The Picasso Ransom

by A.T. Prewett

'Can we try escaping just a little slower?'

For fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club and Ocean's 11 comes a witty Australian cosy crime caper about art, rebellion and second chances.

In 1986, Picasso's Weeping Woman was stolen from the National Gallery of Victoria. To this day, the culprits have never been identified.

Here's what happened.

Maybe.

Phoebe is about to turn 70, and has grown sick of retirement. She enrols in an evening art course, where she befriends fellow retirees Eva and Dave. They also happen to be studying across the road from a two-million-dollar Picasso.

The trio make a promising start, only to find that the school is to be closed due to arts cuts implemented by a blundering government minister. The protests of a student activist group - under 30s only - fall on deaf ears.

Enter Phoebe, Eva and Dave, who decide to take matters into their own hands ...

'Art is theft. All artists steal.'

Praise for The Picasso Ransom:

'I can't find the words to describe how good this book is! The Picasso Ransom is fun, witty and thoroughly original, by far one of the best debuts I've read in years. A.T. Prewett has created an eclectic group of characters that are impossible not to love and champion.' RACHAEL JOHNS

'An absolute delight! The Picasso Ransom is the perfect escapist read, a quirky and charming "late-in-life" escapade.' AMANDA HAMPSON

'Wickedly clever and laugh-out-loud funny, The Picasso Ransom reimagines an enduring Australian mystery as a delightful crime caper. A.T. Prewett has crafted a joyful story full of friendship, rebellion and late-life reinvention. It's the most fun I've had in ages.' REBECCA ARMITAGE

Genres: Mystery

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2026

Reviews

[Rebecca]

‘FACT: in 1986, Picasso's Weeping Woman was stolen from The National Gallery of Victoria. To this day, the culprits have never been identified.
Here's what happened.
Maybe.’

If Richard Osman and an Aussie pub yarn had a baby, it might look a lot like this.

Inspired by the real life theft of Picasso’s Weeping Woman from the National Gallery of Victoria in 1986, The Picasso Ransom imagines what might have happened and the result is an absolute delight. Featuring three senior citizens who are far more resourceful than anyone gives them credit for, this cosy crime is packed with charm, mischief, and plenty of laughs.

I flew through this one. The characters are wonderfully eccentric, the dialogue sparkles, and the whole thing has that irresistible “one more chapter” energy. While there’s a mystery at its heart, the real magic is watching these unlikely heroes bumble, scheme, and surprise their way through an art heist that quickly spirals beyond anyone’s expectations.

It’s warm, witty, distinctly Australian, and proof that getting older doesn’t mean getting boring.

Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Benjamin Stevenson, and anyone who enjoys a cosy crime with a generous helping of humour and heart.

I Highly Recommend.

Thank you Pan Macmillan for my early readers copy.

Available Now!

4.5⭐

[Emilie (emiliesbookshelf)]

What an amazing debut! The Picasso Ransom is a fantastic cosy crime mystery set in the heart of Melbourne, Australia at the National Gallery of Victoria

An iconic Victorian landmark, where in 1986, their most prized artwork - Picasso’s Weeping Woman was stollen.. and to this day Police have never arrested anyone for this theft ..

Inspired by real events, A.T Prewett pens a hilarious, heartwarming and well researched story of what could have possibly happened to this one of a kind artwork.

Phoebe is now a retiree, looking to further her skills she enrols at an art class run by the Gallery where she meets Eve and Davíde ( very much pronounced Dah-vide) who become wonderful fast friends and take her under their wing

The art classes give Phoebe a new lease on life and provide and take her out of her comfort zone in many ways. Getting to know class mates of all ages is a warm and welcoming experience. But when the government threaten that funding will be cut to these classes, the students huddle together devising plans to force the ministers hands

Oh I loved this book so much. I was drawn to our heroine Phoebe, she simply wonderful, so witty and wise. Seeing her experience new things brought a big smile through out!

It’s fabulous trip down Aussie memory lane, with glorious memories such as the green guide, Tucker bag and ejecting cassette tapes in cars 🙌

It is so well researched and perfectly paced. I absolutely loved it!

Thank you so much Macmillan for my gifted review ARC

[Diana]

Cosy crime based around the 1986 theft of Picasso’s Weeping Woman. There were various details of Melbourne that I had forgotten about e.g Fairlea Women’s Prison. A good trip down memory lane and a fun, light read.

[Davena]

The Picasso Ransom by A.T. Prewett

This book is in the overlapping Venn diagram of things I love: art, cosy mysteries, books set in Melbourne, and a debut author.

I have loved Pablo Picasso's The Weeping Woman since watching Marc Fennell's documentary Framed. In 1985, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) purchased the Picasso for Au$1.6 million; the purchase was controversial, especially given the state of the art scene in Australia at the time. Then, in August, 1986, the painting was stolen, and a cryptic note was left in its place. Although who pulled off the heist remains a mystery, the painting was returned via locker 227 at the Spencer Street railway station (Southern Cross Station).

When A.T. Prewett posted on his Instagram, "you wouldn't steal a Picasso... would you?" I jokingly responded that I would, but then stepped back from my claim and suggested that I would actually have been more likely to be one of the arts students who replicated the painting and claimed to have the painting. I recalled from Framed that the police thought that they'd found the Weeping Woman, only to discover that the paint was still wet. I knew at that point that I would make a copy of the painting while listening to the audiobook I'd pre-ordered.

A.T. Prewett has reimagined the heist, with mature fine-arts students who steal the painting to protest funding cuts that would see the closure of their arts school. The Picasso Ransom is a celebration of Melbourne, the 80s music and fashion scenes (with at least three mentions of bubble skirts). If you like cosy mysteries, books set in Melbourne, and books by debut authors, then you might like this one. I did. Thumbs up.

The Picasso Ransom by A.T. Prewett is out now.

#booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf #debutcrew @atprewett @MacmillanAudio #MacmillanAudio

[Brooke]

Happy Publication Day to what is sure to be one of my books of the year, The Picasso Ransom by A.T. Prewett. This debut novel is cosy crime at its absolute best, think Thursday Murder Club, The Tea Ladies and any other senior citizens investigating, or in this case, committing crimes.

Based on the true story of the 1986 theft of Picasso’s The Weeping Woman from the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Aidan has imagined his own story as the real culprits were never found. The result is a hilarious, heartwarming and wonderfully nostalgic romp through 1980’s Melbourne full of cultural and musical references that I just adored. The band of septuagenarians, Phoebe, Eva and Davide are all incredibly multifaceted and realistic people and I love that Aidan has not gone down the route of the doddering older person who’s just there for comic relief. These three are living their best lives and I was completely onboard for this wild ride.

My favourite character was Phoebe. A retired schoolteacher, Phoebe is at a bit of a loose end until she enrols in art school and begins to paint. The friends she meets and the world that opens to her as a result were so wonderfully joyful that I was glued to the pages waiting to find out where these new experiences would take her.

I won’t tell you too much more as I want you to experience this one for yourself. It’s a book that deserves all the stars and if it’s not yet on your TBR then you need to rush out and grab a copy as soon as possible. It’s the perfect cosy winter read.

I cannot wait for more people to discover these loveable and witty characters.

[Craig and Phil]

In 1986, The Weeping Woman, a painting by the infamous Picasso and hanging in the National Gallery of Victoria was stolen.
No one has ever been charged.
This is what really happened……
(Not really, but who knows the truth, this could have materialised)
The Picasso Ransom is a delightful, potent, humorous and entertaining read.
Phoebe, Eva and Dave have a plan.
A plan that may be considered illegal.
After meeting at their evening art class and bored with retirement they devise a scheme.
Unfortunately it’s a crime.
While attending the classes it soon becomes apparent that funding is scarce and those nights will be cancelled.
The threesome have an idea.
To steal the priceless painting by Picasso and held it to ransom.
But things don’t always go to plan and they become much deeper in trouble than they first initially thought.
A cosy crime mystery with a heart of gold.
Aiden has unleashed a captivating story that will abduct hearts across the nation.
The story itself is magnificent and the characters are divine especially Phoebe.
This book has a warm, tender and welcoming soul that gives off top notch vibes.
Another novel that will be a favourite of the year.

[Gail Wood]

Not as promoted. This was a coming of age book about a 70 year old woman using the Picasso theft in Melbourne in the 1980's as the situation/location.

[Christina]

3.5 🌟

[Rina]

In 1986, Picasso's Weeping Woman was stolen from the National Gallery of Victoria, and the culprits were never caught. This is what could have happened. Bored with retirement, nearly 70-year-old Phoebe enrolls in an evening art course and befriends fellow retirees Eva and Dave, only for a blundering government minister to order the school's closure. When student protests fail, the trio decides to take drastic action: steal a masterpiece, hold it for ransom, and fund the school themselves. But as the investigation heats up and the ransom notes grow bizarre, they quickly realize that pulling off the heist was the easy part - it’s escaping the consequences that will be tricky.

Gosh, this was super entertaining - though I had a feeling it would be from the synopsis alone! Phoebe captured my heart from the very first scene. For someone turning seventy, she was remarkably energetic and full of life - I want to be her when I grow up!

Even though the main premise was laid out right there in the blurb, I was still hooked and couldn’t stop turning the pages because the execution was handled so well. It was witty, surprisingly suspenseful in places, and just a lot of fun. The trio of Phoebe, Eva, and Dave (I really couldn’t bring myself to address him as Davide!) were extraordinary - their unpredictable antics kept catching me off guard. I chuckled out loud through so many scenes. These three, plus Huon, were endearingly chaotic.

The pacing was propulsive, and the ending left me thoroughly satisfied. Phoebe definitely had the adventure of a lifetime, and I loved every step of the journey. My only wish was that we could have peeked into her past a little more - who was she for the first sixty-odd years of her life? I was so intrigued by her character that I reckon we deserve another book (hint, hint, A.T. Prewett!).

(Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a gifted review copy)

See my bookstagram review.

[Nikki]

When I picked this book up I was intrigued….an art heist. What could be better. Based on a true art heist, even better. Who doesn’t love the idea of an art based crime novel.

It was a bumpy start….facts first, set the scene. Retired people taking art classes.

It was going great I even enjoyed the fact that it was an old person doing the heist. But then it was old people doing the deed…like rabbits. People my mother’s age and some with people my age. There was ooook factor, I put the book down. It wasn’t even romance, which I must say I was grateful for. I know the eighties was a strange place, I lived through it. But apparently eighties Melbourne was a whole different ball game. Grannies going around bonking anything with a heartbeat. I really did put the book down.

But I wanted to know what happened with the painting. I was a kid when actual heist took place, I can’t say I remember it but then I wasn’t the sort of kid who sat down and paid all that much attention to the news either. It got exciting, there was a chase….sort of and then hmmmph.

Talk about an anti climax. But then having gone and found out about the actual heist, afterwards that was a bit of an anti climax too. The book, this book, It hinted there could have been more to it. There really wasn’t. The painting didn’t become like the Mona Lisa fame. But then the painting does look like the wicked witch of the west.

And like the painting the book is soon forgotten, doubtful that they may linger in the mind once read but the visage of that dare I say it ugly painting is etched there. You will look it up because you want to know what all the fuss is about.
All that fuss. All that drama. All for absolutely nothing.

[Becs' reads Australia]

The Picasso Ransom by A.T Prewett
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @atprewett

I have a bit of a random funny story how I got a copy of this advanced copy. A bit of right time right place. 😝😊

This book was a hilarious journey with some fabulous characters that I couldn't help but fall in love with. I loved the witty writting and how this book defied senior stereotypes. This gave me warm, happy vibes and I was so intrigued by the story- perhaps being a Victorian and an art lover. I didn't know about the Weeping Woman being stolen in 1986, so I so curious to what happened. This is a great take on a real event. This was an amazing debut book and I look forward to reading more from this author.

"Fact: In 1986, Picasso's Weeping Woman was stolen from the National Gallery of Victoria. To this day, the culprits have never been identified.

Here's what happened.

Maybe.

Phoebe is about to turn 70, and has grown sick of retirement. She enrols in an evening art course, where she befriends fellow retirees Eva and Dave. They also happen to be studying across the road from a two-million-dollar Picasso.

The trio make a promising start, only to find that the school is to be closed due to arts cuts implemented by a blundering government minister. The protests of a student activist group - under 30s only - fall on deaf ears.

Enter Phoebe, Eva and Dave, who decide to take matters into their own hands ...

'Art is theft. All artists steal.'"

Highly recommend 👌 👍 👏

[Clive Hodges]

In the prologue of A.T. Prewett’s debut novel, we learn that Pablo Picasso’s ‘Weeping Woman’, bought for $1.6 million, was stolen from the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. It happened in 1986 and the culprits have never been identified. Prewett has taken the facts known and allowed his creative juices free rein.
Phoebe, aged 69 and retired, enrols in an evening course at the Melbourne School of Art. Unfortunately, within weeks, it is announced that due to cuts in government funding the course is to be cancelled at the end of the year and the School of Art closed down.
Students are angry; there’s shouting, placards and pleadings. Phoebe decides that’s not enough; more should be done to emphasise their disappointment.
She enters the National Gallery of Victoria, audaciously unscrews the Picasso painting from its wall mounting and leaves the building. Phoebe notifies the government ‘Weeping Woman’ will not be returned until the funding is reinstated and the decision to close the School of Art reversed.
This enchanting cosy crime romp blends fact with fiction. A bit of judicious pruning would have tightened the narrative.
The incompetence of gallery staff, police, management and practically everyone we meet is unbelievable but totally acceptable as The Picasso Ransom is so entertaining.

[_biancasbookclub]

Back in 1986, 40 years ago, Picasso’s The Weeping Woman—a new acquisition for the National Gallery of Victoria—was stolen. The culprits were never found. Three weeks later, the painting mysteriously reappeared, completely unharmed, in a locker at Southern Cross Station. This novel is Aidan Prewett’s imaginative take on what might have happened…

Set in 1980s Melbourne, The Picasso Ransom was the ultimate trip back in time. As a fellow Melburnian, I absolutely adored the setting. From the familiar landmarks to the nostalgic atmosphere, Melbourne felt like a character in its own right.

Phoebe, who is approaching 70 and at a crossroads in her life, enrols in an evening art class where she befriends Davide and Eva. When they learn their beloved art school has lost its funding and is set to close, they hatch an outrageous plan… steal the Picasso.

This book was an absolute riot. Phoebe is one of those protagonists you can’t help but fall in love with. One minute I was laughing out loud, the next I was on the edge of my seat wondering how on earth they were going to pull this off.

A hugely entertaining, clever debut with plenty of heart. Aidan has absolutely announced himself as an exciting new Australian voice, and I can’t wait to see what he writes next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kate]

Don your orthopaedic shoes and grab your single point stick, it’s time for an art heist.
Lovers of cosy crime will embrace Phoebe and her septuagenarian pals Eva and Davide/Dave as they are swept up in their newfound dalliance into multi million dollar thievery.

In 1986 one of the NGVs prized possessions, Picasso’s Weeping Woman, was stolen from the gallery.
It reappeared 17 days later.
What actually happened? Who knows?!
But I do like this version!

Disillusioned with her retirement, Phoebe has enrolled in a fine art class at The Melbourne School of Art.
She is enjoying honing her craft, learning art theory and building some new relationships outside her very safe, routine life.
But then, the imminent closure of the school is all it takes to ignite a fire in Phoebe, one of protest.

This was a delightfully age-positive read. Take your preconceived notions and throw them out the window. Phoebe, Dave and Eva are instantly likeable and truly alive. I loved their banter and their adventurous spirit.
There’s quite a few laugh out loud moments.
Heads up- it is a gentle paced stroll, so don’t be expecting an electrifying thriller.
Enjoy slowing down and escaping the daily grind.
Jolly splendid.

[Helen Farch]

This is a hilarious, cosy mystery and I loved every word of it.... it is a heist story like you have never read before.

There are so many endearing characters - Phoebe in particular, has a piece of my heart now. - as well as dastardly villains.

I love that this story is a reminder that life doesn't end when you reach a certain age, or retire.

Age does not mean we no longer crave adventure, new ideas, companionship, or no longer feel the need to fight for what we know is right.

But maybe, not all of us would turn to crime as the solution to feeling old and invisible.

This is a very Melbourne story, and I can't wait for more from author Aidan Prewett after this captivating debut.

Thanks to the Publisher for the advance reading copy of this book

[Lee C]

The Picasso Ransom by AT Prewitt

In 1986 I was 14 years old, living in Melbourne and this book was all the nostalgia feels and a bloody wild time.

When a book starts with….. you’re going home in the back of a divvy van and quote the legendary Angels song Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again….you know you’re in for a wild ride.

Bloody great read and has me listening to 80’s Aussie music such was the brilliant writing strapping you into this story.

3 Septuagenarians find lust, love and trouble. An Arts School Threatened with closure and the student who rose up.

This story is inspired by real events before the internet and smartphone mobile phones, a Picasso painting named the Weeping Woman was stolen from the National Gallery of Victoria,

The theft occurred on Saturday 2 August, not discovered for two days and later a ransom note demanded better funding to the fine arts and young artists in Victoria, and threatened to burn the painting if these demands were not met.

The painting was recovered 3 weeks later in a locker at Spencer Street station. And to this day, the police do not know who is responsible.

#bookish #australianauthors #stolenpicasso #1986 #melbournearts

[Jay Dwight]

This one is good fun.
Cosy crime, set in Melbourne and based on the true events of a Picasso being stolen from the National Gallery of Victoria in 1986. This is a story of what could have happened - but probably didn't.
A main characters of Phoebe, Eva and Dave provide lots of humorous moments. They meet taking an art class, and being the oldest students in the class, they band together. Budget cuts see their learning institution set for closure, and they decide to become involved in the student protests.
An easy fast-paced read that I didn't want to put down.

[what.karli.reads]

𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝚍𝚎𝚋𝚞𝚝!! 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚜 𝙴𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚈𝚃𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙶!!! 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚋𝚒𝚐 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚖 𝚑𝚞𝚐 - 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍!

𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚘 𝙿𝚑𝚘𝚎𝚋𝚎, 𝙳𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙴𝚟𝚊 𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚊𝚍𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚋𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚛.

𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚞𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙰𝚞𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚎 𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚋𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚑𝚎'𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝙷𝚄𝚄𝚄𝚄𝙶𝙴! 🙌🏽

‘𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗳𝘁. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗹.’

𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝐈 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 ’𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞’ 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭.

[ddjb]

I feel like if your attitude to these old-people-doing-things-old-people-shouldn't-do genre of books is "good on you love for getting out of your comfort zone and discovering yourself", you will enjoy this book. Otherwise it's just an implausible characterisation of a person nearing their 70s - too much 'discovering' to be believable or effective imo. The storyline being grounded in fact was interesting though and there were some quick-exhale-out-your-nostrils amusing bits. It's not a bad book at all, it's just a meh book for me.

[Schy Prewett]

What a fantastic read. The Picasso Ransom is both character and plot driven, with twists that keep the pages turning while never losing sight of the people at the heart of the story. The writing is richly descriptive, bringing each setting vividly to life, and the carefully researched historical references are woven seamlessly into the narrative without slowing the pace. A clever, immersive novel that is both intelligent and thoroughly entertaining.

[Marit]

A most enjoyable crime story set in Melbourne in 1986. Inspired by real events when Picasso’s painting “The Weeping Woman” was stolen the author has created a story of what might have occurred. At times laugh out loud and filled with gentle humour poking fun at government, bureaucracy and the police force the novel revolves around Phoebe, Eva and Dave, mature age Fine Arts students and their shenanigans. Great fun!

[Ash]

I wanted to love this book. I really did, but I really struggled with it. I kept finding the long winded art history lessons boring me - and yes, the title and blurb give the story away - it’s about art history you fool! But I was hoping the characters would pull me through - they mostly did (thanks Dave). I think my rating is a little unfair because I don’t think I was the right audience for me - I also found that this book felt very long ….

[Maggie Walch]

what a wild wild time this was! kinda just what I was looking for, crime without the death and destruction. characters were fun and easy to root for, the plot was interesting and kept me on edge, but with enough lightness to make it genuinely enjoyable. a lot of sex for three people in possession of a 2 million dollar painting though! 3.5 :))

[Josh Hortinela]

Devoured this in less than 24 hours! So good! A great cosy crime novel, although "cosy" might be the wrong word to describe it? It's kind of a feel good heist novel is what I mean by that! Loved the characters! Loved the heist! It's fun, fresh, inventive and a new spin on what's out there in crime fiction!

[Rebecca Kent]

This novel is the perfect book to curl up with on a winter weekend and dive into the drama of an Art Heist! The central character Phoebe reminds us that it is never too late to take action, find new connections and take a little risk. Read it in 3 days. Couldn’t put it down! Loved the links to old Melbourne!

[Anne Freeman]

What a romp!
Loved this imagining of what might have been, and especially adored the age-positive depiction of the three septuagenarian anti-heroes who made off with Picasso's Weeping Woman.
Heart and humour are at this story's core but I also appreciated how deftly tension was built. I felt as though I had taken the painting from the wall myself and was forced to hide it from the authorities.

[Stephanie Smith]

A fun read with some quirky characters, this book not only entertains but also educates. I certainly know more about the Melbourne Picasso heist than I did before!
I loved all the little references to Melbourne in the 1980s - from familiar buildings to recognisable advertising jingles. My favourite footy team even made it in!
Is this what really happened? We may never know, but either way it’s a great story!

[Casey Nott]

This book is a rollicking good time! But it’s more than just an art heist and I thoroughly enjoyed the rich depth of characters which made for an entertaining read. As a Melbournian I also enjoyed the city being depicted in her element. An excellent debut novel!
Fans of The Thursday Murder Club will enjoy this.

[Kara Pollard]

I really like the plot, and the Melbourne and art history of the book. I was a bit confused as to why the author also needed the 70 year old characters to have sexual exploits through the story. I felt it detracted from the fun nature of the book- and also means it is not suitable for some readers.

[Rachael]

This is a fantastic book with great character and a funny and compelling story.
Word of warning... if you're the government, never underestimate the art students and to everyone else... never underestimate the mature age student.
I laughed so much in the book and found myself engrossed several times i forgot to cook dinner. Highly highly recommend