The Trouble with Mirrors

Alix London #4

by Charlotte Elkins, Aaron Elkins

Alix London, the art restorer and FBI consultant renowned as the Art Whisperer, can spot a counterfeit masterpiece before the paint even dries. What she can’t see is why an elite European art dealer would offer her big money for a little mirror that’s no more than a homemade gift from her beloved uncle Tiny. Not that Alix would part with it at any price. But when the mirror is abruptly stolen from her home, she realizes that someone sees more in the looking glass than mere sentimental value.

When her uncle Tiny disappears mysteriously just after the mirror is stolen, the simple art theft becomes a personal and professional challenge Alix can’t ignore. With backup from her friends in the FBI, her game-for-anything pal Chris, and an aging-but-dogged Italian police detective, she delves into the puzzling case, only to find that there is much more to this theft than meets the eye. Once the Mafia shows up on the scene, Alix’s mission becomes a do-or-die race to find the one possible man with all the answers.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Art, Art History

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2016

About the author

Charlotte Elkins (born July 4, 1948) is an American author who teamed with her husband, writer Aaron Elkins, to write a series of mystery novels about Lee Ofsted, a struggling female professional golfer.

Series:
* Lee Ofsted (with Aaron Elkins)

Series contributed to:
* Malice Domestic

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this book left me with a five-star smile. There are some nifty revelations, a great display of friendship in the partnering of Alix and Chris in a dedicated search effort seeking the whereabouts of Tiny - trying to get to him before the mafia goons succeed, and yet another stellar adventure on the waters off Monterey with Alix piloting a powerful speed boat (definitely cinematic!).
One really does not have to read the books in order as there are references in each to explain various situations, relationships, etc. This one starts with the problematic photo in a magazine of Alix's wall decor in her apartment that displays a gift Tiny gave her when she was 12, a piece of history.
This couple must have had many great experiences traveling as they wrote this series. The descriptions of the various cities and sites are always very colorful and spot on..

Loan from Friend (Thank you!)

Also Available through Kindle Unlimited

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

History time: I have been reading Charlotte and Aaron Elkins forever. I have quite a few paperbacks and a couple of hardcovers, mostly discovered at library sales and suchlike. I never read any of this series, though, the Alix London series; I don't know why I never came across them. I know I always enjoyed the books back in the day; they're light, somewhat clever, often art-related, and I always found them fun.

My relationship with the authors hasn't really aged well, I guess. I really didn't enjoy this. The writing was perfectly fine – the authors are extremely experienced, and it shows – but it all just felt over-wrought and over-worked. Like bread dough, kneaded too much. The involvement in the plot of the Mafia didn't help – any kind of International Conspiracy or mob plot developments always leave me completely cold.

It also might be better to read the series in order. This is the fourth book, and maybe it would take reading the other three for me to feel any kind of connection to any of the characters, or care at all what happened to them or what they did. It was chock full of the requisite number of quirky cozy mystery characters, but I unfortunately did not find them engaging.

I remember the books I used to read as light and frothy and fun. This was light, but the froth was a bit flat, and I just didn't have much fun. Maybe one of these days I'll go back and see how those other books hold up.

The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the fourth (and last book) in the Alix London series and that leads me to the first problem I had with this book and the entire series. It's too short. There needs to be MORE Alix London books. The books have been getting better and better.

The second problem that I have with the books is when the authors describe places in the book it makes me want to go there and visit. The previous book made me want to visit Palm Springs; now I want to visit Monterrey.

The third problem that I have with the books is that they express a deeply pleasant knowledge of art that reminds me so much of the Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon series without the Israeli Secret Service edge,

There are so many promises made at the front of the book that were kept by the ending. Tiny played a huge part in the book even though he was not visible for most of the book because he was out on a fishing boat hunting the wild and wooly Doryteuthis opalenscens.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

almost two stars... a good read but needs some more "umph"

[Trish R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book. Tiny disappeared and Alix and Chris went looking for him. The theft of a painting 20 or 30 years ago came into play after a few days and Alix’s 300 pound friend, Tiny, was thought to have had a part in the theft.

Alix’s had been married only a few days and she lives in Seattle and her new husband, Ted, lives in Washington D.C. and that’s the way they were going to leave it, each taking turns flying out to see each other when time allows. She’s an art consultant and Ted is in charge of the Art Theft Department of the FBI.

Anyway, this all had to do with a mirror that Tiny gave Alix 20 years ago and her condo being broken into and it was stolen, along with some other pictures she thought was worth about $500. The mirror and Tiny’s disappearance happened at the same time.

There were some pretty boring moments in this. Times I had to skim to get past all the roads and directions they traveled. I don’t care how they get anywhere, the streets, roads, highways, trails, paths because unless I’ve been to that state or city I can’t picture it, so there’s no point in writing all that, unless it’s to add to the word count of the book.

There was no sex and very little swearing, mostly damn and hell.

As to the narration: I absolutely love Kate Rudd’s narration. Her voices and emotional reading is wonderful.

[Kaitlyn Dunnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent entry in this series. The nicely twisty plot is cleverly resolved and several personal conflicts that have developed in the course of the series are also worked out by the end of the book.

[Kristina Rasmussen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the characters of this series. I was ready for it to be done though. There were parts of this storyline that I really enjoyed, like learning more about the background of Tiny. Overall it was enjoyable, but over the top at times and a little too coincidental at other times.

[Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun light mystery. Looking forward to the next one if they do another.

[Nona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Charlotte and Aaron ELKINS have given their hero such supernatural powers and a brain that can hear something and instantly know what has happened and how to fix a problem.
Just a so, so story that did not really grab or impact on me.
Recommended??? I don't think so.

[Judi Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started out sort of plodding along, but it picked up and once it did it got really good. Full review to follow soon.

My Review:
Charlotte and Aaron Elkins have been writing together for years now, and have turned out some really good books. This one doesn't disappoint.

Alix finds her art has been stolen off the wall in her apartment. Why would someone steal a whole wall of basically worthless art posters?

She's on the front of a current magazine and she's been photographed in front of this same wall in her apartment. All her friends seem to have seen the picture.

Then a friend points out that Uncle Tiny's mirror is hanging on the wall in plain sight in the picture on the magazine cover. Who else might have seen it? Who would want it? What is it really? And we're off down the rabbit hole of the Elkins' usual line of investigation with a glimpse of a strange person here and there. A message left here or there. And, of course, Tiny is nowhere to be found. Close calls, dark corner, and magnifying glasses bring Alix to some revelations about her "family" members before she's done.

Strongly recommended for Elkins' fans and for anyone interested in finding a new art related line of mysteries without too much blood or gore.

I was provided this eARC by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley at Blue Cat Review

[Jennifer S. Alderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable art mystery. The storyline was sometimes a bit confusing, but was still a fun read. Having enjoyed reading this entire series, I will miss this cast of characters!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 f 5

This is only my second "Alix London Mystery" although it's the fourth in the series, and already I'm a convert and tremendous fan. Although probably considered to be a 'cozy' mystery - something I'm generally not too excited about - there is plenty of grit and excitement here. And as I wrote about in my review of The Art Whisperer, the subject matter of fine art, and a 'detective' who has a knack for spotting art forgeries is a subject that seems quite topical and one that I can really get excited about.

Alix London has really started to make a name for herself as 'The Art Whisperer' and she is featured in an art magazine that is read world-wide. What she didn't expect was that a photo of her in her home would grace the cover of the magazine.

Even before the magazine gets into circulation in the United States, Alix receives a call from an art dealer in Italy inquiring about a framed mirror in the background of the photo. The dealer has a client interested in either purchasing the mirror or having another one made. Alix informs the dealer that the mirror was a gift from a family friend, "Tiny" Abbatista, and is not for sale. In short time, Alix's house is burgled with the mirror in its frame the only thing taken. When Alix looks to let Tiny know about this, she discovers that he has disappeared and no one knows where he might have gone. So begins Alix's discovery of her friend Tiny and the artwork in her own home.

This is a quaint, perhaps even simple mystery. The end is visible from a little ways off, but the journey is still worth taking because what makes this story so much fun is the development of the characters. Alix London is truly a character that is interesting has some depth that we are still just beginning to touch upon. Her art world is full of strange and compelling characters - from the Mafia we see here, to people like Tiny who has a much deeper story than we might have suspected.

There's some romance here, though this is a sub-plot that's been developing over the course of the series (that I've read). It was not quite as interesting to me, but it's in the background enough to not bother me too much.

This is great beach reading or fall sitting-on-the-porch reading.

Looking for a good book? The Trouble With Mirrors by Charlotte and Aaron Elkins is an interesting mystery with wonderful characters and a subject that is unique and very real.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Imjussayin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Trouble with Mirrors: Alix London 4
Chronological order recommended

In A Nutshell:Alix's Uncle Tiny has gone to ground. And Tiny's disappearance seems to coincide with the theft of a mirror he gave to Alix umteen years ago. Adopted Uncle or not, Alix goes in search of him, and the book takes on an international mobster tone. It's a little over the top but an okay read.

The Plot: Alix has her picture taken in front of a mirror. When she refuses to sell the old mirror to a dealer, it's stolen. And Uncle Tiny who gave her the mirror disappears.

The Protagonist(s):Alix is a poor little rich girl. Her father was caught and convicted of forgery. And her life of luxury evaporated along with his imprisonment. Alix chose to drop out of Harvard but is trying to reinvent herself as an art consultant to wealthy patrons.

Unfortunately, Alix's relationship with the cardboard cut out FBI special agent Ted Ellesworth develops. There is not enough of Alix's father; I think he needs a series. And the story is long on details and short on action until the last quarter or so of the book. But it's still worth reading, even if just for completion.


Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin

Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one or reread ?: Yes

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1*Finished the book but didn't like it not fulfilled
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.

[Donna LaValley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth in the Alix London "Art Whisperer" series, and it may be my favorite. All the best recurring characters are in it, meaning her father, ex-art curator and art forger Geoff, uncle Beniamino of similar talents (Tiny), Alix's best friend Chris (think any Christine Baranski role), and boyfriend Ted Ellesworth of the FBI (standard issue).

Highlights include a secret wedding, a major art heist in Genoa, Italy, in the 1970's, and a new identity for a major character. The Genovese Mafia is involved as are new, shady characters who follow Alix as she tries to follow Tiny. It is Tiny's disappearance that sets the plot moving.

In addition to Italy and Seattle, where Alix, her family, and friends live, the story takes place in San Francisco and Monterey. The lively descriptions are true to place and very enjoyable. Also, this book made want -for the first time in my life- to pilot a Lancia Powerboat!

Readers who like art and/or art history will enjoy the entire series, best read in order.

I had to take away one star for errors that should have been caught in proofreading (pronouns, Tiny's mom is 78 when he is 17, and others) plus the cutesy banter of the newlyweds was entirely unconvincing and thus excruciating.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a less-than-stellar third outing for Alix London, I was a little hesitant as to what this book might hold. However, I was extremely and happily surprised by this fourth installment. THE TROUBLE WITH MIRRORS strays from the formula of Alix being an artistic know-it-all and hits a home run. Forcing Alix to focus more on personal relationships than world-renown art shines the spotlight on the supporting characters in a great way.

When a cherished mirror is stolen from Alix's apartment and its creator disappears with the mob on his heels, Alix and Chris dive into their own investigation to track down Alix's beloved uncle Tiny.

Fun and fast-paced, this reminded me of why I fell in love with this series. I wish there were more adventures, but this also does a nice job of wrapping things up for the audience.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alix's apartment is broken in to and a mirror made for her by her dear Uncle Tiny is stolen. Then Tiny himself vanishes. Alix doesn't know if he left on his own or forced to leave, but one way or another she knows he is in trouble and she is determined to help him. With her friend Chris by her side and a bit of help from friends in the FBI she starts off on his trail.

This was a really fun read. It had a nice pace to it and clues were dropped at good intervals. Chris and Alix made a good team.

I found it hard to buy in to Alix's relationship with Ted, but ultimately it didn't hurt the story. People were able to fly from one side of the globe to the other in much less time than it takes in real life which bothered me a bit, but it seemed like details surrounding art were well-researched which I appreciated.

[Heidi Agner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there were more books in this series

I have read all three books in the Alix London series and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. The characters are all wonderfully developed and engaging. Alix, the main protagonist is an art consultant to private collectors and the FBI. Her knowledge of fine art played strongly in the first two books. But in this installment she and her good friend ,Chris, go looking for Tiny. Who goes missing after a mirror he had made for Alix is stolen from her apartment. The quest takes them from Seattle to San Francisco and ends in Monterey. The story takes us to Italy and a 30 year old theft of priceless art. That is where ,Ted, Alix' s love interest and FBI special agent in charge of art crimes gets involved. And throw in a bit of Italian Mafioso to make it dangerous, and maybe a very fast boat and you have a very good story indeed.

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and skip the audio version of this title, narrated by Kate Rudd. The narrator's inconsistent habit of over-enunciating prepositions and definite articles has a jarring effect, as does the uneven cadence; both are affectations that detract significantly from the experience. Add to that truly ghastly Italian pronunciation (the city of Genoa was mis-pronounced throughout the entire recording) and the title was a chore to listen to.

The mystery itself was a good one, but the relationship sub-plot was unnecessary, as was the continued detailed description of food. Not the best entry in the series.

[Karen Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lovely Series - The Alix London Mystery Books

I've just completed the 4th Alix London Mystery (thank you, Charlotte and Aaron Elkins!). I hope a 5th - and more- will follow.
The premise of the series is a that a young woman who is an art lover (Alix) is the daughter of a convicted art forger. She is humiliated by his arrest and conviction. Alix desperately wants to establish a career as an art specialist; the series follows her career dreams.

Characters in the series are complex and unusual. Plots are vibrant, logical, and fun. There's a bit of romance and plenty of action.

I recommend the series.

[AnonymousReaderPerson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I got next-to-no enjoyment from this book, yet it is rated quite highly at the time I'm writing this review, so I guess it's just not up my alley. I don't buy for a second the way these characters behave, especially the moments of high tension where the characters throw around jokes with each other like they're just having lunch in the park.

I was largely wooed by the Mafia angle - I'm a sucker for any story involving Mafia - but even the Mafia characters seem like cartoon cutouts and typecasts.

I don't know what it takes to enjoy this book as much as most readers seemingly have. But whatever it is, I don't have it.

[James Wirrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series and is better than the previous two, returning to the quality of the first book in this series. This is a light mystery with a Mary Higgins Clark vibe. In this book Alix’s family friend (Uncle “Tiny”) and the mirror he gave her as a child both disappear. Alix and her friend Chris decide to track Tiny down. In the meantime, Alix’s new husband Ted, from the FBI and the mafia also get involved. The pacing of this book is more consistent and doesn’t lag. It kept my interest. The primary characters are likable but not very complex. Overall, this book - and the series - is okay, but, for me, there are other more worthwhile series out there.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alix London has a secret that she can't wait to share with her friend Chris — and wonders how on earth to tell her father. But first, she arrives home to find her condo burglarized, and a mirror given to her by her "uncle" Beni (an old friend and colleague of her father's), also known as "Tiny". Then when she discovers that Tiny is missing, she becomes very concerned, and sets out to find him, with only the slimmest of clues. This is a very fast-passed story, with good characterization, an intriguing plot, along with touches of humor. Highly recommended.

[Diane Rapport · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fourth and final in the series. A strong finish. A strong plot, lots of beautifully detailed travel, and less repetition from earlier books helped this book. The author still struggles with the romantic relationship - he feels throughout the series like an afterthought. Someone the editor insisted had to be there. This is a series that I feel must all be read together to get the best out of it. It’s light, interesting from an art and travel perspective, and a quick read. It would be interesting to see what Alix London could do if more time had been taken with her story!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alix London is brilliant when it comes to art – tracking down the story of an obscure 16th century painting with almost nothing to work from. Otherwise, the plot requires her to be incredibly obtuse, and the other characters to be almost as dumb. To make up for it the authors allow her to eat anything she wants without getting fat. They also bring to life the settings in San Francisco and Monterey.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not a traditional whodunit, in fact it was not a whodunit at all. It was more a "what the heck is going on" kind of story. I enjoyed it. I like the characters and the background of fine art is intriguing. I actually learn something about the masters and their work when I read one of these as I keep looking up the references. I hope there will soon be a new edition to the series, but the way the story ended makes me fear that this may be the last. That would be a shame.

[Jansie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fast read, courtesy of NetGalley. This is a good book for lovers of art and mystery. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it, even though the mystery didn't surround a murder or some lunatic killer.
Alix London is the female art expert, commissioned by the FBI to evaluate pieces of art for fraud. When a piece disappears from her apartment, she is determined to find out what happened to it and to its creator!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

I adore art crime novels, especially those to do with Italy and Italian art. This one was no let down. The characters the Elkins’ developed are so well done that I felt I knew them - Ted and Tiny especially. The plot was well thought out as well, but not drawn out. All the right twists and turns, the near-meets with danger made it a page turner till the very end. I look forward to more from the pair, and definitely recommend this one!

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Trouble with Mirrors by Charlotte and Aaron Elkins is the 4th book in the Alix London series. Art whisperer Alix London has a mirror, a gift from her Uncle Tiny, stolen from her home shortly after it appears in a magazine article and Tiny disappears at the same time. A fast paced mystery with Alix teaming up with her friend Chris in a race to find her Uncle Tiny before others. A great mystery and I loved learning a little about art thefts along the way.

[Myereading · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the mirror

I have read all four of the Alix London short novels in a week. All were great quick reads. The best of the four is this one-good story, interesting facts about art (which I know pretty much nothing about), smooth climax, and a resolution with Ted. Oh and Tiny is the best.

[Huldie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Adventure

Alix London is caught up in another adventure when she is featured on the cover of an art magazine. A mirror hanging on the wall in the background catches the attention of a mafia don and an Italian police officer. Joined by her good friend, Chris, Alix searches for the answer to a decades old mystery. This series just gets better and better.