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On the Run #5
Devious
Why steal a not-so-valuable painting?
Free-spirited Zoe Andrews has settled into married life and feels she has found her ideal niche working for a company that discreetly recovers lost items for elite clients, but her first assignment, which takes her to Edinburgh to recover a stolen painting, turns out to be more complicated than she expected.
Instead of simply getting in touch with contacts in the art world, Zoe finds herself tangled in a web of contradictions. Why would someone steal a not-so-valuable painting, and why was the thief attacked? Zoe’s search to find answers takes her from the ancient stone walls of Edinburgh Castle to the Baroque grandeur of Salzburg as she delves into a decades old mystery with ties to the present.
Free-spirited Zoe Andrews has settled into married life and feels she has found her ideal niche working for a company that discreetly recovers lost items for elite clients, but her first assignment, which takes her to Edinburgh to recover a stolen painting, turns out to be more complicated than she expected.
Instead of simply getting in touch with contacts in the art world, Zoe finds herself tangled in a web of contradictions. Why would someone steal a not-so-valuable painting, and why was the thief attacked? Zoe’s search to find answers takes her from the ancient stone walls of Edinburgh Castle to the Baroque grandeur of Salzburg as she delves into a decades old mystery with ties to the present.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2015
About the author
Sara Rosett
46 books1,700 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 5, 2018
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
I think this may be my second favorite after the first one. These books are such fun.
I think this may be my second favorite after the first one. These books are such fun.
January 31, 2026
This is probably my favorite Sara Rosett book, at least from this series. The main characters continue to travel the world, this time to recover a stolen painting. But why are so many people interested in this painting that is not worth very much? Fast-paced, and very good storytelling.
April 24, 2024
This is a light series that is lots of fun. Plenty of capers, chases through foreign locales, etc.
December 14, 2024
Very enthralling. Could hardly put it down.
March 4, 2021
Edited to correct Ms. Rosett's misspelled last name. Sincere apologies, Sara Rosette!
A solid 3 stars
Enjoyable read. I deducted a star due to plot issues regarding Justine & Theo (the "bad" guys).
This book sees Zoe setting off to Scotland on her own to solve a missing painting case for Harrington, her new boss. Lovely, thorough descriptions of Edinburgh were consistent with Rosett's scenic descriptions in the previous books in this series. Zoe is in Edinburgh, and then Salzburg, trying to locate the missing painting and solve the treasure hunt mystery. Lighter read than the first four books but was mostly entertaining.
The plot issues I mentioned about Justine's character are frustrating because I spent half of the book trying to figure out why the police would aggressively question Zoe after Justine is pushed down the stairs and seriously injured. There was literally nothing gained from Zoe being involved in Justine's "accident" but I was forced to ignore my internal voice asking "why??" every time the police had more questions. First, Zoe didn't actually know Justine - the only time they had met before Justine was pushed down the stairs, Justine was impersonating Poppy. Second, Zoe has multiple witnesses that proved she was elsewhere, one of whom was a police officer, and an airtight alibi when the accident occurred. Third, at no point during this story was a motive even hinted at for Zoe to push Justine down the stairs.
This part of the story felt a little forced so that there could be police interactions with Zoe and Jack would have a reason to fly into Scotland and provide backup/protection so Zoe wouldn't be arrested.
From the description, this story sounded like it was about a missing painting. I was surprised when the painting was recovered 20% into the story and it because a treasure hunt with random police encounters thrown in.
All things considered, I enjoyed this book and have enjoyed this series. Recommend as part of the "On the Run" series for anyone who enjoys Thriller-lite, travel, beautiful European destinations, or treasure hunts.
A solid 3 stars
Enjoyable read. I deducted a star due to plot issues regarding Justine & Theo (the "bad" guys).
This book sees Zoe setting off to Scotland on her own to solve a missing painting case for Harrington, her new boss. Lovely, thorough descriptions of Edinburgh were consistent with Rosett's scenic descriptions in the previous books in this series. Zoe is in Edinburgh, and then Salzburg, trying to locate the missing painting and solve the treasure hunt mystery. Lighter read than the first four books but was mostly entertaining.
The plot issues I mentioned about Justine's character are frustrating because I spent half of the book trying to figure out why the police would aggressively question Zoe after Justine is pushed down the stairs and seriously injured. There was literally nothing gained from Zoe being involved in Justine's "accident" but I was forced to ignore my internal voice asking "why??" every time the police had more questions. First, Zoe didn't actually know Justine - the only time they had met before Justine was pushed down the stairs, Justine was impersonating Poppy. Second, Zoe has multiple witnesses that proved she was elsewhere, one of whom was a police officer, and an airtight alibi when the accident occurred. Third, at no point during this story was a motive even hinted at for Zoe to push Justine down the stairs.
This part of the story felt a little forced so that there could be police interactions with Zoe and Jack would have a reason to fly into Scotland and provide backup/protection so Zoe wouldn't be arrested.
From the description, this story sounded like it was about a missing painting. I was surprised when the painting was recovered 20% into the story and it because a treasure hunt with random police encounters thrown in.
All things considered, I enjoyed this book and have enjoyed this series. Recommend as part of the "On the Run" series for anyone who enjoys Thriller-lite, travel, beautiful European destinations, or treasure hunts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2018
Another fun read in the On the Run series. Zoe is on her first assignment working as a consultant for Harrington Throckmorton's insurance investigation firm (we met him in the previous book.) She is sent to Edinburgh to find a stolen painting. However, there are all sorts of undercurrents; apparently some people believe the painting (a relatively valueless Victorian landscape) is a clue to some kind of treasure. She recovers the painting but later it is stolen again. Jack joins her in Edinburgh just in time to accompany her to Salzburg where she plans to meet with art expert Masard to find out if there is something hidden in or under the painting itself. Things just keep getting more exciting as more and more people develop an interest in the painting and more of its history comes out. It definitely held my interest all the way through!
This book could have used a little more proofreading - at one point the POV shifted from third to first person several times in just a few paragraphs, which was a bit confusing at first. Looked as if she meant to switch to first-person then changed her mind and missed a couple of references. Ah, the perils of self-publishing....
This book could have used a little more proofreading - at one point the POV shifted from third to first person several times in just a few paragraphs, which was a bit confusing at first. Looked as if she meant to switch to first-person then changed her mind and missed a couple of references. Ah, the perils of self-publishing....
August 11, 2018
This past year I have been reading cozy mysteries including the "On The Run" series. I enjoyed reading the first four books in the series but put off reading "Devious" since Jack and Zoe had resolved their relationship problems. I figured the series would get boring or simplistic with Zoe working on her own. Imagine my surprise when "Devious" turned out to be my favorite in the series. I hope "Treacherous" is just as good because I'm reading that next.
August 3, 2020
Marvelous!
One of those books you want to read again in a few years as it is full of interesting history, good mystery,so much detail that another read would uncover things you had missed
One of those books you want to read again in a few years as it is full of interesting history, good mystery,so much detail that another read would uncover things you had missed
March 15, 2021
I love the entire series and with Sara would write more. The stories are fun and exciting, the tours of foreign places are almost as good as going, especially during COVID's travel restrictions. And best, the characters are delightful, believable, and they get to travel!
April 11, 2022
Is the painting valuable or not??? That is the question and if it's not why steal it twice? We are introduced to a pair of older ladies who lead their posterity on a merry chase, love their sense of adventure and creativity. Too bad they can't be in another story.
August 21, 2022
Book five sets Zoe & then later Jack on the trail of a stolen painting. Then a treasure hunt & a quick jaunt through picturesque Salzburg mentioning all the Sound of Music locations along the way. Seven books currently in the series.
November 19, 2023
DEVIOUS is another fun mystery with Zoe running around Europe trying to find (and hold onto) a stolen painting. The plot is convoluted with wheels within wheels - lots of entertainment trying to figure out what’s REALLY going on!
March 2, 2025
Great read
This book being the third book in the series was educational as well as a great mystery. I have loved this series and looking forward to the next book. Thank you Sara Rosett.
This book being the third book in the series was educational as well as a great mystery. I have loved this series and looking forward to the next book. Thank you Sara Rosett.
October 26, 2019
Great Book
I really Ike the adventures Zoe and a Jack have. The travels and the detail of their travels help me to visualize where they are going. Very good reading.
I really Ike the adventures Zoe and a Jack have. The travels and the detail of their travels help me to visualize where they are going. Very good reading.
December 21, 2019
A fun addition to the series. I love that each adventure is different.
December 28, 2019
Another fast paced and fun art heist mystery, this time involving a not-so-valuable painting that keeps getting stolen.
March 12, 2020
Another great adventure for Zoe and Jack. I love the detail put into Sara Rosett's books, it really makes you feel like you are there.
March 22, 2020
Devious
This book has unexpected twists and turns that kept me intrigued. The only drawback is keeping up with which country they're in now! The ending is a surprise!
This book has unexpected twists and turns that kept me intrigued. The only drawback is keeping up with which country they're in now! The ending is a surprise!
May 14, 2020
Interesting but light mystery with a simple treasure hunt and no trouble figuring out the suspects after a neat little twist at the beginning. On to the next...
August 22, 2020
I enjoy these books though wasn’t sure why they were using Euros in Edinburgh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2020
This one was the most fun but also had some weird plot holes?
October 4, 2021
Sara Rosett never lets us down! I love the adventures of Zoe and her husband. Always a wonderful adventure that the reader joins them on.
November 8, 2021
Fantastic writing!
Never a dull moment in her books! Twists and turns galore! I am so glad I discovered this author!!! A must read!
Never a dull moment in her books! Twists and turns galore! I am so glad I discovered this author!!! A must read!
November 27, 2022
The 5th book in the On the Run series. Light and fun mystery.
April 6, 2023
Nicely varied plot in the series and seeing Zoe's skills develop. Enjoyed sights of Edinburgh and Austria in this amateur detective adventure.
August 4, 2023
This is my favourite in the series so far, like an old fashioned famous 5 adventure tracking down clues to a treasure. Lots of fun, moves quickly, with enjoyable characters.
January 12, 2026
A centuries old painting has been stolen and Zoe has been hired to find it but not all is as it seems. Full of mystery and intrigue with old journals as clues. Enjoyable read
May 5, 2026
May1, 2026- Second time to listen to this. Still enjoying this audiobook series. I wish there had been more of Jack in this one.
December 28, 2016
Book 5 and the final (?) in the series find Zoe & Jack 3 years into their marriage, when Harrington assigns Zoe her first investigation. That it turns into a convoluted treasure hunt with Zoe running from Edinburgh Scotland to Salzburg Germany and back in pursuit of a small Victorian painting shouldn't be any surprise. Jack flies from a Dallas security client to help Zoe unravel the clues and coded message. Is it a treasure hunt or a wild goose chase? Zoe recalls details from her previous job editing travel books to help her negotiate her globe trotting which gives us a nice travelogue.
Well flowing plot with lots of low tension action. Love the descriptions of what to see in Edinburgh & Salzburg.
Well flowing plot with lots of low tension action. Love the descriptions of what to see in Edinburgh & Salzburg.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews