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Cassiopeia Vitt Adventure #4
The House of Long Ago
The time has come for Cassiopeia Vitt to sell her ancestral home. It sits on a Spanish bluff by the Mediterranean Sea, and bears the name Casa de Hace Mucho Tiempo, House of Long Ago. Trapped inside its walls are memories from a time when Cassiopeia was growing from a rebellious adolescent into a thoughtful young woman—regretful times when she often found herself estranged from her parents.
Also inside are fifteen paintings, each one a masterpiece, together representing an investment in the tens of millions of euros—her father’s private art collection—which she intends to donate to museums. But when an art expert declares all fifteen paintings fake, and suggests that her father may have been involved with something illegal, she embarks on a quest to find answers.
From a secret repository in Andorra, to a mysterious yacht in the Mediterranean, then finally onto the streets of Paris and a horrific reminder from World War II, Cassiopeia must battle every step of the way to stay alive—a fight that will finally bring her face to face with the truth about the House of Long Ago.
Also inside are fifteen paintings, each one a masterpiece, together representing an investment in the tens of millions of euros—her father’s private art collection—which she intends to donate to museums. But when an art expert declares all fifteen paintings fake, and suggests that her father may have been involved with something illegal, she embarks on a quest to find answers.
From a secret repository in Andorra, to a mysterious yacht in the Mediterranean, then finally onto the streets of Paris and a horrific reminder from World War II, Cassiopeia must battle every step of the way to stay alive—a fight that will finally bring her face to face with the truth about the House of Long Ago.
112 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2020
678 people are currently reading
1821 people want to read
About the author
Steve Berry
110 books7,497 followersSteve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of twenty-two novels, which include: The Last Kingdom , The Omega Factor , The Kaiser's Web, The Warsaw Protocol, The Malta Exchange, The Bishop’s Pawn, The Lost Order, The 14th Colony, The Patriot Threat, The Lincoln Myth, The King's Deception, The Columbus Affair, The Jefferson Key, The Emperor's Tomb, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandria Link, The Templar Legacy, The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy, and The Amber Room. Steve has also co-written a novel with Grant Blackwood, The 9th Man (a Luke Daniels Adventure), and four novellas with M. J. Rose: The End of Forever, The House of Long Ago, The Lake of Learning, and The Museum of Mysteries, all Cassiopeia Vitt tales. His books have been translated into 41 languages with over 25,000,000 copies in 52 countries. They consistently appear in the top echelon of The New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestseller lists. Somewhere in the world, every thirty seconds, one of his novels is sold.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 21, 2020
"...trying to save a family, a child, a wife, a mother, a father."
The House of Long Ago is the fourth book in the Cassiopeia Vitt Adventure Series. Although each book can be read as a stand-alone, I have a feeling I would have enjoyed this read more if I had researched the series before going in. Cassiopeia Vitt is a strong heroine who reminded me of a hybrid of Laura Croft and Nancy Drew. She is a woman on a mission to sell her parent's home and settle their estate. While working on coming to terms with the numerous secrets from the past, Cassiopeia is determined to discover the truth.
"A memory flooded my brain..."Told in Cassiopeia's POV, The House of Long Ago is a quick read full of action and mystery. With a detailed dive into art history and a complex plot, The House of Long Ago would appeal to art lovers who enjoy a good mystery. This is my first read by Steve Berry and M.J. Rose. Although it wasn't my typical romance read, I enjoyed exploring a strong female heroine and her quest to discover the truth about her family and their past!
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June 23, 2020
Adding a new novella to their collaborative collection, Steve Berry and M.J. Rose present the fourth piece featuring Cassiopeia Vitt. This piece pulls together some interesting backstory in the life of Cassiopeia and some troubling revelations about her father. After holding onto her family villa in Spain for a number of years, Cassiopeia Vitt decides that it might be time to put it onto the market. Before doing so, she decides to have the fifteen pieces of art hanging throughout the villa appraised. While she grew up admiring the pieces, she never thought to ask their value. After an appraiser brings news that the paintings are fakes, Cassiopeia can only wonder what game her father might have been playing. Consulting with many close to her father, Cassiopeia learns that it is not uncommon for art to be copied and the fakes exhibited, but that there is a secluded location in Andorra that is sure to house the originals. When she visits, Cassiopeia discovers that the originals are no longer in the vault her father had sealed, only adding to the mystery. Cassiopeia begins to question the need to hide these pieces of art away and everything leads back to discussions about Nazi Germany. Might Cassiopeia Vitt’s entire image of her father be based on false memories? What troubles could he have found himself in and might Señor Vitt have been part of a sinister underground that confiscated pillaged artwork and kept it for themselves? Berry and Rose tell quite the tale while educating the reader throughout this piece. Recommended to those who love fiction embedded with historical revelations, as well as the reader who has enjoyed all that Cassiopeia Vitt has brought to the surface in her handful of novellas.
While I have long been a fan of Steve Berry and his Cotton Malone novels, I knew little about Cassiopeia Vitt, save for what was revealed in the stories. When M.J. Rose teamed up with Berry to offer more insight into Cassiopeia’s life and adventures, I flocked to read them. These pieces not only shift the focus on Vitt, but also add new and exciting layers of history from which the reader can learn a great deal. Cassiopeia Vitt is a wonderfully independent woman, whose ambitions shine though. However, she is also one to rely heavily on those who helped shape her, not least of which her father. In this piece, the reader learns more about the connection that Vitt had with her father and the love of art that he fostered. That it could have been built on lies and deceit is surely possible, something that leaves Cassiopeia troubled. The cast of secondary characters is well developed to offer the reader interesting insight into Cassiopeia’s issue and how it might be handled. While the story is brief, the authors use these characters effectively to flavour the narrative and keep the action moving forward. The piece flows well and the reader’s attention is easily kept, mixing history and current events together with ease while trying to piece together the fragments of Cassiopeia’s life together. With a short cameo appearance by Cotton Malone himself, there is surely room for some tie-ins with Berry’s mainstream work. As with the others novellas, this one reads easily with short and crisp chapters that are sure to pull the reader into the action quickly. I can only hope this collaborative effort continues, as it is highly entertaining and yields wonderful stories.
Kudos, Mr. Berry and Madam Rose, for your great work together. Cassiopeia Vitt has a wonderful platform for growth with these stories and I am happy to read more when you have penned them.
Love/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/...
While I have long been a fan of Steve Berry and his Cotton Malone novels, I knew little about Cassiopeia Vitt, save for what was revealed in the stories. When M.J. Rose teamed up with Berry to offer more insight into Cassiopeia’s life and adventures, I flocked to read them. These pieces not only shift the focus on Vitt, but also add new and exciting layers of history from which the reader can learn a great deal. Cassiopeia Vitt is a wonderfully independent woman, whose ambitions shine though. However, she is also one to rely heavily on those who helped shape her, not least of which her father. In this piece, the reader learns more about the connection that Vitt had with her father and the love of art that he fostered. That it could have been built on lies and deceit is surely possible, something that leaves Cassiopeia troubled. The cast of secondary characters is well developed to offer the reader interesting insight into Cassiopeia’s issue and how it might be handled. While the story is brief, the authors use these characters effectively to flavour the narrative and keep the action moving forward. The piece flows well and the reader’s attention is easily kept, mixing history and current events together with ease while trying to piece together the fragments of Cassiopeia’s life together. With a short cameo appearance by Cotton Malone himself, there is surely room for some tie-ins with Berry’s mainstream work. As with the others novellas, this one reads easily with short and crisp chapters that are sure to pull the reader into the action quickly. I can only hope this collaborative effort continues, as it is highly entertaining and yields wonderful stories.
Kudos, Mr. Berry and Madam Rose, for your great work together. Cassiopeia Vitt has a wonderful platform for growth with these stories and I am happy to read more when you have penned them.
Love/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/...
March 21, 2023
A very entertaining short story. I thought that Steve Berry had a good idea for a plot and pursued it to the best of his great abilities. Enjoy.
September 20, 2020
Halfway between Barcelona and the French border is Tossa de Mar, Cassiopeia Vitt's ancestral home. She decides it is time to sell the place, and donate 15 art masterpieces acquired by her father to the Prado Museum and the Louvre. Cassiopeia is shocked when her friend from the Prado determines them to be copies, and the family lawyer who is also a surrogate mother says the originals are in an impregnable vault in Andorra, owned by an international man of mystery and arms dealer. When the vault is opened, the paintings are gone, sending Cassiopeia on a mission to discover what happened to them. Lots of action, and a somewhat satisfying resolution. However, as a reader, I felt disappointed as the denouement could have been much more fully developed and it would be nice to see Cotton Malone make a cameo. This is by far though these best book in this series, especially for anyone with a love of art and art crime.
P.S. I love the Churchill quote: "Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip."
P.S. I love the Churchill quote: "Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip."
October 23, 2020
I did enjoy reading this book very much..
It was very short so I time to read it in between other books.
Knowing just enough about stolen art and reparations from WW2, I bought the book because this subject isn't foreign, but yet curious to see if there was an additional perspective on art inheritance.
I have a proclivity to include spoilers when describing a book; you will see nothing about the story itself.
When I finished this book, I thought- Do I love, love this book enough to give it a 5 star rating?
Although I was totally entertained, it just didn't happen.
3.9
Where did many of the characters go?
There were a few introduced within extremely short chapters. You met them, and they simply disappeared.
I wish the authors, whom I love, tied up more loose ends.
The authors note is perfect for those being introduced to this subject for the first time.
///
Here comes the kudos of what I feel was as equal to the topic....
The most impressive thought I took away from this book is, the father who we don't have the opportunity to meet leaves behind an outstanding legacy; the kind of legacy we all wish we could leave.
He was one fabulous role model to his daughter. Those who knew him around the globe speak of his stellar character.
For that alone, I wanted to give it 5*
It was very short so I time to read it in between other books.
Knowing just enough about stolen art and reparations from WW2, I bought the book because this subject isn't foreign, but yet curious to see if there was an additional perspective on art inheritance.
I have a proclivity to include spoilers when describing a book; you will see nothing about the story itself.
When I finished this book, I thought- Do I love, love this book enough to give it a 5 star rating?
Although I was totally entertained, it just didn't happen.
3.9
Where did many of the characters go?
There were a few introduced within extremely short chapters. You met them, and they simply disappeared.
I wish the authors, whom I love, tied up more loose ends.
The authors note is perfect for those being introduced to this subject for the first time.
///
Here comes the kudos of what I feel was as equal to the topic....
The most impressive thought I took away from this book is, the father who we don't have the opportunity to meet leaves behind an outstanding legacy; the kind of legacy we all wish we could leave.
He was one fabulous role model to his daughter. Those who knew him around the globe speak of his stellar character.
For that alone, I wanted to give it 5*
May 5, 2022
I’ve been meaning to read more M.J. Rose and when I spotted The House of Long Ago on one of the book shelves in the office I thought “Perfect, MJ and Steve Berry, I can read them both”
I’m glad I did.
What an intriguing, captivating and engrossing story. It’s amazing how they could develop the various characters and richly described the entire scenario in a novella.
The story, the setting the premise was fascinating. I particularly enjoyed subtle details around cuisine and fashion and learned much about art along the way too. And of course the history, the awful and the inspiring. There is just so much packed into 105 pages. Truly superior writing.
There were a few parts a bit too over the top James Bondish, I felt. The story and intrigue alone carried the book without these few spy like elements in my opinion.
Nevertheless, if you are seeking a fun, fast, thriller where you’ll learn something too – it’s a great read. I am eager to read more about Ms. Vitt as well as Cotton Malone now too.
What a great book!
I’m glad I did.
What an intriguing, captivating and engrossing story. It’s amazing how they could develop the various characters and richly described the entire scenario in a novella.
The story, the setting the premise was fascinating. I particularly enjoyed subtle details around cuisine and fashion and learned much about art along the way too. And of course the history, the awful and the inspiring. There is just so much packed into 105 pages. Truly superior writing.
There were a few parts a bit too over the top James Bondish, I felt. The story and intrigue alone carried the book without these few spy like elements in my opinion.
Nevertheless, if you are seeking a fun, fast, thriller where you’ll learn something too – it’s a great read. I am eager to read more about Ms. Vitt as well as Cotton Malone now too.
What a great book!
June 26, 2025
Книгата се състои от четири новели за Касиопея Вит. Очевидно тя е второстепенна героиня в поредицата за Котън Малоун, която все още не съм чела. Тук авторите проследяват приключенията на Касиопея. Тя е силна жена, която умее да се отбранява, преследва лошите и се забърква в криминални и мистериозни случки.
Новелите са:
1. "Къщата от стари времена", където Касиопея разбира, че картините, които е купил баща ѝ, са фалшиви. Тръгва по следите им и се забърква в заплетена история за евреи, наследство и престъпления. Допадна ми развитието на историята.
2. "Езерото на тайните" е за артефакт, открит от Касиопея при строежа на замъка. Някой иска да го открадне, друг - да го откупи. Историята ни изпраща по следите на катарите и ни показва докъде води омразата.
3. В "Краят на вечността" Касиопея е преследвана от престъпник. Тя трябва да спаси Котън, който е в Сан Марино.
4. "Музеят на тайните" е новела, която набляга на мистицизма. Старинно сандъче с отвари от стари времена е откраднат и Касиопея тръгва по следите на престъпника. Шишенцата съдържат формули и могат да бъд��т смъртоносни или да извикат спомени от минали животи.
Новелите са около стотина страници всяка. Харесаха ми с това, че не е само препускане и екшън, но имаше живописни описания на интересни и тайнствени места, артефакти и исторически препратки. След всяка новела авторите отделят истината от измислицата. Научих много интересни факти, а историята за катарството ми напомни за богомилите. Те имат почти идентични вярвания. Имаше си и повторения, може би в случай, че новелите се четат отделно. Засякох и неточност във втората, където описват съвсем различна смърт на родителите на Касиопея в сравнение с предната.
Ако търсите приключенско четиво и в същото време искате то да носи нови знания и факти, които да научите, то това е вашето четиво.
Новелите са:
1. "Къщата от стари времена", където Касиопея разбира, че картините, които е купил баща ѝ, са фалшиви. Тръгва по следите им и се забърква в заплетена история за евреи, наследство и престъпления. Допадна ми развитието на историята.
2. "Езерото на тайните" е за артефакт, открит от Касиопея при строежа на замъка. Някой иска да го открадне, друг - да го откупи. Историята ни изпраща по следите на катарите и ни показва докъде води омразата.
3. В "Краят на вечността" Касиопея е преследвана от престъпник. Тя трябва да спаси Котън, който е в Сан Марино.
4. "Музеят на тайните" е новела, която набляга на мистицизма. Старинно сандъче с отвари от стари времена е откраднат и Касиопея тръгва по следите на престъпника. Шишенцата съдържат формули и могат да бъд��т смъртоносни или да извикат спомени от минали животи.
Новелите са около стотина страници всяка. Харесаха ми с това, че не е само препускане и екшън, но имаше живописни описания на интересни и тайнствени места, артефакти и исторически препратки. След всяка новела авторите отделят истината от измислицата. Научих много интересни факти, а историята за катарството ми напомни за богомилите. Те имат почти идентични вярвания. Имаше си и повторения, може би в случай, че новелите се четат отделно. Засякох и неточност във втората, където описват съвсем различна смърт на родителите на Касиопея в сравнение с предната.
Ако търсите приключенско четиво и в същото време искате то да носи нови знания и факти, които да научите, то това е вашето четиво.
June 15, 2020
Thanks to Social Butterfly PR for the ARC.
So much action, excitement, and history packed into a small package. Usually short stories leave you feeling bereft and unsatisfied, but not this series. Cassiopeia Vitt is a awesome character. I'd love the read a full length novel centered in her world.
So much action, excitement, and history packed into a small package. Usually short stories leave you feeling bereft and unsatisfied, but not this series. Cassiopeia Vitt is a awesome character. I'd love the read a full length novel centered in her world.
January 10, 2021
An excellent novella which I'm sure preps the reader for the next installment in Steve Berry's Cotton Malone series. This book deals with the historical fact of the the many priceless pieces of art that was stolen by the Nazis during WWII. How the repercussions of those times still ring with us to this day. This small novella involves: original painters - many of which are renowned masters, restorers, copyists, vaults, and history itself. How Cassiopeia's character and her late father's enormous wealth and legacy are at risk.
The story is very enjoyable and true to the character in the Cotton Malone series which I've become a fan of. What I liked the best is the author's notes of masterpieces that are still missing to this day and Steve Berry and M J Rose give us a top ten list of those once famous pieces and the hunt which is still on for these masterpieces to this day. I also liked this sentence out of this book and show exactly any culture who destroys their art and culture is doomed and I fully agree. Here is the sentences which I'm going to add or check to add in quotes here on goodreads. This is a quick afternoon read of history presented in a fictional context.
Quote: Nations that voluntarily destroy their art and culture were not only the lesser for it, but were also doomed.
-Steven Berry author of:
- The House Of Long Ago
The story is very enjoyable and true to the character in the Cotton Malone series which I've become a fan of. What I liked the best is the author's notes of masterpieces that are still missing to this day and Steve Berry and M J Rose give us a top ten list of those once famous pieces and the hunt which is still on for these masterpieces to this day. I also liked this sentence out of this book and show exactly any culture who destroys their art and culture is doomed and I fully agree. Here is the sentences which I'm going to add or check to add in quotes here on goodreads. This is a quick afternoon read of history presented in a fictional context.
Quote: Nations that voluntarily destroy their art and culture were not only the lesser for it, but were also doomed.
-Steven Berry author of:
- The House Of Long Ago
June 16, 2020
The House of Long Ago by Steve Berry and MJ Rose is the fourth book in the Cassiopeia Vitt series which is an offshoot of the Cotton Malone series. The book focuses mostly on Cassiopeia, but does have a connection to Malone via phone calls between the two. Cassiopeia is one kick butt and take-names character. I love how she takes the lead and finds answers.
In this novella, Cassiopeia has come to the realization she needs to sell her parents home. It has remained mostly unused since their death. She knows it is time, but first the art work needs to be distributed to a couple of museums, until she finds out they are copies, The question then becomes where are the originals. Cassiopeia is going to find out, hopefully without being killed.
The novella is a nice quick mystery with a couple of twists. It is filled with some cool information about the shady side of the art world. The House of Long Ago by Steve Berry and MJ Rose is a great read.
In this novella, Cassiopeia has come to the realization she needs to sell her parents home. It has remained mostly unused since their death. She knows it is time, but first the art work needs to be distributed to a couple of museums, until she finds out they are copies, The question then becomes where are the originals. Cassiopeia is going to find out, hopefully without being killed.
The novella is a nice quick mystery with a couple of twists. It is filled with some cool information about the shady side of the art world. The House of Long Ago by Steve Berry and MJ Rose is a great read.
June 22, 2020
Cassiopeia has decided the time has come to sell her parents home. As she is going through her father’s extensive art collection. She realizes all the paintings are fake. This leads her to a secret repository is the mysterious country of Andora.
Cassiopeia discovers a possible theft and her life becomes endangered. But, don’t worry…this does not deter her in the least. Cassiopeia never backs down from a fight. She is one of my favorite fictional characters. She is tough and smart as a whip.
Give me an old house and a mystery and I am set! And this one does not disappoint. This story is action packed and full of history!
Cassiopeia discovers a possible theft and her life becomes endangered. But, don’t worry…this does not deter her in the least. Cassiopeia never backs down from a fight. She is one of my favorite fictional characters. She is tough and smart as a whip.
Give me an old house and a mystery and I am set! And this one does not disappoint. This story is action packed and full of history!
July 31, 2021
Love these short novellas about Cassiopea Vitt. Am reading the next one now, and honestly they should have been combined as one story.
February 15, 2024
Nice short story. Suspense.
July 16, 2020
I’m surprised Steve Berry allowed his name to be on this book.
Steve’s books are usually so meticulously researched. Unfortunately in this book.
At one point n the book We learn that Cassiopeia Vitt’s father had been a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a woman had been a member of his Bishopric. A silly mistake for anyone even slightly familiar with the LDS Church. To have been so this woman would have needed to be member of the Church’s priesthood of which was em are not allowed to be members,
I also noticed Miguel, one of the characters in the book in an accident while riding a scooter to the Prado Museum and is taken to a Barcelona hospital. The Prado is in Madrid.
Steve’s books are usually so meticulously researched. Unfortunately in this book.
At one point n the book We learn that Cassiopeia Vitt’s father had been a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a woman had been a member of his Bishopric. A silly mistake for anyone even slightly familiar with the LDS Church. To have been so this woman would have needed to be member of the Church’s priesthood of which was em are not allowed to be members,
I also noticed Miguel, one of the characters in the book in an accident while riding a scooter to the Prado Museum and is taken to a Barcelona hospital. The Prado is in Madrid.
April 24, 2024
Nazi stolen art owned byJews and related reparations.
Andorra, I definitely want to visit. A couple of towns i would also love to visit around Barcelona. All thanks to Steve Berry and M.J. Rose.
History matters!
Andorra, I definitely want to visit. A couple of towns i would also love to visit around Barcelona. All thanks to Steve Berry and M.J. Rose.
History matters!
July 20, 2021
Again an audiobook that I listened to several times. The Repository seemed to be a hard thing for me to wrap my mind around, although I would really like to offer Ms. Vitt a glass of impossibly expensive red wine and ask her to tell me everything she knows about the history of locks.
With that said we get a much fuller experience of Vitt family dynamics, although Maman is still very much a mystery. It's a book about a man with a penchant for art, and collecting that he instills into his very bright eyed heir. I really love the image of a guy charging through a museum to give his daughter some unhindered view of the artwork, to ask her which painting she would like to spend a day in, etc. It's a really beautiful view of parenting, were the parent shares something he loves with his child, sort of the step beyond getting down on the floor and playing with your child's toys, side by side. Here are the rules-don't touch the paintings, stay behind the plush ropes, don't over do it, ask questions, first of yourself and then the experts, if they will talk. She goes through these museum memories several times as she tries to figure out what happened to his private collection, and these are some of the best parts of the book.
There is a great car chase and some shoot outs, if I recall correctly. I grew tired of the expose of the theft of the Jewish art throughout Europe, in part because I have studied this. There were a few concentration camp names I did not recognize, and I did not know about the school principal who hid so many Jewish children. The Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles is very moving, but substancially more Hollywood than the one described as being in Paris. The plot moves through this background in a very loving way, making Mr. Vitt one of the post war angels. There are always expliary people in any faith tradition, especially when they reach beyond their borders to serve justice/love. This book was an eye opener, not so much about the Holocaust but to challenge my assumptions about LDS, mostly know through it's enormous welfare draw and
some polygamy.
With that said we get a much fuller experience of Vitt family dynamics, although Maman is still very much a mystery. It's a book about a man with a penchant for art, and collecting that he instills into his very bright eyed heir. I really love the image of a guy charging through a museum to give his daughter some unhindered view of the artwork, to ask her which painting she would like to spend a day in, etc. It's a really beautiful view of parenting, were the parent shares something he loves with his child, sort of the step beyond getting down on the floor and playing with your child's toys, side by side. Here are the rules-don't touch the paintings, stay behind the plush ropes, don't over do it, ask questions, first of yourself and then the experts, if they will talk. She goes through these museum memories several times as she tries to figure out what happened to his private collection, and these are some of the best parts of the book.
There is a great car chase and some shoot outs, if I recall correctly. I grew tired of the expose of the theft of the Jewish art throughout Europe, in part because I have studied this. There were a few concentration camp names I did not recognize, and I did not know about the school principal who hid so many Jewish children. The Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles is very moving, but substancially more Hollywood than the one described as being in Paris. The plot moves through this background in a very loving way, making Mr. Vitt one of the post war angels. There are always expliary people in any faith tradition, especially when they reach beyond their borders to serve justice/love. This book was an eye opener, not so much about the Holocaust but to challenge my assumptions about LDS, mostly know through it's enormous welfare draw and
some polygamy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2020
The House 🏠 of long ago was an interesting read. Another story novella that I enjoyed 📚.
Steve Berry & M J Rose are an awesome duo. I read anything produced by them. Literally
So in this novella, Cassiopeia is going 🏡 to Spain 🇪🇸 to put closure to her childhood home.
She goes there with the intent to have her father's art work appraised, and then donated to 2 museums of her choice.
But what should have been a simple appraisal, turns into none of the art is authentic. All 15 portraits are copies. This can't be true, because her father spent millions of dollars on this art.
So start the process of finding out what happened to all the art. Who is responsible, and how is she going to get them all back.
She and her parents had a civil relationship, but it was estranged when she was a teenager. Then their relationship was amibicale as Cassiopeia matured. Although both parents are deceased, she misses them terribly, which is why she has not been back home for awhile.
But what she did not compromise on was her parents choice of being Latter Day Saint in their later years.
That was their choice, not hers and she didn't begrudge them their religion. Just don't expect it to be hers.
But being back home 🏡 brings a lot of emotions to the surface again.
When she realizes that all the paintings 🖼 are fakes, she starts on a quest to clear of father of any wrong doing.
Because her father was an upstanding citizen, he would never purchase stolen art from any one, intentionally.
Cassiopeia reaches out to her estate lawyer and from their things start to get interesting.
On that note, that's where I'm going to stop.
Don't want to tell to much.
I enjoyed all 3 short novellas, so much so that I looked into M J Rose 🌹 other works, and found some interest there.
In a book called The Reincarnation.
Based on the title alone, you can't go wrong?
Right!!
Happy Reading 📚!!!
Ciao💋
Steve Berry & M J Rose are an awesome duo. I read anything produced by them. Literally
So in this novella, Cassiopeia is going 🏡 to Spain 🇪🇸 to put closure to her childhood home.
She goes there with the intent to have her father's art work appraised, and then donated to 2 museums of her choice.
But what should have been a simple appraisal, turns into none of the art is authentic. All 15 portraits are copies. This can't be true, because her father spent millions of dollars on this art.
So start the process of finding out what happened to all the art. Who is responsible, and how is she going to get them all back.
She and her parents had a civil relationship, but it was estranged when she was a teenager. Then their relationship was amibicale as Cassiopeia matured. Although both parents are deceased, she misses them terribly, which is why she has not been back home for awhile.
But what she did not compromise on was her parents choice of being Latter Day Saint in their later years.
That was their choice, not hers and she didn't begrudge them their religion. Just don't expect it to be hers.
But being back home 🏡 brings a lot of emotions to the surface again.
When she realizes that all the paintings 🖼 are fakes, she starts on a quest to clear of father of any wrong doing.
Because her father was an upstanding citizen, he would never purchase stolen art from any one, intentionally.
Cassiopeia reaches out to her estate lawyer and from their things start to get interesting.
On that note, that's where I'm going to stop.
Don't want to tell to much.
I enjoyed all 3 short novellas, so much so that I looked into M J Rose 🌹 other works, and found some interest there.
In a book called The Reincarnation.
Based on the title alone, you can't go wrong?
Right!!
Happy Reading 📚!!!
Ciao💋
October 24, 2022
В началото леко се заблудих за тази книга. Когато я поръчах си мислех, че е една цяла история, а се оказа, че сбор от четири новели. Загадките около които се въртеше действието изкуство, катарство, стари тунели, силата на растенията и преражданията ми харесаха и ми бяха до толкова интересни, че се разрових да разбера още за тези места. Много добро впечатление ми направиха и описанията на местата и главно на Франция , те също ме накараха да потърся още информация за тях.
Но има няколко дребни неща които ми допаднаха . Може да са малки и незначителни, но на мен ми направиха впечатление.
- първо главната героиня беше прекалено идеална. Тя беше богата, умна, красива, способна на ка��во ли не. Тя през цялото време не срещна никакви пречки и затруднения, защото голямото и богатство и позволяваше да прави каквото иска по всяко време без никакво забавяне или затруднение, придобитите и умения благодарение на обученията които е можела да си позволи и позволяваха пак без проблем да се бие, да стреля, да решава логически загадки и т.н. Наясно съм, че в една новела няма възможност за голямо развитие на героите и т.н., но все пак щеше да е хубаво да не й се получава всичко от раз.
- второто е това, че във всяка новела се повтаряха едни и същи неща и то със едни и същи думи. Например за замъка на Вит , за селцето Ел и приятелят и Никодин.
- на последно място е нещо наистина много малко и може би леко дребнаво, но.....Възможен спойлер .В различните новели се сменя това как са починали родителите й : в една се казва, че първо е починала майка и в катастрофа, а после баща , в друга баща й умира в катастрофа, а после майка й.
Щях да дам три звезди, но последната новела ми беше много интересна и затова давам четири.
Но има няколко дребни неща които ми допаднаха . Може да са малки и незначителни, но на мен ми направиха впечатление.
- първо главната героиня беше прекалено идеална. Тя беше богата, умна, красива, способна на ка��во ли не. Тя през цялото време не срещна никакви пречки и затруднения, защото голямото и богатство и позволяваше да прави каквото иска по всяко време без никакво забавяне или затруднение, придобитите и умения благодарение на обученията които е можела да си позволи и позволяваха пак без проблем да се бие, да стреля, да решава логически загадки и т.н. Наясно съм, че в една новела няма възможност за голямо развитие на героите и т.н., но все пак щеше да е хубаво да не й се получава всичко от раз.
- второто е това, че във всяка новела се повтаряха едни и същи неща и то със едни и същи думи. Например за замъка на Вит , за селцето Ел и приятелят и Никодин.
- на последно място е нещо наистина много малко и може би леко дребнаво, но.....Възможен спойлер .В различните новели се сменя това как са починали родителите й : в една се казва, че първо е починала майка и в катастрофа, а после баща , в друга баща й умира в катастрофа, а после майка й.
Щях да дам три звезди, но последната новела ми беше много интересна и затова давам четири.
October 21, 2020
“The House of Long Ago,” the fourth book in the Cassiopeia Vitt Adventure Series, was written by Steve Berry with M.J. Rose. I love the character of Cassiopeia from Berry’s Cotton Malone series, so without really paying attention, I ordered it on Kindle. Oops!! This is actually a novella, and I quite honestly prefer a more developed plot than this provides. For a long short story, it was good; however, it wrapped up too abruptly for me. Additionally, I found the story was too predictable. I saw the end coming about half way through the book. So, I was somewhat disappointed.
I do enjoy a strong female heroine, and Berry’s Cassiopeia Vitt is a delight. The reader can see her as a solid dynamic character even in the abruptness of this long short story. In “The House of Long Ago,” she is on a mission to sell her parent's home and settle their estate. Some of the family paintings which she was going to give to a museum are discovered to be forgeries; this sets her off on a quest to discover the truth about these paintings, her family, and their past!
Even this novella could have been developed into a solid novel giving it greater depth and development. Still, I did like the story; it moved quickly. I would love to read this as a full-length novel centered in her world. Still, a good story, good characters, and a good Kindle price.
I do enjoy a strong female heroine, and Berry’s Cassiopeia Vitt is a delight. The reader can see her as a solid dynamic character even in the abruptness of this long short story. In “The House of Long Ago,” she is on a mission to sell her parent's home and settle their estate. Some of the family paintings which she was going to give to a museum are discovered to be forgeries; this sets her off on a quest to discover the truth about these paintings, her family, and their past!
Even this novella could have been developed into a solid novel giving it greater depth and development. Still, I did like the story; it moved quickly. I would love to read this as a full-length novel centered in her world. Still, a good story, good characters, and a good Kindle price.
February 12, 2021
I’ve been a Steve Berry/Cotton Malone fan for quite a few years now so when this popped up as a suggestion for pre-ordering when I finished a Steve Berry story, I thought that it might be nice to read something new that’s a spin-off of one of the characters from the Malone stories. I was expecting a novel and was very surprised to discover it was little more than a short story. I finished it in a few hours. When I buy a novel I expect to be entertained for two or three days at least.
The writing style is so unlike that of the Cotton Malone stories that I’m unconvinced Steve Berry contributed much other than his name to boost sales, and the gift of one of his creations for a bit of a back story and to attract Cotton Malone fans.
This ends after 90 kindle pages and has no business being sold for anything more than 99p. The last tenth of the book is author notes and adverts for the other books in the series. I feel cheated. I was looking forward to the same level of enjoyment that I get from reading Cotton Malone books, but this was over before it even began. The story itself was thin and, I felt, lacking any real substance. It’s hard to say anything more about something so short without spoiling it for those who would like to read it.
The writing style is so unlike that of the Cotton Malone stories that I’m unconvinced Steve Berry contributed much other than his name to boost sales, and the gift of one of his creations for a bit of a back story and to attract Cotton Malone fans.
This ends after 90 kindle pages and has no business being sold for anything more than 99p. The last tenth of the book is author notes and adverts for the other books in the series. I feel cheated. I was looking forward to the same level of enjoyment that I get from reading Cotton Malone books, but this was over before it even began. The story itself was thin and, I felt, lacking any real substance. It’s hard to say anything more about something so short without spoiling it for those who would like to read it.
August 16, 2021
I'll start this review with the same paragraph I used for the last Berry/Rose collaboration (#2 in the Cassiopeia Vitt Series):
I've liked Steve Berry's Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt adventures. Not only has he made them into a good team, they're good characters all on their own. Combined with Berry's solid scene descriptions and well-formed plots, they've been part of several solid stories that have been great escapist fiction for me over the past several years. His more recent work with MJ Rose has proven to be just as interesting and fun to read. The stories continue to develop the relation between Cotton and Cassiopeia as well as to build Cassiopeia up as her own woman with a deep and rich backstory.
This book, like the previous ones in their oeuvre, has a quick plot, good descriptions and moves along well. However, it has the same issue for me as the last: It wraps up too cleanly and quickly. I don't want to give any spoilers here so I'll wrap this up without any plot discussion. Since I was prepared for the quick conclusion based on the last book, I've looked past that and only judged my overall enjoyment as I was immersed in the read. Recommend as a quick read for anyone looking for a fun - but short - distraction.
I've liked Steve Berry's Cotton Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt adventures. Not only has he made them into a good team, they're good characters all on their own. Combined with Berry's solid scene descriptions and well-formed plots, they've been part of several solid stories that have been great escapist fiction for me over the past several years. His more recent work with MJ Rose has proven to be just as interesting and fun to read. The stories continue to develop the relation between Cotton and Cassiopeia as well as to build Cassiopeia up as her own woman with a deep and rich backstory.
This book, like the previous ones in their oeuvre, has a quick plot, good descriptions and moves along well. However, it has the same issue for me as the last: It wraps up too cleanly and quickly. I don't want to give any spoilers here so I'll wrap this up without any plot discussion. Since I was prepared for the quick conclusion based on the last book, I've looked past that and only judged my overall enjoyment as I was immersed in the read. Recommend as a quick read for anyone looking for a fun - but short - distraction.
June 19, 2020
Great novella, which gives us a better appreciation of Cassiopeia Vitt, by giving us a little history of her family. In this book, she is making the hard decision to sell the family home and wants to place what she always believed was original works of art into the two museums beloved by her father. She finds out that the ones on display in her home were copies and when she is taken to the vault of the secret repository in Andorra, she finds the originals gone. As she searches for what happened to the paintings, she undercovers plots that lead back to the Nazi thief of art from many Jews and the reparation program to restore the paintings back to their owners and how her father had been a big part in that program.
While she was involved in this search, she had been keeping in touch with Cotton, whom she was planning on meeting that weekend. He was in Poland as discussed in the Warsaw Protocol on his "adventure".
While she was involved in this search, she had been keeping in touch with Cotton, whom she was planning on meeting that weekend. He was in Poland as discussed in the Warsaw Protocol on his "adventure".
July 8, 2020
In short story #4 of Cassiopeia Vitt’s adventures, the time has come for her to sell her ancestral home. It sits on a Spanish bluff by the Mediterranean Sea, and bears the name Casa de Hace Mucho Tiempo, House of Long Ago.
Inside are fifteen paintings, each one a masterpiece, together representing an investment in the tens of millions of euros—her father’s private art collection—which she intends to donate to museums. But when an art expert declares all fifteen paintings fake, and suggests that her father may have been involved with something illegal, she embarks on a quest to find answers.
From a secret repository in Andorra, to a mysterious yacht in the Mediterranean, then finally onto the streets of Paris and a horrific reminder from World War II, Cassiopeia must battle every step of the way to stay alive—a fight that will finally bring her face to face with the truth about the House of Long Ago.
Again, I enjoyed her adventure, one that kept me guessing throughout.
Inside are fifteen paintings, each one a masterpiece, together representing an investment in the tens of millions of euros—her father’s private art collection—which she intends to donate to museums. But when an art expert declares all fifteen paintings fake, and suggests that her father may have been involved with something illegal, she embarks on a quest to find answers.
From a secret repository in Andorra, to a mysterious yacht in the Mediterranean, then finally onto the streets of Paris and a horrific reminder from World War II, Cassiopeia must battle every step of the way to stay alive—a fight that will finally bring her face to face with the truth about the House of Long Ago.
Again, I enjoyed her adventure, one that kept me guessing throughout.
March 29, 2025
This is the 4th book in the Cassiopeia Vitt series by Berry and Rose.
I enjoyed this book more than the first three in the series. This is a novella centered on Cassiopeia's father's collection of 15 famous paintings that are now owned by Cassie as a result of her parents' death. Cassie is back in Spain with the intent of selling the home she grew up in. She also intends to give two museums the 15 famous paintings that her father collected and that she enjoyed as a child.
Cassie gets one of her friends to inspect the paintings and, shockingly, finds out they are all fakes. Cassie cannot believe this, knowing her father's knowledge of art and his love of the 15 paintings she grew up with.
Cassie begins her investigation which leads her to a secret vault in Andorra, and then to Paris as she trys to discover what happened to the original paintings and why the 15 fake paintings were in their place.
I enjoyed this book more than the first three in the series. This is a novella centered on Cassiopeia's father's collection of 15 famous paintings that are now owned by Cassie as a result of her parents' death. Cassie is back in Spain with the intent of selling the home she grew up in. She also intends to give two museums the 15 famous paintings that her father collected and that she enjoyed as a child.
Cassie gets one of her friends to inspect the paintings and, shockingly, finds out they are all fakes. Cassie cannot believe this, knowing her father's knowledge of art and his love of the 15 paintings she grew up with.
Cassie begins her investigation which leads her to a secret vault in Andorra, and then to Paris as she trys to discover what happened to the original paintings and why the 15 fake paintings were in their place.
November 17, 2021
I am such a sucker for anything Cotton Malone, I adore everything about the book series! Cassiopeia having her own side series now, albeit each story being a lot shorter, has brought me so much happiness...and this book continues that legacy!
Cassiopeia is once again trying to unravel the history of her past and in typical fashion there is DRAMA and ACTION. Even though these books connect to the Cotton Malone series, you definitely don't have to read them to understand what transpires in the Cassiopeia series...the authors both do a wonderful job of keeping the reader up to speed in events if something happened in one of the Cotton Malone Books.
I enjoy the collaboration of Steve Berry with M. J. Rose for this series and my only complaint will always be how short the stories are (compared to the Cotton Malone books). I want more! Can't wait for the next one =)
Cassiopeia is once again trying to unravel the history of her past and in typical fashion there is DRAMA and ACTION. Even though these books connect to the Cotton Malone series, you definitely don't have to read them to understand what transpires in the Cassiopeia series...the authors both do a wonderful job of keeping the reader up to speed in events if something happened in one of the Cotton Malone Books.
I enjoy the collaboration of Steve Berry with M. J. Rose for this series and my only complaint will always be how short the stories are (compared to the Cotton Malone books). I want more! Can't wait for the next one =)
June 23, 2020
It is always a pleasure when a book is an enjoyable read and a learning experience. The House of Long Ago is such a novel. This is billed as a Cotton Mather, Cassiopeia Vitt collaboration, but Cotton is merely mentioned and truthfully, not terribly missed because Cassiopeia can certainly hold her own. The story is quick and the adventure satisfying, but more importantly, I learned so much about the machinations within the art world involving the Nazi confiscation and destruction of so many precious works of art. The authors' notes at the end of the story are as informative and satisfying as the novella itself. Kudos to MJ Rose and Steve Berry for another delicious literary collaboration.
May 18, 2021
Cassiopeia City Short Story Review
Enjoyed this short story featuring Cassiopeia City. First introduced to her in the Cotton Malone books. She is a strong female character that is a good business woman and physically capable.
In this story she decides to donate some paintings only to find out they are fakes. She goes on an investigation to find out the truth and runs into trouble. She also has to confront her feelings foe her father as they were his paintings and he didn't explain some things to her. She runs the company her father left her and is very wealthy . She also has lots of contacts to help her out.
Lots of interesting history and it deals with a very emotional subject that of art stolen during WWII.
Enjoyed this short story featuring Cassiopeia City. First introduced to her in the Cotton Malone books. She is a strong female character that is a good business woman and physically capable.
In this story she decides to donate some paintings only to find out they are fakes. She goes on an investigation to find out the truth and runs into trouble. She also has to confront her feelings foe her father as they were his paintings and he didn't explain some things to her. She runs the company her father left her and is very wealthy . She also has lots of contacts to help her out.
Lots of interesting history and it deals with a very emotional subject that of art stolen during WWII.
July 7, 2020
Cassiopeia Vitt has decided to sell the home she grew up in, The House of Long Ago. When she has a friend come evaluate artworks her father owned and he was a collector she discovers they are fakes. This leads her on a trail to find out why and then what happened. Cassiopeia is shot at, threatened but she is determined. Steve Berry and MJ Rose have her telling you about her past. Cotton Malone is present only in phone calls and in what she remembers him saying. From Spain to Andorra and then to France it is an adventure. Cassiopeia wonders if her father took nazi looted artwork. At the end the questions are all answered.
February 22, 2022
This short story could have been made into a much larger novel, as it had all the understory necessary for a traditional Berry book. I am not sure why they chose to gloss over plenty of historical intrigue about art and the shady side of the international art world (especially after WWII), but it ended up becoming a slow moving and completely obvious storyline that eventually has glimmers of Berry's better writing but falls short. I will give it the credit that it did not fall victim to some of the mysticism that seems to creep into the stories about Vitt, so this is more grounded in reality, but it is so clear where the story is headed from the start.
June 22, 2020
Lots of Action
I started reading this book not realizing it was in the middle of a series. Can be read without the background info due to great great explanations. Definately an action/thriller. Cassiopeia reads of a burglary near the home of her late father and now hers. She soon comes to realize she has to close out that chapter of her life and goes "home".
What follows leds Cassiopeia on a chase that changes her life. Getting into those details would be a spoiler!
Recommended and enjoy!
I started reading this book not realizing it was in the middle of a series. Can be read without the background info due to great great explanations. Definately an action/thriller. Cassiopeia reads of a burglary near the home of her late father and now hers. She soon comes to realize she has to close out that chapter of her life and goes "home".
What follows leds Cassiopeia on a chase that changes her life. Getting into those details would be a spoiler!
Recommended and enjoy!
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