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A Long Time Coming
It takes a real artist to solve a crime this big—in a brilliant, engrossing mystery by Edgar Award winner Aaron Elkins…
Art curator Val Caruso is not a happy camper. His promotion has just been nixed, his divorce has become final, and he’s dug himself into a nice little rut for his fortieth birthday. The uplift? A trip to Milan to help Holocaust survivor Sol Bezzecca recover a pair of cherished sketches by Renoir. They’d once been given to Sol’s family by the then-unknown artist, looted by the Italian Fascist militia, and now after decades in hiding have turned up for auction. It’s Val’s job to get them back.
Unfortunately, his Italian adventure takes a dangerous turn when he becomes trapped in an intricate web that reaches back to World War II—and is still very sticky with art thieves, forgers, and somebody who wants Val out of the picture permanently. When the lost Renoirs are stolen yet again, Val is more determined than ever to hunt them down. The reward for reuniting an old man with his rightful past? Priceless.
But doing it is going to be murder.
Art curator Val Caruso is not a happy camper. His promotion has just been nixed, his divorce has become final, and he’s dug himself into a nice little rut for his fortieth birthday. The uplift? A trip to Milan to help Holocaust survivor Sol Bezzecca recover a pair of cherished sketches by Renoir. They’d once been given to Sol’s family by the then-unknown artist, looted by the Italian Fascist militia, and now after decades in hiding have turned up for auction. It’s Val’s job to get them back.
Unfortunately, his Italian adventure takes a dangerous turn when he becomes trapped in an intricate web that reaches back to World War II—and is still very sticky with art thieves, forgers, and somebody who wants Val out of the picture permanently. When the lost Renoirs are stolen yet again, Val is more determined than ever to hunt them down. The reward for reuniting an old man with his rightful past? Priceless.
But doing it is going to be murder.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2018
1248 people are currently reading
1976 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Elkins
54 books337 followersAaron J. Elkins, AKA Aaron Elkins (born Brooklyn July 24, 1935) is an American mystery writer. He is best known for his series of novels featuring forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver—the 'skeleton detective'. The fourth Oliver book, Old Bones, received the 1988 Edgar Award for Best Novel. As Oliver is a world-renowned authority, he travels around the world and each book is set in a different and often exotic locale.
In another series, the protagonist is museum curator Chris Norgren, an expert in Northern Renaissance art.
One of his stand-alone thrillers, Loot deals with art stolen by the Nazis and introduces protagonist Dr. Benjamin Revere.
With his wife, Charlotte Elkins, he has also co-written a series of golf mysteries about LPGA member Lee Ofsted. They shared an Agatha Award for their short story "Nice Gorilla".
Aaron and Charlotte live on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
Japanese: アーロン エルキンズ
Series:
* Lee Ofsted (with Charlotte Elkins)
Series contributed to:
* Malice Domestic
In another series, the protagonist is museum curator Chris Norgren, an expert in Northern Renaissance art.
One of his stand-alone thrillers, Loot deals with art stolen by the Nazis and introduces protagonist Dr. Benjamin Revere.
With his wife, Charlotte Elkins, he has also co-written a series of golf mysteries about LPGA member Lee Ofsted. They shared an Agatha Award for their short story "Nice Gorilla".
Aaron and Charlotte live on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
Japanese: アーロン エルキンズ
Series:
* Lee Ofsted (with Charlotte Elkins)
Series contributed to:
* Malice Domestic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
August 11, 2018
"The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief." (William Shakespeare)
Valentino Caruso seems to feel that life has stolen some of its golden moments from him. It's turning forty that has put him in the doldrums. He reflects back upon his two failed marriages and the reality that there's not even a glimpse of a new relationship in sight. Perhaps he should just tread water for a while.......
But often opportunity doesn't just rap lightly on the door of our lives. Sometimes it just kicks the door in with a heavy leather boot.
What Val lacks in his personal life, he makes up for in his professional life. As an art curator for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Val comes in contact with highly-prized masterpieces every day. But this particular day will swing things around drastically for him. He's contacted by the IRSA who deal in recovering stolen art. Science has made great advances through the years in art forensics that reveal fine-tuned renderings in the form of bogus replicas.
Enter Solomon Bezzecca, a man teetering on the rim of ninety years old. He reveals to Val that his great grandfather possessed two unknown works of Renoit. As a child, Sol grew up viewing these two art pieces on the wall of their kitchen in Italy. As Sol's story unfolds, we learn of the brutality of the Italian Fascists who stole the art off the wall, beat his great grandfather to death, and sent young Jewish Sol to the fate of the encampments. Miraculously, Sol escaped to New York after the war.
Here's the draw: Sol only desires the light Renoir sketch of a cafe scene in Paris. In the background is a depiction of his great grandfather seated at a table. He knew Renoir well early on in his career. The IRSA has found the latest owner of the artwork who bought the art in a Hungarian flea market. Ulisse Agnello is someone who Val knows through his art dealings in Milan. Sounds like an easy turnover, right? Not so fast......
This was my first book by Aaron Elkins. His character of Val is almost like a rendition of Everyman. Val wants desperately to do the right thing. The transition from New York City to Milan is quite the interesting one. Elkins inserts an almost travelogue mystique in roaming the streets of said city. But there's plenty of action here with bodily harm coming to Val and a dead body in the Alps. Art may be in the eye of the beholder and international law bends like a colorful rainbow.
I received a copy of A Long Time Coming through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Aaron Elkins for the opportunity.
Valentino Caruso seems to feel that life has stolen some of its golden moments from him. It's turning forty that has put him in the doldrums. He reflects back upon his two failed marriages and the reality that there's not even a glimpse of a new relationship in sight. Perhaps he should just tread water for a while.......
But often opportunity doesn't just rap lightly on the door of our lives. Sometimes it just kicks the door in with a heavy leather boot.
What Val lacks in his personal life, he makes up for in his professional life. As an art curator for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Val comes in contact with highly-prized masterpieces every day. But this particular day will swing things around drastically for him. He's contacted by the IRSA who deal in recovering stolen art. Science has made great advances through the years in art forensics that reveal fine-tuned renderings in the form of bogus replicas.
Enter Solomon Bezzecca, a man teetering on the rim of ninety years old. He reveals to Val that his great grandfather possessed two unknown works of Renoit. As a child, Sol grew up viewing these two art pieces on the wall of their kitchen in Italy. As Sol's story unfolds, we learn of the brutality of the Italian Fascists who stole the art off the wall, beat his great grandfather to death, and sent young Jewish Sol to the fate of the encampments. Miraculously, Sol escaped to New York after the war.
Here's the draw: Sol only desires the light Renoir sketch of a cafe scene in Paris. In the background is a depiction of his great grandfather seated at a table. He knew Renoir well early on in his career. The IRSA has found the latest owner of the artwork who bought the art in a Hungarian flea market. Ulisse Agnello is someone who Val knows through his art dealings in Milan. Sounds like an easy turnover, right? Not so fast......
This was my first book by Aaron Elkins. His character of Val is almost like a rendition of Everyman. Val wants desperately to do the right thing. The transition from New York City to Milan is quite the interesting one. Elkins inserts an almost travelogue mystique in roaming the streets of said city. But there's plenty of action here with bodily harm coming to Val and a dead body in the Alps. Art may be in the eye of the beholder and international law bends like a colorful rainbow.
I received a copy of A Long Time Coming through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to Aaron Elkins for the opportunity.
July 15, 2018
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Aaron Elkins, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
A fan of one particular series Aaron Elkins penned over the years, I was curious to see how one of these standalone novels might work for me. Valentino ‘Val’ Caruso is facing middle-age head on, though life has not dealt him the hand he would have liked. An assistant curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Caruso knows his stuff and makes it his business to ensure the New York art world remains on pace with its European counterparts. When Caruso is approached to help with the return of a few pieces of art confiscated by the Italian Government during the lead-up to the Second World War, he jumps at the opportunity to assist. Mr. Solomon Bezzecca, into his ninetieth year, tells of how he witnessed his great-grandfather lose two early pieces by Renoir, torn from his grasp, including an early self-portrait of the author. Caruso soon learns that the current owner is none other than his old friend and mentor, Ulisse Agnello. After securing a plan with Bezzecca, Caruso travels to Italy to determine what might be done. Armed with the knowledge that the Italian courts rejected Bezzecca’s claims of rightful return, Caruso will use his familiarity with the current owner to find a happy medium. After reaching out to Agnello, Caruso discovers that things are more complicated than they first appear. Pulled into the darker side of the Italian art world, Caruso will not stop until he brings these pieces home to a man who wants nothing more than to set the world right once again. Elkins proves that he is able to write effectively outside his forensic genre and still entertain the reader with his captivating writing. Those who enjoy art and mysteries centred around them will surely find much in this book to their liking.
I first became familiar with Aaron Elkins as the father of modern forensic anthropology mysteries, which proved to be a lighthearted and highly educational binge read a few years ago. I knew he had worked on a few other novels, including a husband-wife series, some of which might have an art flavour to them. However, this was my first venture outside of forensics with Elkins at the helm (admittedly, he adds some in this novel). Val Caruso proves to be an interesting character, with much of his backstories relayed through first-person narrative in the opening chapter. Moving forward, he presents as an intelligent man in the art world but one who bumbles around and appears to fall into the crosshairs of those seeking to stop him from accomplishing his mission. The handful of other characters pepper the narrative and inject their own personality traits to provide the reader with some decent contrasts, some more effective than others. The premise of the novel is decent, tracing back a piece of art that was confiscated from its rightful (?) owner in a world where prices change hourly and the criminal element is always lurking. I found the pace of the story decent, but the plot had so many quick resolutions. The art is there, then it’s gone. A shadow changes in the background, then two bodies are left bleeding and alone. There was also a problem with the first-person narrative, as it allowed Elkins (through Caruso) to offer annoying editorialising and information dropping. I have often read books outside of my area of vast knowledge, but I am forced to stumble through and learn for myself, not be told every minute thing that I may not know in a “look at how much I know and will tell you, reader!”.That being said, it is clear that Elkins knows his stuff and has been able to relay it to the reader effectively. I have come to expect Elkins to be a little ‘bumbly’ and ‘preachy’, though it has slightly skewed my enjoyment of this novel.
Kudos, Mr. Elkins, for a decent novel. I know many have lauded your praise and I see much that I enjoyed in this piece. At this stage in your life and career, I suppose it’s best to roll with the punches from reviewers like me.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
A fan of one particular series Aaron Elkins penned over the years, I was curious to see how one of these standalone novels might work for me. Valentino ‘Val’ Caruso is facing middle-age head on, though life has not dealt him the hand he would have liked. An assistant curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Caruso knows his stuff and makes it his business to ensure the New York art world remains on pace with its European counterparts. When Caruso is approached to help with the return of a few pieces of art confiscated by the Italian Government during the lead-up to the Second World War, he jumps at the opportunity to assist. Mr. Solomon Bezzecca, into his ninetieth year, tells of how he witnessed his great-grandfather lose two early pieces by Renoir, torn from his grasp, including an early self-portrait of the author. Caruso soon learns that the current owner is none other than his old friend and mentor, Ulisse Agnello. After securing a plan with Bezzecca, Caruso travels to Italy to determine what might be done. Armed with the knowledge that the Italian courts rejected Bezzecca’s claims of rightful return, Caruso will use his familiarity with the current owner to find a happy medium. After reaching out to Agnello, Caruso discovers that things are more complicated than they first appear. Pulled into the darker side of the Italian art world, Caruso will not stop until he brings these pieces home to a man who wants nothing more than to set the world right once again. Elkins proves that he is able to write effectively outside his forensic genre and still entertain the reader with his captivating writing. Those who enjoy art and mysteries centred around them will surely find much in this book to their liking.
I first became familiar with Aaron Elkins as the father of modern forensic anthropology mysteries, which proved to be a lighthearted and highly educational binge read a few years ago. I knew he had worked on a few other novels, including a husband-wife series, some of which might have an art flavour to them. However, this was my first venture outside of forensics with Elkins at the helm (admittedly, he adds some in this novel). Val Caruso proves to be an interesting character, with much of his backstories relayed through first-person narrative in the opening chapter. Moving forward, he presents as an intelligent man in the art world but one who bumbles around and appears to fall into the crosshairs of those seeking to stop him from accomplishing his mission. The handful of other characters pepper the narrative and inject their own personality traits to provide the reader with some decent contrasts, some more effective than others. The premise of the novel is decent, tracing back a piece of art that was confiscated from its rightful (?) owner in a world where prices change hourly and the criminal element is always lurking. I found the pace of the story decent, but the plot had so many quick resolutions. The art is there, then it’s gone. A shadow changes in the background, then two bodies are left bleeding and alone. There was also a problem with the first-person narrative, as it allowed Elkins (through Caruso) to offer annoying editorialising and information dropping. I have often read books outside of my area of vast knowledge, but I am forced to stumble through and learn for myself, not be told every minute thing that I may not know in a “look at how much I know and will tell you, reader!”.That being said, it is clear that Elkins knows his stuff and has been able to relay it to the reader effectively. I have come to expect Elkins to be a little ‘bumbly’ and ‘preachy’, though it has slightly skewed my enjoyment of this novel.
Kudos, Mr. Elkins, for a decent novel. I know many have lauded your praise and I see much that I enjoyed in this piece. At this stage in your life and career, I suppose it’s best to roll with the punches from reviewers like me.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
June 29, 2021
It had been a while since I read a book by this author as I previously enjoyed his Gideon Oliver series. This book provided a lively art fraud plot and a nice trip to Milan from New York where the narrator of our story is a curator. A special request was made of him to restore art to an older man who had been subjected to Nazi tactics of stealing art.
This book seems to be his most recent, published in 2018, and is the fifth of the husband/wife team's Alix London series.
Kindle Unlimited
This book seems to be his most recent, published in 2018, and is the fifth of the husband/wife team's Alix London series.
Kindle Unlimited
September 14, 2019
The life of an associate curator is not a happy one. At least it's not for Val Caruso, Yale Ph.D. and associate curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We are introduced to him on his 40th birthday, hammered by life and hammered by the alcohol he's imbibed to dull the pain. His divorce (the second) has been finalized; a promotion to full curatorship has just fallen through; his current project is a morass of administrative minutiae and revisions of revisions of contracts for an exhibition scheduled to open two years into the future. One might think his job is a glamorous one. Treasures of the Brera: Five Centuries of Italian Masterworks will move on to four other major museums after its initial run at the Metropolitan. His work will require a flight to Milan to coordinate with the Brera organizers. He quickly disabuses us of that notion. Caruso is not even excited by a call from Esther Lindauer, Director of the Institute for the Recovery of Stolen Art (IRSA).
Two previously unknown early works by Renoir were confiscated by the Nazis. The owner was Solomon Bezzecca's great-grandfather and one work in particular has enormous sentimental value. Caruso candidly admits that the years have made him cynical: “With the passing of the years — the decades — the people who actually lived through the terrible suffering of the Holocaust have largely died off and the claimants to their estates have more and more gotten to be two and three generations removed, frequently never even having met their relatives or seen the objects they were now hoping to get their hands on.” (p.26)
However, Solomon Bezzecca is different. His story is compelling and deeply personal, and Caruso might actually be in a position to help, to throw his energies into a worthwhile mission. He was a former protegee of Ulisse Agnello, the current owner of the paintings. Ulisse was once head appraiser at the prestigious Dell 'Acqua auction house, and has an expert eye. He purchased the paintings for their frames but on inspection discovered the Renoirs hidden beneath the more recently overpainted seascapes. Ulisse was not only Caruso's mentor but a close friend, and since Bezzacca only wants the loan of the less valuable piece, Caruso is optimistic. He will be traveling to Milan on the Met's dime so undertaking this pro bono work comes just at the right time.
Caruso is an astute guide to the insider world of art collecting, restoration and selling. Time after time he confesses his own disaffection with the vagaries of pricing. Esther even teases him about his notion that price should be proportional to quality when he gasps at the assessed value of the early stage Renoirs.
He is also refreshingly down-to-earth, referring to his own stocky appearance that once inspired a girlfriend to compare his build to a tugboat ( “But a very nice- looking tugboat” (p.97)). It is an unusual image that replaces the dapperly tailored sophisticate of our imagination.
Finally, Caruso is an expert guide to Milan, having lived there for two summers in addition to frequent visits connected with his job. He provides appreciative descriptions of the food and irreverent jokes about the city's celebrity pretensions.
There is something beguiling about crime in the art world and author Aaron Elkin does not disappoint. As Caruso attempts to persuade Ulisse and his wealthy backers to approve the loan, a crime is definitely being hatched. A brutal attack sends Caruso to the hospital. What began as a slow-burning puzzler becomes a fast-paced thriller. Caruso begins to review and re-interpret the clues at hand and displays his considerable acumen in Impressionist art. This was an exciting read that I would recommend to anyone interested in art history.
NOTES:
Gaughin's painting: “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where are We Going? https://www.wikiart.org/en/paul-gaugu...
The Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan https://pinacotecabrera.org/en/
“Napoleon and Tinkerbell” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleo...
Two previously unknown early works by Renoir were confiscated by the Nazis. The owner was Solomon Bezzecca's great-grandfather and one work in particular has enormous sentimental value. Caruso candidly admits that the years have made him cynical: “With the passing of the years — the decades — the people who actually lived through the terrible suffering of the Holocaust have largely died off and the claimants to their estates have more and more gotten to be two and three generations removed, frequently never even having met their relatives or seen the objects they were now hoping to get their hands on.” (p.26)
However, Solomon Bezzecca is different. His story is compelling and deeply personal, and Caruso might actually be in a position to help, to throw his energies into a worthwhile mission. He was a former protegee of Ulisse Agnello, the current owner of the paintings. Ulisse was once head appraiser at the prestigious Dell 'Acqua auction house, and has an expert eye. He purchased the paintings for their frames but on inspection discovered the Renoirs hidden beneath the more recently overpainted seascapes. Ulisse was not only Caruso's mentor but a close friend, and since Bezzacca only wants the loan of the less valuable piece, Caruso is optimistic. He will be traveling to Milan on the Met's dime so undertaking this pro bono work comes just at the right time.
Caruso is an astute guide to the insider world of art collecting, restoration and selling. Time after time he confesses his own disaffection with the vagaries of pricing. Esther even teases him about his notion that price should be proportional to quality when he gasps at the assessed value of the early stage Renoirs.
He is also refreshingly down-to-earth, referring to his own stocky appearance that once inspired a girlfriend to compare his build to a tugboat ( “But a very nice- looking tugboat” (p.97)). It is an unusual image that replaces the dapperly tailored sophisticate of our imagination.
Finally, Caruso is an expert guide to Milan, having lived there for two summers in addition to frequent visits connected with his job. He provides appreciative descriptions of the food and irreverent jokes about the city's celebrity pretensions.
There is something beguiling about crime in the art world and author Aaron Elkin does not disappoint. As Caruso attempts to persuade Ulisse and his wealthy backers to approve the loan, a crime is definitely being hatched. A brutal attack sends Caruso to the hospital. What began as a slow-burning puzzler becomes a fast-paced thriller. Caruso begins to review and re-interpret the clues at hand and displays his considerable acumen in Impressionist art. This was an exciting read that I would recommend to anyone interested in art history.
NOTES:
Gaughin's painting: “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where are We Going? https://www.wikiart.org/en/paul-gaugu...
The Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan https://pinacotecabrera.org/en/
“Napoleon and Tinkerbell” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleo...
September 14, 2018
Nut shell: unexceptional story hijacked by way-too-wordy setting and an art lecture.
Aaron Elkin has been writing mysteries for a long time, but he is new to me. When I saw this title listed on Net Galley, I went to Goodreads and found that his work is well regarded by some of my friends; add to this his residence in my own Pacific Northwest, and I am ready to give his work a try. Thanks go to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for the DRC, which I received free of charge in exchange for this honest review.
The story starts well. Val Caruso is an art curator, and his personal life is a mess. He’s stone cold broke, and so when he is approached to do a job involving a stolen-but-found Renoir, his interest is piqued. An ancient Holocaust survivor claims ownership of a painting that has been sold to someone else, and Caruso is hired to help. I particularly enjoy the character of Esther, the domineering but charming friend that connects the two men; alas, we will soon leave her behind when we go to Milan.
At the outset the amount of art related information feels just about right to me. The book is sold as a popular read rather than a niche item for art aficionados, and I am cheered by this, since I have little to no interest in art. As we travel to Milan, however, the art lectures become oppressive. By the forty percent mark I find myself watching the page numbers roll by, oh so slowly, and cursing myself for having taken the galley. Brush strokes? Historical nature of paint color? Who the hell cares? The travelogue aspect of the book also starts well, but eventually the level of detail slooows this story to a crawl. I find myself cynically wondering whether this series is simply a ruse for the author to claim his globe-trotting expenses on his tax returns.
Elkin has a solid reputation built on an earlier series, and at some point I may give that one a whirl, but Val Caruso and I are done.
Aaron Elkin has been writing mysteries for a long time, but he is new to me. When I saw this title listed on Net Galley, I went to Goodreads and found that his work is well regarded by some of my friends; add to this his residence in my own Pacific Northwest, and I am ready to give his work a try. Thanks go to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for the DRC, which I received free of charge in exchange for this honest review.
The story starts well. Val Caruso is an art curator, and his personal life is a mess. He’s stone cold broke, and so when he is approached to do a job involving a stolen-but-found Renoir, his interest is piqued. An ancient Holocaust survivor claims ownership of a painting that has been sold to someone else, and Caruso is hired to help. I particularly enjoy the character of Esther, the domineering but charming friend that connects the two men; alas, we will soon leave her behind when we go to Milan.
At the outset the amount of art related information feels just about right to me. The book is sold as a popular read rather than a niche item for art aficionados, and I am cheered by this, since I have little to no interest in art. As we travel to Milan, however, the art lectures become oppressive. By the forty percent mark I find myself watching the page numbers roll by, oh so slowly, and cursing myself for having taken the galley. Brush strokes? Historical nature of paint color? Who the hell cares? The travelogue aspect of the book also starts well, but eventually the level of detail slooows this story to a crawl. I find myself cynically wondering whether this series is simply a ruse for the author to claim his globe-trotting expenses on his tax returns.
Elkin has a solid reputation built on an earlier series, and at some point I may give that one a whirl, but Val Caruso and I are done.
May 17, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
Oh boy, does life start at 40 indeed!
Valentino is a currently-not-so-happy art curator for the NY Metropolitan, off to Italy to organize an upcoming exhibition. Just before leaving he's asked to negotiate two recently recovered sketches by Renoir, now on hold in Milan. Longing for purpose and adventure he jumps at the opportunity. And what a ride it turns out to be!
Being an Art Buff myself, this book grabbed me from the start and I finished it in one sitting.
The writing is exquisite. Mr. Elkins sure has a way with words. I loved the quirky dialogue, all those artfully wicked characters had me laugh out loud several times. Indepth descriptions of people and places. I was right there enjoying the sights and sounds of Milan.
As the story progresses the pace picks up, on a mission to get the sketches back to their rightful owner.
'A Long Time Coming' is an exciting murder-mystery covering art, auction, a heist and Nutella brioches...
Very entertaining and highly recommended.
Oh boy, does life start at 40 indeed!
Valentino is a currently-not-so-happy art curator for the NY Metropolitan, off to Italy to organize an upcoming exhibition. Just before leaving he's asked to negotiate two recently recovered sketches by Renoir, now on hold in Milan. Longing for purpose and adventure he jumps at the opportunity. And what a ride it turns out to be!
Being an Art Buff myself, this book grabbed me from the start and I finished it in one sitting.
The writing is exquisite. Mr. Elkins sure has a way with words. I loved the quirky dialogue, all those artfully wicked characters had me laugh out loud several times. Indepth descriptions of people and places. I was right there enjoying the sights and sounds of Milan.
As the story progresses the pace picks up, on a mission to get the sketches back to their rightful owner.
'A Long Time Coming' is an exciting murder-mystery covering art, auction, a heist and Nutella brioches...
Very entertaining and highly recommended.
October 3, 2018
A thoroughly enjoyable read! Lots of twists, and the characters were believable and likable (even the bad guys)! And I'll never stop loving the knowledge that comes with a well-researched book on art.
April 23, 2018
5 stars
Valentino “Val” Caruso is a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. He is feeling rather sorry for himself, for he believes he has hit the trifecta of bad luck: the end of his marriage, a promotion denied and he just turned forty.
An organization called IRSA which recovers stolen art works that were “disappeared” during WWII calls Val and asks him if he’d like an exciting mission. Since he is off to Italy anyway, he says sure. Solomon Bezzecca is looking for his great-grandfather’s stolen Renoirs. They were looted by the Italian Fascist militia during the war.
The now owner of the painting happens to be an old friend of Val’s named Ulisse Agnello, and who is basically a good guy. Hopefully, it won’t be too much trouble to get him to agree to a loan of one of the paintings for the balance of Sol’s life. He is eighty-nine after all. When he gets to Italy, Val immediately calls his old friend. He has no problem loaning – or maybe even giving – the painting to the elderly man. However, there is a problem. It seems that Ulisse had to borrow money from a local wealthy man to pay for the lawsuits regarding the paintings. He had to put the paintings up as collateral.
When Val and art restorer Dante are attacked and the paintings stolen, it throws another wrench into the works. They are both transported to the hospital and treated. Val goes to the police station for an appointment with an old acquaintance, Lieutenant Luca Fontanella. Luca throws a wrench into the works when he asks Val is Ulisse could have had something to do with the theft and assault. At first, Val disputes this, but the more he thinks about it…could it be possible?
I really liked Val’s asides about the character and demeanor of the people he meets. It was a refreshing and smart-alecky way of describing people. I found it both humorous and in good fun.
I’ve read many of Aaron Elkins’ novels, and this one is as well written and plotted as the other ones I’ve read. Poor Val is going through a life crisis when he receives word of an elderly man to whom he can restore the past. He will do this by obtaining the looted art that was stolen during WWII. The tension in our story begins here and it is very subtle at first. It gradually builds as Val meets Sol and vows do to all he can to get the art work back. Sol’s story is very hard to hear and Val’s heart goes out to him. Mr. Elkins’ characterizations are absolutely wonderful. He made the people in the book colorful. The reader gets a full picture on the person and almost as if you met them in real life. I was very interested in Mr. Elkins’ descriptions of the art world and how art auctions work. It was fascinating. This is a great novel, and I was so happy to be put on to Mr. Elkins’ work once more. I had relegated him almost to the back of my mind. I’d like to see more of Val Caruso and immediately went to Amazon to look for other novels about Val.
I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book to read, enjoy and review.
Valentino “Val” Caruso is a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. He is feeling rather sorry for himself, for he believes he has hit the trifecta of bad luck: the end of his marriage, a promotion denied and he just turned forty.
An organization called IRSA which recovers stolen art works that were “disappeared” during WWII calls Val and asks him if he’d like an exciting mission. Since he is off to Italy anyway, he says sure. Solomon Bezzecca is looking for his great-grandfather’s stolen Renoirs. They were looted by the Italian Fascist militia during the war.
The now owner of the painting happens to be an old friend of Val’s named Ulisse Agnello, and who is basically a good guy. Hopefully, it won’t be too much trouble to get him to agree to a loan of one of the paintings for the balance of Sol’s life. He is eighty-nine after all. When he gets to Italy, Val immediately calls his old friend. He has no problem loaning – or maybe even giving – the painting to the elderly man. However, there is a problem. It seems that Ulisse had to borrow money from a local wealthy man to pay for the lawsuits regarding the paintings. He had to put the paintings up as collateral.
When Val and art restorer Dante are attacked and the paintings stolen, it throws another wrench into the works. They are both transported to the hospital and treated. Val goes to the police station for an appointment with an old acquaintance, Lieutenant Luca Fontanella. Luca throws a wrench into the works when he asks Val is Ulisse could have had something to do with the theft and assault. At first, Val disputes this, but the more he thinks about it…could it be possible?
I really liked Val’s asides about the character and demeanor of the people he meets. It was a refreshing and smart-alecky way of describing people. I found it both humorous and in good fun.
I’ve read many of Aaron Elkins’ novels, and this one is as well written and plotted as the other ones I’ve read. Poor Val is going through a life crisis when he receives word of an elderly man to whom he can restore the past. He will do this by obtaining the looted art that was stolen during WWII. The tension in our story begins here and it is very subtle at first. It gradually builds as Val meets Sol and vows do to all he can to get the art work back. Sol’s story is very hard to hear and Val’s heart goes out to him. Mr. Elkins’ characterizations are absolutely wonderful. He made the people in the book colorful. The reader gets a full picture on the person and almost as if you met them in real life. I was very interested in Mr. Elkins’ descriptions of the art world and how art auctions work. It was fascinating. This is a great novel, and I was so happy to be put on to Mr. Elkins’ work once more. I had relegated him almost to the back of my mind. I’d like to see more of Val Caruso and immediately went to Amazon to look for other novels about Val.
I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book to read, enjoy and review.
July 16, 2019
A Long Time Coming
Aaron Elkins
Thomas & Mercer, Aug 2018
263 pages, Kindle ARC
Also in paperback, audiobook, and MP3 CD
Murder mystery
Provided by NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐🌙
I liked the cover since I really like maps and old gold frames as they use in museums. It gave me the feeling that the story would take me on another one of Elkins crazy labyrinthian chases around the world and time for some clues and a treasure. Great job!
The story was interesting and has some twists in it. Nowhere near the usual number of twists an Elkins story normally has though.
The pace isn’t as fast as the typical Elkins story either. Typically I’m racing to keep up with the Skeleton Detective. This time the story opens with the curator at the Met not getting the promotion he’d been promised because of funding changes, getting his final divorce papers, and turning 40 all on one day. So it’s a bit of a downer and the tone seems to hang over everything throughout. Val Caruso goes off on his trip to Italy to arrange for the art collection being sent to the US museums. He has a secondary mission his friend Esther has asked him to take on. A mission of mercy more or less. To try to get the recently rediscovered Renoir back in the hands of the original owner, at least for the rest of his lifetime. Since the man is 89 and in poor health, that shouldn’t really be too long.
It’s all very touching, the whole story behind the theft of the Renoirs (there are two of them). The efforts Val goes to and the whole telling of the story is done well, but still, the tension and the tone seem depressed. It never seems to quite escape the doldrums that Val feels at the beginning with his trifecta of letdowns. And it seems to be contagious among the other characters as well. I actually read this book almost immediately after I received the ARC in April 2018, and set it aside. I couldn’t write a review of it because I was so disappointed. Here was a book by a favorite author and it had let me down so badly. And who was I to give such a big author such a low rating? So, this book has sat here not getting a review for months. But now I have read it again and I am doing this review. I feel a bit better about the book, but still not thrilled. I highly recommend Aaron Elkins as an author. This story is good, but this is not his best book.
Aaron Elkins
Thomas & Mercer, Aug 2018
263 pages, Kindle ARC
Also in paperback, audiobook, and MP3 CD
Murder mystery
Provided by NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐🌙
I liked the cover since I really like maps and old gold frames as they use in museums. It gave me the feeling that the story would take me on another one of Elkins crazy labyrinthian chases around the world and time for some clues and a treasure. Great job!
The story was interesting and has some twists in it. Nowhere near the usual number of twists an Elkins story normally has though.
The pace isn’t as fast as the typical Elkins story either. Typically I’m racing to keep up with the Skeleton Detective. This time the story opens with the curator at the Met not getting the promotion he’d been promised because of funding changes, getting his final divorce papers, and turning 40 all on one day. So it’s a bit of a downer and the tone seems to hang over everything throughout. Val Caruso goes off on his trip to Italy to arrange for the art collection being sent to the US museums. He has a secondary mission his friend Esther has asked him to take on. A mission of mercy more or less. To try to get the recently rediscovered Renoir back in the hands of the original owner, at least for the rest of his lifetime. Since the man is 89 and in poor health, that shouldn’t really be too long.
It’s all very touching, the whole story behind the theft of the Renoirs (there are two of them). The efforts Val goes to and the whole telling of the story is done well, but still, the tension and the tone seem depressed. It never seems to quite escape the doldrums that Val feels at the beginning with his trifecta of letdowns. And it seems to be contagious among the other characters as well. I actually read this book almost immediately after I received the ARC in April 2018, and set it aside. I couldn’t write a review of it because I was so disappointed. Here was a book by a favorite author and it had let me down so badly. And who was I to give such a big author such a low rating? So, this book has sat here not getting a review for months. But now I have read it again and I am doing this review. I feel a bit better about the book, but still not thrilled. I highly recommend Aaron Elkins as an author. This story is good, but this is not his best book.
February 2, 2019
This book has everything I like in a mystery: story, character, vivid setting, and a chance to learn something. There is an interesting premise, a very evocative setting in Italy that makes me want to book the next flight over, and a chance to learn fascinating information about Italian art. MOST OF ALL, it has a narrator/protagonist I LIKE, a nicely fleshed-out person who is not highly dysfunctional, nasty, or a drunk. This flies in the face of the current fashion in mysteries, which feature protagonists with whom I have little or no sympathy despite their having dreadful things in their lives or who, most often in the cozy mysteries I LOVE when they are GOOD, are total cardboard characters. I have been amused by some other readers's reviews that complain that the protagonist is uninteresting; I find him BELIEVABLE, and maybe that is what is uninteresting about him! His narrative style is very engaging, and there is even a laugh or two, although this is not a comic novel.
Be warned, though. It takes a LONG TIME for this book to reveal why it is in the mystery genre, but it is enjoyable while it is getting there. It is also not an action thriller by any stretch, but it has a good fairly short dramatic scene---that is just the right balance for me!
Be warned, though. It takes a LONG TIME for this book to reveal why it is in the mystery genre, but it is enjoyable while it is getting there. It is also not an action thriller by any stretch, but it has a good fairly short dramatic scene---that is just the right balance for me!
September 20, 2018
I’m a longtime fan of Aaron Elkins, but this book didn’t quite do it for me. The plot itself was interesting enough (I have a longstanding interest in looted art from the Holocaust) but this read more like an academic dissertation with a mystery thrown in for good measure. Conveying a lot of factual information in a fictional setting requires a more graceful, less preachy/professorial tone (Elkins was a one-time professor) than Elkins achieved here.
July 15, 2018
I would like to thank NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer Publishing for providing a copy of this book for review. Val Caruso is at a low point in his life. His second divorce has gone through, his promotion to full curator at the museum has fallen through and he has just turned forty. His troubles seem smaller when he meets Solomon Bezzecca. Solomon was raised by his grandfather, who owned two early works by Renoir. Stolen during World War II, they resurfaced when Ulysses Agnello purchased two seascapes at a market for their frames. He discovered that the seascapes covered a portrait and early sketch by the artist. After a lengthy court battle, the works were awarded to Agnello. Now Val’s friend Esther, who works to recover stolen art, has asked him to intervene with Agnello and possibly arrange a temporary loan of the sketch to Solomon. The sketch was a bar scene and one of the patrons was Solomon’s grandfather so there is a great sentimental attachment
While in Milan on an assignment from the museum, Val meets with Agnello, who was once his mentor. Agnello is willing to agree to the loan but there are complications. He has borrowed heavily to have the pictures restored, using the pictures as collateral, and they have been list d for auction. If Val can convince his partner and the representative from the auction house, the deal may be possible. The situation rapidly goes downhill from there. Agnello disappears, Val is attacked and the pictures are stolen. There are also questions surrounding Agnello’s acquisition of the art.
Elkins provides an entertaining mystery with an interesting cast of characters. Solomon is an older gentleman whose story of survival and loss is heartbreaking. Agnello was once a familiar name in Milan art circles, but has fallen on hard times. An egotistical art restorer, thieves and a suspected forgery provide unexpected challenges for Val. When the pictures are stolen a second time he is determined to see that they are returned to their rightful owner.
An Edgar and Agatha award winning author, Aaron Elkins has long been one of my favorites. Long Time Coming was a delightful reminder of how entertaining his stories can be.
While in Milan on an assignment from the museum, Val meets with Agnello, who was once his mentor. Agnello is willing to agree to the loan but there are complications. He has borrowed heavily to have the pictures restored, using the pictures as collateral, and they have been list d for auction. If Val can convince his partner and the representative from the auction house, the deal may be possible. The situation rapidly goes downhill from there. Agnello disappears, Val is attacked and the pictures are stolen. There are also questions surrounding Agnello’s acquisition of the art.
Elkins provides an entertaining mystery with an interesting cast of characters. Solomon is an older gentleman whose story of survival and loss is heartbreaking. Agnello was once a familiar name in Milan art circles, but has fallen on hard times. An egotistical art restorer, thieves and a suspected forgery provide unexpected challenges for Val. When the pictures are stolen a second time he is determined to see that they are returned to their rightful owner.
An Edgar and Agatha award winning author, Aaron Elkins has long been one of my favorites. Long Time Coming was a delightful reminder of how entertaining his stories can be.
July 17, 2018
4.5 stars. Everything about this novel keeps you hooked. It’s the perfect length for a mystery/thriller, the mystery itself is a thinker, and our MC, Valentino Caruso, is multifaceted.
It all starts out when Val, a curator at the MET, is tasked with getting his hands on an early Renoir for Sol Bezzecca, an old man wanting to spend the rest of his days looking at the painting that hung on his wall as a kid, before it was stolen in a Nazi raid. Of course, with a years long court battle over the rightful owner just coming to a close, it’s not going to be an easy feat. Puzzling conundrums, injuries and, gasp, a MURDER later, Val is now well aware that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the paintings.
One thing I particularly loved about ALTC, is it allows you to step into the ‘art world’ and Elkins explains everything so concisely and articulately that there’s no room for confusion or boredom. He truly immerses you into this nature leaving you with no unanswered questions. The only reason it’s a 4.5 instead of 5 stars is how new female characters are introduced. This is a personal tick.
If you love mysteries, immersion, great writing and concise storylines, this one’s for you.
It all starts out when Val, a curator at the MET, is tasked with getting his hands on an early Renoir for Sol Bezzecca, an old man wanting to spend the rest of his days looking at the painting that hung on his wall as a kid, before it was stolen in a Nazi raid. Of course, with a years long court battle over the rightful owner just coming to a close, it’s not going to be an easy feat. Puzzling conundrums, injuries and, gasp, a MURDER later, Val is now well aware that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the paintings.
One thing I particularly loved about ALTC, is it allows you to step into the ‘art world’ and Elkins explains everything so concisely and articulately that there’s no room for confusion or boredom. He truly immerses you into this nature leaving you with no unanswered questions. The only reason it’s a 4.5 instead of 5 stars is how new female characters are introduced. This is a personal tick.
If you love mysteries, immersion, great writing and concise storylines, this one’s for you.
September 21, 2023
If you are intrigued by stories of art thefts and forgeries, real and fictional, this is a contemporary mystery for you, even if mysteries aren't your reading choice.
Two Renoirs are found at a flee market in Eastern Europe by a Milanese art dealer. In the resulting publicity, Sol, an elderly Italian Jew, a WWII survivor now living in NYC, recognizes them as paintings stolen from his great-grandfather's kitchen in Milano just a few months before the Nazis were defeated. After pursuing his legal rights in the Italian courts and losing, Valentino Caruso, a Met Museum curator heading to Milano for business, (gotta love the name!) agrees to see if he can get a lifetime loan of the one that's a café scene featuring Sol's great-grandfather. Of course it isn't that simple and all is not resolved until murder occurs.
I rounded this up from a 3.5 because all the art heist and forgery information, the legalities of art theft in Italy vs. the US, the WWII art theft background, were extensive and the soul of the story. The characters were fun, and though I have never been to Milano, I feel as if I would recognize it from reading this.
Two Renoirs are found at a flee market in Eastern Europe by a Milanese art dealer. In the resulting publicity, Sol, an elderly Italian Jew, a WWII survivor now living in NYC, recognizes them as paintings stolen from his great-grandfather's kitchen in Milano just a few months before the Nazis were defeated. After pursuing his legal rights in the Italian courts and losing, Valentino Caruso, a Met Museum curator heading to Milano for business, (gotta love the name!) agrees to see if he can get a lifetime loan of the one that's a café scene featuring Sol's great-grandfather. Of course it isn't that simple and all is not resolved until murder occurs.
I rounded this up from a 3.5 because all the art heist and forgery information, the legalities of art theft in Italy vs. the US, the WWII art theft background, were extensive and the soul of the story. The characters were fun, and though I have never been to Milano, I feel as if I would recognize it from reading this.
August 9, 2018
I adore a good art history mystery, and Aaron Elkins has assembled a great one. At the heart of “A Long Time Coming” are two Renoir paintings that were stolen by the Nazis. After a long legal battle, the original owner has failed to recover them. With the help of curator Valentino Caruso, the hunt is on. Plenty of Italian atmosphere (I’m ready for an aperitif), skullduggery, forgery, and some really, really greedy people, make this an excellent read.
June 5, 2019
A mid-level art curator goes to Italy for a work-related series of meetings, and is asked to look into a pair of paintings that belonged to a holocaust survivor while he’s there. Written as though the protagonist was sitting across from you and telling you all about his recent adventures in Italy, the style took a little getting used to, but it was otherwise an OK read. The theory behind the theft of the Mona Lisa was interesting.
March 3, 2020
3 1/2 stars. Really vivid setting in Milan. Solid hero. Light tone. Satisfying mystery.
March 19, 2024
"A Long Time Coming" - written by Aaron Elkins and published in 2018 by Thomas & Mercer. I associate Elkins with his forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver series, but this novel is a standalone with an art theme. Museum curator Valentine Caruso travels to Italy to work on arrangements for an upcoming traveling exhibition and also agrees to look into the repatriation of a pair of Renoirs looted during WW II. Details about the art world and painting are an important part of the story, and always interesting to read. Also highly featured is the city of Milan - its architecture and food culture especially. The mysterious story of the Renoirs fits in well and is the focus of this rather bland novel. Not as enjoyable as I thought it would be.
December 15, 2018
Great premise and story line. I had trouble relating to Val, the main character, but otherwise enjoyed the setup and plot twists. Recommended for fans of art history mysteries.
February 7, 2020
It was ok
Great premise about an art museum curator and the discovery of 2 new Renoir paintings looted by the Nazis and recently found. But there was too much telling, but enough showing. Lots of details and logistics, technical art lectures, and an obsession with describing how many espressos he had. At the expense of actual plot. There are better art history mysteries out there.
Great premise about an art museum curator and the discovery of 2 new Renoir paintings looted by the Nazis and recently found. But there was too much telling, but enough showing. Lots of details and logistics, technical art lectures, and an obsession with describing how many espressos he had. At the expense of actual plot. There are better art history mysteries out there.
April 22, 2023
In "A Long Time Coming," Aaron Elkins skillfully weaves a tale of art, mystery, and redemption that transports readers to the bustling streets of Milan. The story follows Val Caruso, a charming and relatable art curator from New York, who embarks on a journey to recover a Renoir sketch taken by the Nazis during World War II. Elkins' storytelling is captivating and fast-paced, with every page-turn left me eager to uncover the next clue in this fascinating narrative.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is the character of Val Caruso. Elkins manages to create a protagonist who is not only likable but also feels genuine and relatable. As the story unfolds, readers are invited to share in Caruso's passion for art and his determination to right the wrongs of the past.
Elkins delves into the fascinating world of art restoration and the recovery of stolen art with an impressive level of detail. The author's expertise in this area shines through, as he provides readers with an insider's view of the complexities involved in bringing these treasured pieces back to their rightful owners. This unique aspect of the book adds depth and intrigue, making it a must-read for art enthusiasts and history buffs.
The vivid descriptions of Milan serve as a stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. Elkins masterfully brings the city to life, capturing the essence of its architecture, culture, and history in a way that will make readers feel as if they are walking the streets of Milan themselves.
"A Long Time Coming" culminates in a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion that leaves readers with a desire to learn more about the world of art, its history, and the fascinating stories that lie behind each canvas. Aaron Elkins has crafted a compelling novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, history, and art, resulting in a truly engaging reading experience.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is the character of Val Caruso. Elkins manages to create a protagonist who is not only likable but also feels genuine and relatable. As the story unfolds, readers are invited to share in Caruso's passion for art and his determination to right the wrongs of the past.
Elkins delves into the fascinating world of art restoration and the recovery of stolen art with an impressive level of detail. The author's expertise in this area shines through, as he provides readers with an insider's view of the complexities involved in bringing these treasured pieces back to their rightful owners. This unique aspect of the book adds depth and intrigue, making it a must-read for art enthusiasts and history buffs.
The vivid descriptions of Milan serve as a stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. Elkins masterfully brings the city to life, capturing the essence of its architecture, culture, and history in a way that will make readers feel as if they are walking the streets of Milan themselves.
"A Long Time Coming" culminates in a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion that leaves readers with a desire to learn more about the world of art, its history, and the fascinating stories that lie behind each canvas. Aaron Elkins has crafted a compelling novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, history, and art, resulting in a truly engaging reading experience.
August 6, 2018
Val Caruso is able to look in a mirror and give a perfect self-assessment of his present, not so enviable, situation. He did need a few drinks, some clam dip and crackers to make that admission. Who can blame him?! He has lost out on a job promotion, lost another marriage and is losing his youth. He has no home and is staying in a friend’s multi million dollar condo. Simply, his ego has taken a beating. He is in the process of asking himself “Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going.” The answers to the latter two form the basis of the book. Val Caruso is an associate curator of art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He is given to “profound five-second character analyses” which might be a problem. He is leaving for Milan to coordinate logistics for an art exhibit that will tour several cities in the United States. And that makes him a candidate for an extracurricular job that promises to be a thankless and impossible task, which is really going to be a problem.
There was a lot to like about this book. The plot and characters formed a cohesive, enjoyable narrative. The tongue in cheek humor had me chuckling, well if not chuckling, grinning. But Mr. Elkins you have been caught reusing Goldstein’s Law of Interconnected Monkey Business, that clever law of coincidences from “Skeleton Dance.” Never mind, it was timely and clever once again. I got a brief but very interesting education in art forensics and art restoration vis-à-vis a forger’s perspective. A very satisfactory murder mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC.
There was a lot to like about this book. The plot and characters formed a cohesive, enjoyable narrative. The tongue in cheek humor had me chuckling, well if not chuckling, grinning. But Mr. Elkins you have been caught reusing Goldstein’s Law of Interconnected Monkey Business, that clever law of coincidences from “Skeleton Dance.” Never mind, it was timely and clever once again. I got a brief but very interesting education in art forensics and art restoration vis-à-vis a forger’s perspective. A very satisfactory murder mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC.
December 7, 2025
First Aaron Elon book I’ve read, I enjoyed his writing style and this was an enthralling story. The primary character is Val Caruso, an art curator for the Met. Val is not living his best days. He just turned 40, recently divorced his wife, and lost the promotion he had been counting on. Suddenly, he finds himself saying yes to helping a Holocaust survivor, in his last ditch effort to get back a newly discovered Renoir. It is one of two such pictures that was stolen from his grandfather, in Milan, by the Italian Fascist Militia, near the end of WWII.
Val, familiar with the individual who found the paintings, the good and bad of the art world, and Italian “moltissima burocrazia” red tape, Val seems the perfect ally for this delicate mission. But what starts off to be a promising venture, takes a sharp turn, and if it could go bad…soon in uncharted territory, people disappear and the paintings are stolen. Also, Val isn’t to pleased about the stitches and black eye he’s received, but now that he’s a part of this, he is going to find the truth and do everything he can to get that Renoir back to Sol.
The book read fast, I wouldn’t call it a page turner in the truest sense, but I was invested from the start and looked forward to each return to the text. Elkin is a great weaver of both story and mystery, I did not for see the ending, which always make a mystery that much better, the whole premise of Val’s assisting the Polizia read true, as did the thread of the story/mystery.
Val, familiar with the individual who found the paintings, the good and bad of the art world, and Italian “moltissima burocrazia” red tape, Val seems the perfect ally for this delicate mission. But what starts off to be a promising venture, takes a sharp turn, and if it could go bad…soon in uncharted territory, people disappear and the paintings are stolen. Also, Val isn’t to pleased about the stitches and black eye he’s received, but now that he’s a part of this, he is going to find the truth and do everything he can to get that Renoir back to Sol.
The book read fast, I wouldn’t call it a page turner in the truest sense, but I was invested from the start and looked forward to each return to the text. Elkin is a great weaver of both story and mystery, I did not for see the ending, which always make a mystery that much better, the whole premise of Val’s assisting the Polizia read true, as did the thread of the story/mystery.
August 31, 2018
A Long Time Coming is written by Aaron Elkins. This is a mystery that concerns art missing since the Holocaust. It is a very intriguing book that keeps you interested while reading it. It contains no graphic material which makes it suitable for almost everyone. For those in the art world, it is most interesting.
Val Caruso was a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. He had hoped for a recent promotion but was denied the promotion. He had also just become divorced and was in his forties. Depression was overcoming him. Luckily, a friend said he could live in his condo so at least he had a place to stay. Val was headed to Europe the nest day. A friend of his called asking for a favor. She wanted him to meet Sol to head his story. Sol lost his Grandfather during the Holocaust. Their belongings were confiscated. Among those were two Renoir paintings which had been given to his Grandfather by Renoir himself. Sol had been in a court fight over these paintings which he had lost. Val was asked to see if the new owner would loan the oil sketch of his Grandfather to him until his death. Since the new owner was a friend of Val’s, he agreed. Little did he know that his agreement would. In doing so, Val finds himself embroiled in murder and mayhem
Val Caruso was a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. He had hoped for a recent promotion but was denied the promotion. He had also just become divorced and was in his forties. Depression was overcoming him. Luckily, a friend said he could live in his condo so at least he had a place to stay. Val was headed to Europe the nest day. A friend of his called asking for a favor. She wanted him to meet Sol to head his story. Sol lost his Grandfather during the Holocaust. Their belongings were confiscated. Among those were two Renoir paintings which had been given to his Grandfather by Renoir himself. Sol had been in a court fight over these paintings which he had lost. Val was asked to see if the new owner would loan the oil sketch of his Grandfather to him until his death. Since the new owner was a friend of Val’s, he agreed. Little did he know that his agreement would. In doing so, Val finds himself embroiled in murder and mayhem
August 1, 2019
A long Time coming by Aaron Elkins
If an art mystery in Italy mixed with the history of the Holocaust is your favourite genre, then this book is for you.
The author’s writing takes you right into the heart of Milan, the art capital of Italy. His descriptiveness allows you the wonder of it all while experiencing this city first-hand.
When Dr Caruso gets an assignment to bring two Renoirs back to America nothing could prepare you for a very artful experience you will have. The author’s knowledge about art, his research in police matters and his facts about the city and surroundings made this an in-depth book, learning all the ins and outs of art.
The mystery part comes in when Val Caruso is sent on a trip with the sole purpose to ask the buyer of two Renoirs to lend it to an elderly man. Once in Milan Val realized it will not be an easy task. His character was portrayed life-like and real. Literally walking with him as the story unfolds. The supporting characters adding to the ensuing drama and mystery.
At times I felt a bit overwhelmed with all the detail, thinking to cut corners but yet it all helped the plot along. Making it realistic and believable. Thanks for the wonderful read.
If an art mystery in Italy mixed with the history of the Holocaust is your favourite genre, then this book is for you.
The author’s writing takes you right into the heart of Milan, the art capital of Italy. His descriptiveness allows you the wonder of it all while experiencing this city first-hand.
When Dr Caruso gets an assignment to bring two Renoirs back to America nothing could prepare you for a very artful experience you will have. The author’s knowledge about art, his research in police matters and his facts about the city and surroundings made this an in-depth book, learning all the ins and outs of art.
The mystery part comes in when Val Caruso is sent on a trip with the sole purpose to ask the buyer of two Renoirs to lend it to an elderly man. Once in Milan Val realized it will not be an easy task. His character was portrayed life-like and real. Literally walking with him as the story unfolds. The supporting characters adding to the ensuing drama and mystery.
At times I felt a bit overwhelmed with all the detail, thinking to cut corners but yet it all helped the plot along. Making it realistic and believable. Thanks for the wonderful read.
February 21, 2022
An Unknown Renoir, Italy and a Series of Dramatic Coincidents
Elkins has been awarded, along with his frequent co-author h is wife Agatha, most of the honors available in the mystery genre. His body of work includes non-fiction writings in his original professional field, Anthropology. Thus when he writes in this novel from the perspective of his protagonist, the curator of Impressionistic painting at the venerable Metropolitan Museum.in New York, he does so with an authentic feel for that man. He makes a rather unlikely amateur detective but his role started put as a pro bono effort for an elderly Jewish Holocaust survivor.to have some time with one of the paintings that had hung in his grandfather's apartment when he was growing up. The claim had been lost in the courts and he agrees to see if he can mediate a non-legal, equitable placement of the lesser of the paintings with the 90 year old man till he dies , returning it to the bono fide owner after his death. But that kind gesture does not appear that simple once he gets to Europe and it appears there are all sorts of caveats he was unaware of. A lot of action occurs - and our curator is concussed, beaten, shot at and more. Its a fun romp and excellent escapist material.
Elkins has been awarded, along with his frequent co-author h is wife Agatha, most of the honors available in the mystery genre. His body of work includes non-fiction writings in his original professional field, Anthropology. Thus when he writes in this novel from the perspective of his protagonist, the curator of Impressionistic painting at the venerable Metropolitan Museum.in New York, he does so with an authentic feel for that man. He makes a rather unlikely amateur detective but his role started put as a pro bono effort for an elderly Jewish Holocaust survivor.to have some time with one of the paintings that had hung in his grandfather's apartment when he was growing up. The claim had been lost in the courts and he agrees to see if he can mediate a non-legal, equitable placement of the lesser of the paintings with the 90 year old man till he dies , returning it to the bono fide owner after his death. But that kind gesture does not appear that simple once he gets to Europe and it appears there are all sorts of caveats he was unaware of. A lot of action occurs - and our curator is concussed, beaten, shot at and more. Its a fun romp and excellent escapist material.
November 20, 2022
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A Long Time Coming
by Aaron Elkins
really liked it 4.00 · Rating details · 1,704 ratings · 141 reviews
It takes a real artist to solve a crime this big—in a brilliant, engrossing mystery by Edgar Award winner Aaron Elkins…
Art curator Val Caruso is not a happy camper. His promotion has just been nixed, his divorce has become final, and he’s dug himself into a nice little rut for his fortieth birthday. The uplift? A trip to Milan to help Holocaust survivor Sol Bezzecca recover a pair of cherished sketches by Renoir. They’d once been given to Sol’s family by the then-unknown artist, looted by the Italian Fascist militia, and now after decades in hiding have turned up for auction. It’s Val’s job to get them back.
Unfortunately, his Italian adventure takes a dangerous turn when he becomes trapped in an intricate web that reaches back to World War II—and is still very sticky with art thieves, forgers, and somebody who wants Val out of the picture permanently. When the lost Renoirs are stolen yet again, Val is more determined than ever to hunt them down. The reward for reuniting an old man with his rightful past? Priceless.
But doing it is going to be murder.
June 14, 2022
I began this book with great optimism: Elkins is an award-winning mystery writer and the premise of the book was of interest to me: the restoration of artwork stolen in the Shoah to its rightful owners. There were interesting details of Italian art law and lore, particularly in a country whose own treasured art works grace museums throughout the world. The narrator, Val Caruso, a curator of Impressionist painting for the Metropolitan Museum of NY, is at times informative, charming and professorial but the mechanics of the mystery creak. There is little excitement as Val details each step--unrolling the plot almost instantaneously as if divinely inspired and explaining it to the Italian authorities and to the readers without any drama. In fact, more than once, Val tells us that he doesn't know how he guesses the true nature of each character except he can....???? Began great and limped to the finish line.
December 12, 2022
A highly enjoyable mystery that is also educational!
This book is my first mystery by Mr. Elkins, as well as my first set in contemporary Italy that I can recall, being a fan of traditional English mysteries. The story is told in the first (pardon the use of this word again!) person by an expert in fine art who is also familiar with the Italian culture. The insights into both of these areas added to the enjoyment of reading it. The history of the fight for Italian independence and of the persecution of Jews during WW II specifically as it occurred in northern Italy form the foundation of the plot and are both fascinating and educational. It is evident that the author has done extensive research to give a sense of authenticity to the story. I look forward to reading more books by Mr. Elkins.
This book is my first mystery by Mr. Elkins, as well as my first set in contemporary Italy that I can recall, being a fan of traditional English mysteries. The story is told in the first (pardon the use of this word again!) person by an expert in fine art who is also familiar with the Italian culture. The insights into both of these areas added to the enjoyment of reading it. The history of the fight for Italian independence and of the persecution of Jews during WW II specifically as it occurred in northern Italy form the foundation of the plot and are both fascinating and educational. It is evident that the author has done extensive research to give a sense of authenticity to the story. I look forward to reading more books by Mr. Elkins.
November 14, 2018
Dottor Valentino Caruso is going to Milan to arrange for a tour of some pieces of art. Since he will be there anyway, a friend asks him for a favor: convince someone to lend a piece of artwork to the man it was stolen from during WWII. (rather simplistic summary) This request leads Val into the world of art theft, forgery, international recovery laws, etc. Much of this was well over my head but this didn't stop me from sounding out loud every Italian name, place, saying, etc that was included in the book. I'll admit I was a bit farther ahead of the game than Val, but it was enjoyable to watch him catch up.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review.
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