Murder on Canvas: A Gripping International Mystery Novel

International Thrillers & Mysteries #1

by Aaron Ben Shahar

Greed. Obsession. Betrayal. And a masterpiece of a murder.

When a body is discovered at the New York Museum of Modern Art, lying directly beneath Van Gogh’s renowned Starry Night, the perplexing murder sends shockwaves through the art world. But when the murder victim turns out to be a famous international art restorer, the unanswered questions turn into a full-blown mystery.

Piece by piece, the late restorer’s life comes to light—including a secret kept hidden from the world’s most prestigious museums. Who, really, was the murder victim? Who would want him dead—and why? And which of the two identical pieces of Starry Night, half a world apart, is the authentic Van Gogh?

The baffling case stumps investigators, throwing the art industry into a frenzy of conspiracies involving a ring of infamous Russian art smugglers, an art-loving real estate tycoon, and a collection of replicas so perfectly true to their originals that not even experts can tell them apart.

Mystery meets conspiracy in this gripping international crime thriller, perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Daniel Silva, and Elly Griffiths.

Genres: Mystery

227 pages, Paperback

Published August 19, 2024

Reviews

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy books about art ... make it a mystery and you have the perfect combination for a fascinating read on a cold afternoon! I read it in one sitting ... it was that good!!!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

No real ending, don't know what really happened. Characters were just no relatable. Info on art world and restoration were interesting.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Kindle edition that I read of Murder on Canvas is in serious need of a copyeditor because it contains errors that are distracting to people who care about such things. I found the writing about painting restoration and forgery, pigments, brushes, paints, and tools to be very interesting. I have not a clue as to whether or not it is accurate. I read this book because its subject is famous artworks and artists and the process of getting into the mind and soul of the artist in order to restore damaged artworks or to forge copies of them. The storyline and characters seemed unbelievable and lacked authenticity, although I was drawn into the book by the main character's life as a young child.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping Art World Mystery Crime Thriller...

Aaron Ben Shahar's "Murder on Canvas" is a captivating international crime thriller that expertly blends the world of high art with captivating crime fiction. The novel commences with an unexpected discovery at the Museum of Modern Art in New York: the body of a renowned art restorer was discovered beneath Van Gogh's "Starry Night." Readers are entangled in a web of concealed identities, international smuggling, and art forgery as the mystery progresses. The enigma intensifies as inquiries regarding the victim's true identity and the authenticity of two identical "Starry Night" paintings arise. The novel maintains readers' interest until the conclusion by incorporating a global conspiracy that involves Russian art smugglers and a cunning real estate magnate. "Murder on Canvas" is an essential read for readers of international thrillers and art-themed investigations, as it seamlessly integrates suspense and cultural intrigue. Highly recommend. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Leonor Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a Chance

This is not your typical murder mystery. If you enjoy visiting art museums, if you enjoy reading or hearing about art restoration, if you enjoy reading about the dark side of the art world this is the book for you. While this is not a literary masterpiece you will have an enjoyable time ready this book. So take a chance and enjoy a relaxing while with an engaging story.

[Robyn Helsel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an unusual murder mystery. I like visiting art museums, and I really didn’t know much about art restoration. It was interesting and I learned quite a bit. I enjoyed the characters, the places (London, Paris, Geneva, Moscow, New York), and the mystery. The story definitely flows well, but because I had too many days in-between readings, I sometimes got confused and had to look back to refresh my memory. My suggestion don’t let too many days pass before you read the next chapter.

[Linda Wolfe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this book because I have just recently been to MOMA specifically to view Starry Night by va Gogh. I enjoyed the text on art restoration and techniques as I knew virtually nothing about those subjects. The story was interesting at first, but grew to convoluted and lost the relatability to the characters that the beginning of the book had. The ending does not resolve completely so I felt as if I were left hanging. It is a fast read.

[Joe Vitucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art forgeries, art auctions, famous artists, Moscow, Geneva, Paris, Tahiti, Caymans, New York secret vaults, prisons, art restorations, etc.
You get all this and more, plus a complicated plot.
I enjoyed reading this book.

[Jamila Tirari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️
Disappointed by the ending and even the writing was that good .
If you like painting and you’re interested by painters and painting I do recommend this book for you .
After all give it a chance maybe you’ll like it 😉

[Linda L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, educational and confusing

I have never read a book about forgeries and art restoration. That was interesting and I learned a lot. The thriller and mystery aspect of the book was confusing especially if you set the book down and came back to it a few days later.

[Sammy T · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 14%, I felt the book went nowhere. The beginning was slow and then it felt like I wasn’t reading the same book. My kindle said I had 3 hours left to finish but I found myself wondering how it went from one location to another

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written, almost no character development. Very little insight into the art world. A waste of my time.

[Betsy Fatzinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too technical about pigments and methods of painting for my taste.

[John Fishlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. It had me looking up lots of old artists.

[Jen Shapiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many good parts, but they were str lung together awkwardly.

[Sharon Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be poorly written in sentence structure and confusing in plot..

[Julia Wholey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was way too convoluted and unrealistic. However, it was slightly entertaining.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting topic, but the writing is really hard to read. Sentence structure, transitions, and even punctuation - in need of a good editor!

[Tabitha Whitefoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good travel descriptions.

This read had a number of settings that were engaging. The art process descriptions also were very interesting.
Very good

[Connie Erickson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book. Too many errors in the text including some very glaring ones. Jumped back and forth between past and present too much. No real mystery.

[Margo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dull, pride is unimaginative

First third was ok because of information on painting restoration. After that the characters and scenes are stiff and dull, Finished a third and quit.