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Genevieve Lenard #20
The Hokusai Connection
Stolen masterpieces. Influencers. Algorithms.
In a world where perception can make or break a reputation, Doctor Genevieve Lenard and her elite team are drawn into a high-stakes investigation that could upend lives and expose devastating secrets.
When a billionaire’s daughter stands accused of stealing three highly valuable paintings, the evidence against her seems irrefutable. Armed with her unparalleled expertise in nonverbal communication, Genevieve observations lead her to believe that the truth is far more layered with complexities that go beyond what meets the eye.
What begins as a straightforward case of a false accusation spirals into a perilous journey, exposing dark secrets and abuses linked to one of the internet’s most influential moguls.
Never before have the team’s combined skills been so crucial in averting a disaster that could have a tragic ripple effect reaching both the highest as well as the darkest corners of the internet.
In a world where perception can make or break a reputation, Doctor Genevieve Lenard and her elite team are drawn into a high-stakes investigation that could upend lives and expose devastating secrets.
When a billionaire’s daughter stands accused of stealing three highly valuable paintings, the evidence against her seems irrefutable. Armed with her unparalleled expertise in nonverbal communication, Genevieve observations lead her to believe that the truth is far more layered with complexities that go beyond what meets the eye.
What begins as a straightforward case of a false accusation spirals into a perilous journey, exposing dark secrets and abuses linked to one of the internet’s most influential moguls.
Never before have the team’s combined skills been so crucial in averting a disaster that could have a tragic ripple effect reaching both the highest as well as the darkest corners of the internet.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2025
177 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Estelle Ryan
34 books628 followersEstelle Ryan was born in South Africa and spent her childhood being surrounded by African beauty, nature and diversity of cultures. Her first trip to Europe at the tender age of 16 transformed her world into a much larger place, endless in its possibilities and places to explore. For most of her adulthood she’s travelled all over the world, lived on a few continents, explored numerous cultures and still is insatiable in the quest to still the hunger for more life experiences.
She’s written for numerous international magazines, was the editor of a European lifestyle magazine and has seven romance novels published under a pseudonym. With her interest in international politics, arts, crime, behavioural psychology, criminal psychology and music, she decided to combine all these elements in her writing. And so Genevieve and the team came into being.
She is an unabashed coffeeshopaholic. Good coffee, ambience and music in the perfect combination is all that is required to turn a mundane coffee shop into her 'office'. The appropriate coffee shop is chosen depending on the mood, the weather, the type and amount of work that needs to be done, and of course the craving of the day. All of her books have been written in numerous coffee shops all over the world.
She’s written for numerous international magazines, was the editor of a European lifestyle magazine and has seven romance novels published under a pseudonym. With her interest in international politics, arts, crime, behavioural psychology, criminal psychology and music, she decided to combine all these elements in her writing. And so Genevieve and the team came into being.
She is an unabashed coffeeshopaholic. Good coffee, ambience and music in the perfect combination is all that is required to turn a mundane coffee shop into her 'office'. The appropriate coffee shop is chosen depending on the mood, the weather, the type and amount of work that needs to be done, and of course the craving of the day. All of her books have been written in numerous coffee shops all over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 2, 2025
I found the manipulation of social media and deep fakes unsettling. Dark Tetrad, what a combo! HSP, highly sensitive person (high in a personality trait known as sensory-processing sensitivity) that was new to me. I was glad that the women were able to come together to face their abuser and find comfort and strength amongst each other. As always I enjoyed the main characters while having a little art history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
The best of the series yet! Or maybe just because what they were doing really resonated with me in this one. Essentially, there's a misogynist, selfish billionaire who makes a practice of gaslighting everyone -- girlfriends, former clients, rivals of his clients, etc. In his mind, he's always right, and he contracts armies of ethic-less hackers to destroy people's personal confidence and public images. That's basically his business model: I'll destroy whomever you want (or I want) for money.
Laura is one such woman targeted by this jerk, but her father -- a billionaire in his own right but with a sense of morality -- contacts Colin, Howard, and the team to see what they can do about it. Initially just looking at Laura's case, they quickly find the trail of destruction the guy has caused over the last 10-15 years and successfully thwart an attack on their own reputations. They're further hampered by local law enforcement -- which is also compromised by blackmail thanks to the same jerk.
Fortunately -- there are good people in the local police, the team knows clearly who they can trust, and Genevieve's reputation is enough to encourage multiple women from the man's past to risk everything to stand with the gang to take the guy down.
In the end, the message is to have the courage to stand up for what's right and stand with each other against evil. And it's a message sorely needed right now. Though sometimes hard to read, Ryan keeps descriptions of the most horrific actions vague, and it's easy to keep going because you KNOW these guys are going to get the job done and you're rooting for them all the way.
Laura is one such woman targeted by this jerk, but her father -- a billionaire in his own right but with a sense of morality -- contacts Colin, Howard, and the team to see what they can do about it. Initially just looking at Laura's case, they quickly find the trail of destruction the guy has caused over the last 10-15 years and successfully thwart an attack on their own reputations. They're further hampered by local law enforcement -- which is also compromised by blackmail thanks to the same jerk.
Fortunately -- there are good people in the local police, the team knows clearly who they can trust, and Genevieve's reputation is enough to encourage multiple women from the man's past to risk everything to stand with the gang to take the guy down.
In the end, the message is to have the courage to stand up for what's right and stand with each other against evil. And it's a message sorely needed right now. Though sometimes hard to read, Ryan keeps descriptions of the most horrific actions vague, and it's easy to keep going because you KNOW these guys are going to get the job done and you're rooting for them all the way.
February 1, 2025
The Hokusai Connection - Another 5-star from Estelle Ryan! The snark from the characters is back--and the more robust descriptions of locations, etc. Of course, the art is the focus in this book. A billionaire's daughter is accused of stealing valuable paintings--and the reason? Oh, you'll have to read it to find out.
The reason behind the accusation has many layers to it. Within those layers is corrupt law enforcement and serious gas lighting. Can Genevieve figure out what is going on and what really happened to the paintings? Oh, and you'll learn a bit about social media, too.
The reason behind the accusation has many layers to it. Within those layers is corrupt law enforcement and serious gas lighting. Can Genevieve figure out what is going on and what really happened to the paintings? Oh, and you'll learn a bit about social media, too.
February 1, 2025
Another brilliant book from Estelle Ryan. She captures the essence of the Dark Triad narcissist and really exposes them. And I adore Quintin! I hope he’s here to stay.
September 25, 2025
Genevieve and the team are asked by a billionaire friend of Phillip’s to help his daughter, accused of selling forged paintings. Conrad, the father, suspects Laura’s ex boyfriend, Stuart, is behind it all, but he’s a powerful man, so needs help.
Laura is scared and depressed, and soon the signs of her being gaslit are clear, to the point she’s lost confidence in herself.
They search through security film that Stuart erased himself from, and get him stealing the real paintings and leaving fakes. He’s done the same thing to several other women, having them sign NDAs so they can’t share their devastation.
They also uncover Stuart’s corruption with the police chief, who protected his friends and prosecuted his enemies. Online smear campaigns ruined his victims’ lives, and those of their families.
As the evidence piles up, the women gather and share their stories, and one reveals him wanting revenge on another businessman. They find out that man is at a huge ski event and that Stuart wants to sabotage some skiers’ bindings and poison the CEO he hates, as well as planting bombs in the stands.
Rushing to the scene, the team finally support the good cops to rise up and arrest their chief, and they stop the ski event and poisoning, catching Stuart live-streaming online being confronted by the women he traumatized.
An excellent book, encompassing the unfortunately common experience of women being abused, traumatized, and isolated, while men get away with it all.
It also comments on the online treachery that has ruined many people, so it will take powerful people working together to properly control the vitriolic and dangerous messages out there.
I love the compassion and righteous anger the team has, while still pursuing justice and not becoming vengeful. If only real life could be like this.
Laura is scared and depressed, and soon the signs of her being gaslit are clear, to the point she’s lost confidence in herself.
They search through security film that Stuart erased himself from, and get him stealing the real paintings and leaving fakes. He’s done the same thing to several other women, having them sign NDAs so they can’t share their devastation.
They also uncover Stuart’s corruption with the police chief, who protected his friends and prosecuted his enemies. Online smear campaigns ruined his victims’ lives, and those of their families.
As the evidence piles up, the women gather and share their stories, and one reveals him wanting revenge on another businessman. They find out that man is at a huge ski event and that Stuart wants to sabotage some skiers’ bindings and poison the CEO he hates, as well as planting bombs in the stands.
Rushing to the scene, the team finally support the good cops to rise up and arrest their chief, and they stop the ski event and poisoning, catching Stuart live-streaming online being confronted by the women he traumatized.
An excellent book, encompassing the unfortunately common experience of women being abused, traumatized, and isolated, while men get away with it all.
It also comments on the online treachery that has ruined many people, so it will take powerful people working together to properly control the vitriolic and dangerous messages out there.
I love the compassion and righteous anger the team has, while still pursuing justice and not becoming vengeful. If only real life could be like this.
February 5, 2025
Powerful unscrupulous humans can destroy the world.
The internet is at risk of becoming a bat to hit people unjustly. Estelle Ryan has set her tale in current times with all the terror of evil, that humans can do. This book will make you think about how easy it is to destroy lives, careers, mental health with the internet. Loved the book. She has brought one of the biggest stories of the age out for examination. Ethics on the internet, or specifically, the lack of Ethics. Laws to protect us all, are needed to be formulated. Thank goodness for good people. I wish Genevieve and her team were real.
And so should you.
The internet is at risk of becoming a bat to hit people unjustly. Estelle Ryan has set her tale in current times with all the terror of evil, that humans can do. This book will make you think about how easy it is to destroy lives, careers, mental health with the internet. Loved the book. She has brought one of the biggest stories of the age out for examination. Ethics on the internet, or specifically, the lack of Ethics. Laws to protect us all, are needed to be formulated. Thank goodness for good people. I wish Genevieve and her team were real.
And so should you.
February 1, 2025
the Hokusai Connection - book 21 (Genevieve Lenard)
Estelle Ryan is a fabulous writer, with researched articles on her different books. This time around Genevieve and her team cracked a case of art forgery by a narcastic man. This Stuart coned, humiliated, and gaslighting women, after he’d dated these ladies and won them over. When the lady broke up the relationship, then this Stuart turned in a narcastic man.
If one likes a good plot, that keeps you reading, then Estelle’s got you covered.
Estelle Ryan is a fabulous writer, with researched articles on her different books. This time around Genevieve and her team cracked a case of art forgery by a narcastic man. This Stuart coned, humiliated, and gaslighting women, after he’d dated these ladies and won them over. When the lady broke up the relationship, then this Stuart turned in a narcastic man.
If one likes a good plot, that keeps you reading, then Estelle’s got you covered.
May 15, 2025
Interesting
This book seemed to be of a somewhat different flavor than the other ones in the Genevieve Lenard series. While this book contained the usual elements of mystery and intrigue, it differed from other installments in the series due to a lack of danger experienced by the team. This didn't necessarily detract from the book; it just made it feel different. However, I did appreciate the social theme of women's rights and gaslighting. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next adventure awaits Genevieve and friends.
This book seemed to be of a somewhat different flavor than the other ones in the Genevieve Lenard series. While this book contained the usual elements of mystery and intrigue, it differed from other installments in the series due to a lack of danger experienced by the team. This didn't necessarily detract from the book; it just made it feel different. However, I did appreciate the social theme of women's rights and gaslighting. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next adventure awaits Genevieve and friends.
January 31, 2025
Another Adventure
Genevieve Lenard and her team are asked to investigate a case of alleged thefts. As they delve deeper, they discover a history of gas lighting, intimidating and harassment of multiple victims. Most of the victims are females who have withdrawn from the public and/or changed identities and the team works to repair reputations and lives. Excellent writing, as usual by Estelle Ryan.
Genevieve Lenard and her team are asked to investigate a case of alleged thefts. As they delve deeper, they discover a history of gas lighting, intimidating and harassment of multiple victims. Most of the victims are females who have withdrawn from the public and/or changed identities and the team works to repair reputations and lives. Excellent writing, as usual by Estelle Ryan.
October 28, 2025
I’ve enjoyed all of Estelle Ryan’s books. The stories are great. I will say, I can’t figure out if the characters are young teenagers, they talk as though they were - obviously, the only thing that bothers me about the books is the often teenage type language ~ though it doesn’t bother me enough to stop reading her books ~
February 1, 2025
Another great Genevieve Lenard story
Genevieve and her team solve another crime, share experiences and love, and make the world a better place while also exposing more of its underbelly. Ryan writes so engagingly. 21 volumes so far; and I can’t wait for the next one!
Genevieve and her team solve another crime, share experiences and love, and make the world a better place while also exposing more of its underbelly. Ryan writes so engagingly. 21 volumes so far; and I can’t wait for the next one!
February 7, 2025
Excellent
Excellent as always. Each book has a new topic woven into the story. This one shares some of the ways that can be used to destroy both individuals and companies with modern technology.
Excellent as always. Each book has a new topic woven into the story. This one shares some of the ways that can be used to destroy both individuals and companies with modern technology.
February 17, 2025
Emotive
So many women face varying degrees of gaslighting... it's a very emotive subject, and handled with Ryan's skill concludes with a perfect result... as a side note I have become fascinated by Hokusai's prolific works and style
So many women face varying degrees of gaslighting... it's a very emotive subject, and handled with Ryan's skill concludes with a perfect result... as a side note I have become fascinated by Hokusai's prolific works and style
February 1, 2025
Like an adventure with friends
Ryan always pleases with her fabulous characters and timely storytelling. I look forward to every new addition to this series.
Ryan always pleases with her fabulous characters and timely storytelling. I look forward to every new addition to this series.
February 2, 2025
Another excellent book in this series!
February 4, 2025
Another reason to read this series.
The book again followed my favorite female lead character. The book leads us with a new villain with a twist.
Loved it!!
The book again followed my favorite female lead character. The book leads us with a new villain with a twist.
Loved it!!
February 12, 2025
Wonderful!
I love the Genevieve Leonard series. This particular book is now one of my favorites. It is so easy to fall in love with all of the regular characters.
I love the Genevieve Leonard series. This particular book is now one of my favorites. It is so easy to fall in love with all of the regular characters.
May 17, 2025
This might be one of my favorites! I really enjoyed the whole mystery, the growth of the woman at the heart of the story, and how it all gets resolved. I could easily read this again.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews