“Trust no one in Turin.” A dying man's warning launches Doctor Genevieve Lenard into a case where valuable artworks conceal deadly secrets. When her team discovers that a Redon painting contains hidden data, they realise they've stumbled onto something unprecedented—and extremely dangerous.
What begins as authentication quickly spirals into danger. Genevieve and her team find themselves pursued by ruthless forces, each with their own agenda for the encoded data. The deeper they dig, the more they realise the conspiracy reaches into the highest corridors of European power.
With bodies falling and loyalties fracturing, Genevieve must decode not just the data, but the motives of everyone involved—before a power struggle unleashes chaos that could destroy countless lives.
Estelle 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.
Another 5-star read from Estelle! Love the detail in the book (even though it's still not as much as what originally got me hooked on the series). It had a twist in it that I really didn't see coming, and I love the way Estelle made that twist come about (to say what I think she did would be a spoiler, so I'll just have to pretend I that I know she did it on purpose). Can't wait until the next one!
Once again, picking up the next in this series is like reuniting with old friends. The only thing is -- their family/friend group has grown large enough that we don't get to catch up with everyone in every book. This time, besides Colin, Genevieve, Manny, Vinnie, and Francine, Yasmine and Nikki both play larger roles.
The situation here is that an old contact/friend of Yasmine reaches out for help. Lexi has her own non-neurotypical issues but is relatively sure that her gentle artsy husband's family is somehow connected to a major criminal family. He's basically in denial. They're in Strasbourg to represent his father at an awards ceremony and take delivery of a certain painting. Colin sees the painting and realizes that, though apparently authentic, there's something odd about the varnish. Fortunately, Nikki, Geneveive's sort of adopted daughter, is an expert fine art restorer so she has the tools and tech to make a full examination.
As usual, there's a lot of technical stuff -- in this case DNA enhanced digital storage -- that is completely out there for most lay folks, but Ryan is able to explain the basic concepts in such a way that the reader doesn't feel left out of the discussion, even if one doesn't fully grasp all the details. Also as usual, the use of the technology, which can be for good or ill, is a major theme, as well as how the illegitimate uses can negatively affect the positive efforts.
The Redon Connection is a fast paced, high stakes thriller that blends art, intelligence, and international intrigue.
When a cryptic warning leads Dr. Genevieve Lenard into a dangerous investigation, what begins as a routine art authentication quickly escalates into a deadly conspiracy. A Redon painting conceals hidden data of immense value drawing the attention of powerful and ruthless forces.
As Genevieve and her team race to uncover the truth, they are thrust into a web of deception, shifting loyalties, and escalating danger. With the stakes rising and enemies closing in, decoding the mystery becomes a matter of survival.
Intelligent, suspenseful, and intricately plotted, The Redon Connection is a gripping read for fans of art based thrillers and international conspiracies.
I learn so much about artists their work and those intent on using it negatively in these books. This time hidden information in DNA codes in varnish on a painting? “Mannaggia.”.
But leave it to this crew to find out how and why and work together to stop it. Without spoiling it, buckle up buttercup, this is a bumpy ride. Highly Recommended 5/5
Estelle Ryan is a masterful storyteller. This latest book had me literally sitting upright, tense in my seat while reading about the deception and avarice displayed by opposing gangs. I highly recommend it.
Another fabulous story from Estelle Ryan. Fast paced. Intriguing. Funny. Great characters who continue to develop with each new story. This is a highly recommended read from me.