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Sisters at an Exhibition: A Zara and Lilly Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5
There is so much I really enjoyed about this book, but there was also so much that didn’t work for me. I loved Zara and the character work that went into fleshing her out, and the book was a fun ride overall.
I was so very excited to be approved for an advance reader copy of Sisters at an Exhibition. I have a deep love for Caravaggio’s work and have studied it. I have seen so many of his paintings up close. And I loved the word play in the title. I was hoping for a cleverly written book.
And most of it was. But so much of it required me to suspend disbelief beyond what I expect to, even in a cozy mystery. But fantastical element after fantastical element and the way everything is related—well, it was a bit much.
The only really grounded moments were the ones based in the WW2 diary and the subsequent generational trauma—as well as the post-Covid impact on Zara and Lily’s world.
And as a professional fundraiser, I found the incorrect ways the author presented my profession *at every single turn* difficult to put behind me. There is absolutely no way the volunteers development committee would know the identity of an anonymous donor snd the head of development would not. Also, it’s not the head of communications who is responsible for fundraising. That would be the job of the development VP the book mentioned. Egads. There were several more examples that made me scream and threaten to throw my tablet across the room.
This was clearly set in a post-2023 world, and while the book didn’t specifically mention Gaza, it did refer to the museum divesting from Israel. The main character, Zara, referred to folks who are critical of Israel in this time in ways I found belittling. I wish the author had handled this differently. This was 30% in, and it was hard to connect with Zara—or the story itself—after that.
There was background I didn’t have because this is the first book in this series I’ve read.
I wish I’d liked this more, but it was a fun summer romp.
I have friends who should enjoy this series, and I’ll recommend it to them—and this book in particular. But I won’t be picking up any of the other books in the series myself.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sibylline Press for the advance ebook.
There is so much I really enjoyed about this book, but there was also so much that didn’t work for me. I loved Zara and the character work that went into fleshing her out, and the book was a fun ride overall.
I was so very excited to be approved for an advance reader copy of Sisters at an Exhibition. I have a deep love for Caravaggio’s work and have studied it. I have seen so many of his paintings up close. And I loved the word play in the title. I was hoping for a cleverly written book.
And most of it was. But so much of it required me to suspend disbelief beyond what I expect to, even in a cozy mystery. But fantastical element after fantastical element and the way everything is related—well, it was a bit much.
The only really grounded moments were the ones based in the WW2 diary and the subsequent generational trauma—as well as the post-Covid impact on Zara and Lily’s world.
And as a professional fundraiser, I found the incorrect ways the author presented my profession *at every single turn* difficult to put behind me. There is absolutely no way the volunteers development committee would know the identity of an anonymous donor snd the head of development would not. Also, it’s not the head of communications who is responsible for fundraising. That would be the job of the development VP the book mentioned. Egads. There were several more examples that made me scream and threaten to throw my tablet across the room.
This was clearly set in a post-2023 world, and while the book didn’t specifically mention Gaza, it did refer to the museum divesting from Israel. The main character, Zara, referred to folks who are critical of Israel in this time in ways I found belittling. I wish the author had handled this differently. This was 30% in, and it was hard to connect with Zara—or the story itself—after that.
There was background I didn’t have because this is the first book in this series I’ve read.
I wish I’d liked this more, but it was a fun summer romp.
I have friends who should enjoy this series, and I’ll recommend it to them—and this book in particular. But I won’t be picking up any of the other books in the series myself.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sibylline Press for the advance ebook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sisters at an Exhibition is a delightful addition to the Zara and Lilly series, blending modern sleuthing with historical echoes in a way that feels both playful and surprisingly poignant.
The disappearance of a possible Caravaggio sketch—and the curator who was studying it—sets the sisters off on a globe‑spanning chase. Zara’s sharp, lawyerly pragmatism pairs beautifully with Lilly’s irresistible flair for trouble, romance, and the occasional questionable decision. Their dynamic is warm, witty, and wonderfully human, making them the kind of sleuths you want to follow anywhere.
The mystery itself is layered and engaging, moving from San Francisco’s art scene to New York and finally to the atmospheric countryside of Alsace. The WWII journal entries threaded throughout add depth and texture, enriching the central puzzle without ever slowing the pace. By the time the story converges in the old barn where secrets may—or may not—be hiding, the tension is delicious.
This is a cozy mystery with sophistication: mature protagonists, sharp humour, and a plot that balances charm with genuine stakes. Fans of character‑driven mysteries and art‑themed intrigue will find this an utterly enjoyable read.
If you love sleuths with personality, puzzles with history, and stories that travel, Zara and Lilly are a treat.
With thanks to Claudia Hagadus Long, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The disappearance of a possible Caravaggio sketch—and the curator who was studying it—sets the sisters off on a globe‑spanning chase. Zara’s sharp, lawyerly pragmatism pairs beautifully with Lilly’s irresistible flair for trouble, romance, and the occasional questionable decision. Their dynamic is warm, witty, and wonderfully human, making them the kind of sleuths you want to follow anywhere.
The mystery itself is layered and engaging, moving from San Francisco’s art scene to New York and finally to the atmospheric countryside of Alsace. The WWII journal entries threaded throughout add depth and texture, enriching the central puzzle without ever slowing the pace. By the time the story converges in the old barn where secrets may—or may not—be hiding, the tension is delicious.
This is a cozy mystery with sophistication: mature protagonists, sharp humour, and a plot that balances charm with genuine stakes. Fans of character‑driven mysteries and art‑themed intrigue will find this an utterly enjoyable read.
If you love sleuths with personality, puzzles with history, and stories that travel, Zara and Lilly are a treat.
With thanks to Claudia Hagadus Long, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fascinating, entertaining mystery that takes us into the world of fine art (its theft, authentication, big money, nefarious dealers, etc.), mixing in narrative threads of sustaining memories and WW2 injuries involved with that art, as well as the quirky, funny, endearing relationship between sisters Zara and Lilly, two middle-aged women thrown in a maelstrom that swirls around all the above.
When both women get involved, for a variety of reasons, with the purported theft and/or forgery of a priceless Caravaggio sketch, the expanding cast of characters they collide with as the narrative evolves run from elusive to dangerous to utterly unpredictable, bringing them to locations around the world and events that challenge their thinking. The dialogue is whip-smart, humorous, and sometimes touching, the plot twists are compelling, in a story never fails to keep the reader turning the page.
Wonderful writing from author Claudia Hagadus Long, with an engaging duo of strong, feisty women who will, happily, be featured in new books to come!
A high recommend.
When both women get involved, for a variety of reasons, with the purported theft and/or forgery of a priceless Caravaggio sketch, the expanding cast of characters they collide with as the narrative evolves run from elusive to dangerous to utterly unpredictable, bringing them to locations around the world and events that challenge their thinking. The dialogue is whip-smart, humorous, and sometimes touching, the plot twists are compelling, in a story never fails to keep the reader turning the page.
Wonderful writing from author Claudia Hagadus Long, with an engaging duo of strong, feisty women who will, happily, be featured in new books to come!
A high recommend.
August 20, 2026
Sisters at an Exhibition: A Zara and Lilly Mystery offers an inviting combination of mystery, family dynamics, and the intriguing atmosphere of an exhibition setting. Claudia Hagadus Long centers the story around sisters Zara and Lilly, giving the mystery an added dimension through the relationship between its two central characters.
What makes the book appealing is its accessible premise and the promise of a mystery that can be enjoyed by readers who appreciate character-driven investigations. The sisters' involvement also gives the story an opportunity to explore how different personalities and perspectives can work together when trying to uncover the truth.
With a 4.13 rating from its early readers, Sisters at an Exhibition has already begun building a positive response. Its approachable length and mystery-focused appeal give it strong potential to attract additional readers, particularly fans of cozy and character-centered mysteries.
What makes the book appealing is its accessible premise and the promise of a mystery that can be enjoyed by readers who appreciate character-driven investigations. The sisters' involvement also gives the story an opportunity to explore how different personalities and perspectives can work together when trying to uncover the truth.
With a 4.13 rating from its early readers, Sisters at an Exhibition has already begun building a positive response. Its approachable length and mystery-focused appeal give it strong potential to attract additional readers, particularly fans of cozy and character-centered mysteries.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Did I technically finish this at like 11:59pm? Yes, but I'm counting it towards July because I feel like it.
I expected this to be a lot more exciting than it was. I was still entertained, don't get me wrong. But it could've used more oomph.
I thought that the art thievery and forgery drama was really cool, but I didn't love the random drama about random people. It felt like it was there just to give depth, but it still felt disconnected. I don't really know how to explain it.
I do think that those who like a slower-paced mystery will really enjoy this. Especially if you're also a fan of art history.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I expected this to be a lot more exciting than it was. I was still entertained, don't get me wrong. But it could've used more oomph.
I thought that the art thievery and forgery drama was really cool, but I didn't love the random drama about random people. It felt like it was there just to give depth, but it still felt disconnected. I don't really know how to explain it.
I do think that those who like a slower-paced mystery will really enjoy this. Especially if you're also a fan of art history.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy
'This book is part of the Zara and Lilly mystery series featuring Zara and Lilly, two mature sleuths whose humor, failings, and wisdom prove endearing and entertaining.'
The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky and complicated and compelling. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were very appealing and likeable and quirky and complicated and compelling. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2026
I enjoyed the first half of this book but the second was filled with unbelievable events and plot points which really detracts from a book for me. An art heist always intrigues me and this was no exception. There’s much to enjoy with this story in the first half but if you like your stories grounded in reality as I do, you will be disappointed with the second half.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance reading copy of this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance reading copy of this book.
August 18, 2026
YOU GUYS! I just finished reading this, and it's so good. Midlife sisters just trying to do their jobs and they end up solving mysteries together. The writing is SO funny and SO smart, sharp, wise, poignant when necessary, engrossing. Page-turning delight. I'm not a mystery buff, but this has me in its clutches. I need to read the other two in the series!! Thank you and mazel tov, Claudia H. Long!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A sophisticated mystery brimming with art history, snappy dialogue, and a brilliantly-characterized sibling dynamic, Sisters at an Exhibition showcases Long’s deft touch and careful curation.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews