Portrait of an Unknown Woman
By Daniel Silva
- Release Date: 2022-07-19
- Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
Description
In a spellbinding new masterpiece by #1 New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva, Gabriel Allon undertakes a high-stakes search for the greatest art forger who ever lived
Legendary spy and art restorer Gabriel Allon has at long last severed ties with Israeli intelligence and settled quietly in Venice, the only place where he has ever truly known peace. His beautiful wife, Chiara, has taken over the day-to-day management of the Tiepolo Restoration Company, and their two young children are discreetly enrolled in a neighborhood scuola elementare. For his part, Gabriel spends his days wandering the streets and canals of the watery city, bidding farewell to the demons of his tragic, violent past.
But when the eccentric London art dealer Julian Isherwood asks Gabriel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the rediscovery and lucrative sale of a centuries-old painting, he is drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse where nothing is as it seems.
Gabriel soon discovers that the work in question, a portrait of an unidentified woman attributed to Sir Anthony van Dyck, is almost certainly a fiendishly clever fake. To find the mysterious figure who painted it—and uncover a multibillion-dollar fraud at the pinnacle of the art world—Gabriel conceives one of the most elaborate deceptions of his career. If it is to succeed, he must become the very mirror image of the man he seeks: the greatest art forger the world has ever known.
Stylish, sophisticated, and ingeniously plotted, Portrait of an Unknown Woman is a wildly entertaining journey through the dark side of the art world—a place where unscrupulous dealers routinely deceive their customers and deep-pocketed investors treat great paintings as though they were just another asset class to be bought and sold at a profit. From its elegant opening to the shocking twists of its climax, the novel is a tour de force of storytelling and one of the finest pieces of heist fiction ever written. And it is still more proof that, when it comes to international intrigue and suspense, Daniel Silva has no equal.
Reviews
Jeff Zucker “Good Friend” - Not Surprised With Political Slants
3By RiderAceAs others have written in the reviews, the author’s left leaning politics really were unnecessary. Although upon completing the book and seeing Jeff Zucker (Former CNN President) listed as the first name in the friends acknowledgment section, one can hardly be surprised given the circles the author runs in.Superb
5By al_in_moroccoAs are all of these Gabriel Allon books, this one didn’t disappoint. Wow. Wow. Wow. Meticulously researched, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the wonderful visits to many cities I have lived in. Silvia’s books are a joy to read. This series is just awesome.We’re not ready to retire
3By JeffR.While Allon is enjoying his retirement, it’s not as satisfying for the reader. The novel was missing most of what originally drew me to the series. I’d suggest moving on to a new main character so we can get back to the tradecraft that made the earlier novels so enjoyable.Portrait
5By MrMark1952Allon is all about art after retirement. A fascinating look into art as a trading commodity and a good mystery to boot! It’s not his usual fare but Mr. Silva has concocted a great yarn nonetheless!Captivating
5By MikeDAZIf nothing else, an excellent expose of the fraudulent practices of some in ponzi practices prevalent in many ‘investment’ schemes. At best, a wonderful read, full of colorful characters, rich with the embroidery of a startlingly good teller of tales.Lost his way
1By WyndnightTime to find a new series, Daniel what the heck the preachy political tone and watering down of the elements that made this character successful has run its course. No one wants to read your about your political views in a fiction book. Wake up! Oh wait you are woke.Nice change of pace
5By dhsbdbbDefinitely one of my favorite Allon books. Love that it was different than most of the others.Excellent, as always
5By hflores77Loved it! It was refreshing to revisit old characters and places from prior novels in the series. The storyline was excellent, I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next book.Portrait of an unknown woman
5By JoanabakeLess bloody than other Gabriel Allon novels, more into the art scene, which I really likedFake paintings, fake suspense.
2By NiagaraMichaelThe Gabriel Allon book a year schedule has run its course. This one gets bogged down with the names of too many obscure artists, forged paintings, and a dull storyline. Author Silva definitely has a thing against women, and this strained effort keeps the negativity going. Most of his female characters are always in jeopardy and are often pawns in a scheme or are outright murdered. Wait until the book is on sale or for the paperback if you prefer physical books. This novel lacks excitement. How often do we have to read about the nasty goat or the old lady and her spells? Perhaps it’s time to send Christopher and Sarah on their own adventure. They’re the only characters with any mystery and energy.