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Genevieve Lenard #13

The Sirani Connection

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Stolen masterpieces. Deadly narcotics. Artificial intelligence.

A mysterious email and the arrest of a fugitive art thief send Doctor Genevieve Lenard and her team to Prague, where it soon becomes apparent that this theft has a close connection to a sadistic killer they've been tracking for almost a year.

No sooner do they arrive than they find a scientist tortured and murdered by Shahab Hatami--the man they've been looking for. Joining forces with Prague's elite investigator and a controversial journalist, they start uncovering the trail of terror Shahab has left behind to discover he has only just started.

With Shahab developing a weapon that could kill hundreds, if not thousands of innocent people, Genevieve has to push past her autistic mind's limitations to stop him. But when those she cares for most become his target and he threatens to exact his revenge on them, Genevieve has run out of time to investigate and has to act before it's too late.

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2019

343 people are currently reading
219 people want to read

About the author

Estelle Ryan

31 books625 followers
Estelle Ryan was born in South Africa and spent her childhood being surrounded by African beauty, nature and diversity of cultures. Her first trip to Europe at the tender age of 16 transformed her world into a much larger place, endless in its possibilities and places to explore. For most of her adulthood she’s travelled all over the world, lived on a few continents, explored numerous cultures and still is insatiable in the quest to still the hunger for more life experiences.

She’s written for numerous international magazines, was the editor of a European lifestyle magazine and has seven romance novels published under a pseudonym. With her interest in international politics, arts, crime, behavioural psychology, criminal psychology and music, she decided to combine all these elements in her writing. And so Genevieve and the team came into being.

She is an unabashed coffeeshopaholic. Good coffee, ambience and music in the perfect combination is all that is required to turn a mundane coffee shop into her 'office'. The appropriate coffee shop is chosen depending on the mood, the weather, the type and amount of work that needs to be done, and of course the craving of the day. All of her books have been written in numerous coffee shops all over the world.

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5 stars
659 (60%)
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324 (29%)
3 stars
82 (7%)
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12 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Ann.
1,715 reviews
April 10, 2019
The latest in one of my favorite series. Genevieve is such an interesting character and each new book is like rejoining a bunch of old friends -- albeit a very smart bunch whose mission is to stop despicable criminals!

In this installment, her boss Phillip gets a weird email -- he's sure he doesn't know who it's from but it contains an audio file and the voice sounds strangely familiar. It leads them to Prague where they soon discover it's actually connected to the killer they're currently after.

As usual Genevieve feels herself hampered by her autism but she's learning to overlook her frustration with her friends idiomatic speech which seems to make no sense when you think about the actual words. And her concern, and sometimes fear, for this group that she has -- against all odds -- become very close to, sometimes threatens to shut her down entirely.

As usual, her talent at recognizing non-verbal cues assists the group in figuring out what's going on and, ultimately, in getting their man.
Profile Image for Jill.
462 reviews
July 13, 2019
I just love the cast of characters that Ms. Ryan has created - Francine, Manny, Vinny, Roxy, Nikki, little Eric, Daniel, Pink, Phillip, and of course Colin and Genevieve! Each time I open one of her books, it's like meeting old friends. I know what to expect from each character and how they respond to each other and to situations. I feel like I "know" them, and I love that! I also love the adventures that Ms. Ryan creates, full of excitement and mystery, and always with plot twists to keep me intrigued. The only thing I didn't really care for was concerning the character of Bree. I found her transgender status as not really pertinent to the storyline and created a bit of awkwardness amongst some of the characters. The issue felt a bit 'forced' as it was mentioned various times for no true reason. I liked Bree and what she added to the plot but just found the addition of her sexual orientation unnecessary to the story. Overall though, I didn't feel it detracted enough to warrant giving less than 5 stars...it was still a superb book!
Profile Image for Judy.
904 reviews20 followers
July 20, 2019
I have hit the end of the series and hoping for more! I so love these books.
Profile Image for Arnaud.
478 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2023
Another one wrapped nicely

Again a great plot weaved around Dr. Lenard's team, and once more unfolding abroad. This volume perfectly fell in place right after the previous one, assessing everything we needed around Shahab and his thirst for revenge. This volume didn't delve too much in the art world, but there were enough references to it to make it enjoyable nonetheless.
Profile Image for anna.
1,056 reviews11 followers
August 15, 2025
It was a tough case with a bittersweet ending. I’m not a fan of how the good guys always end up in the thick of the action - they’re supposed to be the researchers and investigators, not the muscle.
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,515 reviews9 followers
November 26, 2023
Genevieve et al. are on an adventure that takes them to Prague. Daniel’s counterpart, Ivan, calls upon them due to an art robbery, but in fact he feels there’s something much deeper going on.

Daniel and Ivan’s team support Genevieve and Francine as they sort through loads of information about the thief, who he’s connected to, and farther out as the web grows.

They meet Bree, a great investigative reporter who’s made her own connections researching a story, and she shows them she’s trustworthy, sharing all her information.

It seems that their elusive enemy Shahab has been in Prague and is killing people in what seems an arbitrary way. But, by looking further into the female victims, they discover that they’re all involved in helping women, and this is the key for Jenny to unlock what’s happening.

The other side of the gruesome deaths has to do with Shahab’s drug trade, but expands upon how opioids are distributed. With the help of a brilliant scientist who’d been close to finding a cure for this addiction, Shahab actually weaponizes an opioid into a lethal aerosolize form.

A critical point is reached when Bree is set up with sensors to a number of aerosols, and the group must find where they are and stop them from being used, while also saving Bree.

This leads to the climax of the story, where Genevieve has to go in alone to talk to Shahab, who is both trying to kill large numbers of people and is dying himself.

What a story. The horrors described are a lot to think of, but the author moves on quickly enough, which makes it reasonable to read.

So many connections and layers to what’s happening, it’s a valiant effort on everyone’s part to take down the evil psychopath, and of course, they succeed.

Love. These. Books.
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews9 followers
July 26, 2019
Perfection, just perfection..

The Roubard Connection ends with the villain vanishing despite Genevieve and the team's best efforts.. in The Sirani Connection we pick up the threads of the previous novel some months later, when the criminal surfaces again.

Now completely off the rails his motivation is hard to garner from the limited information they are able to discover. Several more deaths, which fit his torturous profile, in Prague sets Doctor G and her team of on a trip to the beautiful city. We hear a little more of Philip's backstory, meet their counterpart in Prague, Ivan and follow a wonderfully researched and exquisitely written tale that flows, as fluently as water, through the twists and turns remaining consistent and with never an unnecessary deviation from the storyline. Estelle Ryan captures her characters with a depth and realism that draws her readers in, their interplay and personalities are consistent and the regular cast have developed strong bonds that are believable. If only we could meet them!

I just wish I still had a dozen more to work my way through.. I might have to start at the beginning all over again..
Profile Image for Theresa.
1,554 reviews44 followers
July 10, 2022
I cannot explain how much I love this series. Each book I force myself to put down so I can savor it over a few days. I really want to read it cover to cover in one go and ignore the world and my responsibilities.

In this book Shahab is back and the team is hot on his trail. After finding two more torture deaths they start finding victims that don't fit the profile.

The also meet Bree. ( I will forever love Estelle Ryan for making a transgendered character) She has a knack for being in the wrong/ right place. She also thinks she has a bond with one of the group. Well she has a bond just not the one she thought she had.

Estelle Ryan is so good at writing high stakes scenes. When its go time and the chips are down her book is so riveting you cannot put it down. I never thought so much could be said by blinking your eyes. And Genevieve is always finding new ways to push through her panic and fight for those she loves ( and mankind in general).All of her collected family are so proud if her and proud to be loved by her. Every new addition to her family just adds another set of skills to her already impressive arsenal.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,374 reviews30 followers
March 12, 2019
This 13th in the Genevieve Lenard series came out this morning. I had pre-ordered it, so it appeared in my Kindle when I woke up at 5:30 this morning (Central European Time). I read 11% of it before I fell back asleep, and then finished it this afternoon. (Luckily I had to stay home to wait for a delivery, so I had plenty of time to read.) As always, I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, and the development of their relationships over time. Genevieve is autistic but is trained to observe people's reactions, so she is the one the team relies on to tell if a suspect is telling the truth. Unfortunately it things get too tough she tends to shut down for a while, but this time she managed to keep it together to help rescue her friends before going into shutdown mode. In this case the team is in Prague on the trail of a villain they've been chasing for a while. This was a particularly suspenseful story line which definitely kept my interest. I'll be looking for the next in this series about this time next year!
Profile Image for Jane Shibilski.
366 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2019
One of the best of the series. I was totally blown away by the thrilling ending and the way the entire plot all came together in the last few chapters. For awhile I was completely confused and couldn’t seem to make any sense out of all the disparate plot lines being revealed. Like Genevieve, I couldn’t see clearly how everything fit into any type of coherent pattern. At first, I thought this was going to be a bit boring, but I was happily proved very wrong. I was especially gratified to note the character growth in many of the main characters. Genevieve herself also made strides in dealing with the “neurotypicals” in her life. Many of the other characters also evolved into more stable relationships. I think this adds dimension to all characters and stops them from being predictable and wooden in their interactions. All in all, a great addition to a memorable series.
Profile Image for Patricia.
59 reviews
June 2, 2019
I find this series fascinating. Not only do I get hours of entertainment out of reading each book but I also learn a great deal. I keep Google open on my phone while I read on my Kindle. I delight in looking up the music, paintings and places that are mentioned in detail in the books. In this book, I loved researching and learning about Elisabetta Sirani and her amazing accomplishments at a time when women were not accepted as artists. I also enjoyed looking up The Bone Church of Kutna Hora Prague and looking at photos of the incredible structures made of human bones that fill the church. Estelle Ryan provides links at the end of each book that provide more in-depth information on the music and art used in the book. I usually don't wait to get to the end of the book to do that and just jump onto Google while I'm reading.
35 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2020
Hmmm. Looking through the reviews, and I guess it's just me. I have been loving every book of this series and have recommended them to a ton of people, but this last one really didn't feel up to the rest.

I found it frequently read awkwardly - the sort of dialogue or info-dumping you might expect in a first novel, but has suddenly appeared in the 13th? Discussions of paintings and artists, for instance, kept sounding like they'd been pulled from a brochure. Plot was a little all over the place. Character development was minimal - and they are such an amazing bunch of characters.

Overall, it felt like Ryan phoned this one in. Actually, it felt like someone else took up the franchise and added a book to it. Crossing my fingers that #14 gets us back to her usual 5* excellence.
55 reviews
March 20, 2019
Another Home Run!

I was addicted to this series about halfway through Book 1. Genevieve Lenard, the unusual MC who is on the spectrum, remains interesting; her highly individual responses to people and situations often inform the narrative. The supporting cast are all present in this installment of the series; the story unfolds in Prague rather than France adding another dimension to the read. While thIs book is a follow up to #12, it can be read as a standalone, but it's my belief that reading the series sequentially will provide a richer experience. If you aren't familiar with the Genevieve Lenard books, give yourself a treat.
Profile Image for Serena.
277 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2023
I really liked the way the author tied a lot of the background information together in this book without making it overtly political or preachy. I also admire the way that she temporarily inserts new characters into the team and is able to leave them behind once the case has been concluded. I have even come to understand why she has chosen to jump from the climax of the end of the case to everyone back in France dealing with the aftermath of what happened to them. No one wants to really needs to read about all of the mundane things everyone does to return to what passes for regular life after experiencing the trauma these cases tend to inflict on the team members.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,140 reviews132 followers
August 4, 2024
We don’t do politics, we don’t do games. The only thing we’re interested in is solving our case and putting an evil bastard away.”

Dr Genevieve Lenard and her crew find themselves in the Czech Republic this time regarding some paintings from Elizabeth Sirani. Besides this the Iranian political situation and weaponized opioids play a significant role in this taught thriller. Add some of Phillip's personal perspective and we see more of how this team grows together and how even Genevieve can overcome her own issues to an extent when push comes to shove
.
This one kept me reading long past my bedtime. Highly Recommended 5/5
Profile Image for Jan.
19 reviews
March 16, 2019
Another great book in this series of very interesting characters and storylines. If you haven't read the first 12 books, get started now so you'll be ready when #14 comes out. The characters are highly developed, the storylines are riveting, and the techy-geek vibe/info is eye-opening. I especially like the Genevieve character for insights into the autism spectrum of which I admittedly knew little about before reading this series. If you like thrillers, action, technology, and a great cast of characters, this is the series for you.
Profile Image for Alisa.
475 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2019
❤ Genevieve

I love it when I see Estelle Ryan's name popup in my inbox. Because it means I get to spend some quality time with Genevieve and the rest of the gang. This isn't your normal investigation group and they don't investigate your run of the mill crimes. Each book is new, exciting, and more enjoyable that the previous. For me,personally, the artist information and details about each period are a huge enjoyment. It has restored my love of art, a love that was basically destroyed by a droning, monotone, professor in Art History 101 in college.
214 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2019
This series continues to amaze me. I've never read something that is full of information (art, music, AI, autism, etc) and yet entertaining. Dr. Genevieve Leonard is a high functioning autistic body language expert. Over the course of this series, a team has assembled to address art thefts and other crimes. Genevieve is of particular interest to me because of her autism, since I have a high functioning autistic nephew. The descriptions of her struggle in the neurotypical world are something that I have witnessed with my nephew. I look forward to more of Estelle Ryan's masterful books.
163 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2019
Vindictive, horrendous, crazy, egotist.

This was for me, the worst villain Genevieve and the team have come up against. One who enjoys inflicting pain and cruel horror, slowly and with glee is a most monstrous evil. When such a person is extremely intelligent to the point of brilliance makes thinking ahead of him, to entrap him, even more challenging.
One thing I missed alot!!! was the ability to listen to the music Genevive uses as her escape and art to enjoy during or at the end of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed having that available.
Already awaiting the next Book.
Profile Image for Carla.
803 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2021
I love books about art and artists. I especially love Estelle Ryan’s art themed novels as the characters are so well developed, with their individual character strengths and weaknesses. Starting to read a new Estelle Ryan novel about Doctor Genevieve Lenard and her colleagues is like going out to meet old friends. This wasn’t my favourite book in the series but I did like the complexity of the plot and how everything was resolved at the conclusion of the book. Estelle Ryan is a master at developing quirky, unique characters and unusual plots. Rounded down from 3.5**
Profile Image for Louie Gilman.
10 reviews
March 17, 2019
Another excellent Genevieve Lenard Novel

The Sirani Connection is the latest Genevieve Lenard Novel by Estelle Ryan. I will not be providing any details but will say that as usual, the anticipation of the book and the devouring of same has left me in a happier place. Great character development and plot. May Genevieve, Colin, Vinnie, Francine, Manny and the others continue to live long and prosper.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,002 reviews22 followers
March 19, 2019
All in

Another very satisfying adventure in this series. Not only do you get to travel around Europe undoing terrorism, but you get to hang with awesome professionals who become family. Following the plot with Doc G's perspective is so intensely emotional I have to unwind a little and breathe. The only part of this book I don't like is now that I've finished, there's a long wait for the next one!
9 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2019
Once again Genevieve and friends have brought us an interesting story. I find that as well as being thoroughly readable, I also learn from these books! In the past I have learned more about autism and its variations, the art (of course) but in this case about fentanyl. It is also wonderful reading about the friendships that have evolved, grown and added too. As always, I was satisfied, but sad to have the book end so soon.
Profile Image for Chris Nigrin.
16 reviews
November 27, 2019
This was another wonderful read from Estelle Ryan. I've read all of the Genevieve Lenard books in Ryan's series, and have discovered that they are books that are difficult to put down once I've started them. I've also learned a lot about artists with whom I was previously unfamiliar. Readers who love books in the mystery/thriller genre should definitely check out this book and the entire series. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for LYNNETTE J SINE.
7 reviews
February 26, 2021
Honeymoon is over

Have adored this author's work thru 12 books BUT something has changed. The f" family" has gotten too large. By time we've waded thru everyone's "take" ,reaction, opinion, and comment pages have gone by and the plot has been stalled. The " formula" no longer works with this many characters. The entire package, cast and plot need a recycle housekeeping for me to remain a loyal reader
150 reviews
March 15, 2019
Another great book in Estelle Ryan's Connection series! A new character has been introduced, a transgender journalist with a sense of style and a great personality. Genevieve continues to grow. I love the way she handles her autism. While this book like the others in this series is a thriller, you also learn about art history, and that people can overcome great challenges to lead a normal life.
Profile Image for Nicole.
583 reviews10 followers
March 17, 2019
Genevieve is back!

These stories feature an autistic woman who is an integral part of a crime solving team. As she grows closer to her team as friends, the crimes get more intense. If you love art history and crime solving, and some atypical behaviors this is a great series. Loved this one set in Prague!
6 reviews
March 17, 2019
Another success!

I love the Genevieve Lenard series. I fell in to them accidentally and am grateful I did. Estelle Ryan researches her art and music well and certainly understands and portrays Genevieve’s struggles with well researched info regarding autism. I love these characters and feel like I am meeting with old friends when I read this series.
Profile Image for Alejandra Abraham.
62 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2019
The Sirani connection

I can’t believe it’s been 13 books already.! Since book one I simply loved Genevieve and how all the characters started to have a life of their own. Through all the books relationships get stronger, new characters appear, and the stories are so different one can’t get enough
Well done!!! Now we wait for book 14!
728 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2019
Another fast paced adventure

Another fast paced adventure with the “team” this time in Prague. Always a lot of interesting information to follow up and read on her web site. This would probably stand alone but to understand all the characters and their dynamics you would be better off to start the series from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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