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Genevieve Lenard #8
The Morisot Connection
Murdered criminals. Flawless forgeries. Encrypted operas.
The murder of an opera house director forces world-renowned nonverbal communications expert Doctor Genevieve Lenard and her team into an impossible position: protecting notorious criminals--from what appears to be a serial killer.
Genevieve plunges into the world of opera, uncovering secrets that a group of organised crime leaders would do anything to keep hidden. She cannot allow her previous case, unreliable witnesses or conflict with her team to distract her. Not if she wants to prevent many innocent lives being lost in a shocking grand finale.
The murder of an opera house director forces world-renowned nonverbal communications expert Doctor Genevieve Lenard and her team into an impossible position: protecting notorious criminals--from what appears to be a serial killer.
Genevieve plunges into the world of opera, uncovering secrets that a group of organised crime leaders would do anything to keep hidden. She cannot allow her previous case, unreliable witnesses or conflict with her team to distract her. Not if she wants to prevent many innocent lives being lost in a shocking grand finale.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2015
255 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Estelle Ryan
30 books625 followersEstelle 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 31, 2023
Dr. Lenard's back!
Another intense one for Dr. Lenard's team, this time revolving around the world of operas (well, un particular Verdi's famous ones). Fun story plot in the sense that everything was pretty local and the team this time did not have to stretch itself thin. Also liked the continued intrusions of their now nemesis (Gallo) who makes a point to be a throne in their side while bidding his time. Already promising to be very interesting in the next volume :-)
Another intense one for Dr. Lenard's team, this time revolving around the world of operas (well, un particular Verdi's famous ones). Fun story plot in the sense that everything was pretty local and the team this time did not have to stretch itself thin. Also liked the continued intrusions of their now nemesis (Gallo) who makes a point to be a throne in their side while bidding his time. Already promising to be very interesting in the next volume :-)
October 29, 2015
The Morisot Connection was not my favorite in the Genevieve Lenard series but it was just enough drama not to be able to put it down. The Morisot Connection was not my favorite in the Genevieve Lenard series but it was just enough drama not to be able to put it down.
What I liked: The characters and their relationships continue to be the draw for me reading this series. Yes, the mystery and the suspense aspect was well written and developed but the characters are hands down some of the best I've encountered.
Ms Ryan has developed "Jenny" into one of my favorite characters and like most talented authors has slowly grown the character without losing the essence of who Jenny actually is. Yes, Jenny has changed over the beginning of the series but it's a conscious change and a chance she's not had until her tightly controlled world was invaded by the most intriguing and considerate of characters.
I really liked that essentially, The Morisot Connection is centered around an operatic setting. Jenny with her love and dependence on classical music is right in her element. Of course there's Colin to keep her steady and give her all the support she needs. With Francine, Manny, Vinnie and Nikki to add to Jenny's growing awareness of the relationships she's never had the chance to develop until now; the core group is still growing and learning from each other.
Ms Ryan has an extremely readable style. It's evenly paced and the action spread throughout the story. There is no info dump for the reader to get through either. However, having said that, The Morisot Connection has a continuing storyline started in a previous book and since it's not completely explained in this book, I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning.
I really enjoy the differing relationships between each of the characters and Jenny is finally taking the time and the effort to interact with each one. She's come a long way from initially meeting Colin to actually admitting she loves him. She tries harder to understand the correct social interactions required to satisfy and support her small group of truly loyal and caring friends.
What I didn't like: There are a lot of characters (good and bad) introduced in The Morisot Connection. I'm not sure if they are going to play any future roles in the series so they distracted me somewhat. Although I did enjoy how Jenny held her own with "the mob", I'm not sure they would have been as caring as they were written. However, just the fact they took the time to research Jenny and treat her appropriately was surprising.
To me, the plot didn't flow as well in previous books. It felt not only convoluted but also manipulated. I didn't entirely figure out the "bad guy" so that was a plus.
Overall, as I mentioned before, the characters and their development by Ms Ryan are what keep coming back to this series and yes, I will continue to the very last one, hopefully, sometime way in the future.
Recommended BUT start with the very first book, The Gauguin Connection.
What I liked: The characters and their relationships continue to be the draw for me reading this series. Yes, the mystery and the suspense aspect was well written and developed but the characters are hands down some of the best I've encountered.
Ms Ryan has developed "Jenny" into one of my favorite characters and like most talented authors has slowly grown the character without losing the essence of who Jenny actually is. Yes, Jenny has changed over the beginning of the series but it's a conscious change and a chance she's not had until her tightly controlled world was invaded by the most intriguing and considerate of characters.
I really liked that essentially, The Morisot Connection is centered around an operatic setting. Jenny with her love and dependence on classical music is right in her element. Of course there's Colin to keep her steady and give her all the support she needs. With Francine, Manny, Vinnie and Nikki to add to Jenny's growing awareness of the relationships she's never had the chance to develop until now; the core group is still growing and learning from each other.
Ms Ryan has an extremely readable style. It's evenly paced and the action spread throughout the story. There is no info dump for the reader to get through either. However, having said that, The Morisot Connection has a continuing storyline started in a previous book and since it's not completely explained in this book, I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning.
I really enjoy the differing relationships between each of the characters and Jenny is finally taking the time and the effort to interact with each one. She's come a long way from initially meeting Colin to actually admitting she loves him. She tries harder to understand the correct social interactions required to satisfy and support her small group of truly loyal and caring friends.
What I didn't like: There are a lot of characters (good and bad) introduced in The Morisot Connection. I'm not sure if they are going to play any future roles in the series so they distracted me somewhat. Although I did enjoy how Jenny held her own with "the mob", I'm not sure they would have been as caring as they were written. However, just the fact they took the time to research Jenny and treat her appropriately was surprising.
To me, the plot didn't flow as well in previous books. It felt not only convoluted but also manipulated. I didn't entirely figure out the "bad guy" so that was a plus.
Overall, as I mentioned before, the characters and their development by Ms Ryan are what keep coming back to this series and yes, I will continue to the very last one, hopefully, sometime way in the future.
Recommended BUT start with the very first book, The Gauguin Connection.
September 15, 2015
another delightful treat from this author. a tale of passion, crime, revenge and a very unusual detective and her equally unusual friends. her struggle to.make sense of non aspberger people is inspiring. her unusual viewpoint ad her non verbal skills are key to her abilities. enjoying the series
I suggest reading them in order though.
I suggest reading them in order though.
June 10, 2021
Dr. Genevieve Lenard and the team that she works with investigate the death of an opera center's director at the request of the French president. The investigation takes on more urgency after the similar murders of two former(?) crime chiefs. The investigation leads to 3d printings of fake masterpieces, Verdi operas and actors, and web revelations along the way of getting to the bad guys.
The investigation is convoluted and well made as in all the previous books in the series. The conclusion is exciting. But the team is great – fine folks with different skills working together in sometimes light-hearted contentious harmony. The scene with young Nikki introducing her new boyfriend is priceless! The characters and their caring and meshing take crime solving up a step.
The investigation is convoluted and well made as in all the previous books in the series. The conclusion is exciting. But the team is great – fine folks with different skills working together in sometimes light-hearted contentious harmony. The scene with young Nikki introducing her new boyfriend is priceless! The characters and their caring and meshing take crime solving up a step.
September 7, 2024
either i’m taking a temporary break from this series or stopping reading it altogether. i got tired of the cases. they were good, detailed and interesting but i wanted more romance in the books. it would’ve kept me more entertained and engaged.
in the previous book genevieve’s “anchor” was touching her RING finger to her thumb. in this book it’s her little finger. what’s up with inconsistencies?
in the previous book genevieve’s “anchor” was touching her RING finger to her thumb. in this book it’s her little finger. what’s up with inconsistencies?
May 8, 2020
I have loved these books but I think I have read my last one. There are so, so many characters to try to keep up with. And Genevieve’s character has become tiresome and ridiculous. This book didn’t even have much to do with the painter depicted in the title.
November 12, 2023
HI have now finished the eighth of the Genevieve Lenard series by Estelle Ryan. The plots are interesting and complex. I've been interested enough to look up some of the artists and learn more about their art. The many ways of heisting, fencing, and illegally reproducing art has been fascinating. But Estell, it's time to get rid of the foolish, repetitive and inane jabs, conflict and nicknames. Time to lose the stupid "supermodel" and "handsome" and "Dr Facereader" forms of address which are trite and silly...funny the first few times but unecessary now. Quit the foolish alpha male crap every time the men are together. I have met many people who are autistic. I don't think it's necessary for every single euphemism or slang terminology to be explained to Genevieve. Your striving to keep Genevieve fresh would be better spent focusing on her intuitive skills and brilliance than continually focusing on her literal interpretations.The series and characters have not matured. It's a good formula but I should have stopped reading the series after number 3, because now it's all the same old same old. Boring. Your characters have not grown and now are ridiculous. It's disappointing.
July 18, 2021
Everytime I finish one of these books, I want to instantly buy the next. I can not get enough of these characters.
This time Geniveve is tasked with figuring out who is killing off criminals. It's a strange twist. A source is giving a journalist info and making him write an expose. There are a lot of moving parts in this story so you have to pay attention.
As always I am so in love with the love between Colin and his Jenny. I will never get bored of the love that all of these people feel for each other. I love watching Geniveve try and maneuver her way through the messiness that is human relationships. Sometimes she messes up royally and they tell her.
I also love the blooming romance of Francine and Manny. I honestly didn't know that was going to work out. I'm so glad it has.
That leaves me wondering. Is Vinny going to get a lover at some point? That would be entertaining. Probably not because he'd have to move out. Oh I guess I'll find out.
Thank you Estelle Ryan for creating these characters that I love so dearly.
This time Geniveve is tasked with figuring out who is killing off criminals. It's a strange twist. A source is giving a journalist info and making him write an expose. There are a lot of moving parts in this story so you have to pay attention.
As always I am so in love with the love between Colin and his Jenny. I will never get bored of the love that all of these people feel for each other. I love watching Geniveve try and maneuver her way through the messiness that is human relationships. Sometimes she messes up royally and they tell her.
I also love the blooming romance of Francine and Manny. I honestly didn't know that was going to work out. I'm so glad it has.
That leaves me wondering. Is Vinny going to get a lover at some point? That would be entertaining. Probably not because he'd have to move out. Oh I guess I'll find out.
Thank you Estelle Ryan for creating these characters that I love so dearly.
November 13, 2017
I didn't know much about Morisot.
I absolutely love these books! The first book brought people together and as the books progressed an Autistic woman and an extremely diverse group of people build a relationship both working and friendships deeper trust. The case to solve always holds adventure, worry, fear and deduction and the ending holds a final surprise !
The extra element is the music spoken about and the paintings are included at the end of the book which allows a greater appreciation and understanding of both. I am sincerely greatful of that treat! This book concerned a 3 D printer and information was also provided about that!
So not only do I read an exceptional book but also learn something which to me is above and beyond excellent!
I absolutely love these books! The first book brought people together and as the books progressed an Autistic woman and an extremely diverse group of people build a relationship both working and friendships deeper trust. The case to solve always holds adventure, worry, fear and deduction and the ending holds a final surprise !
The extra element is the music spoken about and the paintings are included at the end of the book which allows a greater appreciation and understanding of both. I am sincerely greatful of that treat! This book concerned a 3 D printer and information was also provided about that!
So not only do I read an exceptional book but also learn something which to me is above and beyond excellent!
January 11, 2022
I really like this series. Each novel is a mystery involving the arts. I felt confident that I knew where the key to the solution was located, and I was correct this time, I was wrong as to how it needed to be interpreted. The main characters who make up the elite team continue to develop instead of stagnating as in many other series. The recurring characters and their interactions with the team serve as the links between the books. Estelle Ryan does a lot of research not only on the art and music she includes in each book, but on the advances in technology that benefit both the criminals and the police. I would have preferred deeper descriptions of the art works involved instead of having to go to a website to view them.
February 14, 2022
Opera comes to life for Genevieve and the team
When death comes to a criminal boss it seems that he got his just desserts but who is dishing out lethal justice themselves rather than allowing the law to take it's course?
When they discover more deaths with similar features and forged artwork the whole team becomes increasingly invested in putting the vigilante away. Genevieve makes some rather unusual friends and her colleagues are not going to be happy about it either.
But it's the anomalies she needs to focus on.. how does the death of the manager of the Opera House fit in with the criminal bosses? Why do they all have forged artwork? Where are the original pieces? And can they stop this before anyone else is killed?
When death comes to a criminal boss it seems that he got his just desserts but who is dishing out lethal justice themselves rather than allowing the law to take it's course?
When they discover more deaths with similar features and forged artwork the whole team becomes increasingly invested in putting the vigilante away. Genevieve makes some rather unusual friends and her colleagues are not going to be happy about it either.
But it's the anomalies she needs to focus on.. how does the death of the manager of the Opera House fit in with the criminal bosses? Why do they all have forged artwork? Where are the original pieces? And can they stop this before anyone else is killed?
August 13, 2024
"The more personal an issue was, the easier it was for someone to slip in their deception."
This time, the opera world becomes a focal point in this book. We see how much Colin and Genevieve have "bonded" and the artist that connects all of this connects to the story in part because she loved painting and the sensual nature of her work is also reflected in the Verdi operas cited
In a lot of ways this book,almost more than most of the series I have read, opens a personal door to some of the ongoing characters in the series Manny and Francine; how Vinnie cares for the group, even Phillip's caring are all waiting for their entrance in the overall plans. It's an interesting and difficult connection but one that helps make this series one of my overall favorites. Highly Recommended 5/5
This time, the opera world becomes a focal point in this book. We see how much Colin and Genevieve have "bonded" and the artist that connects all of this connects to the story in part because she loved painting and the sensual nature of her work is also reflected in the Verdi operas cited
In a lot of ways this book,almost more than most of the series I have read, opens a personal door to some of the ongoing characters in the series Manny and Francine; how Vinnie cares for the group, even Phillip's caring are all waiting for their entrance in the overall plans. It's an interesting and difficult connection but one that helps make this series one of my overall favorites. Highly Recommended 5/5
January 21, 2019
I’ve really come to like this series and the myriad of characters. Genevieve’s development is realistic, and her friends are people I wish my autistic students had the luxury of knowing. I enjoy the dynamics of their relationships and how they work independently and together to solve mysteries at the behest of France’s president.
In this episode, characters from the past entwine themselves with new characters, operas, Internet and technology schemes, and long-time crime bosses which yield in many murders. At the heart, 3-D printed forgeries take the team through many obstacles to discover the whos and whys of the murders.
In this episode, characters from the past entwine themselves with new characters, operas, Internet and technology schemes, and long-time crime bosses which yield in many murders. At the heart, 3-D printed forgeries take the team through many obstacles to discover the whos and whys of the murders.
May 6, 2020
Another interesting case
Genevieve and the team have solved another case, this one involves Marcus Gallo and Arnold Brun (the two who got away in the last book). Several men with ties to organized crime from several years ago have been killed. The team has to figure out why they have been targeted, who is next and who is killing them. There are some art thefts which muddy up the situation as well. Another amazing mystery. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Genevieve and the team have solved another case, this one involves Marcus Gallo and Arnold Brun (the two who got away in the last book). Several men with ties to organized crime from several years ago have been killed. The team has to figure out why they have been targeted, who is next and who is killing them. There are some art thefts which muddy up the situation as well. Another amazing mystery. Can’t wait to read the next one.
May 12, 2024
And here's one more in this series that I missed when I was reading the earlier stories (this one is #8 out of 17). This one is just as fun as the others with a few thrills as expected, and fun interactions between the team, the local police, and the opera community. It's set in Poland which leads to lots of fun confusions with names and places, but still an exciting conclusion with Genevieve once again conquering her desire to shut down under stress.
June 5, 2017
Another fantastic addition to the Genevieve Lenard series! Another exciting adventure with interesting insights into someone living on the autism spectrum. I continue to be more and more fascinated with these characters and, as someone on the edge of the spectrum myself, I appreciate the insights that Lenard shares about her interactions with the world around her.
June 1, 2018
Another complex case for Genevieve and her team
Another complex case for Genevieve and her team in this latest installment from Estelle Ryan. Also more on a continuing case from book 7. This is not a stand alone book and it would be better to start from the beginning to fully understand all the characters and the dynamics between them. This is a really different series- try it.
Another complex case for Genevieve and her team in this latest installment from Estelle Ryan. Also more on a continuing case from book 7. This is not a stand alone book and it would be better to start from the beginning to fully understand all the characters and the dynamics between them. This is a really different series- try it.
September 16, 2020
this is a great series. the character development is fascinating and their interactions are so strong that the art theft mystery is not the best part of the book for me. the fact that the main character is in a constant struggle with her need for distance and her love of the others (and recognizing their need for closeness) is very touching.
June 27, 2019
Another great one!
This reads like a Mission Impossible movie script. Lots of twists and well thought out plot detail. I love these books and have not been disappointed in any of them.
This reads like a Mission Impossible movie script. Lots of twists and well thought out plot detail. I love these books and have not been disappointed in any of them.
September 23, 2019
Another great adventure for the crew
More international suspense as old crime bosses are being killed. Twists and turns even more surprising than usually for Jenny and her friends. Amazing ending!!
More international suspense as old crime bosses are being killed. Twists and turns even more surprising than usually for Jenny and her friends. Amazing ending!!
April 6, 2020
The Morisot
And the stories continue with the team solving the murders of criminals which follow a news blog about them. The link is an opera house and its blackmAiling director which leads back to Marco Gallo. Really great series.
And the stories continue with the team solving the murders of criminals which follow a news blog about them. The link is an opera house and its blackmAiling director which leads back to Marco Gallo. Really great series.
June 5, 2020
This series never disappoints! In this book, a complicated series of murders and art forgeries involving 3-D printers involve new and past criminals. Dr. Lenard and her team work fast and furious, sometimes putting themselves in danger to solve the crimes and stop more deaths.
June 12, 2020
This is another suspenseful engaging Dr. Lenard adventure through art thieves, coded music, and murder. I find the characters entertaining, perhaps not deep and, at times, somewhat stereotypical, but I just like this strange team of crime solvers.
October 10, 2020
Amazing .... Ms. Ryan's edge-of-your seat mysteries never disappoint. I enjoy every word of each book, and the amazing characters she has created.
A solid storyline, with all the excitement and twists and turns that a mystery can be. I'm a forever fan!
A solid storyline, with all the excitement and twists and turns that a mystery can be. I'm a forever fan!
April 16, 2025
Originally going to give this a 3*, but I liked the twist of crime families and the "Genevieve team" working together. The series pushes the boundary sometimes in how the main character can pull off difficult situations, but so much else is worth the read including the use of the art theme.
July 4, 2017
Definitely one of my favorites... the story was entertaining although not quite believable... however it was hard to put this one down.
July 16, 2017
A great reading distraction!
December 2, 2017
Each just seems to get better. A good mystery story and an introduction in art
October 27, 2018
Always enjoy reading Estelle Ryan’s books.
February 11, 2019
Another good book in the Genevieve Lenard series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews