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The Agency of the Ancient Lost & Found #3
The Florentine's Secret
Florence, Italy 1996: a young archaeologist follows a hunch that compels her to knock down a wall and retrieve a hidden sketch which may be by the renown Renaissance master Botticelli. But before she can alert the authorities and claim the find, the sketch is stolen leaving her standing in the rubble.
Three decades later, the drive for retribution brings this woman to Phoebe McCabe’s door. The sketch may have been a study for a secret portrait, she claims, and she has enough clues to point the way to its location. When the Agency of the Ancient Lost & Found joins the hunt to track down what may become the art find of the century, little do they know that they will be dragged into the crosshairs of a ruthless arms cartel as well as plunged deep into a centuries-old mystery involving key players of Renaissance Florence.
What does Lorenzo di Medici, the Bonfire of the Vanities, the artists Sandro Botticelli and Filippino Lippi have to do with a tailor’s daughter who once dared to imbed a secret into a sleeve? That’s only part of the story Phoebe must untangle. In the end, she must also grapple with remnants of her own past that not only come back to haunt her but chase at her heels with murderous intent. Either trump those monsters at their own game or perish.
The wondrous city of Florence, past and present, combined with the sweeping vistas of Tuscany wrap the reader in visions of art, rich textiles, and political intrigue while revealing the triumph of the human spirit that thrives across the centuries. Welcome to book 3 of the Agency of the Ancient Lost & Found.
Three decades later, the drive for retribution brings this woman to Phoebe McCabe’s door. The sketch may have been a study for a secret portrait, she claims, and she has enough clues to point the way to its location. When the Agency of the Ancient Lost & Found joins the hunt to track down what may become the art find of the century, little do they know that they will be dragged into the crosshairs of a ruthless arms cartel as well as plunged deep into a centuries-old mystery involving key players of Renaissance Florence.
What does Lorenzo di Medici, the Bonfire of the Vanities, the artists Sandro Botticelli and Filippino Lippi have to do with a tailor’s daughter who once dared to imbed a secret into a sleeve? That’s only part of the story Phoebe must untangle. In the end, she must also grapple with remnants of her own past that not only come back to haunt her but chase at her heels with murderous intent. Either trump those monsters at their own game or perish.
The wondrous city of Florence, past and present, combined with the sweeping vistas of Tuscany wrap the reader in visions of art, rich textiles, and political intrigue while revealing the triumph of the human spirit that thrives across the centuries. Welcome to book 3 of the Agency of the Ancient Lost & Found.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2021
186 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 15, 2024
As with any series that I really enjoy, I can really race through them. So it was with these 3 Agency of the Ancient Lost and Found books, The Florentine's Secret being the last. Thornley follows, or leads, in the manner of Dan Brown or Indiana Jones, searching for lost or stolen antiquities. She uses fictitious artifacts embedded in actual historic context with memorable characters and fast paced action. The action this time was centered in and around Florence, Italy. Having had the good fortune to have spent 2 weeks in Europe, France in particular, just last year, I find myself rapt at the description of the prevailing countryside - its villas, its churches, its people, its mysteries. Thornley's breadth of knowledge, her obvious research, her love of travel is all brought to bear in these works. I highly recommend these books and look forward to further adventures of the Agency of the Ancient Lost and Found.
October 1, 2021
the action never ends
There is just enough truth and history within the story, to have you googling the details. And just enough speculations and story-telling, to have you hanging on every word. Loved it, loved it, loved it…
There is just enough truth and history within the story, to have you googling the details. And just enough speculations and story-telling, to have you hanging on every word. Loved it, loved it, loved it…
March 3, 2022
I just LOVE this series. Combines my passion for art history with reading mystery. Incredible. This book in particular left me wanting to plan a return trip to Florence and my favorite museum, The Uffizzi. Botticelli and Medici and a caper!
October 5, 2021
Her writing truly improves with each book. Love her main character Phoebe who’s a kick-ass heroine, although it’s in the realm of fantasy. Lots of plot twists, evil characters and scenic descriptions of places you always want to go to. So who cares if it’s not a literary masterpiece. I read her books for fun.
October 25, 2021
Another mystery from Jane Thornley
It is enjoyable and interesting the way the author weaves a story between the medieval stories of the past in Florence and the current restorations of the agency she works for. I also like the characters of Peaches, Evan and the countess Nicolina.
It is enjoyable and interesting the way the author weaves a story between the medieval stories of the past in Florence and the current restorations of the agency she works for. I also like the characters of Peaches, Evan and the countess Nicolina.
October 6, 2022
Bravo!
I am in love with this series. Read the books in order and watch the characters grow and make you feel like you are one of them, off on adventures to amazing places solving the mysteries of history and finding lost art . I must confess that I am not a connoisseur of fine art. But have been fascinated learning about it. Bravo, Jane Thornley 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I am in love with this series. Read the books in order and watch the characters grow and make you feel like you are one of them, off on adventures to amazing places solving the mysteries of history and finding lost art . I must confess that I am not a connoisseur of fine art. But have been fascinated learning about it. Bravo, Jane Thornley 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
March 3, 2024
Fascinating story
Wonderfully written story of Renneisance, it's apparent ups and downs, one monk's mission to destroy beauty.
Well researched, we'll written.
Only thing I do not care for is the addition of a new character, the wild Zann. I really hope not to see her name in subsequent stories.
Wonderfully written story of Renneisance, it's apparent ups and downs, one monk's mission to destroy beauty.
Well researched, we'll written.
Only thing I do not care for is the addition of a new character, the wild Zann. I really hope not to see her name in subsequent stories.
November 20, 2021
Excellent , fast paced mystery sprinkled with history, hum our and just a touch of romance!
Thoroughly enjoyed the continuing escapades of these evolving characters. Fast paced - keeps the reader turning the pages. A satisfying read!
Thoroughly enjoyed the continuing escapades of these evolving characters. Fast paced - keeps the reader turning the pages. A satisfying read!
January 27, 2022
Great Read
Jane has done it again with a novel to keep you intrigued from start to finish. Phoebe and the gang are on point as usual and will entertain you while they solve this secret.
Jane has done it again with a novel to keep you intrigued from start to finish. Phoebe and the gang are on point as usual and will entertain you while they solve this secret.
May 22, 2022
This series gets better and better. I loved this story line and the historical facts. Makes me want to go to Florence and see it all in person plus study the era
A fun caper along the lines of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler novels but with a female heroine
A fun caper along the lines of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler novels but with a female heroine
April 3, 2023
The blend of history enriches this story
How Phoebe gets into those messes are as much fun as the way she untangles herself. The writing really makes you feel that you're in Florence, amid all those buildings. Brilliant characters, nasty villians and historical information 👌
How Phoebe gets into those messes are as much fun as the way she untangles herself. The writing really makes you feel that you're in Florence, amid all those buildings. Brilliant characters, nasty villians and historical information 👌
October 5, 2024
Another great Jane Thornley book
If are reading this series it will not disappoint with intriguing scenes, lots of twist and turns and enjoyable scenes of Italy. Can’t wait to start the next book.
If are reading this series it will not disappoint with intriguing scenes, lots of twist and turns and enjoyable scenes of Italy. Can’t wait to start the next book.
November 30, 2021
Brilliant book, can’t wait for the next one to be published on December 12th !
February 8, 2022
More great art history (and adventure)
It's a delight to read this series, if only for the detailed art history that is woven through the well told adventures.
It's a delight to read this series, if only for the detailed art history that is woven through the well told adventures.
September 20, 2022
let’s adventure in Tuscany, shall we?
History, art in its many forms, friendships, hardship, and redemption.
This book has it all. Well written with minimal typos. Hurrah!
History, art in its many forms, friendships, hardship, and redemption.
This book has it all. Well written with minimal typos. Hurrah!
March 15, 2023
Wonderful read
I could place myself alongside the characters easily while remembering my journey amongst these sites . The lovely Zann needs to be throttled too!
I could place myself alongside the characters easily while remembering my journey amongst these sites . The lovely Zann needs to be throttled too!
February 21, 2022
I enjoyed this adventure - my favorite so far! Well paced, interesting characters, interesting story. The author makes history and exotic locations come alive.
August 7, 2023
#3 hit the jackpot!
I know I'll be reading this one again and again! Florence has always been my most favorite place in the world and in this book that magnificent city and her artistic soul comes to life! Yes, the story was brilliant, the characters endearing. Yes, the amazing art was depicted so one could actually feel the fabric or embrace the genius of not leaving a brush stroke. And Florence, with all her history and wonder was simply a journey I didn't want to end.
Excellent writing, excellent book!
I know I'll be reading this one again and again! Florence has always been my most favorite place in the world and in this book that magnificent city and her artistic soul comes to life! Yes, the story was brilliant, the characters endearing. Yes, the amazing art was depicted so one could actually feel the fabric or embrace the genius of not leaving a brush stroke. And Florence, with all her history and wonder was simply a journey I didn't want to end.
Excellent writing, excellent book!
October 19, 2021
The newest installment of the Agency of the Ancient Lost and Found continues the adventures of Phoebe McCabe and her eclectic group of friends in spectacular style. It is an enigma wrapped in a riddle of clues. Set against the timeless splendor of Florence and the rolling hills of Tuscany, the story weaves an intriguing mystery that intertwine the complex political, religious and artistic history of the Florentine Republic with a modern-day treasure hunt based on clues from a heretofore unknown 16th century Botticelli sketch. Join the team from the Agency of the Ancient Lost and Found as it forges an uneasy alliance with Zann, a rogue archaeologist whose inner demons and past affiliations truly are the stuff of nightmares. Bound together by circumstances not of their own making, Phoebe and her team plunge head long into a mad dash to unravel 500 year old clues which they hope will lead them to a lost Botticelli masterpiece before it falls into the hands of an unscrupulous art collector. Can Phoebe and her friends trust their new teammate to outwit their collective enemies or is Zann really just seeking to further her own agenda? While technically a stand-alone novel, new readers to this series may want to consider reading The Carpet Cipher and The Crown That Lost its Head first in order to fully understand all the interrelationships between the characters.
December 31, 2023
The group go to Florence with a sketch for an odd but richly decorated sleeve. They believe is by Botticelli from the time that anything beautiful was banned if it was not ecclesiastical. They meet a woman who proclaims that not only was she the one to discover it, there is a missing painting also. Zann is a little like Phoebe in her hunches, but a lot more wild and volatile. The crew take her on to help find the painting. The bad guy is a heartless drug lord that steals art and artifacts to fuel his drug/arms business.
Nicolina, Serafina, and Rupert are not in this book as much although they do play a pivotal role.
In 14&15th centuries there were sumptuary laws in Florence. Fashion police could fine you for wearing excess fabric or decoration, regardless of social status. So how is there a richly decorated, very beautiful sleeve from this period? Somehow Botticelli, Filippino Lippi, and the Medici family are all involved.
There are beautiful descriptions of Florence, art, and architecture in this book. A lover of history, especially 14-15th century, would swoon. Personally I wouldn't know a Botticelli from a Raphael or Leonardo. I am interested to hear why Toby is in a wheelchair and I wonder why they never checked their reluctant accomplice Angelo for a tracking device.
Nicolina, Serafina, and Rupert are not in this book as much although they do play a pivotal role.
In 14&15th centuries there were sumptuary laws in Florence. Fashion police could fine you for wearing excess fabric or decoration, regardless of social status. So how is there a richly decorated, very beautiful sleeve from this period? Somehow Botticelli, Filippino Lippi, and the Medici family are all involved.
There are beautiful descriptions of Florence, art, and architecture in this book. A lover of history, especially 14-15th century, would swoon. Personally I wouldn't know a Botticelli from a Raphael or Leonardo. I am interested to hear why Toby is in a wheelchair and I wonder why they never checked their reluctant accomplice Angelo for a tracking device.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews