Artist’s Proof

Lander Marks
Stephens Press (2008)
ISBN 9781932173734
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (4/08)


“Artist's Proof” is a novel that contains mystery, murder, and many secrets.  Shannon Phillips is an art dealer who conducts auctions on luxury cruise ships.  She is quite persuasive in getting people to purchase expensive artwork from renowned artists.  DJ Singer is one such customer.  While on a cruise, DJ meets Ron, the man of her dreams, but becomes involved in more than she ever could have expected.  Ron’s uncle questions the authenticity of some paintings by the late Sol Fleming that DJ purchased.  Adding to the mystery is the fact that excerpts from Fleming’s diary are appearing on the internet and no one knows who is posting them or why.  As DJ and Ron try to figure out the truth, their journey leads them all the way to Italy where they question whether a large and influential organization may be behind these occurrences.

The author tells the story from the viewpoints of Shannon and DJ.  Each chapter alternates between their stories.  Author Marks cleverly uses different print styles to help the reader recognize that a different character is being featured.  Both characters are portrayed realistically, with their backgrounds well-documented with the reasons for their insecurities.

The beauty that can be found in art and nature plays an important part in this book.  The descriptions of the scenery as DJ and Ron traveled through Italy conjured up vivid images in my mind.  Art enthusiasts will appreciate the paintings and artists mentioned throughout the book as well as the different styles of art.  The information about how some works of art are made or reproduced was interesting and educational.

Lander Marks does a nice job of building the plot, meticulously adding new information for the reader to absorb.  In contrast, the ending was quite abrupt, with the truth being rapidly revealed.  Although I loved finding out what truly happened, the mysteries could have been unravelled more slowly.  This would have provided more of a shocking effect and a dramatic buildup to the ending.

“Artist’s Proof” is filled with mysteries, plot twists, and shocking secrets that keep the reader trying to guess how the story will end.  Anyone looking for a good mystery should give this book a try.

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