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For the Minds and Wills of Men

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A gripping, historical art mystery set in 1950s New York, For the Minds and Wills of Men is a story of art, love, and Cold War fear, suspicion, and betrayal.

MANHATTAN, 1953. Fear of communist subversion and espionage are tearing America apart. Abstract expressionism is on the verge of exploding, making New York the cultural epicenter of the world. While recovering a stolen Jackson Pollock for a wealthy client, art insurer Will Oxley falls for the client's daughter, Liz Bower, who leads him deep into the rebellious and seductive world of the abstract expressionist painters, their Village bar haunts and East Hampton binges. But when Will learns the painting-and Liz-may be hiding communist secrets better left hidden, he finds himself torn between exposing the girl he loves or risking his life by trusting her instead. Realizing nothing is as it seems, Will is caught between communist espionage, secret government programs, and the grip of cold war fear, suspicion, and betrayal where trust is all he has left...

With post-World War II New York, 1950s avant-garde art world, and the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings as background, the novel tells the story of abstract expressionism and mid-century American politics- through the thrilling search for a stolen Jackson Pollock.

310 pages, Hardcover

Published October 16, 2022

5 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Jeff Lanier

1 book16 followers
Award-winning author Jeff Lanier earned bachelor's degrees in History and Art History at The University of Texas, Austin with a focus on the History of American Culture through Art and Literature. He has a master's from Rice University, is a member of the American Society of Aesthetics, and currently lives in Houston with his wife and three kids.

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Ruthie Jones.
1,059 reviews62 followers
August 4, 2023
"Thieves can come in all shapes and sizes."

For the Minds and Wills of Men by Jeff Lanier is a historical art fiction and cold war thriller that will both entertain and electrify the imagination. With a fair bit of noir, significant intrigue, and plenty of fact and fiction expertly intertwined, this story will rank high on the to-read meter and then even higher on the recommend-to-friends-and-family meter. In short, it’s fabulous.

It is 1953 in New York City, and Will Oxley is the only employee in the newly created art division at All American Insurance. Will finds solace in specific paintings following his war-time experience, and protecting paintings is a personal endeavor, insuring them and helping owners recover their stolen art. Will s not a typical detective, but that does not stop him from donning the gumshoe hat when the need arises. And that need arises spectacularly when an early Jackson Pollock painting is stolen from an art gallery’s storage room. Discovering who stole it and why sends Will down clue-ridden rabbit holes, into seedy areas, and strait into the sensual orbit of Liz Bower, daughter of Frank Bower and owner and manager of the Bower Foundation, which promotes and financially supports the arts. As if that is not gripping enough, it is the post-WWII era, and the House Unamerican Activities Committee is in full swing, on the prowl, and out for blood.

Ira Fenton works at ALERT, in tandem with the FBI, to root out communists and supporters in New York City. Abstract expressionism is now considered suspicious, and many artists are on the communist suspect list. Ira is feral in his quest to nail anyone associated with the Kremlin and will stop at nothing to prove his suspicions.

For the Minds and Wills of Men is a dark reminder of the frightening Cold War ethos and tension, with frayed nerves and fiery conjectures marking the post-WWII years. The threat of communist spies and infiltration across the country is sending everyone into a paranoid tailspin, struggling to stay under the radar, innocent or not. No one is safe from suspicion. No one is safe from propaganda and distrust. No one is safe from friends and neighbors. No one is safe from Herbert Hoover and the FBI. Heavy fear and mistrust are palpable and exude across every chapter.

This story is an amalgamation of fact and fiction, providing readers with an amazing story and instilling plenty of curiosity to research several salient points. I found myself Googling Jackson Pollock and was immediately drawn into his paintings of chaos, darkness, and intense passion. In addition, the story touches on the Rosenbergs, an American couple and known communist spies for the Soviet Union, all factual and completely terrifying, lending another layer of believability to this amazing fiction.

Jeff Lanier's writing is next-level literary, with multi-dimensional characterization and skilled plot development. The overall story is engrossing and fast paced, with the reader moving through each scene at the same clip as Will Oxley. As the story unfolds, the machinations, danger, and fear ratchet up to an alarming and purely entertaining level. Putting aside the book is nearly impossible because you must know what is around the next corner. How will this caper play out? Who can be trusted? What will become of Will and Liz? Will the mystery of Jackson Pollock’s stolen painting ever be solved? What exactly is the real threat here?

The answers may surprise you, and you will no doubt add Jeff Lanier to your list of new favorite authors.
Profile Image for Jean Roberts.
Author 7 books188 followers
July 25, 2023

The Short Story: Intricately plotted multilayered mystery

My Review: WWII vet Will Oxley works as an art insurance agent. A stolen Jackson Pollock painting sends him on a wild hunt for the missing painting, diving into the New York art scene, seedy bars, and hobnobbing with elite society all while dealing with a bad case of PTSD. He has no idea what he’s getting into.

For the Minds and Wills of Men is a fast-paced densely plotted thriller; I found it hard to put down. Author Jeff Lanier wields his palette of words to layer his story with art history, McCarthyism and the communist hysteria that swept the nation in the 1940s and 50s, the creation of the C.I.A. and tops it off with a romance! Woven into the story are the leading artists of the day from Pollock to Willem de Kooning, including descriptions of their thought processes and how they executed their art. There’s a deep dive into the anticommunist movement and the lengths groups went to spy on artists and others suspected of communist ties. Lanier does an amazing job of flavoring his story with 1950s culture, the rich, the poor, race relations, and he touches on the effects of war on the men returning from WWII.

It’s an ambitious narrative but it’s clear that the author has done his research and knows his stuff. Well written, entertaining without reading like a dry history lesson, it feels authentic and reads like a trip back in time. I think this would make a fantastic movie. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to readers who enjoy a meaty story they can savor.
Profile Image for Clueless Gent.
195 reviews12 followers
July 31, 2023
For the Minds and Wills of Men is clearly one of the best stories I’ve ever read, and the reasons may very well surprise you! After just one book, I am now a Jeff Lanier fan.

The story is set during the early 1950s in New York City. World War II is over, yet the Cold War is just beginning. Men in the U.S. Congress are trying to identify Communists in our country and ruin their lives. The CIA is brand new, yet very clandestine, and J. Edgar Hoover and his FBI don’t trust anyone, and everyone is fair game for their monitoring mechanisms. Amid that spectacular backdrop, a painting is stolen. It was painted by a contemporary artist named Jackson Pollock. Will Oxley works for the insurance company that insured the painting, and it is his job to recover it. He had recovered a number of paintings before, and at first he thought this would be a similar effort. However, the road to finding that stolen painting was ripe with obstacles, sharp turns, dead ends, and a woman he could easily fall in love with.

Now let me tell you why I’m “over the moon” about this story.

First, the storyline is original, intricate, and brilliantly written. Along that same line, the editing is top notch. I did not notice a single error throughout the entire book.

Second, it’s rare and wonderful when I can be so fully immersed in a story. That doesn’t happen without top notch description. The description in this story is really off the charts. Yet it’s quite detailed. I imagine it would be hard to write a convincing story about the art world without good description. I think what really surprised me the most was how the author could include such detailed description, yet keep a good pace and not bore the reader.

On one hand, the author’s use of color in his description almost made it seem like the reader is looking through the eyes of a master painter. For example, consider this: “To create the brightness she radiated around her cheeks and the bridge of her nose, the painter would smoothly blend pink, white, apricot, and light browns, then pink-grays, blue-grays to turn the shape of her jawline and create the shadows on her neck.”

The author was not only good with colors; he could also set a scene using multiple textures and senses. For example, when a character exits a building, this is how the author described what the character experienced: “The air smelled like New York: fifty years of rubber tires rolling over old concrete, wet bedrock and construction and steam, perfume and cigars.”

As I read a book, I enjoy coming across words I’ve never heard, used, or read before. In this book, the author offered “drubbed” and “tangential.” The words did not seem out of place at all. I was impressed.

In a technical sense, this book is phenomenal. But the story is also pretty phenomenal.

I’ve often considered the Cold War somewhat boring when I read about it. There’s not much of a body count, and when everybody doesn’t trust anybody, big reveals aren’t as big. This story shreds my opinion of Cold War novels. There’s not very much violence, yet I consider it very exciting.

I could literally talk all day about the many things I love about this book. But I think it’s better to just let you read and experience it yourself. I know I recommend a lot of books in my reviews. I also recommend this one. But to give it perspective, if you could only read one book this year, I’d tell you to read this one! THAT is how much I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for A.Borroel.
76 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2023
I love a good double-agent type of book and For The Minds And Wills of Men did not disappoint! From almost the very beginning of our story, you notice that things are not what they appear to be at first glance. Our author keeps us on our toes the whole book wondering what Liz is really hiding and if the missing painting is even real or all a ploy. 


Our characters are also written to make us feel like secrets are in every corner of this book. Our main character's love interest, Liz, is written in a cool and mysterious way that you don't blame Will, our main character, for falling head over heels for her in an instant. Other characters we meet along the way also makes the reader wonder if they are telling the truth or are just great liars that blend in with everyone. Even Will, at times, can make us feel his doubts on everything come to fruition throughout the book. But besides being mysterious, our author did a great job shining a light on Will and his journey with PTSD. We got to see and feel how our main character moves through life with something that seems will always be on his shoulder and are brought to peace and calm when he is feeling steady with his paintings that he protects.

 

Besides plot and characters, I was also just engulfed in this world that doesn't feel talked about as much. This is not just a post-war world, it's one where people left for a war and didn't come back completely the same. Our author's incredible attention to detail, without a sense of over-explaining the setting, made for a great time piece. While reading, I could envision where our main character was, his mannerisms, and how he interacted with his surroundings without using too much brain power. 


Overall, I enjoyed this detective-like story. A a reader, we are kept on our toes by our outstanding cast of characters and are able to envision everything perfectly through our author's words. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. Until next time - Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Maryann.
Author 48 books552 followers
July 31, 2023
A thrilling step back in time.

Will Oxley, who works for an insurance company that has just started insuring artwork – based mainly on his recommendation – has to find a stolen painting that the company has insured. It’s not as easy, or straightforward, as his other recoveries, and Will is drawn into a complicated plot – as is the reader of this well-written book.

Liz, the daughter of the owner of the painting, introduces Will to some of the famous impressionistic artists of the time, including Pollock, who painted the artwork that was taken. The ensuing investigation happens at the same time that the House Un-American Activities Committee is holding hearings, during which many artists have been fingered as possible communist spies.

That period of McCarthyism and the finger-pointing, and suspicions, is something I clearly remember, and the author has portrayed that very realistically, capturing the fear and insecurity of people caught up in that web of conspiracy fears.

It’s not surprising that Will falls for the beautiful, smart, and articulate Liz, and her hesitancy to commit to a relationship adds to the tension and drama in the story. Just when Will thinks the relationship is going to take one more step, she stops him, and the reader shares his question of “Why?” Is she hiding something?

The book works so well on many levels. Will, a veteran of WWII, has nightmares and suffers from PTSD, and the narrative shows how debilitating that can be at times. Having Will calm himself by looking at a painting is an unusual way of dealing with the trauma, but it works for his character. It also keeps the story clearly focused on art, which is cleverly used to drive so many parts of the plot.

An artistic touch also enhances the narrative. There are descriptions so vivid, that the reader could be looking at a painting, or a scene that has invited an artist to pick up a brush. It’s always a pleasure to read narrative that is so engaging.

The mystery of who took the painting, and why, is well laid out, and there are so many surprises as Will navigates the investigation. The deeper he digs to find the answers, the more he questions who he can trust, even Liz. That tension is almost palpable as the story progresses and kept me reading long past my bedtime.

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel and recommend it to people who enjoy a good mystery that's couched in a story of trust and love and intrigue.
Profile Image for Lisa.
602 reviews64 followers
August 3, 2023
War changed Will Oxley. He returned home to a different life, a different world. He has found solace in paintings, found that contemplating them helps keep the nightmares at bay. And now, in 1953 New York, he has created a role for himself as the sole art insurer for All American Insurance. He isn’t a detective, as such, but when an insured piece of art goes missing, he tracks it down.

When a Jackson Pollock painting is purloined from a small art gallery, Will is tapped to find it. This brings him into the circle of Liz Bower. Liz, the daughter of wealthy businessman Frank Bower, is the head of the Bower Foundation, which supports and funds American art and artists and owns the missing painting. She is, naturally, interested in his search for the Pollock, as it’s part of an exhibit traveling to Europe that the foundation is helping fund. She’s also interested in Will himself, and he in her. But Will can tell Liz is holding something back. She asks him to trust her – but can he? Should he?

As Will pursues his search for the painting, Liz ushers him into the rarefied world of the artists themselves – Kline, Pollock, De Kooning. But anti-Communist sentiment is running high, and abstract art and artists are coming under intense scrutiny as potential Communist inroads into the country. The Rosenbergs have been found guilty of espionage, and everyone – the FBI, the House Un-American Activities Committee, the CIA, maybe even the Communists – has eyes and ears in unexpected places.

Jeff Lanier’s story does not read like a debut novel. He perfectly captures the mood and madness of the Red Scare, the unsettling angst of not knowing who might be watching you and of wondering if you’d done anything to land yourself on someone’s list. He also paints (pardon the expression) a vivid picture of the renaissance of abstract art. I’d never really considered the juxtaposition of abstract art with the end of World War II, never really thought of it as an expression of American freedom. That was an interesting point!

The plot dashes from gallery showings to bar brawls and shouting matches between artists to clandestine meetings with informants and Mafia types. Will feels the crosshairs on his back as he works, not only to find the painting, but to figure out who’s on what side and where he’ll end up in all this. Lanier layers plot twists and paranoia like oils on canvas, and does it masterfully.

Mystery, drama, art, romance, action, all wrapped up into one compelling story. If you’re a fan of mysteries, historical fiction, art, or all three, you need to read For the Minds and Wills of Men.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
Author 27 books596 followers
August 3, 2023
"Everyone has something to lose. What makes you any different? Stand up for what's right."

What do Communism, Jackson Pollock, and a World War 2 vet-turned-insurance agent have in common? Plenty, if you're willing to dive into the spellbinding mystery-drama, For the Minds and Wills of Men.

Once upon a time in 1950s New York City, a painting by an up-and-coming Jackson Pollock is stolen. On the surface, this seems like a small affair. Post-war American economy is booming, and the country craves peace and stability their government can provide. It's what men like Will Oxley fought for, but his love of art came after the battles were over. Art became a way for Will to decompress, to refocus, and it's why he takes the case of a missing Pollock seriously. Will may not get the abstract movement, but he admires the passion of the artists and their patrons, like the beautiful Liz Bower. But a minor theft is only the tip of the iceberg, and Will is likely to drown unless he can uncover the true powers battling for control in the city that never sleeps.

"Unlike paintings, his investigation presented no clear lines, no distinct colors. Everything had become different shades of gray, blurring together with no beginning or end."

Much like Will Oxley, I never really understood the appeal of abstract art. Having studied the subject through high school and college, I dreaded visits to the modern art museum, and much preferred the lush romanticism of Impressionism. But author Jeff Lanier has gifted me with a fresh appreciation for the genius behind the madness. Like a true artist, Lanier is out to make us take a second look at the purpose and meaning behind the art. His canvas is the Red Scare of the 50s, and his choice of narrator helps shape our perspective. Lanier's characters, Will Oxley in particular, helped set up the context of the time and mindset of the people while holding up a mirror for our introspection.

There are layers upon layers being drawn here, with witch hunts and misuse of the press, of psychological warfare that eerily echos the events of our present. With vivid detail and crisp prose, Lanier sucks the reader into the grit of the streets: the sights and smells of the city, the love and passions of its people. There's plenty of action and grit, plenty of romance, and plenty of art to sink your teeth into.

"Painting isn't confined to what you see. It's what's behind it, what's in it—the emotion, the anger, the pain, the love."
1 review
October 27, 2022
We're no strangers to love
You know the rules and so do I (do I)
A full commitment's what I'm thinking of
You wouldn't get this from any other guy
I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
We've known each other for so long
Your heart's been aching, but you're too shy to say it (say it)
Inside, we both know what's been going on (going on)
We know the game and we're gonna play it
And if you ask me how I'm feeling
Don't tell me you're too blind to see
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
We've known each other for so long
Your heart's been aching, but you're too shy to say it (to say it)
Inside, we both know what's been going on (going on)
We know the game and we're gonna play it
I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
Profile Image for Jan Sikes.
Author 31 books257 followers
July 24, 2023
The first thing that drew me to this book is the time period. America is still freshly recovering from World War II in the early 1950s, and this book takes the reader on a wild ride with the newly emerging abstract art and artists, as well as an outrageous witch hunt for communists in our country during the cold war.
A painting is stolen, and the main character is tasked with recovering it. Will Oxley insures art, so when one is taken, he won't rest until it is found. The author takes the reader on a journey through the world of quirky, eccentric artists who are daring to break the mold when it comes to their method of painting. I laughed at some of the scenes where alcohol-fueled artists bicker amongst themselves about who was the best. Pollock, Kline, Ellis...everyone has an opinion, and at times the arguing turns violent, especially if Pollock is involved.
But Liz, who owns the missing art piece, is a most intriguing character. She is not only beautiful but wealthy and can move with ease through the art world, taking Will Oxley along with her. But is she really a spy for the communist party, as some think? She most definitely has secrets. Yet, Will falls head-over-heels for her. The romance adds to the whole ambiance of the book. It is the perfect mixture of quirky characters, a thriller, a mystery, history, and a romance. The author did a fabulous job of bringing me into the setting with descriptive prose, making it easy to visualize the characters, the art galleries, the bars, and even a fun train ride. With lots of side characters, the story offers a wide variety of personalities, motives, and outcomes. I recommend this book to anyone who loves that time period and art aficionados.
Profile Image for Jennie Rosenblum.
1,295 reviews44 followers
July 27, 2023
First page and I was hooked. Let's start with the characters, which Lanier knew how to breathe life into. Each character is fleshed out so intricately that they feel like living, breathing individuals with their own unique motivations and flaws. As the story unfolds, their journeys are both relatable and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impact that lingers long after the book is finished.

Lanier's ability to transport readers to a bygone era is nothing short of remarkable. I was right there pounding the pavement with Will. The author's vivid and meticulous descriptions put me in a 3-D setting, making it feel as though I had stepped back in time. The historical accuracy and attention to detail are commendable, creating an immersive experience that is both nostalgic and realistic.

The fusion of an old-time detective story with elements of suspense and intrigue is a stroke of genius. The plot is masterfully crafted, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat. It's reminiscent of classic detective tales, yet Lanier brings his own unique flair, making it a fresh read.

The author also added an Afterward, A Note on the Artists and Author's Notes – the non-fiction lover in me was so happy.

This is a must-read for any avid book lover and is destined to be a celebrated detective classic.
2,205 reviews
July 15, 2025
From Kirkus

In this novel, an insurance agent in the 1950s attempts to track down a stolen painting by Jackson Pollock and gets pulled into the murky world of American espionage.

Will Oxley isn’t a typical insurance agent—he heads a one-man art division at All American Insurance, an idea of his own concoction. Elaine Carter, a gallery owner, charges him with tracking down a stolen painting by the up-and-coming Pollock intended for an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. The work is an odd choice for a theft—it’s not among the most valuable paintings that were available and, given the size of the canvas, not the easiest to purloin. As Will quips, “You can’t tuck that under your coat.” In fact, the motive for the theft of that particular painting is exasperatingly unclear to Will, who doggedly pursues its recovery nonetheless. In the process, he meets Liz Bower—who heads the Bower Foundation, the well-funded organization behind the exhibition. She hails from a very prominent family—her father, Frank, owns a massive manufacturing company that, among other things, supplies the United States military with uniforms and gas masks. Will and Liz begin a romantic affair, but he becomes suspicious that she might have ties to subversive Communist groups—a weighty concern since the “House Un-American Activities Committee was holding trials at an unapologetic pace.” Lanier intelligently limns not only the American obsession with Communist infiltration in the wake of World War II, but also the emergence of abstract expressionism in the U.S. Moreover, Will is a captivating protagonist—he turns to art for solace after a traumatic experience fighting as an infantryman in the war: “The war stayed with me when I returned. We all came back different, broken. I find solace in paintings. I need them. Paintings help quiet the memories. I can spend time in front of one and be taken away from the images of bodies and trenches.” This is an exceedingly intelligent and unpredictable story, one that astutely combines a love of art with an exciting tale of intrigue.

I found the historical detail, the methods of communication, especially the interconnections and relationships between Abstract Expressionist artists ands espionage to be much more interesting than the characters and the plot. The whole anti Communist frenzy and its over reaching state sponsored paranoia seem so long ago that it is hard to recall how much they consumed the lives and politics of the day. Time for a history lesson, or several.
1 review
November 25, 2022

What a remarkable blend of three main ingredients: art history (specifically, American abstract expressionism), detective noir, and Cold War themes (including but not limited to McCarthyism). Rooted in reality but brought alive through an imagined, appealing protagonist, Lanier demonstrates a real knack for plot, pacing, and characterization while keeping the pages turning. My favorite aspect of the book, though, was learning about the motivations driving famous painters like Pollock and de Kooning. It was quite revealing, and it is remarkable how smoothly Lanier weaves those insights into the fast-paced who-done-it plot. Here's hoping he writes another!
Profile Image for Kelly Hodgkins.
612 reviews35 followers
February 15, 2023
The first ten percent lured me in with interesting artworks and descriptions. The mystery set-up was curious. However, it unravelled from there. I am not especially good at historical figures partaking in fiction and this is full of iconic artists. The narrative transfers from the investigating character and an alternative voice which I found an odd one. It highlights a number of interesting political and cultural happenings from the time but, the conclusion didn't feel plausible so I was disappointed. The language descended too! All in and all, not for me.

Content warning: strong language, sexual content.
Profile Image for S..
435 reviews39 followers
July 31, 2025
Read for work.

A solid, interesting story that reads like a classic noir--right down to the Potentially Dangerous Dame. I really enjoyed this book, and it was a balm compared to most of the stuff I've been reading lately. You can tell the author truly knows his art history, and I was fascinated to learn about (yet another!) of the shady activities enacted by the CIA to push back against communism (and to get people to buy more things, because this is America, the land of consumer capitalism, after all).
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.2k reviews167 followers
February 3, 2023
An excellent mix of historical fiction and mystery, a well plotted story that kept me reading and made me travel to NY in the 50s.
There's insteresting characters, a vivid historical background and a fascinating description of the avantgarde world.
The author is an excellent storyteller and I hope to read other books by him.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
26 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2024
This books is great!! If you love historical fiction - this book is for you. The book has history, politics, mystery, thrills and love. It is set in the time of the Cold War. There is a mystery revolving around a stolen painting. There are friendships and love affairs that make the reader care about the characters. I also enjoyed learning about the painters of the time as well as the politics. I read the book in less than a week and highly recommend it.
2 reviews
November 17, 2022
Excellent book. I submitted an Amazon review stating that a book like this is a rare find these days. The quality of writing is superb. The story is compelling and the scene description and attention to historical detail is fantastic. Most of all, it's just a great read. I highly recommend and can't wait for Jeff to writing another.
1 review2 followers
October 26, 2022
Loved this book. Lanier cleverly draws us in to the story line and characters while giving us a history lesson about Cold War, modern art, CIA - all with a love story set in NYC.
Profile Image for caroline b hurley.
2 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2024
Truly gripping and intriguing art theft mystery. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this thought provoking and engaging book.
2 reviews
January 11, 2025
Very clever story line and interesting perspectives on the Cold War and abstract expressionist paintings and painters
2 reviews
November 6, 2022
Jeff Lanier’s debut novel should attract the Artist, the Historian, the Traveler and the Romantic. While it might be “a tangled web he weaves”, it is not so.
Set in New York City during the early 50’s, Will Oxley has turned what many would consider a dull and humdrum career in insurance into art espionage, reflecting the fear of Communism in America in the wake of the Second World War. The tale becomes a “who done it” in quite a sophisticated style accented by an unexpected romance. The clear and graphic descriptions of Abstract Expressionism, highlighted in the beauty Jackson Pollock’s talent, illustrate the transition of art as a backdrop of the Red Scare hysteria. Even New York City becomes a central focus in not only the art world, but the dark, under cover of investigations.
It is a page-turner with psychological and thrilling action. A 5-Star Treat!
Profile Image for john lambert.
285 reviews
July 4, 2023
At nearly 300 pages, the book is not bad. The first 100 are so-so, the writing is at times purple prose and the characters only somewhat defined. Then the action part kicks in--will our hero find the stolen painting and get the girl? Set in the 1950s (though he does use the term 'venture capitalists') in New York so it's fun, the artists, the parties, etc. It could be a plot of a Hitchcock movie, the mcmuffin being the stolen painting.

A highlight....
The air smelled like New York; fifty years of rubber tires rolling over old concrete, wet bedrock and construction and steam, perfume and cigars.

I liked this book and look forward to reading more of Lanier's work.

Profile Image for Karen Siddall.
Author 1 book115 followers
July 25, 2023
Read this book, if not for the compelling mystery, then for the completely immersive atmosphere of the setting!

For the Minds and Wills of Men by Jeff Lanier is a complex and atmospheric mystery set in Manhattan during the House UnAmerican Activities Committee hearings in 1953. The Rosenbergs had been found guilty of espionage, selling national secrets to the Soviets, and their execution was imminent. The country was roiling in fear and distrust, neighbors suspicious of neighbors and willing to point the finger, the frenzy maintained by a sensation-seeking press and politicians all too happy to provide them with their next target. Lanier captures and conveys this tumultuous period perfectly, and I felt like I’d stepped back in time as his protagonist, Will Oxley, unraveled the mystery behind an art gallery burglary.

Like most men of the time, Will is a veteran of WWII, returned home to a changed country, a changed man himself; he suffers from what is now diagnosed as PTSD. He’s a likable guy and successful at what he does. I was frequently reminded how much technology has advanced and our lives have changed since the 50s as Will and his partner, Charlie, conducted their investigation. Information is physically analyzed by hand, and leads are literally chased down in person, at all hours of the day or night, at locations all over the area.

However, while technology was simpler then, the scope of the plot certainly was not. What initially began as stolen artwork evolved into a deeper, far-reaching venture; it was riveting reading. Well-known artists of the time appear among the characters, and Will’s new love interest is decidedly shady. With its atmospherically noir feeling and absorbing storylines, this book would make a great film.

I recommend FOR THE MINDS AND WILLS OF MEN to mystery readers, those who enjoy historical fiction, and readers who would enjoy a thriller set in the art world.
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2,572 reviews60 followers
March 21, 2024
My reaction to this book was more because of the setting of the story than the story itself (although the latter is not bad either). The ending was the main reason that I rated this the way I did. I may be jumping over a few steps, but there are endings that are satisfying enough to warrant a positive reaction to a narrative as a whole.
The plot is about an insurance investigator who has created a small space of his own with art insurance. He has his position in the company partially due to a form of nepotism but gives his all to the role he created himself.
It is 1953, and New York still holds some fears from the war. The latest art theft seems to be hiding a lot more secrets than it appears in the beginning. Our protagonist forms an unwise attachment to the person responsible for the painting and his main point of contact. However, we are never allowed to make up our minds about who is in the right and what exactly is going on in the background till the final reveal.
I do not often end up reading historical fiction by a male author with a male protagonist (at least in comparison to every other combination). I enjoyed this foray into a different New York and the intricacies of government managed to function in a post-war environment and all the threads that people could not hold well enough to ensure things went smoothly).
I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction with eclectic themes.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
154 reviews
November 28, 2025
1954 Cold War background, Hoover and McCarthy unwarranted persecution of innocent people as communists, clandestine FBI surveillance, lack of accountability to the Rule of Law. The protagonist is an art insurance investigator tasked with recovering a stolen Jackson Pollock painting. Abstract impressionist painting is highly suspect as communist propaganda. Art appreciation is a favorite subject of mine. This one kept me guessing right up to the end. Highly recommend.
1 review2 followers
January 10, 2023
A fantastic read — I couldn’t put it down! Intriguing characters, a fascinating,historical plot and an unforgettable New York setting. I highly recommend it.
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