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Dangerous Art
Asking questions can be a dangerous art . . .
Jake Elderfield didn’t come to Prague looking for trouble. But when his old friend Liz vanishes while working on a newly discovered masterpiece, he’s pulled into a deadly game.
As Jake digs deeper, the picture quickly cracks. With a high-profile auction looming and fortunes on the line, Liz’s disappearance is only the beginning. In a world where appearances deceive and money talks, someone is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the truth hidden. It’s not just Liz who’s in danger.
From the luxury of Burgh Island to the dark heart of Prague and a nail-biting finale in Tavistock, Dangerous Art is a fast-paced thriller packed with twists, danger, and deception.
Praise for Redline:
‘A fast-paced page-turner’
‘Fresh, original and gripping’
Jake Elderfield didn’t come to Prague looking for trouble. But when his old friend Liz vanishes while working on a newly discovered masterpiece, he’s pulled into a deadly game.
As Jake digs deeper, the picture quickly cracks. With a high-profile auction looming and fortunes on the line, Liz’s disappearance is only the beginning. In a world where appearances deceive and money talks, someone is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the truth hidden. It’s not just Liz who’s in danger.
From the luxury of Burgh Island to the dark heart of Prague and a nail-biting finale in Tavistock, Dangerous Art is a fast-paced thriller packed with twists, danger, and deception.
Praise for Redline:
‘A fast-paced page-turner’
‘Fresh, original and gripping’
368 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
Terry Green
31 books7 followersMany of you may know me as "Cashier Number Three!" And over the last twenty years or so around 25 million shoppers every month heard me summoning them from the queue in banks, shops and post offices everywhere.
My career has taken some interesting twists and turns - from cars to queues- cellular phones to celebrity chefs.
But I needed something more which is why I turned to a life of crime.
A reader commented that my first business book, You're Next, read like a thriller. That got me thinking. Could I write an entertaining, compelling series of novels set against the background of my career? Oh sure, there would have to be lies, fraud and murder, along with some delicious scandal and just a touch of romantic intrigue - in short, all the elements you'd expect in a compelling, page-turning thriller.
So here, from my base, on the western edge of Dartmoor, in delightful Devon, I'm plotting the career of Jake Elderfield. I hope you can join me on the journey.
My career has taken some interesting twists and turns - from cars to queues- cellular phones to celebrity chefs.
But I needed something more which is why I turned to a life of crime.
A reader commented that my first business book, You're Next, read like a thriller. That got me thinking. Could I write an entertaining, compelling series of novels set against the background of my career? Oh sure, there would have to be lies, fraud and murder, along with some delicious scandal and just a touch of romantic intrigue - in short, all the elements you'd expect in a compelling, page-turning thriller.
So here, from my base, on the western edge of Dartmoor, in delightful Devon, I'm plotting the career of Jake Elderfield. I hope you can join me on the journey.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dangerous Art is a fast-paced mystery thriller that plunges readers into the sophisticated yet shadowy world of fine art, fraud, and international crime. The story begins when auctioneer Liz vanishes overseas while assessing a newly discovered painting, setting off a gripping investigation that moves from the Devon coast to Prague, via Glasgow, before circling back to Prague again. At the centre of it all is Jake Elderfield, who must rely on his intelligence and determination if he is to save his friend and uncover the truth.
As heroes go, Jake makes for an engaging and refreshingly grounded protagonist. An accountant making a name for himself as a consultant skilled at rescuing struggling companies, he’s taking a well-earned break after a recent success when an unexpected phone call pulls him into a dangerous world of kidnapping, money laundering, and suspected art fraud. With plenty of twists and turns the pacing is sharp throughout, that keep the tension building from the first to the last page making this book difficult to put down. The supporting cast adds real depth to the story, particularly Jake’s long-standing friends from his school and university days, who alongside the colourful range of characters he picks up during his investigation, all play a large part in helping him uncover what has happened to Liz and rescue her, providing inside expertise where necessary but what stands out most is how normal and likeable Jake feels compared to many thriller heroes, free of the usual dark baggage often attached to them with no ex-wives waiting in the wings to cause any unnecessary drama. He’s capable without appearing unrealistic, and while he does give off vibes of having a tendency to ‘ride to the rescue,’ it never undermines his judgement or credibility, so you know he won’t be taken in by a pretty face. His on-again/off-again relationship with Katerina Dominova AKA Kat also adds another enjoyable layer to the story and, as a Czech national with valuable local knowledge, she becomes an essential ally in Prague, though her indecision about Jake keeps their relationship intriguingly unresolved.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its distinctive sense of atmosphere. Set in the late 1990s, it captures a time when mobile phones were still a novelty, communication over a distance relied heavily on fax machines, and online auctions were still in their infancy – it actually made me feel slightly nostalgic for those days when you could travel on a train without being surrounded by the incessant beeping of technology. The settings are richly described and evocative, bringing each location to life. From the elegant Art Deco hotel on the Devon coast, which carries echoes of a classic Agatha Christie mystery enough that you half expect Hercule Poirot to appear, to the cobbled streets of a post-communist Prague and the grittier backdrop of Glasgow. Overall, Dangerous Art is an entertaining and well-crafted thriller with strong pacing, memorable settings, and an appealing lead character. This is one of those rare stories that is easy to imagine as a television adaptation, it certainly leaves you hoping this is not the last appearance of Jake Elderfield.
As heroes go, Jake makes for an engaging and refreshingly grounded protagonist. An accountant making a name for himself as a consultant skilled at rescuing struggling companies, he’s taking a well-earned break after a recent success when an unexpected phone call pulls him into a dangerous world of kidnapping, money laundering, and suspected art fraud. With plenty of twists and turns the pacing is sharp throughout, that keep the tension building from the first to the last page making this book difficult to put down. The supporting cast adds real depth to the story, particularly Jake’s long-standing friends from his school and university days, who alongside the colourful range of characters he picks up during his investigation, all play a large part in helping him uncover what has happened to Liz and rescue her, providing inside expertise where necessary but what stands out most is how normal and likeable Jake feels compared to many thriller heroes, free of the usual dark baggage often attached to them with no ex-wives waiting in the wings to cause any unnecessary drama. He’s capable without appearing unrealistic, and while he does give off vibes of having a tendency to ‘ride to the rescue,’ it never undermines his judgement or credibility, so you know he won’t be taken in by a pretty face. His on-again/off-again relationship with Katerina Dominova AKA Kat also adds another enjoyable layer to the story and, as a Czech national with valuable local knowledge, she becomes an essential ally in Prague, though her indecision about Jake keeps their relationship intriguingly unresolved.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its distinctive sense of atmosphere. Set in the late 1990s, it captures a time when mobile phones were still a novelty, communication over a distance relied heavily on fax machines, and online auctions were still in their infancy – it actually made me feel slightly nostalgic for those days when you could travel on a train without being surrounded by the incessant beeping of technology. The settings are richly described and evocative, bringing each location to life. From the elegant Art Deco hotel on the Devon coast, which carries echoes of a classic Agatha Christie mystery enough that you half expect Hercule Poirot to appear, to the cobbled streets of a post-communist Prague and the grittier backdrop of Glasgow. Overall, Dangerous Art is an entertaining and well-crafted thriller with strong pacing, memorable settings, and an appealing lead character. This is one of those rare stories that is easy to imagine as a television adaptation, it certainly leaves you hoping this is not the last appearance of Jake Elderfield.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first time I have read a book by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is set in Prague, involving some... well, not very nice people!
The story is set in the 90s, mobile phones are not as advanced as they are now, and people are beginning to see how the internet could potentially be used in business. Oh, and also for not-so-legal things.
The main character is Jake Elderfield; his best friend, Nellie (Neville), has asked Jake to go to Prague to see Liz and talk her into marrying him, Nellie that is. Liz is there to photograph and get things organised for an online auction, something that is a first and hopefully will be the start of how business is done in the future.
I really like the character of Jake; he is one of those characters you just kind of root for. Not shy of getting into the thick of things, but also seeing the bigger picture. He definitely didn't plan to have his own life threatened when he was doing a favour for his best friend. From gloomy cellars to the best hotels, some dodgy Europeans, as well as some he will remain friends with, there is a mix of things going on in this book.
I did think there was quite a vast array of characters, but this also helped show how large a spread the crime that was being committed involved so many different people and agencies. From Tavistock to Prague, London to Glasgow, Jake definitely did some miles in this action-packed art-based thriller.
If you are a fan of fast-paced crime thrillers that have a well-plotted storyline and some surprises, then this is one I would definitely recommend.
The story is set in the 90s, mobile phones are not as advanced as they are now, and people are beginning to see how the internet could potentially be used in business. Oh, and also for not-so-legal things.
The main character is Jake Elderfield; his best friend, Nellie (Neville), has asked Jake to go to Prague to see Liz and talk her into marrying him, Nellie that is. Liz is there to photograph and get things organised for an online auction, something that is a first and hopefully will be the start of how business is done in the future.
I really like the character of Jake; he is one of those characters you just kind of root for. Not shy of getting into the thick of things, but also seeing the bigger picture. He definitely didn't plan to have his own life threatened when he was doing a favour for his best friend. From gloomy cellars to the best hotels, some dodgy Europeans, as well as some he will remain friends with, there is a mix of things going on in this book.
I did think there was quite a vast array of characters, but this also helped show how large a spread the crime that was being committed involved so many different people and agencies. From Tavistock to Prague, London to Glasgow, Jake definitely did some miles in this action-packed art-based thriller.
If you are a fan of fast-paced crime thrillers that have a well-plotted storyline and some surprises, then this is one I would definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Although this book is set in 1997 , I felt it could have been set decades earlier in the past, a bit like the art deco hotel where the action starts. If I had come across Spiffing or Jolly-Ho I would not have batted an eyelid. When Jake and Nellie storm some dangerous armed villains they treat it like a game played at school while of course nobody gets injured by the bullets. The women are all glamorous or femme fatales and Nelly is the obligatory posh and entitled male. Jake is the central character and is an interesting choice for a crime thriller in that he is an accountant who has become an expert at solving companies in financial distress and has become an excellent fixer of everything and conveniently has helpful police friends to call upon.
It all sounds rather cliched but it it was very easy reading with Jake zapping about between countries investigating missing persons and art fraud although I was slightly disappointed by the final confrontation ending which seemed to wraps things up far too easily after building up the tension for many chapters.
Thanks to NetGalley and BeRead Ltd for the ARC
It all sounds rather cliched but it it was very easy reading with Jake zapping about between countries investigating missing persons and art fraud although I was slightly disappointed by the final confrontation ending which seemed to wraps things up far too easily after building up the tension for many chapters.
Thanks to NetGalley and BeRead Ltd for the ARC
Read
May 9, 2026An entertaining read about skullduggery in the art world. The hero Jake is tasked with trying to retrieve the relationship between his university friends Nellie (Neville), a banker and Liz, an art historian. However his first problem is that he can't find Liz.
By the time he has spoken to her somewhat shady boss Matravers he realises that the situation is a lot more complicated than either he or Nellie realised.
The settings are great. The ones I know are described authentically (although I think the author is a bit unkind about Coventry Cathedral).
Relations between the key characters and the police are too good to be entirely plausible but otherwise the story hangs together well. I was a bit disappointed that the final peril was resolved quickly, probably because I wanted the story to go on longer. My only criticism is the frequent references to what is clearly an earlier book. At the beginning it is particularly annoying and unnecessary.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to read a free copy of this book.
By the time he has spoken to her somewhat shady boss Matravers he realises that the situation is a lot more complicated than either he or Nellie realised.
The settings are great. The ones I know are described authentically (although I think the author is a bit unkind about Coventry Cathedral).
Relations between the key characters and the police are too good to be entirely plausible but otherwise the story hangs together well. I was a bit disappointed that the final peril was resolved quickly, probably because I wanted the story to go on longer. My only criticism is the frequent references to what is clearly an earlier book. At the beginning it is particularly annoying and unnecessary.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to read a free copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dangerous Art was such an entertaining read. Set mostly in Prague in the late 90s, it combines art crime, mystery, danger, and the early days of online auctions into a fast-paced thriller that was hard to put down.
I really liked Jake Elderfield as the main character. He’s not a detective, just an ordinary guy trying to help a friend, but he keeps getting pulled deeper into something much bigger and more dangerous than expected. His determination to find Liz and uncover what’s really going on kept the story moving at a great pace.
The setting was one of my favourite parts of the book. The descriptions of Prague, the hotels, cafés, and old streets created such a great atmosphere. I also loved the whole art-world angle and the idea of a valuable painting surrounded by shady deals and suspicious people.
There were a lot of characters at times, but overall this was a really fun and bingeable thriller with plenty of action and twists. Definitely a good pick for fans of crime thrillers with an international setting and a slightly different angle.
I really liked Jake Elderfield as the main character. He’s not a detective, just an ordinary guy trying to help a friend, but he keeps getting pulled deeper into something much bigger and more dangerous than expected. His determination to find Liz and uncover what’s really going on kept the story moving at a great pace.
The setting was one of my favourite parts of the book. The descriptions of Prague, the hotels, cafés, and old streets created such a great atmosphere. I also loved the whole art-world angle and the idea of a valuable painting surrounded by shady deals and suspicious people.
There were a lot of characters at times, but overall this was a really fun and bingeable thriller with plenty of action and twists. Definitely a good pick for fans of crime thrillers with an international setting and a slightly different angle.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is the second in a series, but if like me you haven't read the prequel it doesn't matter. The story can still be easily followed and enjoyed.
Dangerous Art has the feel of a book that could easily be adapted into a mystery drama that you would see on a Sunday night, just not set in Midsomer. Set in the 1990s the book's protagonist Jake is someone that everyone turns to for solving problems. For someone that has a business brain, he has an interesting affinity for dealing with crises. Green has written him in a way that means that he isn't a know it all and his actions do not seem preposterous.
The main action is set in Prague, which makes a nice change as so many novels are set in Germany, Italy or Russia. There is a minor nod to the city, but it is a small backdrop to the plot. Prague does not become another character that you find in other novels but is fleetingly mentioned to progress the plot.
A rip roaring yarn of a book that is a great quick read.
Dangerous Art has the feel of a book that could easily be adapted into a mystery drama that you would see on a Sunday night, just not set in Midsomer. Set in the 1990s the book's protagonist Jake is someone that everyone turns to for solving problems. For someone that has a business brain, he has an interesting affinity for dealing with crises. Green has written him in a way that means that he isn't a know it all and his actions do not seem preposterous.
The main action is set in Prague, which makes a nice change as so many novels are set in Germany, Italy or Russia. There is a minor nod to the city, but it is a small backdrop to the plot. Prague does not become another character that you find in other novels but is fleetingly mentioned to progress the plot.
A rip roaring yarn of a book that is a great quick read.
May 14, 2026
★★★☆☆
Whilst I did enjoy parts of this story and really liked the author’s writing style, overall it just wasn’t quite the right fit for me 🖤📚
The storyline itself had potential and there were moments that definitely kept me interested, but I personally found it a little too slow paced at times. I tend to prefer faster, more gripping thrillers that keep the tension building throughout.
Then the ending felt very sudden and almost came out of nowhere, which left me wanting a little more from the final twist.
That said, I still enjoyed the writing enough that I’d definitely be open to reading another book by this author in the future ✨
Whilst I did enjoy parts of this story and really liked the author’s writing style, overall it just wasn’t quite the right fit for me 🖤📚
The storyline itself had potential and there were moments that definitely kept me interested, but I personally found it a little too slow paced at times. I tend to prefer faster, more gripping thrillers that keep the tension building throughout.
Then the ending felt very sudden and almost came out of nowhere, which left me wanting a little more from the final twist.
That said, I still enjoyed the writing enough that I’d definitely be open to reading another book by this author in the future ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story opens in 1997. The plot unfolds at a good steady pace. It also becomes more like a detective novel written in the 1940’s or 50’s with the speech of the main protagonists becoming increasingly archaic. Jake is able to conjure just the accomplices he needs at just the right time for them to have the skills he needs and for them be free to drop everything to come and assist. It becomes just a little far-fetched.
I couldn’t help thinking this is very like Wes Anderson style story.
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I couldn’t help thinking this is very like Wes Anderson style story.
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a well written thriller. I liked the main character but found it harder to keep track of the many other characters. I don't often read thrillers and got a bit bored with this. I started skimming and speed reading, hence how I read it so quickly.
I think if you enjoy a good thriller with settings in Czech Republic and Scotland addi g to its appeal you will enjoy this.
I read an ARC provided by Netgalley.co.uk and the publishers.
I think if you enjoy a good thriller with settings in Czech Republic and Scotland addi g to its appeal you will enjoy this.
I read an ARC provided by Netgalley.co.uk and the publishers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a compelling read that keeps the pages turning.
An interesting and exciting storyline with kidnap, art double dealing, money laundering, and criminal gang of bad guys. The main character, Jake, is very likeable and a great lead for this entertaining thriller. Highly recommend. I look forward to reading Redline.
An interesting and exciting storyline with kidnap, art double dealing, money laundering, and criminal gang of bad guys. The main character, Jake, is very likeable and a great lead for this entertaining thriller. Highly recommend. I look forward to reading Redline.
May 15, 2026
What a rollercoaster! Great plot! Kidnap, money laundering, criminal gang, art dealing, love, weddings, good guys, bad guys … it’s got the lot!!! Could not put it down! It’s a must read! Thank you @netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set in 1997, this thriller is a fast paced, gripping read from start to finish, with beautifully described locations and likable characters.
Jake tries to contact his good friend Liz who has travelled to Prague to get take some publicity shots of a painting which will be auctioned on a new online auction website. The stakes immediately skyrocket when Liz isn't returning anyone's phone calls or messages, pulling you into a tense mystery. At the center of the mystery is the painting, which has been estimated to be worth millions, adding a clever twist of art crime that keeps the plot fresh and intriguing.
Jake is a standout hero. Smart, determined, and relentless in his search for Liz. Watching him piece together the clues and elisting the help of new and old friends and unravel the deception is incredibly satisfying. The story builds suspense brilliantly.
A fast paced, page turner perfect for any crime and thriller reader.
I'd like to thank the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy.
Jake tries to contact his good friend Liz who has travelled to Prague to get take some publicity shots of a painting which will be auctioned on a new online auction website. The stakes immediately skyrocket when Liz isn't returning anyone's phone calls or messages, pulling you into a tense mystery. At the center of the mystery is the painting, which has been estimated to be worth millions, adding a clever twist of art crime that keeps the plot fresh and intriguing.
Jake is a standout hero. Smart, determined, and relentless in his search for Liz. Watching him piece together the clues and elisting the help of new and old friends and unravel the deception is incredibly satisfying. The story builds suspense brilliantly.
A fast paced, page turner perfect for any crime and thriller reader.
I'd like to thank the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews