, whose determination and resourcefulness make her a strong lead. While the pacing can slow at times, the novel remains an engaging and thoughtful exploration of loss, art, and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth.
Overall, The Art Collector is a solid read for fans of art history and mystery-thrillers alike, offering a rich, atmospheric narrative that will keep you intrigued until the final page.
Bacon weaves a compelling narrative filled with art history, secrets, and suspense. The inclusion of Seal's connection to Andy Warhol adds an intriguing layer, and the way Bacon explores the complex relationships between artists, their work, and their personal lives is a highlight for art lovers. The novel also brilliantly ties the world of art to a tense mystery-thriller, with Emma uncovering long-hidden truths about her friend's past, all while piecing together the tragedy that defined Seal's life.
The plot is full of twists and turns, and while some elements of the story can feel a bit predictable, the unraveling of secrets keeps you hooked. The move from the urban landscape of Manhattan to the isolation of rural Tennessee adds an atmospheric depth, as Emma's investigation takes her to a remote farm where the final pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
The characters are compelling, especially Emma, whose determination and resourcefulness make her a strong lead. While the pacing can slow at times, the novel remains an engaging and thoughtful exploration of loss, art, and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth.
Overall, The Art Collector is a solid read for fans of art history and mystery-thrillers alike, offering a rich, atmospheric narrative that will keep you intrigued until the final page.
March 20, 2025
This historical mystery is set in 1987, nine years after the story in The History Teacher, the first book in this series. Emma Quinn, the protagonist, is still a history professor at Columbia. In the spring of 1987 she is in Washington, D.C., on sabbatical, when she learns that Seal, her next-door neighbor back in New York, has been murdered. Surprisingly, Seal has named Emma one of the executors of her estate.
Emma soon finds out how little she actually knows about her neighbor, whom she knows as Seal Larson. It turns out that Seal is actually Lucille Lawson, and that Seal's late mother had been co-owner of a successful restaurant in Harlem and had amassed an impressive collection of modern art. But what was the source of the family fortune?
Emma's investigation of Seal's affairs also makes her an important part of the investigation of Seal's murder. She gets from help from Bill Kidman, the CIA agent she had met back in 1979. Meanwhile she is worried about her lover Angus McLearen, an MI6 agent who was on the passenger list for a ferry that capsized in Europe.
As with the first book in the series, the story includes events that were in the news and features an absorbing plot and interesting characters. In some chapters Seal, apparently speaking from beyond the grave, relates memories from her past.
Emma soon finds out how little she actually knows about her neighbor, whom she knows as Seal Larson. It turns out that Seal is actually Lucille Lawson, and that Seal's late mother had been co-owner of a successful restaurant in Harlem and had amassed an impressive collection of modern art. But what was the source of the family fortune?
Emma's investigation of Seal's affairs also makes her an important part of the investigation of Seal's murder. She gets from help from Bill Kidman, the CIA agent she had met back in 1979. Meanwhile she is worried about her lover Angus McLearen, an MI6 agent who was on the passenger list for a ferry that capsized in Europe.
As with the first book in the series, the story includes events that were in the news and features an absorbing plot and interesting characters. In some chapters Seal, apparently speaking from beyond the grave, relates memories from her past.
March 22, 2025
Rounded up from a 4.5! First of all, Susan Bacon is a GEM. If you ever get the chance to meet her, runnnnn, don't walk! We cannot wait to discuss this book with Susan at a local book club.
I have never quite read a book like this before, so that was really nice and refreshing! A BIG mystery plot with such intricate art history all in one. My favorite was the information shared about Caroll Cloar, an artist that my grandmother grew up with. I even have one of his signed prints in my house!
The setting that Susan created felt so real to me. I felt I walked through their apartments and all throughout the city, meeting with these fancy and rich art collectors. What a great story, go check it out!
I have never quite read a book like this before, so that was really nice and refreshing! A BIG mystery plot with such intricate art history all in one. My favorite was the information shared about Caroll Cloar, an artist that my grandmother grew up with. I even have one of his signed prints in my house!
The setting that Susan created felt so real to me. I felt I walked through their apartments and all throughout the city, meeting with these fancy and rich art collectors. What a great story, go check it out!
February 9, 2025
Susan Bacon’s “The Art Collector” was a captivating read that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The novel opens with a gripping and unsettling scene—Seal Larsen, a woman we know nothing about yet, falls to her death in an unusual and suspicious manner. From that moment, I was drawn into the mystery, eager to uncover who she was and why her life ended so abruptly.
The story follows Emma Quinn, a history professor, as she pieces together Seal’s past and any ties that may have led to her murder. What I found particularly fascinating was how Bacon wove real artists and the 1970s-80s New York art scene into the narrative. The presence of figures like Andy Warhol and the depiction of the downtown art world made the novel feel authentic.
Overall, The Art Collector is a compelling blend of art, history, and mystery. It explored the intersections of creativity, identity, and power while delivering a suspenseful and satisfying story. If you’re drawn to mysteries with strong character development and a rich historical backdrop, this is a book you won’t want to miss!
I contacted Susan via her website: www.susanbacon.com Susan was more than happy to join our book group discussion via Zoom. She was engaging, generous with her thoughts, making the discussion even more enjoyable. She provided insightful details about her process in developing her characters and plot, which made our reading experience even richer.
The story follows Emma Quinn, a history professor, as she pieces together Seal’s past and any ties that may have led to her murder. What I found particularly fascinating was how Bacon wove real artists and the 1970s-80s New York art scene into the narrative. The presence of figures like Andy Warhol and the depiction of the downtown art world made the novel feel authentic.
Overall, The Art Collector is a compelling blend of art, history, and mystery. It explored the intersections of creativity, identity, and power while delivering a suspenseful and satisfying story. If you’re drawn to mysteries with strong character development and a rich historical backdrop, this is a book you won’t want to miss!
I contacted Susan via her website: www.susanbacon.com Susan was more than happy to join our book group discussion via Zoom. She was engaging, generous with her thoughts, making the discussion even more enjoyable. She provided insightful details about her process in developing her characters and plot, which made our reading experience even richer.
February 20, 2025
The Art Collector by Susan Bacon
The Art Collector is primarily set in 1987 but also explores the New York art scene in the '70s and '80s and the Deep South during the '60s.
The book opens with artist Seal Larson's suspicious death; Seal's neighbour and the co-executor of her will, Emma Quinn decides to find out more about her secretive neighbour; she tracks down her studio and learns more about her photography work, her mother's life as a model and muse for Andy Warhol, and their life in Memphis and Tennessee.
I was unaware that this is a sequel to The History Teacher, which I have not read, but I'll add it to my (ever-expanding) TBR list.
The Art Collector is twisty and mysterious. It explores the authentic value of art and what it means to the people who make it. Speaking of art, can we talk about this cover art? It's stunning and gives you an insight into the story within; the soup cans allude to Andy Warhol, which is perfect.
Porter Street Press gave me The Art Collector for review via NetGalley. The Art Collector by Susan Bacon is out now.
Thumbs up 👍.
Go read a book!
Body count: 1 and two halves-ish.
The Art Collector is primarily set in 1987 but also explores the New York art scene in the '70s and '80s and the Deep South during the '60s.
The book opens with artist Seal Larson's suspicious death; Seal's neighbour and the co-executor of her will, Emma Quinn decides to find out more about her secretive neighbour; she tracks down her studio and learns more about her photography work, her mother's life as a model and muse for Andy Warhol, and their life in Memphis and Tennessee.
I was unaware that this is a sequel to The History Teacher, which I have not read, but I'll add it to my (ever-expanding) TBR list.
The Art Collector is twisty and mysterious. It explores the authentic value of art and what it means to the people who make it. Speaking of art, can we talk about this cover art? It's stunning and gives you an insight into the story within; the soup cans allude to Andy Warhol, which is perfect.
Porter Street Press gave me The Art Collector for review via NetGalley. The Art Collector by Susan Bacon is out now.
Thumbs up 👍.
Go read a book!
Body count: 1 and two halves-ish.
March 22, 2025
What a surprise! I knew this book would be art-centric, but it took twists and turns I did not expect.
Right from the start, there’s a murder, as Seal Larsen falls from a 15th-floor window of a Manhattan building. While Seal is connected to the art world—with ties even to Andy Warhol—her friend Emma believes her death may have deeper roots.
Emma takes on the mantle of amateur sleuth to solve Seal’s murder. Set in the 1980s, the narrative moves from the creative district of NYC to Washington D.C. to a rural Tennessee farm as Emma digs into Seal’s past and uncovers family secrets.
The pace is measured, as this is an exploration, an investigation, and a journey. The author skillfully blends the art world, history (even bringing in the Iran-Contra Affair), family drama, and friendship, creating a satisfying and compelling mystery.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @susanbacon.dynerman for the gifted book.
February 3, 2025
Susan Bacon's The Art Collector is an interesting mix of art/art history, 1980s New York art scene, rural Tennessee, Iran-Contra affair, spy thriller, murder mystery told from different perspectives and across different timelines. This seems to be more commonplace in novels and it can be effective, but it can also feel a bit convoluted. That was true for me with this book where parts felt slow and unconnected to the actual story. I didn't read the first book in the series, so maybe I'm missing some valuable background about the main character (or some characters who seemed important?). The pace picked up in the second half as there was more action and pieces of the mystery coming together so it was satisfying to reach the conclusion and resolve the mystery. 3.25/5
Many thanks to Porter Street Press and NetGalley for the e-arc.
Many thanks to Porter Street Press and NetGalley for the e-arc.
January 26, 2025
Interesting story with Emma dealing with death and the need to investigate the emotional situation.
Dear author, Unfortunately the way this book appeared on my Kindle made it a challenge to read. It landed in "landscape" mode, and "portrait" was blocked out. Therefore, I was staring at a landscaped page with 2 columns of words, about 2 point type. Aargh! So instead of just deleting the mess, I blew up each column so I could read it, shifted to the right hand column, read it, clicked x to remove the blown-up type, moved the whole page to the left with my arrow key, and started again. Only added about 2 hours to the read.
Dear author, Unfortunately the way this book appeared on my Kindle made it a challenge to read. It landed in "landscape" mode, and "portrait" was blocked out. Therefore, I was staring at a landscaped page with 2 columns of words, about 2 point type. Aargh! So instead of just deleting the mess, I blew up each column so I could read it, shifted to the right hand column, read it, clicked x to remove the blown-up type, moved the whole page to the left with my arrow key, and started again. Only added about 2 hours to the read.
March 10, 2025
I can’t really say this book was a good time, what with all the murder and trauma, but I did love every second of it.
First off, all the different settings really kept me interested.
Washington and New York and Memphis oh my!
I also loved how the main character, (and her knowledge of/relationship with her neighbour) grows with every piece of the puzzle.
The author did a great job of weaving real-life artists and current events into the story, without making it feel Name Drop-y and obnoxious.
I do wish I’d read The History Teacher first, but really, this book stands totally on its own.
First off, all the different settings really kept me interested.
Washington and New York and Memphis oh my!
I also loved how the main character, (and her knowledge of/relationship with her neighbour) grows with every piece of the puzzle.
The author did a great job of weaving real-life artists and current events into the story, without making it feel Name Drop-y and obnoxious.
I do wish I’d read The History Teacher first, but really, this book stands totally on its own.
March 22, 2025
This is an intriguing mystery surrounded by art and fascinating details that draw you into the story immediately. I enjoyed the fast-paced action and the bits and pieces that gradually began to form a complete picture of what happened and why. Emma's determination to figure out the answers is admirable and Detective Brodsky kept things interesting in an understated way. I really liked learning more about the art scene in the 70's and 80's and the intelligence community. This novel is actually a sequel to The History Teacher, but reads fine as a standalone.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2025
INTERESTING READ ABOUT 70s & 80s ART SCENE
I enjoyed this book but felt the pacing was a little uneven. It held my attention after I read the first 25% of the book, but the first quarter of the book was a little slow to me. I especially loved the art references, as I knew some of these artists and lived during the same time period. It is an entertaining story but the ending is very week and is not satisfying. Overall, I recommend the book, especially if you are a visual artist.
I enjoyed this book but felt the pacing was a little uneven. It held my attention after I read the first 25% of the book, but the first quarter of the book was a little slow to me. I especially loved the art references, as I knew some of these artists and lived during the same time period. It is an entertaining story but the ending is very week and is not satisfying. Overall, I recommend the book, especially if you are a visual artist.
February 22, 2025
This book wasted no time diving right in and I became invested quickly which makes it hard to put down because I need to know what happened. I liked the way the reader learned about Seal life and the information around the art. It was easy to read and the setting came to life. Emma was really determined to figure out what happened and she didn’t let anything stop her. I love those characteristics in an amature sleuth. I haven’t read the first but it reads really well as a standalone.
Thank you @susanbacon.dynerman @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @susanbacon.dynerman @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
March 8, 2025
This one started off with a bang and I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery of Seal’s death as the novel unfolded. It was filled with such interesting characters. The multiple POV worked well and I liked the multiple settings as well. Emma’s stay at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis was an added bonus. That was my home away from home for many years and it brought back a lot of memories. Learning more about the art scene in New York was fascinating. This was a really unique read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 25, 2025
Nostalgia gets me every time, and this book delivered in the best way—just like Ready Player One. I love when familiar cultural touchpoints are woven into a gripping story, and this one blends art, theft, and tragedy into something truly compelling. The characters feel real and layered, the multiple storylines keep the pace sharp, and the exploration of trauma, friendship, and family adds real emotional depth. Books like this are pulling historical fiction out of its WWII rut, and I am so here for it.
February 3, 2025
Who killed Seal Lawson (who is really Lucille Larson)? And when she names her next door neighbor Emma Quinn ( history professor at Columbia) is executor...a whole new set of mysteries is uncovered. Where is all the art her mother collected? Where is this 2,000 acre farm that she grew up in? What about her aunt? And Emma has friends in the FBI, CIA, and calls on their expertise. But not before more bad things happen and they are linked, but how? Good book. Love all the art background!
February 5, 2025
The Art Collector by Susan Bacon is an interesting mix of mystery, history and art set in New York City in the 1980's.
The story is about the death of Seal Larsen, a photographer and an Andy Warhol protégé.
We meet Emma who is a professor at Columbia who is determined to find out what happened to Seal.
The characters are complex and well fleshed out.
The story was unique and interesting.
The story is about the death of Seal Larsen, a photographer and an Andy Warhol protégé.
We meet Emma who is a professor at Columbia who is determined to find out what happened to Seal.
The characters are complex and well fleshed out.
The story was unique and interesting.
July 13, 2025
Susan Bacon does an interesting job of tying the art world of New York to the Delta area, Memphis and small town living in Tennessee. this was a great mystery and I enjoyed the twists in the story. I understand the events of the time helped set the stage for the time line but I didn't think it was necessary for the story plus I didn't feel that part of the book was completed. Good read.
July 18, 2025
The plot is kind of clunky and there are some very strange assumptions made early on. (Perhaps there are carry-overs from Bacon’s first novel? Not sure, since I didn’t read that one.) For me, the way Bacon has integrated the art world of the 1970s into this novel makes up for these shortcomings. I am always on the look-out for novels that explore the visual arts in unusual ways, and this novel ranks high on the list. Thank you, Susan Bacon. :)
February 18, 2025
A murder mystery with historical elements and art? Count me in!
This story was intriguing, fast-paced, and utterly compelling. As I mentioned, I love art, and the references throughout, along with the contrast between the vibrant Manhattan setting and rural Tennessee, made it even more enjoyable. If you’re a fan of whodunits that keep you guessing, this is a must-read!
This story was intriguing, fast-paced, and utterly compelling. As I mentioned, I love art, and the references throughout, along with the contrast between the vibrant Manhattan setting and rural Tennessee, made it even more enjoyable. If you’re a fan of whodunits that keep you guessing, this is a must-read!
March 28, 2025
This book had me absolutely captivated and wrapped up in the art world and the mystery of the murder. I loved the descriptions of Memphis (where I’m
From!) and how everyone and everything intertwined! What a great novel!!! And Susan is also just a delightful author as well to talk to! Definitely a great read!
From!) and how everyone and everything intertwined! What a great novel!!! And Susan is also just a delightful author as well to talk to! Definitely a great read!
December 28, 2024
This was a Goodreads win - Thank You!
I really enjoyed The Art Collector. I found the characters to be intriguing and enjoyed learning about the art world back in the 70's and 80's. I loved the mystery and trying to identify "who done it". All in all, a really good read.
I really enjoyed The Art Collector. I found the characters to be intriguing and enjoyed learning about the art world back in the 70's and 80's. I loved the mystery and trying to identify "who done it". All in all, a really good read.
January 16, 2025
You’ll like this one.
Enjoyable and instructive. Will definitely look for other books by Susan Bacon. Good dialog and description keeps you reading long after you said you’d quit for the day.
Enjoyable and instructive. Will definitely look for other books by Susan Bacon. Good dialog and description keeps you reading long after you said you’d quit for the day.
February 28, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed The Art Collector. The characters were fascinating, and I loved exploring the art world of the 1970s and 1980s. The mystery and suspense kept me engaged, and I had fun trying to figure out the culprit. Overall, a fantastic read!
April 1, 2025
Susan Bacon’s books would be an excellent tool for teaching history in an interesting and engaging way. I feel like I learned so much! I also thoroughly enjoyed the nod to Memphis. My book club had a great discussion with the author—she is an utter delight!
February 12, 2025
Really intriguing who done it. Lots of suspense, nice look into the art world
March 11, 2025
This book was a good mystery with an amateur sleuth in history professor Emma, set in NY in the 1980s. When her neighbor "Seal", a photographer who was linked with Warhol, dies under mysterious circumstances. Emma was becoming friends with her and wants to find out why this happened.
My favorite part of this was the post-mortem POV of Seal as she narrates her young life. I also liked that there were some parts of history that I haven't heard of before (I was growing up in the 80s so if they didn't teach it in school, I didn't know it) and it made me stop the book for a bit to Google and learn about it.
The only thing I would change is that sometimes the chapters were longer and sometimes they were shorter and that just led to some weighed down/sluggish parts to me.
My favorite part of this was the post-mortem POV of Seal as she narrates her young life. I also liked that there were some parts of history that I haven't heard of before (I was growing up in the 80s so if they didn't teach it in school, I didn't know it) and it made me stop the book for a bit to Google and learn about it.
The only thing I would change is that sometimes the chapters were longer and sometimes they were shorter and that just led to some weighed down/sluggish parts to me.
October 4, 2025
Liked it enough that I'd read a third. more compelling than the first, which I put down several times in frustration.
February 10, 2025
good reading
The book, The Art Collector, kept my interest although a little too long and too much detail about the art. Interweaving of the characters had just enough suspense so that it was hard to put down.
The book, The Art Collector, kept my interest although a little too long and too much detail about the art. Interweaving of the characters had just enough suspense so that it was hard to put down.
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