The Soldier in the Wheatfield

by Philip Hook

Parnello Moran buys a German romantic landscape at an auction, but then it's stolen from him. When he sets out to recover it he discovers all its recent owners met violent deaths. Gradually he uncovers a deeper past, and the biggest surprise of all - the secret of the soldier in the wheatfield.

408 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Philip Hook joined Sotheby’s Impressionist and Modern Art Department as the senior specialist in 1994. Sotheby’s is the most prestigious Fine Art Auction House in the UK. He read History of Art at the University of Cambridge where he also won a soccer blue. In 1973 Philip joined Christie’s directly from University. He headed Christie’s 19th Century Paintings Department from 1980 to 1987. In between working at the two auction houses he founded a London art dealers, The St. James’s Art Group.

He has over 35 years of experience and expertise of the art market, he is the author of five successful novels set in the art world and his book Breakfast at Sotheby’s: An A-Z of The Art World was published by Penguin in November 2013. The latter discusses art’s value as an investment and its place in our society.

Philip has appeared regularly on The Antiques Roadshow (BBC) as a picture expert. He makes frequent public speaking appearances, covering a range of art-related subjects.

Philip’s latest book, Rogues’ Gallery: A History of Art and its Dealers (Feb 2017) exposes five centuries of history, scandals, big wins and horrifying losses in the international art world.

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was very confused about where this book was going. was it a spy thriller? was it a romance? Was it one of those inflated stories of crime and passion surrounding what turn out to be disappointingly mundane run of the mill events?

Well I am satisfied. Perhaps Pernello is just a bit too lucky, got away with too much, but on the whole the book is very well plotted, and did retain my interest all the way through. I saw the twist coming by the way. I think most people would.

I recommend this book if you like complicated plots.

[Joan Beames · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it didn’t fit any particular genre. Reading a novel about the art world was intriguing. Definitely written before 9/11.

[David Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book which was about art and at the same time about wartime. It kept me interested throughout.

[Sarah Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable art thriller