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Crazy Amy #3
Restitution
Reeling from a catalogue of disasters, flaky sleuth Amy travels to Prague to help an old man recover a Picasso painting last seen in 1939. It seems like a mundane assignment, but the stakes are far higher than Amy imagines. Competing forces have vested interests, and are prepared to kill to meet their goals. Caught amid a tangle of lies, with her credibility in question and her life on the line, could Amy’s craziness be her salvation…?
302 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2018
45 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Rose Edmunds
4 books74 followersFor more than 20 years, Rose Edmunds almost passed as normal, working undercover in in several well-known financial firms in London while quietly gathering material for her novels.
Since jumping off the corporate hamster wheel Rose now writes thrillers with a strong ethical theme. Her writing draws heavily on her considerable insight into business world and in particular the uncomfortable conflict between capitalism and humanity.
Rose’s debut thriller, Never Say Sorry, was about a Big Pharma conspiracy to suppress a cancer cure. Since then, she has been working on the Crazy Amy thriller series—an ambitious project which will follow the brilliant but unstable Amy Robinson on her journey from senior finance executive to who knows where…
You can find out more by checking out Rose’s website at www.roseedmunds.co.uk or on Facebook at Rose Edmunds – Author Page. Via the website, you can also join the Crazy Amy VIP Fan Club, for exclusive access to free bonus Crazy Amy short stories and other exciting offers. There is also a closed Facebook group for club members.
Rose lives in Brighton with her husband David.
Since jumping off the corporate hamster wheel Rose now writes thrillers with a strong ethical theme. Her writing draws heavily on her considerable insight into business world and in particular the uncomfortable conflict between capitalism and humanity.
Rose’s debut thriller, Never Say Sorry, was about a Big Pharma conspiracy to suppress a cancer cure. Since then, she has been working on the Crazy Amy thriller series—an ambitious project which will follow the brilliant but unstable Amy Robinson on her journey from senior finance executive to who knows where…
You can find out more by checking out Rose’s website at www.roseedmunds.co.uk or on Facebook at Rose Edmunds – Author Page. Via the website, you can also join the Crazy Amy VIP Fan Club, for exclusive access to free bonus Crazy Amy short stories and other exciting offers. There is also a closed Facebook group for club members.
Rose lives in Brighton with her husband David.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 27, 2018
Having not read any of the previous books I did not know what to expect and I was certainly not disappointed. Well written, with fascinating characters it kept you guessing to the very end. Thanks to TBC for giving me the opportunity to read this book
March 29, 2018
This was my first encounter with Crazy Amy but it would seem that she earned her title from the previous two books in the series. Although this book carried on from some time earlier, it still read well as a standalone book. This was a fast paced mystery with strong characters. Crazy Amy has had a rough time recently and is shouldering guilt from a recent loss. I liked Amy. The plot ran well, but did need some extra concentration especially as the mystery was being solved. It was a very cleverly written story with some surprises. It has definitely made me want to learn more about Amy and the other characters.
March 25, 2018
I haven't read any of the other Crazy Amy books but that didn't stop me enjoying this one. I loved Amy even though she seemed to have all sorts of issues she was a little vulnerable as well. When she sets off to recover a Picasso painting with George Smithies who she feels she owes something to so she starts the assignment without much hope. It seems there are other parties wanting the same painting and even though George seems to have a claim to it they will not give up easily. She gets herself into some really tough situations and yet seems to keep her cool even then. Then there is 'little Amy' to contend with who appears to be in her imagination and that makes for some awkward but funny conversations.
I loved this book and Crazy Amy it had a bit of everything and was very well put together and it kept me guessing as to who was the bad guy.
Thank you to TBC for my copy. Now I am off to read the other books in the series.
I loved this book and Crazy Amy it had a bit of everything and was very well put together and it kept me guessing as to who was the bad guy.
Thank you to TBC for my copy. Now I am off to read the other books in the series.
March 31, 2018
In this third book in the Crazy Amy series, Amy travels to Prague to help 84 year old George Smithies recover a Picasso painting last seen in 1939, and help him find his way through the maze of Czech art restitution law. The situation is a complex one, as there is mystery surrounding family ties, and right of ownership is not straightforward. Amy and George meet up with Beresford, an art historian to whom Amy takes an immediate dislike, and her old 'frenemy', Mel. It soon transpires that Amy and George are not the only ones interested in the painting, which puts Amy in great danger.
The amount of research that has gone into this book is evident, with much about the history and culture of the Czech Republic that I found most interesting; I like novels that teach me about other countries.
Amy is oddly likable, even though she shouldn't be; she's snobbish and judgemental with a hell of a chip on her shoulder (and I couldn't forgive her for dragging poor, reluctant George out for a walk on their first night in freezing cold Prague!), but there's something about the way she's so honest about herself that makes her endearing. Her emotional dilemmas, even just the seemingly trivial ones like whether or not she ought to sleep with a man who attracts her and how to get rid of the excess five pounds around her middle, make her seem very real.
...though maybe not always so self-aware: ' "..Amy, did anyone ever suggest you might have a problem with alcohol?" "Yes", I snapped, "the idiots at the Priory".' I love that! Her bitchy-aside-a-minute relationship with chavvy gold digger Mel is beautifully illustrated in its oneupmanship; I think observation about people's motivations and insecurities is a real strength of this author, and I'd love to see more of it in future books.
Still battling through the difficulties caused by her psychological problems, Amy makes some candid statements: 'Everyone pretends there's no stigma against mental health issues, like everyone pretends there's no sexism or racism. But it's still bubbling away beneath the surface and ... people will find a cogent, lawful reason for denying me a job ... That's the way it is'
I liked that this novel was less overtly fast-paced than the previous one, with more 'downtime'. It's cleverly structured, and I'm sure it will be appreciated by readers who like to immerse themselves in thrillers with complicated plots, and anyone with an interest in said plot's subject matter, ie, the restitution of valuable works of art.
The amount of research that has gone into this book is evident, with much about the history and culture of the Czech Republic that I found most interesting; I like novels that teach me about other countries.
Amy is oddly likable, even though she shouldn't be; she's snobbish and judgemental with a hell of a chip on her shoulder (and I couldn't forgive her for dragging poor, reluctant George out for a walk on their first night in freezing cold Prague!), but there's something about the way she's so honest about herself that makes her endearing. Her emotional dilemmas, even just the seemingly trivial ones like whether or not she ought to sleep with a man who attracts her and how to get rid of the excess five pounds around her middle, make her seem very real.
...though maybe not always so self-aware: ' "..Amy, did anyone ever suggest you might have a problem with alcohol?" "Yes", I snapped, "the idiots at the Priory".' I love that! Her bitchy-aside-a-minute relationship with chavvy gold digger Mel is beautifully illustrated in its oneupmanship; I think observation about people's motivations and insecurities is a real strength of this author, and I'd love to see more of it in future books.
Still battling through the difficulties caused by her psychological problems, Amy makes some candid statements: 'Everyone pretends there's no stigma against mental health issues, like everyone pretends there's no sexism or racism. But it's still bubbling away beneath the surface and ... people will find a cogent, lawful reason for denying me a job ... That's the way it is'
I liked that this novel was less overtly fast-paced than the previous one, with more 'downtime'. It's cleverly structured, and I'm sure it will be appreciated by readers who like to immerse themselves in thrillers with complicated plots, and anyone with an interest in said plot's subject matter, ie, the restitution of valuable works of art.
February 16, 2021
My favourite of Crazy Amy series, because it takes place in my town - Prague. It was great to spot the distinct places Amy visits during her adventure, I also liked the encounter with her "frenemy" Mel.
I think this book has greater dynamic than the previous parts, it kept me going the whole time.
I wonder if there will be any other Crazy Amy adventures?
Better keep that gin and tonic handy :o)
I think this book has greater dynamic than the previous parts, it kept me going the whole time.
I wonder if there will be any other Crazy Amy adventures?
Better keep that gin and tonic handy :o)
March 28, 2018
One of the year’s best thrillers. Rose Edmunds proves that her Crazy Amy series is only getting better with each installment.
Has a long-lost Picasso really resurfaced in Prague? That’s the hope of 84-year-old London resident George Smithies, whose father, a gallery owner, was allegedly tortured and killed by the Nazis in 1939. Having avoided his homeland since his escape to England as a boy, a newspaper photograph of the painting, found in a Czech apartment, has compelled him to consider it.
Enter 38-year-old Amy Robinson, a.k.a. As a newspaper report has it, Amy “will try to help George navigate his way through the minefield of Czech restitution law.” But as anyone who has devoured Rose Edmunds’ first two Crazy Amy series books might guess, that doesn’t come close to describing the extent of the personal and professional danger that awaits her.
Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
Has a long-lost Picasso really resurfaced in Prague? That’s the hope of 84-year-old London resident George Smithies, whose father, a gallery owner, was allegedly tortured and killed by the Nazis in 1939. Having avoided his homeland since his escape to England as a boy, a newspaper photograph of the painting, found in a Czech apartment, has compelled him to consider it.
Enter 38-year-old Amy Robinson, a.k.a. As a newspaper report has it, Amy “will try to help George navigate his way through the minefield of Czech restitution law.” But as anyone who has devoured Rose Edmunds’ first two Crazy Amy series books might guess, that doesn’t come close to describing the extent of the personal and professional danger that awaits her.
Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
March 25, 2018
An exceptional third book in the Crazy Amy series, Restitution takes Amy to Prague in search of artwork looted during the second world war. It would be fair to assume this would be dry, analytical work, but unfortunately for Amy and her friends, the violence and intrigue are not restricted to the past.
The writing is flawless and the characters, both old and new, are engaging, fascinating and terrifying by turn, the pace is perfectly judged and the plot hangs together brilliantly. But it's the tenstion that's the great triumph of this novel, a constant sense that something is hanging over Amy and her quest, that things aren't going to turn out the way anyone expects.
I raced through this book in a couple of days, and I'm sure most readers will be as hooked as I was.
The writing is flawless and the characters, both old and new, are engaging, fascinating and terrifying by turn, the pace is perfectly judged and the plot hangs together brilliantly. But it's the tenstion that's the great triumph of this novel, a constant sense that something is hanging over Amy and her quest, that things aren't going to turn out the way anyone expects.
I raced through this book in a couple of days, and I'm sure most readers will be as hooked as I was.
April 10, 2018
Restitution by Rose Edmunds
Book Review
I was fortunate to be given a copy of this book by the author and through The Book Club on Facebook in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
After leaving her job as a top city, high earning accountant, Amy fancies herself as a private eye, a super sleuth, and she has taken a job that will immerse her in history across Europe. Hired by 84-year-old George Smithies, she finds herself tracking down art work that was confiscated by Nazi Germany and may or may not have been part of a haul found in the flat of an eccentric hoarder, Novak, in Prague. Amy and George set out for Prague to battle through the Czech restitution law and in the process meet Amy’s old “friend” Mel and “art historian” Beresford, who is keen to help track down the missing painting thought to have been owned by George’s parents in the 1930s.
During their journey, the Czech law isn’t the only maze to unravel as Amy establishes family ties between her client and the hoarder Novak, flaws in the history of the business partnership of George’s father, and an interest in her investigation from an unknown third party which puts Amy and George in real danger. No one is quite who or what they claim to be and with her own troubled background, and her dependence on alcohol, Amy is not always best placed to play super sleuth!
This is the third in the Crazy Amy series and I have to admit to not having read the first two – or even realising that there were two others! It can be read as a stand-alone, but I think that I would recommend reading from the beginning as Amy’s personal dysfunctional history and her relationships with Mel and George have already been established and there are references that I didn’t get! But I really took to Amy. She has so many imperfections, a massive chip on her shoulder, an alcohol problem and an alter ego called Little Amy (who I didn’t understand at first having not read the other books)….but she is so real. I love the humour that Rose has infused into the writing of this character! She constantly describes the extra weight she has gained round her middle (so many women relate to this!) and Amy refuses to acknowledge her alcohol problem, deeming the staff at the infamous Priory to be “idiots” for suggesting it. She builds up a relationship with both the smelly hoarder Novak, who says “I admire a woman who can drink”, and the aristocratic Rudolf Strnad. She has a love/hate relationship with Mel. The bitchy description by Amy of eating a slap-up meal in front of the newly skinny Mel as she “turns over a couple of lettuce leaves” is hilarious. Amy’s flaws should make her the worst candidate as a private investigator, but she is a clever young lady who proves to be surprisingly good at solving problems.
The historical information in this novel has been well researched, drawing upon the real art haul found in 2010 in the Munich apartment of Cornelius Gurlitt, son of an art dealer known to have dealings with the Nazis during the second world war. I enjoyed the pace of the story which was fast, yet also mindful of having an elderly man as one of the main characters. The network of deceit and corruption took the tale through Europe and back to the UK, showing the extent of the spread of the international underworld. Ms Edmunds painted a vivid picture of historic Europe, alongside the contemporary world of sleek lines and minimalism – for instance Amy’s flat and the offices in London.
I always say it, but I don’t wish to give away any spoilers….so I will conclude that this is a really enjoyable, pacy thriller with some fantastic main characters, humour, danger and cunning. Definitely worth a read – although I would personally read the first two books for a proper background! 4 stars!
Book Review
I was fortunate to be given a copy of this book by the author and through The Book Club on Facebook in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
After leaving her job as a top city, high earning accountant, Amy fancies herself as a private eye, a super sleuth, and she has taken a job that will immerse her in history across Europe. Hired by 84-year-old George Smithies, she finds herself tracking down art work that was confiscated by Nazi Germany and may or may not have been part of a haul found in the flat of an eccentric hoarder, Novak, in Prague. Amy and George set out for Prague to battle through the Czech restitution law and in the process meet Amy’s old “friend” Mel and “art historian” Beresford, who is keen to help track down the missing painting thought to have been owned by George’s parents in the 1930s.
During their journey, the Czech law isn’t the only maze to unravel as Amy establishes family ties between her client and the hoarder Novak, flaws in the history of the business partnership of George’s father, and an interest in her investigation from an unknown third party which puts Amy and George in real danger. No one is quite who or what they claim to be and with her own troubled background, and her dependence on alcohol, Amy is not always best placed to play super sleuth!
This is the third in the Crazy Amy series and I have to admit to not having read the first two – or even realising that there were two others! It can be read as a stand-alone, but I think that I would recommend reading from the beginning as Amy’s personal dysfunctional history and her relationships with Mel and George have already been established and there are references that I didn’t get! But I really took to Amy. She has so many imperfections, a massive chip on her shoulder, an alcohol problem and an alter ego called Little Amy (who I didn’t understand at first having not read the other books)….but she is so real. I love the humour that Rose has infused into the writing of this character! She constantly describes the extra weight she has gained round her middle (so many women relate to this!) and Amy refuses to acknowledge her alcohol problem, deeming the staff at the infamous Priory to be “idiots” for suggesting it. She builds up a relationship with both the smelly hoarder Novak, who says “I admire a woman who can drink”, and the aristocratic Rudolf Strnad. She has a love/hate relationship with Mel. The bitchy description by Amy of eating a slap-up meal in front of the newly skinny Mel as she “turns over a couple of lettuce leaves” is hilarious. Amy’s flaws should make her the worst candidate as a private investigator, but she is a clever young lady who proves to be surprisingly good at solving problems.
The historical information in this novel has been well researched, drawing upon the real art haul found in 2010 in the Munich apartment of Cornelius Gurlitt, son of an art dealer known to have dealings with the Nazis during the second world war. I enjoyed the pace of the story which was fast, yet also mindful of having an elderly man as one of the main characters. The network of deceit and corruption took the tale through Europe and back to the UK, showing the extent of the spread of the international underworld. Ms Edmunds painted a vivid picture of historic Europe, alongside the contemporary world of sleek lines and minimalism – for instance Amy’s flat and the offices in London.
I always say it, but I don’t wish to give away any spoilers….so I will conclude that this is a really enjoyable, pacy thriller with some fantastic main characters, humour, danger and cunning. Definitely worth a read – although I would personally read the first two books for a proper background! 4 stars!
March 28, 2018
It is exhilarating to meet “Crazy Amy” once more, trying to pick up her life again by using her financial and legal expertise to help 83-year-old George stake his claim to a valuable Picasso painting, recently rediscovered. Believing that it belonged to his Art collector father before he was murdered in 1939, George travels to Prague accompanied by Amy, not realising that there are others with a similar mission who will stop at nothing to get hold of the picture.
Still in shock from a recent tragedy, Amy appears to be in control, but that little voice still pops up questioning her competence, while Mel, one of her erstwhile betrayers turns up, claiming friendship. Amy is haunted by reminders of the horrors of her childhood, but she seems to be making progress in her task. It is possible that both Mel and Amy might find romance in Prague, but first they need to stay alive.
The complex plot, deception and danger, make for an exciting narrative and Amy’s insightful analysis of the weaknesses of other characters raises a smile. We really shouldn’t like Amy; she drinks too much, lacks patience and shows intellectual arrogance, but she is addicted to adrenalin, walking head on into every situation bravely, with a plan which may or may not work. Some call her crazy, but Amy is trying to cope with her demons by helping others and proving her worth. Another great adventure with this indomitable anti-heroine.
Still in shock from a recent tragedy, Amy appears to be in control, but that little voice still pops up questioning her competence, while Mel, one of her erstwhile betrayers turns up, claiming friendship. Amy is haunted by reminders of the horrors of her childhood, but she seems to be making progress in her task. It is possible that both Mel and Amy might find romance in Prague, but first they need to stay alive.
The complex plot, deception and danger, make for an exciting narrative and Amy’s insightful analysis of the weaknesses of other characters raises a smile. We really shouldn’t like Amy; she drinks too much, lacks patience and shows intellectual arrogance, but she is addicted to adrenalin, walking head on into every situation bravely, with a plan which may or may not work. Some call her crazy, but Amy is trying to cope with her demons by helping others and proving her worth. Another great adventure with this indomitable anti-heroine.
April 5, 2018
Restitution is the third book in the Crazy Amy series I read it as a stand alone. This book sees Amy agree to help 84 year old George Smithies the father of her evil boss Ed Smithies. George lays claim to a valuable portrait by Picasso of his one-time lover Fernande Olivier.
His father Josef was an art collector and owned a gallery. One night in June 1939, the Gestapo rounded up Dušek and his business partner, stripping the gallery and their homes of offending artworks. They then allegedly tortured and secretly executed both men.
A discovery of an art hoard in a Prague apartment owned by Stanislav Novak, an eccentric recluse. Among the items found were important works assumed to have been burned by the Nazis. The one that interested George was the portrait of Fernande Olivier by Picasso. Once press reports of Novak’s collection appeared, George recognised the picture as one which hung in his parents’ house in the 1930s. As a small boy he had always loved this painting the woman was both soulful and beautiful.
So off they go to Prague to lay claim to George’s Picasso. However, they are not the only ones to try to claim it. There are people there prepared to kill and is George who he says he is?
I really enjoyed this book so many twists and turns. Looking forward to reading some more Crazy Amy action.
His father Josef was an art collector and owned a gallery. One night in June 1939, the Gestapo rounded up Dušek and his business partner, stripping the gallery and their homes of offending artworks. They then allegedly tortured and secretly executed both men.
A discovery of an art hoard in a Prague apartment owned by Stanislav Novak, an eccentric recluse. Among the items found were important works assumed to have been burned by the Nazis. The one that interested George was the portrait of Fernande Olivier by Picasso. Once press reports of Novak’s collection appeared, George recognised the picture as one which hung in his parents’ house in the 1930s. As a small boy he had always loved this painting the woman was both soulful and beautiful.
So off they go to Prague to lay claim to George’s Picasso. However, they are not the only ones to try to claim it. There are people there prepared to kill and is George who he says he is?
I really enjoyed this book so many twists and turns. Looking forward to reading some more Crazy Amy action.
May 30, 2021
I loved this! I have read both books in the Crazy Amy series and they keep getting better. In this unusual and original take on the last novel, amateur sleuth, Amy, is drawn to Prague, teaming up with George Smithies (80 year dad of her odious ex boss), to track down a Picasso, believed to be owned by his family but missing since 1939. The laws on restitution are complex. The author has done extensive research, history unpicked to uncover a path of clues, from the Nazi looting of art, to the vested interests of other unknown parties. Amy's character may be flawed, yet I can't help liking her no nonsense approach to each new catastrophe; witty and bitchy in equal measures, she takes no crap, is courageous, determined and unstoppable. As I ploughed through this fast paced, thoroughly nail-biting thriller, there was so much double-crossing and skullduggery it was hard to know who was on whose side. But the story is great, pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages and I particularly loved the Prague setting.
April 1, 2018
Another great Crazy Amy book, this one takes Amy to Prague, searching for a Picasso painting, last seen in 1939. Amy isn't the only one looking for the painting and they will stop at nothing to find it.
I loved Rose Edmunds flawless writing, it flows beautifully with just the right length chapters. The characters are strongly presented and very engaging. I loved Amy and Little Amy who shows up throughout the book.
Overall a brilliant book and highly recommended, 5 full stars.
I loved Rose Edmunds flawless writing, it flows beautifully with just the right length chapters. The characters are strongly presented and very engaging. I loved Amy and Little Amy who shows up throughout the book.
Overall a brilliant book and highly recommended, 5 full stars.
February 18, 2019
In this third (stand-alone) book in the ‘Crazy Amy’ financial thriller series, Amy travels to Prague to help an old man recover a Picasso painting, last seen in 1939 and coveted by several collectors. Someone is trying to kill her, but who? And where is the painting? A cleverly plotted story, with unexpected twists and reversals and a heroine as troubled, unstable and endearing as ever, not least to a Bohemian prince, who, Amy hopes, isn’t the villain... A fun read.
April 1, 2018
restitution by rose Edmunds.
Amy is back. this time she is helping George find a painting that belonged to his family. Can she track it down?
a very enjoyable read. love Amy. finding out what happens to her next. I do hope there is more to come. 4*.
Amy is back. this time she is helping George find a painting that belonged to his family. Can she track it down?
a very enjoyable read. love Amy. finding out what happens to her next. I do hope there is more to come. 4*.
April 5, 2018
My first encounter with Crazy Amy and I really enjoyed it!
A Picasso painting that was supposedly burnt during WW2 and has resurfaced years later, a hoarder who has discovered priceless art after years and a couple of Russian oligarchs who want the painting and will do anything for it... add Amy's antics while trying to stay off alcohol and dealing with her personal tragedy to this mix and what's not to like about this story!
It moves from Prague to Zurich to London and at a very quick pace.
The path the painting has taken is very interesting and so is the mystery.
A Picasso painting that was supposedly burnt during WW2 and has resurfaced years later, a hoarder who has discovered priceless art after years and a couple of Russian oligarchs who want the painting and will do anything for it... add Amy's antics while trying to stay off alcohol and dealing with her personal tragedy to this mix and what's not to like about this story!
It moves from Prague to Zurich to London and at a very quick pace.
The path the painting has taken is very interesting and so is the mystery.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews