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Watching: Volume 2, Portrait of an Innocent Girl
“This tale is so action-packed! You'll love the supporting cast, the setup, the mystery, and the inevitable solve with plenty of surprises - a fast-paced fun read!” –Kay Smith-Blum, author of Tangles
Josh Lowenstein is back! Although reluctant to utilize his unique but problematic Watching talents again, his ability to travel through space and time, he finds himself profoundly affected by a photograph of a painting stolen by the Nazis during WWII.
Along with Watchings, this time Josh also experiences a new paranormal pheonomenon–visits–as he ventures into the past to discover the current whereabouts of the haunting painting.
Ignoring the physical toll and near-death dangers of non-corporeal time travel, he visits Nazi Germany, Austria, and South America, attempting to achieve a measure of justice for those wronged by the Nazi regime.
Assisted by his wife Adrian, FBI Special Agent Starling Herbert, and Interpol Investigator Dubois, they race a cabal of present-day Nazis to retrieve the stolen art.
Along the way, Josh is surprised to learn how family ties are wound into this story he could not ignore.
Josh Lowenstein is back! Although reluctant to utilize his unique but problematic Watching talents again, his ability to travel through space and time, he finds himself profoundly affected by a photograph of a painting stolen by the Nazis during WWII.
Along with Watchings, this time Josh also experiences a new paranormal pheonomenon–visits–as he ventures into the past to discover the current whereabouts of the haunting painting.
Ignoring the physical toll and near-death dangers of non-corporeal time travel, he visits Nazi Germany, Austria, and South America, attempting to achieve a measure of justice for those wronged by the Nazi regime.
Assisted by his wife Adrian, FBI Special Agent Starling Herbert, and Interpol Investigator Dubois, they race a cabal of present-day Nazis to retrieve the stolen art.
Along the way, Josh is surprised to learn how family ties are wound into this story he could not ignore.
287 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2025
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 9, 2025
Jeffrey Jay Levin’s Watching Volume 2 is a mesmerizing journey that marries time travel with emotional resonance. This sequel builds on the intriguing concept of “Watchings” introduced in the first volume, where the protagonist, Josh, undertakes non-corporeal journeys through space and time. This time, he is drawn into the haunting world of Nazi-era Vienna, compelled by a painting and the mysteries surrounding it. The narrative effortlessly balances historical drama with speculative fiction, making it an engaging read from start to finish.
What struck me first about this book was the vivid detail. Levin paints historical settings with such precision that you can almost feel the tension of occupied Vienna or the eerie stillness surrounding stolen art. The prologue, describing the chilling parade of Nazi tanks and soldiers, is visceral. This immersive style carried me through the story, though at times, I wished the pace didn’t lag in Josh’s modern-day contemplations. However, the descriptions of the titular painting and its impact on Josh more than made up for these slower moments.
I also appreciated the emotional depth Levin brought to his characters, especially Josh. His reluctance to revisit his Watching abilities, juxtaposed with his unrelenting curiosity, feels relatable. One standout scene was his interaction with Adrian after his museum experience. Their dynamic captures the perfect mix of love, worry, and exasperation that comes with sharing an extraordinary burden. Similarly, Agent Starling Hebert’s frustration with bureaucracy and sexism within the FBI grounds her character, making her investigative journey all the more satisfying. Levin’s ability to weave personal struggles into the grander narrative of historical intrigue is a triumph.
The pseudo-scientific explanations of Watchings add a fascinating layer to the story, showcasing Levin’s creative imagination and his ability to blend science with fiction. The idea of heightened enzymes and hippocampal activity is unique, giving the concept of time travel a fresh twist. While these sections delve deeply into detail, they provide a thoughtful backdrop for the fantastical elements, enriching the reader’s understanding of the phenomenon.
The exploration of Nazi art theft and the mystery surrounding Gustav Scheiner’s Portrait of an Innocent Girl was fascinating and tied beautifully to themes of loss, memory, and justice. Levin’s extensive research shines here, offering a thought-provoking look at the devastating cultural impact of war.
Watching Volume 2: Portrait of an Innocent Girl is a compelling read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and time travel. It’s perfect for those who savor rich character development and thought-provoking themes. I’d recommend it to anyone intrigued by history’s shadows and the mysteries they hold.
What struck me first about this book was the vivid detail. Levin paints historical settings with such precision that you can almost feel the tension of occupied Vienna or the eerie stillness surrounding stolen art. The prologue, describing the chilling parade of Nazi tanks and soldiers, is visceral. This immersive style carried me through the story, though at times, I wished the pace didn’t lag in Josh’s modern-day contemplations. However, the descriptions of the titular painting and its impact on Josh more than made up for these slower moments.
I also appreciated the emotional depth Levin brought to his characters, especially Josh. His reluctance to revisit his Watching abilities, juxtaposed with his unrelenting curiosity, feels relatable. One standout scene was his interaction with Adrian after his museum experience. Their dynamic captures the perfect mix of love, worry, and exasperation that comes with sharing an extraordinary burden. Similarly, Agent Starling Hebert’s frustration with bureaucracy and sexism within the FBI grounds her character, making her investigative journey all the more satisfying. Levin’s ability to weave personal struggles into the grander narrative of historical intrigue is a triumph.
The pseudo-scientific explanations of Watchings add a fascinating layer to the story, showcasing Levin’s creative imagination and his ability to blend science with fiction. The idea of heightened enzymes and hippocampal activity is unique, giving the concept of time travel a fresh twist. While these sections delve deeply into detail, they provide a thoughtful backdrop for the fantastical elements, enriching the reader’s understanding of the phenomenon.
The exploration of Nazi art theft and the mystery surrounding Gustav Scheiner’s Portrait of an Innocent Girl was fascinating and tied beautifully to themes of loss, memory, and justice. Levin’s extensive research shines here, offering a thought-provoking look at the devastating cultural impact of war.
Watching Volume 2: Portrait of an Innocent Girl is a compelling read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and time travel. It’s perfect for those who savor rich character development and thought-provoking themes. I’d recommend it to anyone intrigued by history’s shadows and the mysteries they hold.
May 2, 2025
I enjoyed Volume 2 of Watching and the interesting take in non-corporeal time travel.
This story centers on stolen Jewish Art, specifically “The Portrait of an Innocent Girl.” Our time-traveler, Josh, again experiences more (and new) “Watchings” and “Visits” to assist and guide FBI Special Agent Star(ling) Hebert to hopefully recover this missing art.
This time, however, the journeys back in time affect our Protagonist more profoundly—with a few health scares.
Josh’s wife, Adrian, is there for support—and some great comic relief. Also, a French Interpol Inspector DuBois joins with Agent Hebert to share information to track down the missing art and those suspected to be involved—including present-day Nazi sympathizers, and possible inside FBI agents!
The writing is very clear and concise, with great banter between the spouses, Agent Hebert and Inspector DuBois, and with Josh, Adrian, and Star—a found family. Many fun quips and story is conversational throughout.
Josh and Adrian’s marriage and relationship is depicted as loving, open communication and very supportive…they seem like a truly happy and fun couple. I do love that Adrian had more involvement in this story, and played a big part in keeping Josh safe and cared for.
The entire idea of this story and how the author explains the possible reason for the time travel is such a unique spin.
This volume includes more paranormal events, with the unexpected, cryptic “visits” for Josh, along with his typical watchings.
The villain—outside of Hitler and his hired art thief, is quite disturbing. I didn’t expect his level of psychosis.
If there’s a Volume 3, hopefully Dr. Silver can come up with a less disgusting elixir for Josh and his pre-watching routine.
Thank you for the eARC copy, Mr. Levin.
This story centers on stolen Jewish Art, specifically “The Portrait of an Innocent Girl.” Our time-traveler, Josh, again experiences more (and new) “Watchings” and “Visits” to assist and guide FBI Special Agent Star(ling) Hebert to hopefully recover this missing art.
This time, however, the journeys back in time affect our Protagonist more profoundly—with a few health scares.
Josh’s wife, Adrian, is there for support—and some great comic relief. Also, a French Interpol Inspector DuBois joins with Agent Hebert to share information to track down the missing art and those suspected to be involved—including present-day Nazi sympathizers, and possible inside FBI agents!
The writing is very clear and concise, with great banter between the spouses, Agent Hebert and Inspector DuBois, and with Josh, Adrian, and Star—a found family. Many fun quips and story is conversational throughout.
Josh and Adrian’s marriage and relationship is depicted as loving, open communication and very supportive…they seem like a truly happy and fun couple. I do love that Adrian had more involvement in this story, and played a big part in keeping Josh safe and cared for.
The entire idea of this story and how the author explains the possible reason for the time travel is such a unique spin.
This volume includes more paranormal events, with the unexpected, cryptic “visits” for Josh, along with his typical watchings.
The villain—outside of Hitler and his hired art thief, is quite disturbing. I didn’t expect his level of psychosis.
If there’s a Volume 3, hopefully Dr. Silver can come up with a less disgusting elixir for Josh and his pre-watching routine.
Thank you for the eARC copy, Mr. Levin.
May 11, 2025
First of all, being a West Wing fan, I love anyone who is righteous and named Josh - so you know… but this tale is so action-packed - albeit thru visits and watching - but it works! Josh takes us on his rollercoaster of unnatural talents and lands smack dab in the middle of an international threat. How to escape? Rescue the good guys? Well - you’ll just have to read on. And you’ll want to - especially because who doesn’t love a female FBI agent whose first response to most obstacles in her path is very strong language. You’ll love the supporting cast, the setup, the mystery of the heist and the inevitable solve with plenty of surprises - a fast-paced fun read! Thanks for the advanced copy - and BTW - What’s next Mr. Levin?
May 13, 2025
Watching: Love these characters and just like in the last book opened my mind to a reality beyond the usual.
The thing I love about this series is anticipating what might be coming next and sometimes finding it true and often being taken for a ride on a clever twist that I didn't imagine. I love the intrigue and the suspense. Watching is the kind of book that I hate to put down and want to continue to read chapter after chapter while being drawn into the story as it unfolds.
The thing I love about this series is anticipating what might be coming next and sometimes finding it true and often being taken for a ride on a clever twist that I didn't imagine. I love the intrigue and the suspense. Watching is the kind of book that I hate to put down and want to continue to read chapter after chapter while being drawn into the story as it unfolds.
November 9, 2025
Watching: Volume 2 pulls you in with its slow burn and doesn’t let go until the last line. What makes it stand out is how emotional it is beneath the surface. The girl at the heart of the story feels painfully real innocent yet aware of how fragile her world has become. Levin’s attention to detail, from the subtle gestures to the way people talk around the truth, makes this book feel incredibly human.
November 9, 2025
This book really caught me off guard in the best way. Portrait of an Innocent Girl is part mystery, part psychological reflection, and part quiet heartbreak. Jeffrey Jay Levin’s writing is so vivid that every scene feels painted rather than written. The pacing is deliberate, but it works you can almost feel the tension building through each page. I loved how the story plays with perception and memory without ever becoming confusing. The ending hit hard not loud, but deep.
December 18, 2025
Jeffrey Levin deepens the unease he established in the first volume without repeating himself. Volume 2 leans more into psychological tension, especially in the sections where the watcher starts recognizing patterns that feel intentional. I finished the book feeling unsettled in a way that felt earned, not forced.
June 22, 2025
Could not put it down! I read the first one and this one was as much of a page turner as the first book. And now I know the characters. Great read perfect vacation read too! The author did his history homework too.
November 9, 2025
This book left me sitting in silence after finishing. It’s haunting without being depressing, artistic without being pretentious. The “portrait” becomes more than an image it becomes a question of how much we really know about the people we love or the ones we judge.
November 9, 2025
This story was unexpectedly powerful. It’s not just a mystery; it’s a study of guilt, innocence, and the blurry line between them. I loved the quiet atmosphere, the art references, and the way the author made every object every look feel meaningful. It’s one of those books that rewards patience.
December 18, 2025
This book isn’t about constant action, and that’s what makes it effective. Levin builds tension through routine, repetition, and small behavioral changes. By the final chapters, I realized how carefully everything had been layered from the start.
December 18, 2025
This book isn’t about constant action, and that’s what makes it effective. Levin builds tension through routine, repetition, and small behavioral changes. By the final chapters, I realized how carefully everything had been layered from the start.
December 18, 2025
Halfway through Volume 2, there’s a shift that completely reframes earlier moments. Jeffrey Levin doesn’t announce it or overexplain it just clicks if you’ve been paying attention. That subtlety made the story much more rewarding than I expected from a sequel.
December 18, 2025
What I appreciate about Levin’s writing here is restraint. He lets scenes play out slowly, especially during the long stretches of observation and waiting. Those quiet chapters ended up being the most intense for me, because they made me sit with the characters’ anxiety instead of rushing past it.
June 3, 2025
Levin has mastered the art of spell binding intrigue! I have read all his books and they do not disappoint. Clear your schedule, because once you start reading, you won’t want to stop!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews