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John Kite #3
Pictures to Die For
A multi-million dollar painting travels through Florida in a high security truck.
Then it's hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
The painting, truck and driver are vaporised.
Why would anyone waste an expensive artefact like this? That’s what PI John Kite can’t understand as he goes on the trail of the perpetrator. At the same time, he’s hired by a former lover — a beguiling and kooky woman, for whom he still has deep feelings. She wants him to investigate the disappearance of her husband, a lawyer and baronet. The series trademarks of sparky dialogue and a sense of humour move the story on fast, as ex-cop Kite works both cases simultaneously. He chases round Europe, from London to Brussels, Antwerp and Scotland and discovers the missing husband is close to an eccentric gallery owner connected to the art-destruction case. There’s tension and ambivalent feelings between Kite and his ex-lover, but nevertheless, they join forces. She’s an ex-cop herself, and together they follow leads which take them to Delaware. Where it’s suddenly crisis time.
In this "feel-good thriller", Kite finds himself embroiled in a vicious, private war between billionaires.
Then it's hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
The painting, truck and driver are vaporised.
Why would anyone waste an expensive artefact like this? That’s what PI John Kite can’t understand as he goes on the trail of the perpetrator. At the same time, he’s hired by a former lover — a beguiling and kooky woman, for whom he still has deep feelings. She wants him to investigate the disappearance of her husband, a lawyer and baronet. The series trademarks of sparky dialogue and a sense of humour move the story on fast, as ex-cop Kite works both cases simultaneously. He chases round Europe, from London to Brussels, Antwerp and Scotland and discovers the missing husband is close to an eccentric gallery owner connected to the art-destruction case. There’s tension and ambivalent feelings between Kite and his ex-lover, but nevertheless, they join forces. She’s an ex-cop herself, and together they follow leads which take them to Delaware. Where it’s suddenly crisis time.
In this "feel-good thriller", Kite finds himself embroiled in a vicious, private war between billionaires.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2021
316 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
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July 7, 2022Author discount 99
February 12, 2021
John Kite works for an insurance company, retrieving stolen works of art. He is sent to Florida to recover a stolen painting in return for a ransom, but things go wrong very quickly and he is shot at and then the truck carrying the painting is blown up, quite a memorable start to a book and the start of a globe-trotting adventure for Kite, but his life is made even more complicated when he is called by an ex colleague, a rather eccentric, but very capable ex female cop, who has 'lost' her husband.
The book is peopled by some very original characters, several of whom are distinctly eccentric, which does lead to some very funny asides which lightens the tone of the book and keeps it a very entertaining read. The action sequences are very well written and certainly provide excitement and tension.
This is a well written thriller, and as with nearly all books in this genre, a certain degree of suspension of disbelief is required but it is still very enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book is peopled by some very original characters, several of whom are distinctly eccentric, which does lead to some very funny asides which lightens the tone of the book and keeps it a very entertaining read. The action sequences are very well written and certainly provide excitement and tension.
This is a well written thriller, and as with nearly all books in this genre, a certain degree of suspension of disbelief is required but it is still very enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2021
This is top-notch! I have not yet read the two previous titles in the series with PI John Kite, and have in fact just discovered the author Stuart Doughty, in the past a successful BBC drama producer. We are reminded of the well-known Scottish crime writer Peter May, who was a screenwriter in a previous life. A very tonic reading experience indeed. Kite works for a London reinsurance company and his assignments deal with art theft or fraud. The plot in Pictures To Die For is ingenious, with the colourful hero we are travelling at a fast pace between Florida, Belgium, Scotland, and Delaware, among a myriad of twists and turns. Plenty of spirited British humour. Also funny switches between British and American English in the dialogues. The descriptions of the contemporary art scene from the inside are definitely a bonus for readers.
April 28, 2021
Who knew collecting art could be so exciting! John Kite once again encounters Rochelle - an ex-cop and PI who just happens to be married now to an English Baronet and goes by the title of Lady. Art goes missing or destroyed, a husband goes missing and all sorts of mayhem befalls John and Rochelle as they try to locate the missing husband and art. Along the way they uncover a conspiracy that takes them all over the world as they try to discover the identity of the mastermind who is trying to get his hands on ALL of the works of a now deceased artist. Nothing will stand in his way, even having a rival collector killed.
February 20, 2021
I got this book because it had Florida in it. This was way more than I thought it was. It took us from Florida to Europe, the imagery was wonderful. There is action and mystery. There are great characters. I love the art angle and characters. There were times I laughed so hard. There was mystery and danger. This runs the whole gambit of emotions. Fantastic book. I need to go back and read the others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2021
The third book in the John Kite series and I feel that the character and the writing have really come together. Very action packed with a who-dunnit spin. Kept me guessing who was the bad guy and how the complex threads weaved together. Really enjoyed this book and looking forward to more in this series.
Similar to a Clive Cussler of the art world.
Recommend for action fans.
Received a complimentary copy of the book and provided a review voluntarily.
Similar to a Clive Cussler of the art world.
Recommend for action fans.
Received a complimentary copy of the book and provided a review voluntarily.
February 21, 2021
Pictures To Die For is the third book in the John Kite series.
John Kite is a terrific character who is well developed and intelligent. This book is an action-packed, fast-paced thriller with a great storyline, humour, intrigue and lots of suspense. Great job!
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
John Kite is a terrific character who is well developed and intelligent. This book is an action-packed, fast-paced thriller with a great storyline, humour, intrigue and lots of suspense. Great job!
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
February 15, 2021
This is a fast moving, action, thriller book that I would recommend to people that like these kind of books. There is lot to the story and is full of suspense and various plots.
I received a free ARC copy of this book but that did not affect my review in any way.
I received a free ARC copy of this book but that did not affect my review in any way.
February 21, 2021
I thought this book was very good from the beginning to the very end.
I thought the story line was very well done as this author brought the story to fruition.
The characters were really good for this story in my opinion.
I thought the story line was very well done as this author brought the story to fruition.
The characters were really good for this story in my opinion.
January 26, 2023
Die For
I am not interested in wading through someone’s poor use of language, especially in using that which is sacred to many or f-bombs flipped out as if they were acceptable. There’s better writing elsewhere.
I am not interested in wading through someone’s poor use of language, especially in using that which is sacred to many or f-bombs flipped out as if they were acceptable. There’s better writing elsewhere.
February 3, 2023
Outrageous
When greed and self importance overtake common sense
then the outcomes become unruly, outrageous and unbelievably devastating. When egotistical art collectors clash in a game iof
When greed and self importance overtake common sense
then the outcomes become unruly, outrageous and unbelievably devastating. When egotistical art collectors clash in a game iof
April 1, 2025
Excellent read!
Another great John Kite adventure. Theses books are awesome and get better with each one. I have read the first 3 and they are really well written and fast paced. I recommend this series!!
Another great John Kite adventure. Theses books are awesome and get better with each one. I have read the first 3 and they are really well written and fast paced. I recommend this series!!
February 7, 2021
Oh, what fun this book was!!! Kite is at his best - humor, action, a little bit of romance and one helluva heist whodunit! Action packed, so enjoy the ride!
June 19, 2021
This a great series. It is fast moving and action packed with a little romance thrown into the mix.. A nice diverse cast of characters too. I will be reading the next book in this series shortly.
January 27, 2023
I don't ever want to own an expensive painting like these!!! Kite will figure things out, won't he??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
February 17, 2023
very enjoyable story
February 23, 2023
Pictures to Die For
This author has a good writing style. His books move along at a good place. My only gripe is the incredibly unrealistic scenarios he uses.
This author has a good writing style. His books move along at a good place. My only gripe is the incredibly unrealistic scenarios he uses.
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April 5, 2023Read 4/23
April 1, 2025
Action adventure &romance!
Jon Kite is a wonderfully adept detective with just the right amount of sex appeal. The story line is fast moving and believable. Worth reading!
Jon Kite is a wonderfully adept detective with just the right amount of sex appeal. The story line is fast moving and believable. Worth reading!
May 30, 2025
Intriguing world of art, forgeries and specialized investigators. Probably happens more than we know because of the money.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews