Paint Me Gone

Gen Delacourt Mystery #3

by Molly Greene

Private Investigator Genevieve Delacourt is hired to find a missing sibling, but the search is complicated by two things: the woman was thought to have committed suicide over twenty years before, and she was the only suspect in a stranger’s murder before she disappeared. Gen’s client, Sophie Keene, revives the case when an unsigned painting that depicts her sister in unmistakable detail finds its way into Sophie’s hands.

The painting holds the key to the missing woman’s story, but Gen needs help to solve the puzzle. When she turns to old friend and one-time romantic interest SFPD Detective Mackenzie Hackett and his insider access to the cold case file, she’s forced to confront her feelings for the man after their unresolved past … and as Gen unravels the mystery, the threads of her own complicated romantic life fray out of control.

Genres: Mystery, Amazon, Romance

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Hello readers! I am the author of the Gen Delacourt Mystery Series, which includes Mark of the Loon, The Last Fairytale, Paint Me Gone, A Thousand Tombs, Swindle Town, Lock the Cellar Door, Midnight at Half Moon Bay, and The India Archives.

Reviews

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paint me Gone by Molly Greene is a delightful little mystery starring Genevieve (Gen) Delacourt. At one time she was a corporate attorney but decided to work for herself as a private investigator. Her neighbor and best friend Oliver Weston, better known as Olie, is gay and helps her on her cases. She's working on one now that Oliver helped. A woman's husband is having a fling with another guy. Then Sophie comes in to hire her to find her sister who disappeared 20 years ago and may be involved with a murder. She has a piece of unsigned art that appears her sister is in dated 6 years previous. They track the picture to the thrift shop it came from. Olie goes crazy finding all kinds of sales for himself and Gen some still with original price tags. Gen goes to her friend Mack, a detective on the police force and asks if he can dig up info from NYC police about the murder. Olie and Gen drive down the coastand then feathers get ruffled.

[Maureen Grenier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paint Me A Fan

I enjoyed "Paint Me Gone" very much. This is the first Genevieve Delacourt book I’ve read, and the heroine is an interesting and complicated character. She is hired to find out who produced an unsigned painting sold at a San Francisco thrift shop, and to determine if the subject of the painting is a woman who was accused of murder and then disappeared many years ago. It looks like her, but maybe not. Private Investigator Gen delves into the art scene accompanied by her cross-dressing friend, Oliver, always ready to offer her assistance and advice—especially fashion advice! We follow Gen as she attempts to track down the origin of the painting, the artist, and the mysterious subject. It was easy to step into the third book of this mystery series and the story kept me entertained from start to finish.

[Stephanie Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

When lawyer-turned-private-investigator sets out to find the missing sister of her client, she has no idea that it will lead her to lessons in art history, art authentication, or even that it will put her life in danger. This Gen Delacourt mystery is fast paced and fun with interesting twists and turns including a surprise ending. I loved the clean story and unique characters. I would have loved even more characterization but this isn't a book about relationships; it's a mystery after all. And that is exactly what Greene delivers with her witty PI. If you are looking for an entertaining read to keep you interested from page one to the final paragraph, you can't go wrong with Molly Greene.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paint Me Gone is the third book in a mystery series. I have not read the previous two books, but managed to swipe this one on a deal. I enjoyed this book, and even though I picked up in the middle of the series, the book stood well on its own. I enjoyed that the novel wasn't terribly dark like many of the past mysteries I've read. (Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole series comes to mind). Instead, the novel reminded me of the Stephanie Plum series with a little less ridiculousness. The story follows Gen, a private investigator who is looking into the disappearance of a young girl. I enjoyed the twist at the end, along with the characters and humor laced throughout the story. Solid book!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gen Delacourt Mystery Series includes Mark of the Loon, The Last Fairytale, Paint Me Gone, A Thousand Tombs, and Swindle Town... with more to come in the future. I've just sped through and thoroughly enjoyed these first five books, and will write a bit about each of them...

Paint Me Gone is the third book in the series, and especially of interest to artists as it's Gen's attempt to solve the mystery of an unsigned painting that almost certainly features her client's sister -- who was thought to have committed suicide over twenty years earlier. I especially enjoyed the character Oliver, a gay man in Gen's circle of friends, who figures prominently in the story. Anther fun read!

[Gail C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I managed to pick up this book on a free deal from Amazon and found it to be well written. The characters were interesting enough, and the mystery pulled me through the book. Because I hadn't read the first two books in the series I was a little confused about some of the continuing characters in the story. I prefer books that give me more opportunity to put the clues together in order to reach a solution. While there was some detective work accomplished, the book seemed to reach it's conclusion in a bit of a rush.

[Tulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting twist.

Yes this book is mystery, but full of love and caring between husbands and wives. Sickness of drinking makes people loose many things in life. Another thing I like about Gen character is her being comfortable in her skin, not being described as tall skinny. Paint me reading the next book.

[Neva · Rating 2 out of 5]

About halfway into this book, I realized I wasn't loving it like the previous books in this series. Maybe it was me. The warm relationship between the friends in this series is what I have loved about the previous books and I didn't find that here - barely a mention of the friends, but okay, people are busy - I got over that, but still couldn't connect with the story and found Gen to be superficial. Just not a good read for me and I got so confused at the end, probably because I wasn't paying that much attention, but didn't care enough to slow down, go back, and figure it out. This was a struggle to finish and I was so glad when it was finally over.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screen play?

I have enjoyed this series to this point and with each book my mind keeps placing Wendi Malick as Gen. The author is very descriptive with her characters and I can imagine myself enjoying this on a screen.

[Andy KOCHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely characters you want to know more.

Gen, Liv, and Mack are detailed enough that this book stands alone. Reading previous books in the series is not needed. Good plot deveopment overall.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Lead along

Another Molly Greene book with an entirely new storyline (no cookie cutter mystery). I especially love the morals and good-life observations woven into it - at least a dozen - that encourage one to be real, live life, and let the past go.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, which was about the finding of a lost sister from a painting that was located in a thrift store. Lots of clue following, and some suspects to track down. An engaging gender-bending sidekick.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 finished.
Love that it has realistic relationships that don't work.
Love Oliver's maturing.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong female character

Another strong female PI series taking place in San Fran. (think Marcia Muller Sharon McCone). This was my first and will read more .

[Helene Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little slow getting into, yet compelled to keep reading. So glad I did. The mix of humor, adventure and mystery was superb. Looking forward to sequel.

[CYNTHIA CHARLES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! Love this character and watching these people grow. On to number 4.

[BookAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really great. Good characters, fast pacing and a surprise ending. Damn.... Now I have to read another one before this author gets expensive!

[Carol Kean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A painting turns up with a model who looks exactly someone who died twenty years ago. What if she's still alive? The body was never found, after all. "The likelihood of a missing woman's sister finding a painted picture of her in a thrift shop -- so many years later and so far from the location she'd last been seen -- seemed almost impossible," Gen Delacacourte tells us in Book 3 of this detective series. My own sister was missing for three months (Nov. 1975-March 1976) and found dead, and we were not allowed to view the body, so I imagined the dental records were faked and she was really in Witness Protection somewhere. Whenever I happen across a book blurb about a sister who might not be dead after all, I gravitate to the book. This one is fascinating and well written.

There's this universal hope when someone goes missing and is declared dead that the lost loved one is still out there somewhere, alive. We'd forgive them and welcome them back (I would! I swear!) -- "people do it all the time. Kids run away from home and never look back. Hell, wives and husbands walk away from kids and families and start over again somewhere else. It happens."

Gen Delacourte painstakingly unearths one clue at a time to solve the mystery of who the painter and subject really were. The story unfolds in ways that remind me of Hitchcock's 1958 "Vertigo" and the elusive photograph in "The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo."

Gen has a lot of memorable lines. What led her to become a private investigator? "Observing human behavior is a kick. Watching people try to pull the wool over someone else's eyes holds a certain allure, and there's a sense of accomplishment when you can figure out what's going on without being told." And "I like my job because I get to snoop into other peoples' business and be right and feel superior."

The setting, Carmel, California, is beautifully described and packed with the kind of historical and cultural detail I love to find in fiction. E.g., "The Carmel Arts Colony was unofficially established in the early 1900's, after the devastating fires that nearly leveled the great city to the north. Artists, musicians, and playwrights fled south to regroup and set up shop beside the waves." I might read more formula fiction if more authors took time to weave in facts like these. Molly Greene does it seamlessly. Editors and publishers seem to discourage descriptive detail in thrillers, but I love it: "Once paint became available in portable tubes, the Impressionists made it popular to ply their trade outside. Plein air aficionados forego the comforts of the workshop and dispense with intricate detail in an effort to capture the light and shadow and ambience of the moment."

Greene transcends the genre by spinning line after line with wit and aplomb, e.g.: "Perfect, it was wine-thirty. She rose and popped the cork on a bottle of merlot."

The gay friend of the protagonist is becoming a trope in contemporary fiction, but I can't help but enjoy this one. He makes a compelling point: Why does Gen refer to him as her "gay" friend? "Do you introduce your African American friends as 'my black friend?" Naturally, he loves to shop, but he also loves consignment shops, so I'm smitten. "A regular dose of resale keeps the therapist away," he says. Gen snickers. "My mother tried that, but she rang up a hundred thousand dollar Visa tab and my father made her go to a shrink anyway."

This was a five-star novel until I got to the end. The prose is interesting and well-crafted, the dialogue is great, and there's so much to love about this book. But the ending -- maybe it's believable, maybe it doesn't even need to be believable; I just need to find it satisfying, and I didn't. I worry that I'm being too hard on authors who write formula fiction. I'm a fan of quirky characters, which this novel delivers, until the plot seems to become the main focus, with minor characters seeming more formulaic than real. On the bright side, Gen Delacourte and her friends are interesting and authentic, and I'd read more books they're in.

[Casee Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly Greene’s spunky amateur private eye Gen Delacourt is back in her third outing, and this time a new mystery takes her into the complicated world of art. In Paint Me Gone, Gen’s latest client enlists her to find a long lost sister – a sister thought to have committed suicide two decades earlier. Tied to the murder of a stranger, Sophie Keene’s sister Shannon left the world she knew with only a tragic final note in her wake, but when an unsigned painting lands in Sophie’s lap that bears a mysterious resemblance to her lost sister her hope – dormant for twenty years – is rekindled. Armed with only the painting as an uncooperative clue, Gen finds herself on the case with her trusted friend and neighbor, flamboyant and delightful Oliver Weston, as her unofficial partner-in-crime-solving. Also on her resource list is San Francisco detective Mackenzie “Mack” Hackett, the charming cop with whom Gen shares a complicated romantic spark. As she works her way through the nitty-gritty of the art world, Gen will sidestep dangerous dealers and broken-hearted exes, uncovering a web of secrets, lies, and surprises that could cost her more than she bargained for.

With her third novel, Molly Greene continues to layer on the charm and ramp up the mystery. At times Paint Me Gone is impossible to put down, so enmeshed is the reader not only in a wonderfully inscrutable mystery but also in a colorful world made bright with memorable characters. All of Greene’s creations – from the new characters to the returning – become instantly familiar, drawing the reader even more deeply into the story. Greene has a decided knack for creating snappy dialogue, rendering heartwarming characters, and tying it all together with a well-imagined, smartly paced mystery; her talents have continued to grow throughout the Gen Delacourt mysteries, and Paint Me Gone might be her best story yet.

As a heroine Gen is in many ways a reader’s dream-come-true: she’s plucky, resourceful, and vivacious, with the smarts to back up her instincts and a well-developed sense of adventure (not to mention a sense of humor). She’s a delight to see brought back to life with every story, and she takes on a decidedly fuller role in Paint Me Gone as the novel’s primary focus. Although the many wonderful female characters who played central parts in Greene’s past stories – Mark of the Loon‘s Madison and Rapunzel‘s Cambria – are not to be forgotten, it’s great to see Gen holding her own at the center of this third adventure. Her complicated relationship with Mack offers some sweet insight into Gen’s more vulnerable side, allowing Greene to illustrate all the facets that make her such a great character and allowing us as readers to appreciate her even more. Meanwhile, the playful and heartwarming friendship between Gen and Oliver lights up every scene they share; their easy camaraderie has a way of enfolding the reader into their circle, making us feel like we’re truly along for the adventure. The adventure in question is perhaps the most intricate mystery Greene has crafted so far. Through her research she brings to life the nuances of the art world in just enough detail to engage her readers on a deep level without making us feel as though we’re in over our heads with information. Finding that balance isn’t always easy, but Greene hits all the right notes with Paint Me Gone; with its charming cast and engaging mystery, it keeps the reader guessing and having fun through every page.

(Review © Casee Marie, originally published on May 21, 2014 at LiteraryInklings.com. A copy of the book was provided for the purpose of review.)

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art is a subjective thing. There is no right or wrong way to view or interpret each piece; whatever feeling or emotion a painting or drawing or sculpture brings out will be different for every viewer. For Sophie Keene, a portrait of a young woman on a cliff makes her feel guilt and grief, longing and hope. Like so many of the world's great masterworks, this particular painting evokes these same or similar emotions in just about every person who sees it. And, like the great masters of art, author Molly Greene is creating an impressive portfolio of special canvases of her own: her Genevieve Delacourt mystery series.

In Paint Me Gone, Sophie hires Gen (a Private Investigator) to help track down the artist of a painting found at a local San Francisco thrift shop. The woman in the painting bears a striking resemblance to Sophie's sister, Shannon, who disappeared years earlier. The police think Shannon was involved in a murder and subsequently killed herself, but Sophie has never truly believed that to be true.

Gen doesn't have much to go on; only an unsigned canvas donated anonymously to a thrift store, and the strong hunch of a sister. But, in true Gen Delacourt style, she's up for the challenge. With a little help from her friends, of course!

Paint Me Gone continues to build the series character roster, and also brings back some familiar faces from previous books. Reading Molly Greene's books is always a fun experience. They feel fresh and welcoming, like spending time with a good friend. And, having visited San Francisco and Monterey, I really liked revisiting through the story. (If you haven't been there, don't worry! Molly's writing will make you feel as though you're in a familiar place with lifelong friends.)

I think Paint Me Gone is my favorite of the series so far, and I'm eager for more. Especially for more Mack!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Private Investigator Genevieve Delacourt is brought a painting by a potential client, Sophie Keene. When Sophie informs Gen that the painting is of her sister, Shannon, who went missing from New York more than twenty years ago, Gen is intrigued. The painting is more recent than that. Gen agrees to take on her case. But Sophie says there is a catch: Gen is not to involve the police. Gen’s intuition tells her something isn’t right about this case. But then, her intuition has been off recently, since she and Ryan broke up.

Gen and Oliver—Livvie, from Book 2—go to work on the case. What they’ll turn up is anyone’s guess, and Greene will keep you guessing to the very end. Along the way you’ll get to know Detective Mackenzie Hackett—Mack, from Book 2—better. Will he and Gen get together? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

Gen and Livvie’s friend Bree has moved on with her life, in a good way. They miss her, but will Gen and Livvie be able to let go of their pasts and move on too?

I loved spending time with Greene’s characters, whose lovable antics and very real dilemmas, kept me turning pages. Her carefully plotted and artfully conceived mystery is full of surprises, and held me in suspense to the very end. A highly recommended read!

[Shirley Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another case for Private Investigator Genevieve Delacourt to solve. This time a new client, Sophie Keene, asks Gen for her help in tracking down the woman in a painting that has come into her possession. The woman bears an uncanny resemblance to Sophie’s sister, Shannon, who went missing twenty years ago and everyone presumed she had committed suicide after being accused of a murder. Gen is soon on the trail, ably assisted by her friend Oliver Weston. The painting is unsigned, but together they manage to track down artists from the same era who painted in a similar style or maybe would recognise the artist. The story gets more complicated, dangerous too, as Gen and Oliver dig deeper and deeper. There are twists and turns and the reader is kept guessing the identity of the artist until the dramatic ending. Running through the story, there is a ‘will they, won’t they’ relationship with Detective Hackett. This is a good story, well written, the characters are likeable and believable. I enjoy Molly Greene’s style of writing and look forward to more cases for Gen to solve

[Felicity Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all the Gen Delacourt Mystery novels by Molly Greene and I picked this out for a review, because I thought it was one of the best!
This story really has it all. Blooming romance for main character Gen Delacourt.
A fantastic idea for the mystery: Gens client came across a painting that depicts a woman who looks an awful lot like her sister who went missing many years ago. And artist colony Carmel-by-the-sea is a great setting, described beautifully.
Also, I started understanding female sleuth Gen Delacourt more and learned to appreciate what a multi layered, original character Molly Greene has created. At first I did not like her very much. I thought she was full of herself and overtly confident, even though she was clearly not very competent at her job (she only recently started out as a private investigator). But the more I learned about Genny, the more I got that she brazenly does everything she does, EVEN THOUGH she might not be good at it.
Anyway, a great read!

[Cat Bellu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I really love Molly Greene's writing style. Mystery without gore, romance without XXX rating. suspenseful, interesting and original. Can hardly wait to read the 4th book!!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read the first two books in this series, but this one stands alone quite well. I found Gen to be a very believable character and I enjoyed following her adventures as she traces a painting to find the subject. The secondary characters also came to life-I loved Oliver especially. Molly Greene did a great job describing the settings, and her writing style made the book easy to read. The plot had plenty of twists and action as well as mystery. Definitely an entertaining book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I dream my painting and I paint my dream."--Vincent Van Gogh


Genevieve Delacourt, a private investigator, is on the case for a missing woman from the painting--a woman also suspected of murder. Oliver A.K.A. "Livvy", her gay neighbor, is the Watson to her Sherlock. The two make a great duo.

First of all, the subject of art interested me (I LOVE that Van Gogh quote!) The mystery itself, however, was not so compelling. The investigation was just so long and blasé. Maybe if I had read the first two mysteries I would have understood it and enjoyed it more. Unfortunately, I didn't.

[Michelle Lashier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series just keeps getting better!

I want to be friends with Gen Delacourt! She's such a realistic, likable, and spunky character and I really enjoyed her adventures in this book. The cast of supporting characters--especially Mack and Oliver--are great fun as well. I loved the series so far. Every book just keeps getting better and I can't wait to read the next one. Great writing, fun plot, likable characters, and excellent descriptions. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I downloaded the Kindle version of this book for free in rewritten for a review.
This was your classic, fun, murder mystery, particularly targeted to ladies, about a girl and her gay neighbor hunting a murderer and trying to solve an old mystery.
Lots of fun, not too serious, brings back great memories of San Francisco and the California coast around Carmel. Just the kind of escapist story I needed after a heavier book.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an interesting read. Descriptions are kind of bland. There is insufficient detail to form opinions about who did it/what happened and an abruptness to the ending. It also seems far fetched. There are many ways that the characters involved could have had a more stable life without living like a reclusive family.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I can't say that this was my favorite read (it wasn't that difficult to put it down frequently during the several days that I read it), and I was just slightly disappointed in how the final solution to the mystery played out, nonetheless I found the book to be extremely well written. So much so that I will read more by this author.