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Genevieve Lenard #11
The Netscher Connection
Nazi-looted art. Cyber-stalking. Betrayal.
Nonverbal communication expert Doctor Genevieve Lenard is on holiday in Hungary when she and her team are asked to assist in a missing person case. Her autistic mind is already having difficulties dealing with the new environment, and having to co-operate with local authorities might push her past her limits. Even more so when the missing person turns out to be an important, and painful, part of a team member's past.
The seemingly simple case takes a gruesome turn as their search uncovers artwork drenched in violent history, numerous deaths presumed to be by natural causes and the menacing online presence of a serial killer who's been cyber-stalking victims for years. Bodies are piling up at an alarming rate and, knowing that one of their own is in the killer's sights, Genevieve will have to use all her inner strength and expertise to stop this ruthless murderer.
Nonverbal communication expert Doctor Genevieve Lenard is on holiday in Hungary when she and her team are asked to assist in a missing person case. Her autistic mind is already having difficulties dealing with the new environment, and having to co-operate with local authorities might push her past her limits. Even more so when the missing person turns out to be an important, and painful, part of a team member's past.
The seemingly simple case takes a gruesome turn as their search uncovers artwork drenched in violent history, numerous deaths presumed to be by natural causes and the menacing online presence of a serial killer who's been cyber-stalking victims for years. Bodies are piling up at an alarming rate and, knowing that one of their own is in the killer's sights, Genevieve will have to use all her inner strength and expertise to stop this ruthless murderer.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2017
322 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Estelle Ryan
31 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 82 reviews
September 11, 2017
I love this series because it has all my favorite things. It has the best characters, paintings, mystery, suspense and best of all, love in all forms. This book was amazing and I loved each and every part of it. It was better than the previous few books and it reminded me why I loved reading this series in the first place. The perspective of this mystery showed how vulnerable and human we are even though we have made so many advancements.
February 21, 2023
Same team, different setting!
This was fun, especially since the story picks right back up from the previous volume and exactly where the plot was left off: vacation! It was super entertaining to see the team in a different country, enjoying some time off and of course not-so-time-off either :D Some more character development around some of our now familiar protagonist made things even more interesting :-)
This was fun, especially since the story picks right back up from the previous volume and exactly where the plot was left off: vacation! It was super entertaining to see the team in a different country, enjoying some time off and of course not-so-time-off either :D Some more character development around some of our now familiar protagonist made things even more interesting :-)
August 24, 2017
This is the absolute latest (pre-order showed up today) in the Genevieve Lenard series, and yes, I've already finished it. As far as I am concerned, it is another great addition to this series. I enjoyed the new setting (the team is vacationing in Hungary), and some new revelations about Colin's background. The original team's characters continue to develop nicely, and there are even a few new people to get acquainted with. I got a kick out of Genevieve's reaction to the baby's affection for her. For those of you who enjoy online gaming, this one features what I gather is a doozy, and the villain is someone you almost (but not quite) hate to hate. A satisfying story, if a bit quick to devour.
February 5, 2023
Normally I love this series, for some reason this installment just didn't grab me. I think maybe there's too many characters who've been pulled into Genevieve's circle so there's not enough focus on the individual personalities? Or maybe it's just because this book's mystery was just too easy to figure out? (I knew who the bad guy was at about 35%).
In any case, it was entertaining, but not on the same level as other books in the series.
In any case, it was entertaining, but not on the same level as other books in the series.
August 30, 2017
Great book
If you haven't read the previous books in this series, it will enhance your enjoyment of the books to read them in order. In each book the characters and their relationships grow and develop more depth, while solving a crime that is related to art. These books are hard to put down. The characters are unique and likeable.
If you haven't read the previous books in this series, it will enhance your enjoyment of the books to read them in order. In each book the characters and their relationships grow and develop more depth, while solving a crime that is related to art. These books are hard to put down. The characters are unique and likeable.
August 30, 2017
The series just gets better with each "Connection". Can't wait for The ??? Connection.
The series just gets better with each "Connection". Wonderful character development. Concise plotting. Genevieve, Colin, Nikki, Manny, Francine, Vinnie and Roxy are true to form. The addition of Eric continues Genevieve's journey with family and friends. Can't wait for The ??? Connection.
The series just gets better with each "Connection". Wonderful character development. Concise plotting. Genevieve, Colin, Nikki, Manny, Francine, Vinnie and Roxy are true to form. The addition of Eric continues Genevieve's journey with family and friends. Can't wait for The ??? Connection.
March 18, 2018
As always, Ms. Ryan keeps us guessing right up to the end.
Geneveive is definitely out of her comfort zone in this story and we also get to know a bit more about the back story of some of the other main characters.
All I can say is, if you liked any of the previous books, you will absolutely love this one.
Can't wait till the next one comes out (only a few days now).
Geneveive is definitely out of her comfort zone in this story and we also get to know a bit more about the back story of some of the other main characters.
All I can say is, if you liked any of the previous books, you will absolutely love this one.
Can't wait till the next one comes out (only a few days now).
August 27, 2017
Love these books
Once again Genevieve didn't disappoint love how her character has evolved over the books also her relationship with everyone else. Also the storyline was incredible.
Once again Genevieve didn't disappoint love how her character has evolved over the books also her relationship with everyone else. Also the storyline was incredible.
August 28, 2017
Brilliantly written
Another amazing book about Genevieve and her companions. I love learning about her struggles with her disability as it gives me a new perspective, not only about autism but other disabilities as well.
Another amazing book about Genevieve and her companions. I love learning about her struggles with her disability as it gives me a new perspective, not only about autism but other disabilities as well.
September 27, 2017
Wow, I couldn't put this down, the gang is pulled from vacation on a wild case with twists and turns throughout. The chemistry of the new members and the crew working away from home throws a few uniques twists you won't expect.
October 3, 2021
Winning is worth the wait!
I really enjoyed this exciting and heart pounding story, it hit on many levels of how mean some people can be, and what happens to those who suffer from racism and other abuse.
A great story, as always from this author.
I really enjoyed this exciting and heart pounding story, it hit on many levels of how mean some people can be, and what happens to those who suffer from racism and other abuse.
A great story, as always from this author.
January 27, 2018
I just love Genevieve and the way she interacts with the people around her. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but once they got into the main investigation I found there were occasions when my attention began to wander.
I didn’t find the investigation particularly interesting and I felt the group dynamics were a bit ‘flat’.
Part of the problem is for a big part of the story, I found I was feeling sympathy for the murderer and given a different context I may well have been routing for her to finish off the Nazis, racists, thieves and bullies. I also didn’t particularly like the ‘big game’ ending.
I didn’t find the investigation particularly interesting and I felt the group dynamics were a bit ‘flat’.
Part of the problem is for a big part of the story, I found I was feeling sympathy for the murderer and given a different context I may well have been routing for her to finish off the Nazis, racists, thieves and bullies. I also didn’t particularly like the ‘big game’ ending.
August 27, 2017
Another great book by Estelle Ryan. Doc G and the team are vacationing in a small town in Hungary when a case comes knocking at their door but not before Colin meets someone from his past. In this novel we learn more about this intriguing man and the events that shaped him into the person he is today. The author complemented the story line with Hungarian historical information dating back before WW2 through today. The political and social injustice/prejudice interwoven throughout the modern day story provides the reader a wealth of knowledge in addition to the mystery of figuring out who is the serial killer. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading all 11 novels and witnessing the slow, steady transformation of Doc G. Genevieve and Phillip's conversation in the last chapter sum up the changes nicely. Highly recommend this book and entire series.
August 8, 2025
I liked this book, but I was stressed for the FMC, who was out of her normal environment. I appreciated that we got more insight into Colin’s character—he’s so well written. I wish there were more Colins in the world.
September 3, 2017
Although this wasn't my favorite Genevieve book, it turned into a compelling read midway through the book. I know the author is trying to keep new readers to the series "in the loop" by repeating the history surrounding main characters, it just gets too repetitive for a complete series reader such as myself. As well, I know Genevieve is a master at reading micro expressions, but repeating again and again the the name of the muscle involved in reading the expression gets to be a bit much. A little less is more philosophy would be nice here.
Despite this, I found myself involved in the storyline. The author's writing style has never failed to intrigue me and the ending is very plausible, neatly looping in all loose ends and the clues given throughout the book. Most of the characters are very unique and I appreciate the author's efforts to build on this uniqueness and enhance the storyline. All in all a good read and I look forward to the next Genevieve and Colin book in the future.
Despite this, I found myself involved in the storyline. The author's writing style has never failed to intrigue me and the ending is very plausible, neatly looping in all loose ends and the clues given throughout the book. Most of the characters are very unique and I appreciate the author's efforts to build on this uniqueness and enhance the storyline. All in all a good read and I look forward to the next Genevieve and Colin book in the future.
October 9, 2021
I simply can not put it in words how much I love these books. The relationship between all of the characters are so genuine. They squabble and love like no other group.
Colin and Jenny are my OTP. I can not imagine a better pair. Their love isn't romance showy, it's deep and unending.
And each time a new romance sprouts in the series I love the series a bit more. I never thought Francine and Manny would become a thing but man do I love it.
This book was so different because they were vacationing in another country. They were completely out of their safety zones.
I adore that Daniel and Pink have become actual characters. I hope Pink and Nikky become an item.
I actually want to cry when Eric wants Genevieve. It is so perfect. And Genevieve becoming ok with holding him. So beautiful!
I hope this series never ends!
Colin and Jenny are my OTP. I can not imagine a better pair. Their love isn't romance showy, it's deep and unending.
And each time a new romance sprouts in the series I love the series a bit more. I never thought Francine and Manny would become a thing but man do I love it.
This book was so different because they were vacationing in another country. They were completely out of their safety zones.
I adore that Daniel and Pink have become actual characters. I hope Pink and Nikky become an item.
I actually want to cry when Eric wants Genevieve. It is so perfect. And Genevieve becoming ok with holding him. So beautiful!
I hope this series never ends!
November 11, 2017
These books are always 5 stars for me. So much excitement, rich culture, deep characters, and intelligent plots.
I love the Hungarian setting for this book, with descriptions of architecture and art. I love Colin's brilliance, and his tragic story in childhood. I think Pink should get together with Nikki, they'd be great looking after Eric together.
I love the cool game and how it fit in with the clues, as well as the history and culture of the Roma. Olivia is interesting, glad she wasn't a threat to Jenny and Colin, that would not be in keeping with the focus and style of Ryan's work.
Like being with old friends, an enjoyable interlude, now waiting until I can see everyone again.
I love the Hungarian setting for this book, with descriptions of architecture and art. I love Colin's brilliance, and his tragic story in childhood. I think Pink should get together with Nikki, they'd be great looking after Eric together.
I love the cool game and how it fit in with the clues, as well as the history and culture of the Roma. Olivia is interesting, glad she wasn't a threat to Jenny and Colin, that would not be in keeping with the focus and style of Ryan's work.
Like being with old friends, an enjoyable interlude, now waiting until I can see everyone again.
September 10, 2017
A favorite series featuring Dr. Geneiveve Lenard, specialist in non-verbal communication and her team of art and murder investigators. The team, which has become their own extended family, takes a vacation in Hungary and are asked to assist the Budapest police in the hunt for a serial killer.
Wearing a little thin as the core of the series characters as been fully established. Travel and a slightly different take on the subject under investigation gives the story life and prevents it from falling into “same old” pit. I was surprised at the racism still being experienced in Hungary of their Romany population. The racism of the United States is the most commonly touted racism and I was unaware of this type of occurrence in Europe. I love the art history that Estelle Ryan brings to light I had not been aware of Carl Netscher but with her spotlight and research I have learned a lot about this talented artist.
Wearing a little thin as the core of the series characters as been fully established. Travel and a slightly different take on the subject under investigation gives the story life and prevents it from falling into “same old” pit. I was surprised at the racism still being experienced in Hungary of their Romany population. The racism of the United States is the most commonly touted racism and I was unaware of this type of occurrence in Europe. I love the art history that Estelle Ryan brings to light I had not been aware of Carl Netscher but with her spotlight and research I have learned a lot about this talented artist.
May 15, 2024
Wonderful
This is maybe the most fascinating of all the series I have read or am reading. It satisfies on many levels: twisted mysteries that keep you guessing throughout the book, accurate details about history and cultures, brief introductions into art history by the art and artists featured in the titles, and finally the incredible cast of characters anchored by Dr Genevieve Lenard, an autistic genius who can read people by their expressions and motions. She spent many years in isolation because of her need for cleanliness and routine and her habit of shutting down and/or keening when these needs are breached. She is now the head of a group who investigates million dollar art thefts.
Although each book stands alone, I highly recommend reading the series in order to see the transformation of Genovieve. She is still highly sensitive to her surroundings, but her friends and colleagues recognize this.
This is maybe the most fascinating of all the series I have read or am reading. It satisfies on many levels: twisted mysteries that keep you guessing throughout the book, accurate details about history and cultures, brief introductions into art history by the art and artists featured in the titles, and finally the incredible cast of characters anchored by Dr Genevieve Lenard, an autistic genius who can read people by their expressions and motions. She spent many years in isolation because of her need for cleanliness and routine and her habit of shutting down and/or keening when these needs are breached. She is now the head of a group who investigates million dollar art thefts.
Although each book stands alone, I highly recommend reading the series in order to see the transformation of Genovieve. She is still highly sensitive to her surroundings, but her friends and colleagues recognize this.
May 5, 2021
Number 12 in the series. I am not reading them one right after the other as I want to stretch out the pleasure. I really enjoy these books and hate to think I only have 4 more before I will have to "wait" for a new adventure. They are filled with learning opportunities ~ from human behavior to art.
What I don't like about these books is the way Francine is described, despite her tech talent she comes across as an empty-headed, silly girl/women, and, all the "giggling" that happens a lot. Roxie is supposed to be an extremely intelligent doctor and all she does is giggle?! My 13 year old niece and her friends don't "giggle". And, what's up with all the fluttering of eyelashes - do women really do that? I cringe, but the rest of the book is so good I can push the fluttering and giggling away.
What I don't like about these books is the way Francine is described, despite her tech talent she comes across as an empty-headed, silly girl/women, and, all the "giggling" that happens a lot. Roxie is supposed to be an extremely intelligent doctor and all she does is giggle?! My 13 year old niece and her friends don't "giggle". And, what's up with all the fluttering of eyelashes - do women really do that? I cringe, but the rest of the book is so good I can push the fluttering and giggling away.
May 7, 2023
Genevieve Lenard’s team has gone on vacation to Hungary. Her love interest, Colin, bumps into a woman from his past under odd circumstances. In looking for her, the team connects with a local detective who asks for the team’s help. Is there a serial killer loose?
As usual in this most entertaining series, things get complicated and dangerous, requiring each team member’s skills to find evildoers. Themes come into play including European prejudices against Roma people, WWII art theft, and modern video game and privacy threats. Author Ryan makes the team and these themes merge into a thrilling ending. The usual fine ensemble of characters, absorbing story, and great pace.
As usual in this most entertaining series, things get complicated and dangerous, requiring each team member’s skills to find evildoers. Themes come into play including European prejudices against Roma people, WWII art theft, and modern video game and privacy threats. Author Ryan makes the team and these themes merge into a thrilling ending. The usual fine ensemble of characters, absorbing story, and great pace.
August 28, 2017
This is one of my favorites of the series! I loved getting more background on the mysterious Colin. The other characters are great as usual, and the new characters from the law enforcement in Hungary were interesting and amusing. The video game was fascinating - it almost made me want to play it even though I'm not into video games! Overall, I felt like this was a really intriguing, well researched mystery with great character development. And I'm happy that we finally got to see Genevieve on vacation! My only complaint might be not enough Phillip. ;)
September 25, 2017
I really enjoy Estelle Ryan's Genevieve Lenard series. It feels like I've become friends with the characters and am rooting for them to succeed in their adventures. The description of Genevieve's thought process and reactions to various stimuli and events has been eye-opening.
Story line aside, I enjoyed this book more than a very recent book (perhaps the last one) as that one was riddled with typos and grammatical errors. I found it a distraction from the plot and character development.
Story line aside, I enjoyed this book more than a very recent book (perhaps the last one) as that one was riddled with typos and grammatical errors. I found it a distraction from the plot and character development.
December 31, 2017
Another excellent entry in this series. This time, Genevieve and her team are on vacation in Hungary when they're approached by a local investigator about a series of 'natural' deaths that he thinks are anything but. Again there's stolen artwork, links to Nazi atrocities, and the gang's tech specialists also get a workout as they try to work out how these folks are connected and why they're dying.
Highly recommend the series, and I've already pre-ordered the next book which comes out in February.
Highly recommend the series, and I've already pre-ordered the next book which comes out in February.
October 3, 2018
Another great read in the Genevieve Lenard series
Currently, this is my favorite mystery/thriller series. I've read 11 of the 12 books in the series and am putting off reading the final book only because I don't want the series to end. I hope there will be a 13th book. The main character, Genevieve, is not your typical heroine. In fact, as she describes herself, she is non-neurotypical --- she's on the autism spectrum. Seeing her change and grow through the series of books has added to my enjoyment. The supporting characters are all well-drawn too.
Currently, this is my favorite mystery/thriller series. I've read 11 of the 12 books in the series and am putting off reading the final book only because I don't want the series to end. I hope there will be a 13th book. The main character, Genevieve, is not your typical heroine. In fact, as she describes herself, she is non-neurotypical --- she's on the autism spectrum. Seeing her change and grow through the series of books has added to my enjoyment. The supporting characters are all well-drawn too.
September 18, 2021
Each entry in this series presents an intriguing mystery and the interplay between disparate character who work seamlessly together is fun to read about. This mystery finds the crew on vacation in Hungary when a local detective involves them in a murder that becomes multi-murders, Nazi art theft, racial discrimination against the Romany, and gender discrimination in the gaming industry. Disparate themes that the author blends well together into a great mystery. Also, having a non-neurotypical woman as protagonist for this series is refreshing and an eye-opener.
September 25, 2017
I feel so lucky to have read one of this series in the same month I have also read the latest Armand Gamache title. We learn Colin's back story and Genevieve's abilities are pushed beyond in a new setting and with new people as the team works to find and stop the killer. I am so impressed with the growth of the characters as this series continues. It was wonderful to read about Pink's recovery and involvement in the case.
May 25, 2019
Fascinating!
At first, I thought I had read this book already. But then I realized I had only read the preview of it in the previous book in the series. It's nice to read about the recurring characters and their relationships and how well they interact with each other. And the unfolding of the plot is what keeps you on the edge of your seat. Score another winner for Estelle.
At first, I thought I had read this book already. But then I realized I had only read the preview of it in the previous book in the series. It's nice to read about the recurring characters and their relationships and how well they interact with each other. And the unfolding of the plot is what keeps you on the edge of your seat. Score another winner for Estelle.
August 26, 2017
Just wish Estelle Ryan would not write books that I can't put down. Again I finished this book in one day. It is an honour to be able to follow the growth and therein the struggles Genevieve has to battle daily. Can't wait for the next installment.
I have just started to read the whole series again - that is how good these books are!!
I have just started to read the whole series again - that is how good these books are!!
September 13, 2017
I was lucky. I discovered the first book of this series and purchased it. I was hooked! Estelle Ryan not only writes well, she is very knowledgeable about her subjects.
Unfortunately, I have just finished The Netscher Connection and will have to wait until the release of the next book in this series. I hope Ms. Ryan has many planned.
There are few authors that make me "Chomp at the bit" waiting for their next book. Estelle Ryan is one of them!
Unfortunately, I have just finished The Netscher Connection and will have to wait until the release of the next book in this series. I hope Ms. Ryan has many planned.
There are few authors that make me "Chomp at the bit" waiting for their next book. Estelle Ryan is one of them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews