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Shona Sandison Mystery #1
The Goldenacre
A bitter journalist and troubled art expert risk their lives to find the connection between a legendary painting and a series of rash murders in this “riveting, brutal journey into the high stakes world of legacy art and inherited wealth” (Denise Mina, author of Conviction)
Thomas Tallis, inspector of provenance, has just arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland to authenticate The Goldenacre, a masterpiece by iconic Scottish architect and painter Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Still dealing with a miserable divorce and the fall-out from a disastrous job in London, Tallis is eager to sign off on the painting and return home. It shouldn’t take long: the painting has been owned by the same noble family since the 1920s. But then a horrifying parcel arrives on Tallis’s desk, seemingly threatening him against investigating the painting, and Tallis realizes there is nothing simple about this job at all.
Meanwhile, gruesome murders are plaguing Edinburgh. First, a Scottish painter of great renown. Next, an Edinburgh City Counsellor. Bitter, exhausted newspaper reporter Shona Sandison is on the case. Not bound by traditional rules of propriety in her investigation, Shona is ready to play dirty to get the best story she can, regardless of whether it’s true. When Shona begins to suspect a connection between The Goldenacre and the murders, she seeks Tallis’s help to understand how the painting is mixed up in all of this violence before either one of them becomes the next victim.
Pensive, lush, and tragically human, The Goldenacre is journalist and poet Philip Miller’s heartbroken love letter to Edinburgh, and an unpredictable, gorgeously plotted mystery to savor.
Thomas Tallis, inspector of provenance, has just arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland to authenticate The Goldenacre, a masterpiece by iconic Scottish architect and painter Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Still dealing with a miserable divorce and the fall-out from a disastrous job in London, Tallis is eager to sign off on the painting and return home. It shouldn’t take long: the painting has been owned by the same noble family since the 1920s. But then a horrifying parcel arrives on Tallis’s desk, seemingly threatening him against investigating the painting, and Tallis realizes there is nothing simple about this job at all.
Meanwhile, gruesome murders are plaguing Edinburgh. First, a Scottish painter of great renown. Next, an Edinburgh City Counsellor. Bitter, exhausted newspaper reporter Shona Sandison is on the case. Not bound by traditional rules of propriety in her investigation, Shona is ready to play dirty to get the best story she can, regardless of whether it’s true. When Shona begins to suspect a connection between The Goldenacre and the murders, she seeks Tallis’s help to understand how the painting is mixed up in all of this violence before either one of them becomes the next victim.
Pensive, lush, and tragically human, The Goldenacre is journalist and poet Philip Miller’s heartbroken love letter to Edinburgh, and an unpredictable, gorgeously plotted mystery to savor.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2022
127 people are currently reading
2541 people want to read
About the author
Philip Miller
5 books23 followersPhilip Miller is a writer and poet who lives in Edinburgh. He was an award-winning arts journalist for 20 years, and his published novels include The Goldenacre (2022), All The Galaxies (2017) and The Blue Horse (2015). His poetry has been published in print and online, and he received a RL Stevenson Fellowship in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 7, 2022
The Goldenacre is a famous painting that has been owned by the same family since it was acquired from the painter in the 1920s. It has never been shown to the public, but now the painting is being turned over to the government to gain a much-needed tax break. Art expert Thomas Tallis has come to Edinburg to authenticate the painting. Soon after his arrival, another famous painter and a politician are murdered, Tallis receives a disturbing package and for flimsy reasons the Goldenacre never seems to be available for Tallis to inspect. Newspaper reporter Shona Sandison works for a paper that may not be around too long. She is looking for a big story, if it can’t be about the murders or the Goldeacre she has no problem making Tallis the focus of her investigation.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style and the plot of this book. The mystery was different and the art setting was interesting. I wasn’t as crazy about Tallis who was moping about the career he had messed up (I liked him even less when it was finally revealed what he had done) and his broken marriage. I also didn’t care for Shonda. The ending of the book certainly surprised me. Most mysteries definitely do not end this way. I would read this author again.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style and the plot of this book. The mystery was different and the art setting was interesting. I wasn’t as crazy about Tallis who was moping about the career he had messed up (I liked him even less when it was finally revealed what he had done) and his broken marriage. I also didn’t care for Shonda. The ending of the book certainly surprised me. Most mysteries definitely do not end this way. I would read this author again.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
August 6, 2024
The Scottish art scene is shoved rudely under the spotlight in The Goldenacre by Philip Miller in a rousing tartan noir thriller that features journalist Shona Sandison. The prospect of a significant painting, The Goldenacre for which the book’s title is named, appears to have set off a rash of murders around the fair city of Edinburgh.
Thomas Tallis is an art curator who has been sent to the city to authenticate the provenance of the painting which has been held by the same family for generations. The plan is to sell the work to the government for the millions in tax write-offs that it will return. He’s barely begun the job when a package arrives at his desk, the contents of which are particularly gruesome, clearly a message of some sort, but a gut-wrenching one at that.
Meanwhile, people associated with the Edinburgh art scene are being murdered. A noted Scottish painter and a local government city councillor. Their deaths have come to the notice of Shona Sandison, a jaded, straight talking newspaper reporter who works her stories like a dog with a bone.
Separately, and then together, Tallis and Sandison are drawn into the related mysteries that appear to be attached to The Goldenacre. Firstly, there always seems to be an impediment to Tallis viewing the painting whether it’s a missed meeting or an inopportune clash that prevents him laying eyes on it. Secondly, Shona’s investigation of the murders suggests there’s a pattern that spreads a little wider than the Edinburgh area. And when a colleague is attacked at a new housing development the danger to anyone sticking their noses in becomes real.
Shona and Tallis are an interesting and complex pair of flawed characters who are struggling with personal issues. Shona needs a cane to get around after being injured during an earlier investigation. She’s also under pressure from the prospect of the newspaper downsizing its staff with her employment status at risk. Tallis, for his part, has a failed marriage and a scandal at his previous job in his past, not to mention a drug and alcohol problem, both of which manifest themselves in spectacular fashion.
The Goldenacre is a darkly brooding story stacked with some of the most evocatively descriptive writing imaginable. The city of Edinburgh serves as an austere backdrop to some confronting and violent scenes as the more staid art world suddenly becomes a dangerous place to work. But then, when a painting estimated to be worth around 12 million pounds is involved, the stakes are high enough to commit multiple murders.
I thought The Goldenacre was a finely crafted debut thriller that ticked all of the noirish boxes making it consistently interesting and heartbreakingly tragic.
Thomas Tallis is an art curator who has been sent to the city to authenticate the provenance of the painting which has been held by the same family for generations. The plan is to sell the work to the government for the millions in tax write-offs that it will return. He’s barely begun the job when a package arrives at his desk, the contents of which are particularly gruesome, clearly a message of some sort, but a gut-wrenching one at that.
Meanwhile, people associated with the Edinburgh art scene are being murdered. A noted Scottish painter and a local government city councillor. Their deaths have come to the notice of Shona Sandison, a jaded, straight talking newspaper reporter who works her stories like a dog with a bone.
Separately, and then together, Tallis and Sandison are drawn into the related mysteries that appear to be attached to The Goldenacre. Firstly, there always seems to be an impediment to Tallis viewing the painting whether it’s a missed meeting or an inopportune clash that prevents him laying eyes on it. Secondly, Shona’s investigation of the murders suggests there’s a pattern that spreads a little wider than the Edinburgh area. And when a colleague is attacked at a new housing development the danger to anyone sticking their noses in becomes real.
Shona and Tallis are an interesting and complex pair of flawed characters who are struggling with personal issues. Shona needs a cane to get around after being injured during an earlier investigation. She’s also under pressure from the prospect of the newspaper downsizing its staff with her employment status at risk. Tallis, for his part, has a failed marriage and a scandal at his previous job in his past, not to mention a drug and alcohol problem, both of which manifest themselves in spectacular fashion.
The Goldenacre is a darkly brooding story stacked with some of the most evocatively descriptive writing imaginable. The city of Edinburgh serves as an austere backdrop to some confronting and violent scenes as the more staid art world suddenly becomes a dangerous place to work. But then, when a painting estimated to be worth around 12 million pounds is involved, the stakes are high enough to commit multiple murders.
I thought The Goldenacre was a finely crafted debut thriller that ticked all of the noirish boxes making it consistently interesting and heartbreakingly tragic.
May 6, 2023
Unfortunately most readers will be well ahead of the two protagonists when it comes to unraveling the crimes and revealing the provenance of the painting. Even I could not miss the huge signposts.
The writing is poetic and it’s unfortunate that the book is categorised as a thriller/suspense novel, more like suspenseless.
The writing is poetic and it’s unfortunate that the book is categorised as a thriller/suspense novel, more like suspenseless.
August 14, 2022
Edinburg is a very old, very Scottish city. Each city corner has a pub and each pub it’s own brew. Men in kilts walk the narrow stone walkways on their way to work. Edinburg is a calm peaceful place. Hopefully this is the exact workplace where a recently disgraced employee of the Civic Gallery of London can restore his reputation.
Thomas Tallis left the Civic Gallery under a cloud. His reputation was suspect, he was forced to sign a non disclosure agreement and he was dismissed from his position. He has been sent to authenticate the provenance of a watercolor that will be donated to the Guild, the art museum in West End Edinburg. This is an effort to remove him from public scrutiny and to avoid further investigations.
The assignment may be just what Tallis , the son of Sir Raymond Tallis, Deputy director of MI6, needs. Along with the job upheaval, is the upheaval in his personal life. Tallis and his wife are involved in acrimonious divorce negotiations and a hostile child custody battle.
However, the job at hand is one that Tallis can certainly handle.
Upon arriving at the Guild, Thomas is greeted by the director, Sir Dennis Carter. Carter clearly outlines Thomas’s duties. He is to certify the provenance of the painting and quickly go back to London. This strikes Thomas as a bit of an odd request. He hasn’t even unpacked or seen the painting yet.
The other issue Sir Dennis raises is the importance of Thomas’s job at the Guild. The painting Thomas is to authenticate is “Goldenacre,” a much praised watercolor by Charles Rennie Mackintosh of Edinburg. It must be authenticated before it can be donated to the Guild. The donation, according to Sir Dennis, is not a “ mere acquisition,” it is a milestone. It is historic. It is a watershed in the Guilds collection. Sir Dennis needs and wants Tallis to get this job done very quickly, very smoothly, very quietly.
Some odd things have recently occurred. Noted Glasgow artist Robert Love has been brutally murdered in his studio. No suspects. No motive. Any ties to the “Goldenacre?”
Tallis arranged to see “Goldenacre” in order to authenticate the painting. Of course, the question is who is donating “Goldenacre” and why are they?
“Goldenacre” is the property of the late Lord Melrose who died eighteen months ago. His estate passed to his two adult children Olivia and Felix.
Lord Melrose willed them Denholm House, the family home, the surrounding property including the Sunken Garden and all the house furnishings. “Goldenacre” hangs on the bedroom wall of the late Lady of the house. The inheritance also comes with a massive tax bill. Olivia and Felix wish to take advantage of the “Acceptance Instead of Tax” provision of inheritance laws. They stand to receive a credit if 12 Million pounds against their tax bill in return for Goldenacre. This painting is important to many people. Olivia and Felix have plans.
All Tallis wants to do is physically see the painting, authenticate the provenance, sign the documents and return to London to see his son. Strangely various excuses and reasons for not being allowed to see the painting pop up.
The quick easy authentication becomes a negotiation, a missed meeting, a postponement. Why? Are there issues?
A city councilor who blocked the erection of a film studio is murdered. Then there is a strange cocktail party. Sir Dennis keeps insisting that Thomas get on with the task. Is the painting real?
How will this end? Poor Thomas Tallis. So many roadblocks. So many people murdered. So many questions. What will be the answer?
Philip Miller’s book is a literary masterpiece. So many layers to peel back in this mystery
Thomas Tallis left the Civic Gallery under a cloud. His reputation was suspect, he was forced to sign a non disclosure agreement and he was dismissed from his position. He has been sent to authenticate the provenance of a watercolor that will be donated to the Guild, the art museum in West End Edinburg. This is an effort to remove him from public scrutiny and to avoid further investigations.
The assignment may be just what Tallis , the son of Sir Raymond Tallis, Deputy director of MI6, needs. Along with the job upheaval, is the upheaval in his personal life. Tallis and his wife are involved in acrimonious divorce negotiations and a hostile child custody battle.
However, the job at hand is one that Tallis can certainly handle.
Upon arriving at the Guild, Thomas is greeted by the director, Sir Dennis Carter. Carter clearly outlines Thomas’s duties. He is to certify the provenance of the painting and quickly go back to London. This strikes Thomas as a bit of an odd request. He hasn’t even unpacked or seen the painting yet.
The other issue Sir Dennis raises is the importance of Thomas’s job at the Guild. The painting Thomas is to authenticate is “Goldenacre,” a much praised watercolor by Charles Rennie Mackintosh of Edinburg. It must be authenticated before it can be donated to the Guild. The donation, according to Sir Dennis, is not a “ mere acquisition,” it is a milestone. It is historic. It is a watershed in the Guilds collection. Sir Dennis needs and wants Tallis to get this job done very quickly, very smoothly, very quietly.
Some odd things have recently occurred. Noted Glasgow artist Robert Love has been brutally murdered in his studio. No suspects. No motive. Any ties to the “Goldenacre?”
Tallis arranged to see “Goldenacre” in order to authenticate the painting. Of course, the question is who is donating “Goldenacre” and why are they?
“Goldenacre” is the property of the late Lord Melrose who died eighteen months ago. His estate passed to his two adult children Olivia and Felix.
Lord Melrose willed them Denholm House, the family home, the surrounding property including the Sunken Garden and all the house furnishings. “Goldenacre” hangs on the bedroom wall of the late Lady of the house. The inheritance also comes with a massive tax bill. Olivia and Felix wish to take advantage of the “Acceptance Instead of Tax” provision of inheritance laws. They stand to receive a credit if 12 Million pounds against their tax bill in return for Goldenacre. This painting is important to many people. Olivia and Felix have plans.
All Tallis wants to do is physically see the painting, authenticate the provenance, sign the documents and return to London to see his son. Strangely various excuses and reasons for not being allowed to see the painting pop up.
The quick easy authentication becomes a negotiation, a missed meeting, a postponement. Why? Are there issues?
A city councilor who blocked the erection of a film studio is murdered. Then there is a strange cocktail party. Sir Dennis keeps insisting that Thomas get on with the task. Is the painting real?
How will this end? Poor Thomas Tallis. So many roadblocks. So many people murdered. So many questions. What will be the answer?
Philip Miller’s book is a literary masterpiece. So many layers to peel back in this mystery
October 11, 2025
This has a good plot. The writing is fine. The craft is good.
The reporter character is well written. And her thread is good. The curator character is fluffed and padded not only with divorce/child but also some chapters of alcoholic/drugs misuse you can just skim this stuff irrelevant mostly. The plot is also needlessly padded with some spy thing. The ending is kind of Scooby Doo, with explanations by the baddie etc. All ended kind of loose and 'oh by the way this too'. Miller seems to have the craft down. Cut a couple chapters, kill the Dad/MI6 thing, kill the backstory. Make the reporter the primary character. Might then be 3 or 4 star.
But, Sorry, can't recommend.
**PS it seems the writer took my advice and stuck with the reporter, the second one is, uh, ok better, but...still some cartoonish baddies.
The reporter character is well written. And her thread is good. The curator character is fluffed and padded not only with divorce/child but also some chapters of alcoholic/drugs misuse you can just skim this stuff irrelevant mostly. The plot is also needlessly padded with some spy thing. The ending is kind of Scooby Doo, with explanations by the baddie etc. All ended kind of loose and 'oh by the way this too'. Miller seems to have the craft down. Cut a couple chapters, kill the Dad/MI6 thing, kill the backstory. Make the reporter the primary character. Might then be 3 or 4 star.
But, Sorry, can't recommend.
**PS it seems the writer took my advice and stuck with the reporter, the second one is, uh, ok better, but...still some cartoonish baddies.
June 2, 2022
Lovely writing that was impossible to rush through. The story was sprinkled throughout with some excellent phrasing that demanded one back up and reread some passages at least once! I rarely mark a book with phrases to savor but this one demanded it over and over and each added to the richness of the story. Without sharing anything to give the plot away I will say that if you are a fan of fine art, true journalism, or dislike of dishonesty, give this new novel a try.
Thank you to the publishers and #Netgalley for the advance reader's copy.
Thank you to the publishers and #Netgalley for the advance reader's copy.
July 5, 2022
Nicely written in a style that forces you to think about what’s being said, this “Scotland noir” tale of the art world moves at a perfect summer pace. Features murder, art world politics, MI 5, the demise of print journalism. The plot is centered around the authentication of a painting being donated to a gallery for a tax deduction and the government functionary with a secret in his past who’s responsible.
August 17, 2022
Was looking forward to a novel taking place in Edinburgh but not what I expected. Very dark tale with depressing main character about to be divorced and sacked from his previous job. He has issues with his remote, unloving father. Not as much about the world of art as I would have liked. Endless annoying detail and description. Maybe you have to be a Scot?
August 19, 2022
A dark story involving the provenance of a Charles Rennie Mackintosh painting. The writing and characterizations are outstanding. 4.5 stars.
October 16, 2022
A forthright, jaded, somewhat ill-mannered journalist and an authenticator of valuable artwork from museums on behalf of the British governement end up embroiled in two separate murder investigations in Edinburgh - that of a recently deceased painter of some renown, and that of a local councilor who was bashed over the head in the men's room of a pub. Of course, the two cases intersect, via a painting by Charles Rennie Mackintosh that Thomas Tallis is asked to authenticate the provenance of. Great supporting characters, particularly Tallis's Aunt Zed, the working reporters who share an office with Shona Sandison, also Shona's loving, retired father (who cooks her chili con carne every night, to her chagrin). The writing style is lovely - descriptive and poetic, with the kind of sentences you re-read to savor. The author, new to me, is also a published poet. It was a little darker than I was predicting, especially the ending, but I appreciated the unexpectedness of it.
March 3, 2023
Far too long for such little substance.
did-not-finish
November 23, 2025Listened to 10% and couldn't stand anymore. It was so boring. And the characters were not at all likable, especially Shona. I can't read books with such angry characters.
Part of the prob might have been the narrator. It was really hard to understand him.
Part of the prob might have been the narrator. It was really hard to understand him.
January 19, 2023
If you like art, and Scotland and a cracking mystery, then this is a great yarn. Wonderful!
February 20, 2023
This book is described as the author's heartbreaking love letter to the city of Edinburgh. I have to admit that while the story is lacking and has a rather underwhelming conclusion, Miller's loving description and admiration for this enduring Scottish city do shine through in the story. The story centers around a mysterious painting called The Goldenacre, named after a section of the city it portrays, which has very rarely been seen and is supposedly quite valuable. Enter into the mix a government inspector trying to escape the cloud of a disastrous mistake in his last position, a crime reporter in a dying industry, and a series of murders that have more to them than they let on. Miller's novel has all the elements of a fantastic mystery novel but fails to deliver and leaves readers with more than a few questions about what it is that just happened and why.
October 10, 2022
Don't be put off when you read the blurb and see that the story centers around authentication of a painting.
Miller creates a great cast of characters and blends in a generous amount of deceit and cunning. Because a family is looking for a way to reduce their inheritance tax, a proposed gift of a precious painting is coming under scrutiny. The authenticator is also coming under scrutiny, and then MI6 enters the scene.
A wonderful, twisted mess of a thriller.
Miller creates a great cast of characters and blends in a generous amount of deceit and cunning. Because a family is looking for a way to reduce their inheritance tax, a proposed gift of a precious painting is coming under scrutiny. The authenticator is also coming under scrutiny, and then MI6 enters the scene.
A wonderful, twisted mess of a thriller.
October 15, 2025
A slow burn. Think of a murder mystery happening at half speed and you have the Goldenacre.
December 6, 2025
For a mystery/suspense novel, the pace was rather too slow for my taste…but the story, setting, and characters were intriguing enough to get me to put the second installment in the series on my TBR.
December 19, 2025
There is a lot to admire and enjoy in this Edinburgh based "mystery". The writing was good although the unnecessary descriptions of so many bits of Edinburgh made me think Miller was on a retainer from the tourist board! As an Edinburgh resident the detailed description of the city irked me. To be honest I would have preferred a bit less of the city and a bit more description of the main protagonists. Shona Sandison felt a little bit one dimensional and while I understand that the author wants to reveal more of her and more of her backstory in subsequent episodes, this just added to the somewhat formulaic nature of the novel. Some of the writing is very good and Miller managed the pace extremely well. As to the plot well you didn't have to be Hercule Poirot to work out what was going on although there were some ornamental twists and turns. The setting in the art world was interesting and the perspective on the establishment and its links with landed wealth and on the other side of the coin the folk who use money for criminal ends was insightful. Decent thriller and I suspect the author may well deliver something really good in the future, hopefully with less minutia about the geography!!!
June 26, 2022
The characters are interesting and well developed and the mystery held my interest. The beginning of the book was quite slow for me but eventually picked up. If you like art world intrigue and old fashioned newspaper reporting, this is a book for you.
Thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC I won through a Goodreads giveaway.
Thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC I won through a Goodreads giveaway.
March 27, 2022
The characters in this mystery are well-drawn and sympathetic. I cared about them and couldn't put the book down after the first half because I wanted to find out what happened next. The story does reach resolution at the end while leaving a few questions unanswered so there is an opening for a follow-up story.
I read the Advanced Reader Copy of this book so I can't include quotes in the review. I sincerely hope someone edited the adjectives/adverbs/metaphors/similes that simply didn't make sense. I tried to give the author the benefit of the doubt, think outside of the box, and try to see how words could be used differently from how they are usually used. But when an adverb was used that simply isn't a word, I gave up. Inexplicably, a description of what a character experienced while drunk and drugged was well written and the last third of the book which followed that episode was more well written than the first two-thirds.
I hope the text that is published has been corrected so that the plot and character development isn't spoiled by the reader being brought up short trying to understand what they just read.
I read the Advanced Reader Copy of this book so I can't include quotes in the review. I sincerely hope someone edited the adjectives/adverbs/metaphors/similes that simply didn't make sense. I tried to give the author the benefit of the doubt, think outside of the box, and try to see how words could be used differently from how they are usually used. But when an adverb was used that simply isn't a word, I gave up. Inexplicably, a description of what a character experienced while drunk and drugged was well written and the last third of the book which followed that episode was more well written than the first two-thirds.
I hope the text that is published has been corrected so that the plot and character development isn't spoiled by the reader being brought up short trying to understand what they just read.
May 14, 2022
The Goldenacre was a page turner from the beginning to end!!! It was full of mystery, suspense, twist and turns and loved it! Very very good!!!
August 13, 2022
I was hoping to like this book but most of the characters were not people I wanted to know, and it kept things off.
July 8, 2022
Miller's 2015 debut novel "The Blue Horse" revolves around a grief-stricken art historian and curator in Edinburgh who, in a haze of drugs and alcohol, becomes obsessed with a lost Dutch masterpiece that may have resurfaced, but whose provenance is murky. This new novel revolves around a sad sack art historian whose marriage is ending and who lost his previous job due to a mysterious transgression not revealed until near the end. He's now in a lesser job, certifying provenance, and has been sent to Edinburgh to rubber-stamp the authenticity of a privately-held Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece. Working from the office of the protagonist of "The Blue Horse," he too, embarks on an unwise level of drinking and pill-popping in the course of the story.
In other words, plenty of recycled themes -- although here the story alternates between the visiting Thomas Tallis (there's a running gag around his name which gets very tiresome), and veteran Edinburgh journalist Shona Sandison, whose newspaper is in the midst of turning digital and turfing out all the old hands. It's supposed to be kind of a mystery/thriller, as several bodies get dropped early on -- but the reader is always miles ahead of the two protagonists, which means there's not really any suspense. The motive for the first murder is obvious to the reader, and there's supposed to be a big reveal about the main villain, which many readers will have guessed long before, and there's another huge reveal about the painting which, again, almost every reader will have figured out in the first third of the book.
With all the marks against the plot, it has to be said that the writing is quite evocative with regard to place, mood, and characters. One gets a very strong sense of the rooms, allotments, streets, pubs, and green spaces of Edinburgh. The characters also all feel quite alive -- if perhaps a little too much so in certain cases (a performance artist named Vorn and a museum bigwig named Theseus being two of the overly cartoonish examples), and the dialogue is studded at times with little nuggets of Scots that I had to look up. There is a whole thematic thread involving fathers and fatherhood that feels rather forced, especially the weird MI6 backstory of one father and how that plays out. It's all a strange mix that doesn't quite work, but I suppose readers with an interest in fine art in fiction and/or Edinburgh as a place should give it a shot -- just don't read it for the crime story.
In other words, plenty of recycled themes -- although here the story alternates between the visiting Thomas Tallis (there's a running gag around his name which gets very tiresome), and veteran Edinburgh journalist Shona Sandison, whose newspaper is in the midst of turning digital and turfing out all the old hands. It's supposed to be kind of a mystery/thriller, as several bodies get dropped early on -- but the reader is always miles ahead of the two protagonists, which means there's not really any suspense. The motive for the first murder is obvious to the reader, and there's supposed to be a big reveal about the main villain, which many readers will have guessed long before, and there's another huge reveal about the painting which, again, almost every reader will have figured out in the first third of the book.
With all the marks against the plot, it has to be said that the writing is quite evocative with regard to place, mood, and characters. One gets a very strong sense of the rooms, allotments, streets, pubs, and green spaces of Edinburgh. The characters also all feel quite alive -- if perhaps a little too much so in certain cases (a performance artist named Vorn and a museum bigwig named Theseus being two of the overly cartoonish examples), and the dialogue is studded at times with little nuggets of Scots that I had to look up. There is a whole thematic thread involving fathers and fatherhood that feels rather forced, especially the weird MI6 backstory of one father and how that plays out. It's all a strange mix that doesn't quite work, but I suppose readers with an interest in fine art in fiction and/or Edinburgh as a place should give it a shot -- just don't read it for the crime story.
January 4, 2023
SPOILER ALERT
A rather confusing story about a watercolor painting entitled "The Goldenacre". Supposedly painted by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, in the end it is revealed to have been painted by his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. Purchased and retained by Lord Melrose, it will be the collateral for a substantial debt created by the son Felix. Additionally, as the estate has a huge tax liability, it is to be item for Acceptance Instead of Tax for L12 million. Therein lies the problem for Thomas Tallis, the agent for the government, who much authenticate the painting. The family is trying to keep it away from his eyes, as is the director of the Public Gallery who will show the painting. Carver is the one to create the scheme to have a forgery made. It will be in the gallery. But Tallis puts the stop to that with his investigation. Enter the story is the reporter for the declining paper, Shona Sandison. She will pursue Thomas until she gets her story. She eventually publishes a piece claiming that the painting may be a fake. However, they come up with the real thing, creating a huge mess for the family. The family has a retainer called the Georgie, a huge man who kills first the forger Robert Love, and John Cullen a City Councillor who has reached the end of his usefulness. They both have their heads caved in with a steal spike.
Thomas throughout the story is struggling with his fatherhood. His 7-year-old Ray wants him home, his wife, a musician, gone much of the time, wants him out of her life. He misses Ray.
As the story comes to a head, the conspiracy revealed so that the real painting must go to the gallery, leaving the family with the debt, Georgie is enlisted to kill Tallis. I am not sure I understood why other that just anger for the his killing, with the spike. A very sad ending. Ray Tallis, Sr., who is apparently hiding out, a former MI6 head, is the recipient of multiple phone calls by Thomas, who leaves messages of confusion and sadness. He calls is father, and gets only a voicemail, as he is being pursued and killed by Geordie. Ray then goes after Carver and kills him for the death of his son.
For all the hype I can't say this was an enjoyable or a satisfying read.
A rather confusing story about a watercolor painting entitled "The Goldenacre". Supposedly painted by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, in the end it is revealed to have been painted by his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. Purchased and retained by Lord Melrose, it will be the collateral for a substantial debt created by the son Felix. Additionally, as the estate has a huge tax liability, it is to be item for Acceptance Instead of Tax for L12 million. Therein lies the problem for Thomas Tallis, the agent for the government, who much authenticate the painting. The family is trying to keep it away from his eyes, as is the director of the Public Gallery who will show the painting. Carver is the one to create the scheme to have a forgery made. It will be in the gallery. But Tallis puts the stop to that with his investigation. Enter the story is the reporter for the declining paper, Shona Sandison. She will pursue Thomas until she gets her story. She eventually publishes a piece claiming that the painting may be a fake. However, they come up with the real thing, creating a huge mess for the family. The family has a retainer called the Georgie, a huge man who kills first the forger Robert Love, and John Cullen a City Councillor who has reached the end of his usefulness. They both have their heads caved in with a steal spike.
Thomas throughout the story is struggling with his fatherhood. His 7-year-old Ray wants him home, his wife, a musician, gone much of the time, wants him out of her life. He misses Ray.
As the story comes to a head, the conspiracy revealed so that the real painting must go to the gallery, leaving the family with the debt, Georgie is enlisted to kill Tallis. I am not sure I understood why other that just anger for the his killing, with the spike. A very sad ending. Ray Tallis, Sr., who is apparently hiding out, a former MI6 head, is the recipient of multiple phone calls by Thomas, who leaves messages of confusion and sadness. He calls is father, and gets only a voicemail, as he is being pursued and killed by Geordie. Ray then goes after Carver and kills him for the death of his son.
For all the hype I can't say this was an enjoyable or a satisfying read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2022
My thanks to both Soho Press and NetGallery for an advanced copy of this art based mystery set in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Art has a history, not only in how and the why the art was created, but who or what possessed the work. Single ownership or popular ownership makes the are easy to declare real, not forged or faked. Interesting owners add a mystique to the art, and that can also add value. Deciding ownership can sometimes be an art form in itself. In The Goldenacre by art journalist, writer and poet Philip Miller, provenance might be worth killing for.
The Goldenacre is both a part of Edinburgh, Scotland, and the name of the painting which is the focus of this story. Thomas Tallis, has been commissioned by a museum to trace the ownership of the portrait, a job he thinks should be easy, as the painting has been in the same family for years. Tallis needs this as problems in London have forced him away, and things look good, until a package arrives, and things start to go wrong. At the same time the city is rocked by a series of murders and Shona Sandison, a local reporter trying to keep her beat as papers pivot to digital, and other buzzwords, begins to find ties between the victims and the painting. Soon they are both drawn into a case which is about the city of Edinburgh as much as it is about art and vengeance.
The characters are very good, well developed with plenty of backstory to keep the reader interested. Sandison is an reporter of the old school, trapped in the newspaper trade that is changing, not for the good, with plenty of doubts and problems. Tallis, has problems in London with a minor scandal, his relationship with his son and his father. The mystery is good, but it really is the characters who do the heavy lifting here. Getting into the story can be a problem, the beginning is a little odd writing style, but soon levels itself out. In addition the art discussion was quite intriguing, and keep the story moving.
Recommended for people interested in art or books about art and crime. Readers of the book The Lady in Gold by Ann- Marie O'Connor or readers of Iain Pears art mysteries, or Aaron Elkins will enjoy this also.
Art has a history, not only in how and the why the art was created, but who or what possessed the work. Single ownership or popular ownership makes the are easy to declare real, not forged or faked. Interesting owners add a mystique to the art, and that can also add value. Deciding ownership can sometimes be an art form in itself. In The Goldenacre by art journalist, writer and poet Philip Miller, provenance might be worth killing for.
The Goldenacre is both a part of Edinburgh, Scotland, and the name of the painting which is the focus of this story. Thomas Tallis, has been commissioned by a museum to trace the ownership of the portrait, a job he thinks should be easy, as the painting has been in the same family for years. Tallis needs this as problems in London have forced him away, and things look good, until a package arrives, and things start to go wrong. At the same time the city is rocked by a series of murders and Shona Sandison, a local reporter trying to keep her beat as papers pivot to digital, and other buzzwords, begins to find ties between the victims and the painting. Soon they are both drawn into a case which is about the city of Edinburgh as much as it is about art and vengeance.
The characters are very good, well developed with plenty of backstory to keep the reader interested. Sandison is an reporter of the old school, trapped in the newspaper trade that is changing, not for the good, with plenty of doubts and problems. Tallis, has problems in London with a minor scandal, his relationship with his son and his father. The mystery is good, but it really is the characters who do the heavy lifting here. Getting into the story can be a problem, the beginning is a little odd writing style, but soon levels itself out. In addition the art discussion was quite intriguing, and keep the story moving.
Recommended for people interested in art or books about art and crime. Readers of the book The Lady in Gold by Ann- Marie O'Connor or readers of Iain Pears art mysteries, or Aaron Elkins will enjoy this also.
August 7, 2022
3.5* I was delighted to find a book whose plot centers around the provenance of a (fictive) painting by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a Scottish artist I love. Add a protagonist whose name alludes to a composer I admire (Thomas Tallis) and a setting located in the complicated art world of beautiful Edinburgh (which Miller evokes with great detail and affection), and I was sold on giving this book a whirl.
For the most part, I immersed myself in the story, characters, and style of this book. Miller’s background as an art correspondent/journalist and a poet show in his felicity with language: the book abounds with beautiful and colorful descriptions of art, architecture, landscape, Edinburgh, and even characters. I was a bit shocked/disappointed by a couple of elements in the ending, but that was only because I became attached to wanting happiness (or at least a new path) for a few of the characters, thanks to Miller’s thoughtful portrayal of them.
However, I ratcheted down my overall rating of the book for two bothersome reasons. My hardcover copy of the book had a ~50-page segment that was incorporated into the book upside down! While I can understand how this might happen (human beings having a large role in the production of books, after all), I don’t understand how the batch of books that produced my copy could have been published and distributed without anyone’s noticing. Even more off-putting to me than the publishing gaffe was the narrative one in the scene at the end of the book where the painting is revealed to the general public at the press conference: the sloppy editing with dates makes the sequencing of events garbled and contradictory as explained. (I don’t want to be more specific because I don’t want to give away the ending of the book.)
For the most part, I immersed myself in the story, characters, and style of this book. Miller’s background as an art correspondent/journalist and a poet show in his felicity with language: the book abounds with beautiful and colorful descriptions of art, architecture, landscape, Edinburgh, and even characters. I was a bit shocked/disappointed by a couple of elements in the ending, but that was only because I became attached to wanting happiness (or at least a new path) for a few of the characters, thanks to Miller’s thoughtful portrayal of them.
However, I ratcheted down my overall rating of the book for two bothersome reasons. My hardcover copy of the book had a ~50-page segment that was incorporated into the book upside down! While I can understand how this might happen (human beings having a large role in the production of books, after all), I don’t understand how the batch of books that produced my copy could have been published and distributed without anyone’s noticing. Even more off-putting to me than the publishing gaffe was the narrative one in the scene at the end of the book where the painting is revealed to the general public at the press conference: the sloppy editing with dates makes the sequencing of events garbled and contradictory as explained. (I don’t want to be more specific because I don’t want to give away the ending of the book.)
March 27, 2023
I listened to this audiobook. Thomas Tallis is an art expert who works for the government authenticating provenance of significant paintings. He is the neglected son of a retired high ranking MI-6 spy. He constantly struggles with the disapproval of his dad, a lost job with a prominent gallery, and a divorce that has left him reeling and missing his 6 year old son. In other words, he is a mess. He is tasked with what seems like an easy job of authenticating a watercolor by a famous painter up in Edinburgh, Scotland. The painting has been in the possession of only one family and was given to the family by the artist. The painting is worth 12 million pounds and is being donated to the national gallery in exchange for inheritance taxes after the patriarch dies. But when Thomas arrives he is stonewalled by the gallery director and a mysterious woman who is supposedly brokering the deal with the government and the gallery. They keep him away from actually seeing the painting. So, he says he will not authenticate the painting based solely on the documents. He demands to see the painting. Then the threats begin. He is targeted and hurt. Meanwhile, a print journalist who does not normally cover the arts gets a sniff that Thomas Tallis may have a checkered past and there might be an exposé there. She starts digging and eventually she and Thomas meet and discover that there may indeed be an explosive story - but not about Tallis. I enjoyed the overall story, but it as long and plodding at points.
October 10, 2025
I love mysteries that involve art. So, this mystery of an art expert asked to authenticate the provenance of a watercolor seemed perfect for me. The art was being handed over to the government in exchange for a sizable estate tax break. Thomas Tallis is sent north from London to sign off on the masterpiece, which has been held by the same family for generations. It should be a no brainer. He has major issues involving his recent past. These supposedly lead to him making even more idiotic decisions, but the actions seemed out of character.
The second plotline involves a reporter, Shonda Sanderson, who is investigating two murders. She works for a newspaper on its last legs, with an editor who only looks for the £s that might be made by writing fluff pieces about businesses. This part of the book at least flowed well and was enjoyable.
The big problem I had was that the solution to the mystery was immediately apparent. Miller provides clues with neon lights attached. Even once the two main characters unite and can compare notes, they are slow on the uptake. There was only one part at the end that was a surprise. And the final scene was just off the wall and didn’t work for me at all.
I listened to this and Robin Laing was a competent narrator. His Scottish accent was easy for my American ears to understand.
June 29, 2022
Edinburgh is dreary and cold. The climate mirrors Thomas Tallis’s mindset when he arrives to authenticate the provenance of a newly discovered painting from a well-regarded Scottish artist. This painting is to be a focal point of an exhibition, as well as a vehicle for his heirs to limit their tax debts. Moreover, there is a problem in Tallis’s background that speaks to personal and professional problems that relentlessly dog his intent. Mr. Tallis is under an enormous amount of pressure.
At the same time a Scottish newspaper reporter, Shona Sandison, is also experiencing pressure. Her problems stem from her newspaper’s likely demise, new and thick management, her father’s health, and her own physical problems. When a series of gruesome events occur, she thinks that they may be connected to the painting and the mission of Thomas Tallis.
What makes this mystery most intriguing is the descriptions of Edinburgh, the climate, the melancholy of Tallis and the determination of Sandison. It also gives a thoughtful look at the seamy side of the art world and the ongoing demise of newspapers. Best read while wearing a sweater and sipping tea! Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.
At the same time a Scottish newspaper reporter, Shona Sandison, is also experiencing pressure. Her problems stem from her newspaper’s likely demise, new and thick management, her father’s health, and her own physical problems. When a series of gruesome events occur, she thinks that they may be connected to the painting and the mission of Thomas Tallis.
What makes this mystery most intriguing is the descriptions of Edinburgh, the climate, the melancholy of Tallis and the determination of Sandison. It also gives a thoughtful look at the seamy side of the art world and the ongoing demise of newspapers. Best read while wearing a sweater and sipping tea! Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.
July 23, 2022
The Goldenacre by Philip Miller is a mysterious crime novel set in Scotland. Murders take place surrounding the art world. There is a journalist set on exposing the truth with the help of an art expert.
Thomas Tallis has a mystery surrounding himself: fired from his old job and under a nondisclosure agreement. The reason will come out in the end.
Thomas Tallis has a new job, in which he is to inspect The Goldenacre, located in Edinburgh, Scotland. More mysteries abound: who iconic Scottish architect and painter Charles Rennie Mackintosh is, his wife, and the secrets surrounding his last work of art.
The current owners of The Goldenacre are sketchy: old money with problems. They are attempting to gift the Public Gallery for a tax write-off. Thomas Tallis must approve the exchange.
Shona Sandison is looking into the matter. She is a journalist for the Post. Will this be her last story?
This job will not be easy.
I enjoyed this read. The story is intriguing: it reads like an art-house movie with a bit of noir. Quite artistic.
I can't tell if the story ended too quickly or if I just wanted to keep reading. I would have liked to have a slow burn. Possibly another book. Ha!
Thomas Tallis has a mystery surrounding himself: fired from his old job and under a nondisclosure agreement. The reason will come out in the end.
Thomas Tallis has a new job, in which he is to inspect The Goldenacre, located in Edinburgh, Scotland. More mysteries abound: who iconic Scottish architect and painter Charles Rennie Mackintosh is, his wife, and the secrets surrounding his last work of art.
The current owners of The Goldenacre are sketchy: old money with problems. They are attempting to gift the Public Gallery for a tax write-off. Thomas Tallis must approve the exchange.
Shona Sandison is looking into the matter. She is a journalist for the Post. Will this be her last story?
This job will not be easy.
I enjoyed this read. The story is intriguing: it reads like an art-house movie with a bit of noir. Quite artistic.
I can't tell if the story ended too quickly or if I just wanted to keep reading. I would have liked to have a slow burn. Possibly another book. Ha!
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