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The Docent
Did a casual comment from a B-girl working at a seedy bar in Boston’s “Combat Zone” inspire the most notorious art theft in the country’s history? A decade after the looting, the penchant of a superior court judge for old masterpieces brings the infamous Gardner Museum heist and a billion dollar family court brawl onto the same page. A pair of the city’s most prominent lawyers takes on the task of defending an acerbic tycoon accused of fleecing his niece and nephew of their interest in the family business empire. As the court proceedings take a decided turn against their unforgiving client, defense counsel turn to insidious means in a desperate attempt to avoid a catastrophic judgment. They scheme to besmirch and derail the trial judge through the manipulation of her law clerk. Unknowingly, the clerk provides information that could involve Her Honor in the disappearance of the priceless museum paintings. The story unfolds in both posh and hardscrabble neighborhoods of Boston and its suburbs as its players succumb to greed, power and love, without concern for those left in their backwash.
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278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 12, 2017
On March 18, 1990, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston was robbed of an estimated $500 million in paintings, including two world-famous masterpieces, Rembrandt’s Storm on the Sea of Galilee and Vermeer’s The Concert. The still-unsolved robbery is the biggest art theft in world history and is a subject of frequent speculation among art, crime, and mystery buffs. Among these buffs is Tom Kenny, who presents an interesting theory on the fate of the paintings in his novel, The Docent by Tom Kenny, an intriguing but flawed legal thriller.
The Docent takes place around 2003 and concerns a fictional but equally high value theft, the plundering of a family business trust fund by an avaricious uncle. The relatives who were bilked file suit, and, under the laws of fraud in Massachusetts, the uncle could stand to lose up to a billion dollars in damages. Not surprisingly, the uncle isn’t too concerned with legalities and hires lawyers willing to do whatever it takes to win the case. That task is made considerably more difficult because the presiding judge on the case, Zelia Valdes, makes one ruling after another in favor of the defrauded relatives. The uncle’s attorneys start investigating Judge Valdes, who is new to the bench, and eventually discover a connection between her and the stolen paintings.
The Docent is a complex story with a large number of characters, and it takes the author a while to tie all his storylines together. For example, after a brief prologue, the stolen paintings aren’t mentioned again until nearly halfway through the book, and it’s several chapters later before their significance in the story becomes apparent. However, after a bit of a slow start, Kenny makes most of the story interesting. He is a practicing attorney from the Boston area, and his discussion of procedure and the ins and outs of the local court system seem authentic. But he let me down somewhat in his discussion of the centerpiece trial. We are told repeatedly that the judge makes numerous rulings in favor of the defrauded relatives but given no examples. Since the villains in the book repeatedly claim that the judge is biased while her supporters say her rulings are fair, some context from the author by way of scenes from the trial would have given readers a better idea of the truth and made for some entertaining reading as well.
Further, the author’s cast of characters are sketched in overly simplistic terms. There are a handful of villains, to be sure, but the remaining characters could be described as “gosh darned nice.” The titular docent (a museum guide) was involved in the robbery but he is just a gosh darned nice guy, and a hooker who provides some key information to the authorities to get off the hook on some criminal charges is also gosh darn nice. The judge’s law clerk seems to have stepped straight off the set of some 50’s TV drama about a hard working Italian family. The level of saccharine in author Kenny’s descriptions gets way too thick at times. Further, it makes him resort to some highly implausible machinations to work towards the requisite happy endings.
One more thing I would point out about The Docent. At times, the book seems almost like a commercial for the tobacco industry, as a number of characters take the time to smoke an inordinate number of cigarettes, none of which is really necessary in terms of plot or character development. If this is the author’s attempt to describe character, it’s annoying more than anything else (especially since those who smoke are the more likable characters in the book).
Despite the character flaws and what I felt was an overly contrived ending, I did like The Docent. The author channels John Grisham somewhat in his examining a complex case from behind the scenes, as the nefarious characters try to subvert the legal system. In so doing, they hatch up a scheme straight out of a Mission Impossible TV episode. It’s far-fetched but still enjoyable to read about. Unfortunately, as the book reaches its conclusion, the plot manipulation catches up with the author and the ending doesn’t pack the punch it should. Still, for those who like this type of legal thriller, The Docent makes its case well enough to get the jury’s verdict.
The Docent takes place around 2003 and concerns a fictional but equally high value theft, the plundering of a family business trust fund by an avaricious uncle. The relatives who were bilked file suit, and, under the laws of fraud in Massachusetts, the uncle could stand to lose up to a billion dollars in damages. Not surprisingly, the uncle isn’t too concerned with legalities and hires lawyers willing to do whatever it takes to win the case. That task is made considerably more difficult because the presiding judge on the case, Zelia Valdes, makes one ruling after another in favor of the defrauded relatives. The uncle’s attorneys start investigating Judge Valdes, who is new to the bench, and eventually discover a connection between her and the stolen paintings.
The Docent is a complex story with a large number of characters, and it takes the author a while to tie all his storylines together. For example, after a brief prologue, the stolen paintings aren’t mentioned again until nearly halfway through the book, and it’s several chapters later before their significance in the story becomes apparent. However, after a bit of a slow start, Kenny makes most of the story interesting. He is a practicing attorney from the Boston area, and his discussion of procedure and the ins and outs of the local court system seem authentic. But he let me down somewhat in his discussion of the centerpiece trial. We are told repeatedly that the judge makes numerous rulings in favor of the defrauded relatives but given no examples. Since the villains in the book repeatedly claim that the judge is biased while her supporters say her rulings are fair, some context from the author by way of scenes from the trial would have given readers a better idea of the truth and made for some entertaining reading as well.
Further, the author’s cast of characters are sketched in overly simplistic terms. There are a handful of villains, to be sure, but the remaining characters could be described as “gosh darned nice.” The titular docent (a museum guide) was involved in the robbery but he is just a gosh darned nice guy, and a hooker who provides some key information to the authorities to get off the hook on some criminal charges is also gosh darn nice. The judge’s law clerk seems to have stepped straight off the set of some 50’s TV drama about a hard working Italian family. The level of saccharine in author Kenny’s descriptions gets way too thick at times. Further, it makes him resort to some highly implausible machinations to work towards the requisite happy endings.
One more thing I would point out about The Docent. At times, the book seems almost like a commercial for the tobacco industry, as a number of characters take the time to smoke an inordinate number of cigarettes, none of which is really necessary in terms of plot or character development. If this is the author’s attempt to describe character, it’s annoying more than anything else (especially since those who smoke are the more likable characters in the book).
Despite the character flaws and what I felt was an overly contrived ending, I did like The Docent. The author channels John Grisham somewhat in his examining a complex case from behind the scenes, as the nefarious characters try to subvert the legal system. In so doing, they hatch up a scheme straight out of a Mission Impossible TV episode. It’s far-fetched but still enjoyable to read about. Unfortunately, as the book reaches its conclusion, the plot manipulation catches up with the author and the ending doesn’t pack the punch it should. Still, for those who like this type of legal thriller, The Docent makes its case well enough to get the jury’s verdict.
August 6, 2016
This is a fun summer novel. I really enjoyed the characters the author created, all interesting and colorful. The story was well written and I loved how it unravels. I enjoyed this book immensely. Having knowledge of the areas in and around the Boston area was fun. I grew up in Scituate and had two references of my home town in the novel. Thanks for another fun read Mr. Kenny! Keep them coming!
September 6, 2016
"The Docent" is an expertly plotted novel that ties together some of the biggest stories in recent Boston history. It is a fast-paced read with compelling characters. Boston natives will love the local color, and lawyers will enjoy pondering the novel's legal and ethical dilemmas. I highly recommend!
May 18, 2016
Excellent Thriller!
This is an exciting "page-turner" involving the Gardner Museum art heist in 1990.
The story is set in Boston and surrounding suburbs, and includes a host of interesting
characters that will surely keep you reading into the night.
This is an exciting "page-turner" involving the Gardner Museum art heist in 1990.
The story is set in Boston and surrounding suburbs, and includes a host of interesting
characters that will surely keep you reading into the night.
September 22, 2022
A gripping read for all fans of John Grisham, and other authors of legal suspense novels. It all begins with a routine audit of the Finish Line Corporation, the largest privately held company in the state, which reveals large scale and unaccounted sale of stocks by the trustee Cosmos Theopoulis, defrauding his orphaned niece and nephew, the sole beneficiaries of the trust. Cosmos immediately retains a hotshot lawyer, Roger Metcalf to fight the case. Everything seems in place with Metcalf roping in one of the partners of a top law firm as co-counsel, and all set to file for a temporary restraining order in the court of a judge from the old boys’ club, when fate steps in and the judge is called away for a bereavement in the family, with Judge Zelia Valdes taking his place. Judge Valdes, however, is no pushover, and the TRO is denied. The case is tried, and Cosmos is hit with a three hundred and thirty-three-million- dollar verdict. A desperate Metcalf tries any possible means to overturn the decision, by discrediting the Judge, but she is above suspicion. Hiring a seedy private eye to follow her and dig up some dirt, without result, he zeroes in on the only weak link, the young Tony Cipriano, who has just joined as Judge Valdes’ law clerk. Then follow a series of legal and not so legal machinations, violence and even murder in an all out bid to reverse the ruling. Running through this involved tale is a strong thread of emotion, filial duty above and beyond the norm, compassion for a troubled soul, loyalty and friendship, and the strength to see things through despite the cost. Well worth reading.
May 30, 2017
Decent Docent
What in the world did I just read?!?! I was cautiously optimistic that this might be a decent legal thriller. It was that - and a whole lot more! There was a LOT of thought put into this storyline. It mostly played out incredulously well. The beginning, maybe third, of the book was really hard to follow because there was so much going on. It was necessary, because it all played out later. It was just hard to keep it all straight at first.
Overall, a good book! Recommended!
What in the world did I just read?!?! I was cautiously optimistic that this might be a decent legal thriller. It was that - and a whole lot more! There was a LOT of thought put into this storyline. It mostly played out incredulously well. The beginning, maybe third, of the book was really hard to follow because there was so much going on. It was necessary, because it all played out later. It was just hard to keep it all straight at first.
Overall, a good book! Recommended!
August 30, 2021
An Outstanding Story from News
A number of outstanding characters fill a great of subplots. The story covers the theft of old masterpieces from the Boston Gardner Museum. The book doesn't the theft, but the people affected. The characters are extremely realistic, and the story is very engrossing. I was not happy of all the people involved, but the plot was extremely engrossing. I had visited that museum before the theft, and it made it very exciting for me. The story was unique and satisfying.
A number of outstanding characters fill a great of subplots. The story covers the theft of old masterpieces from the Boston Gardner Museum. The book doesn't the theft, but the people affected. The characters are extremely realistic, and the story is very engrossing. I was not happy of all the people involved, but the plot was extremely engrossing. I had visited that museum before the theft, and it made it very exciting for me. The story was unique and satisfying.
Read
February 4, 2025I enjoyed this novel about the famous art heist. Growing up in the Boston area and living on Cape Cod now many of the locations were very familiar. Getting to know some of the characters in the beginning was somewhat hard to slog through, but once the stage was set the plot emerged along with a lot of twists and turns. Very good character development and scene descriptions were vivid and easy to see in my minds eye. Written by an author who really knows the territory and the characters who inhabit the area.
September 10, 2017
I really wanted to love this book... unfortunately, I'm crying "uncle" halfway through chapter 16. The story seems completely disconnected, there is an endless parade of new characters and storylines that begin but are not revisited... and then there is the writing. The author has expressed his knowledge of Boston ad nauseam and can't seem to find a singular narrative voice. I just can't finish this one...
July 15, 2017
Too slow for my taste, probably very influenced by my expectation of a mystery-like presentation. Someone going in without that likely to rate higher. But I am also annoyed by wrong word errors.
Unfortunately, my highlights, etc., got "eaten" again, so I can't share them to point to examples of what annoyed me.
Unfortunately, my highlights, etc., got "eaten" again, so I can't share them to point to examples of what annoyed me.
January 17, 2020
Anyone intersted in the art world, art theft, or the decades long mystery which still surrounds the infamous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft in Boston will be intrigued by this book. As unlikely the plot may be, it is as good an explanation of the crime as anyone one else can muster. This is fast reading fiction at its best.
September 7, 2022
Boston. Art theft. Justice Department and lawyers, some pushing ethical boundaries. Lowlifes. Family. This was a wonderful book which took an as yet unsolved, well known museum art theft and wrote a novel that references that event. Many characters and subplots that are all intertwined. I definitely recommend this mystery.
August 10, 2024
The Docent - by Tom Kenny
I loved the story centered around the theft from the Gardner Museum in Boston, MA. In this novel there was a happy ending, the Museum received its paintings back. In reality the paintings are still missing from the Museum I enjoyed the building of each character that was involved directly or indirectly with this theft. I had enjoyed this very much!
I loved the story centered around the theft from the Gardner Museum in Boston, MA. In this novel there was a happy ending, the Museum received its paintings back. In reality the paintings are still missing from the Museum I enjoyed the building of each character that was involved directly or indirectly with this theft. I had enjoyed this very much!
August 27, 2019
I loved reading about local Boston places in this novel! The story is fascinating given that it's based on the historic art theft (still unsolved). The story lines and characters were really fun to track. Excellent summer read!
June 6, 2017
Kindle-Free-Ereader News. An ok read
April 19, 2020
A great, legal/ mystery about one of my favorite museums.
May 8, 2022
This could be true!
I have followed the Gardner Heist for years and this book was so interesting. The way the Eddie, Tony and Zelia we're woven into this story was fantastic.
I have followed the Gardner Heist for years and this book was so interesting. The way the Eddie, Tony and Zelia we're woven into this story was fantastic.
October 21, 2022
Interesting story. Took half the book to get back to the museum heist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2023
Great story!
Truly, a great story. A little convoluted at times, but with a little skimming, no problem. I think you'll love this story.
Truly, a great story. A little convoluted at times, but with a little skimming, no problem. I think you'll love this story.
March 3, 2024
Enjoyed this take on the notorious Elizabeth Stewart Gardner Museum heist in 1990 Boston. Having visited the Museum and knowing the tale and all the hypotheses, it was fun to read this book.
September 25, 2024
fascinating!
What a very convoluted mess — loved every minute! A bit difficult to keep track of the players…so darn good!
What a very convoluted mess — loved every minute! A bit difficult to keep track of the players…so darn good!
March 12, 2025
Interesting take on an art theft.
February 7, 2025
Intersecting circles aplenty. Not all conflicts resolved. Interesting twists because characters interesting. What happened to the girl or is there more?
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews