This is light-weight it has to be said. But then this book is also the beginning of another series with an interesting milieu, and despite this somewhat lack of depth, there is still a sense of verve, along with a large dose of vitality, in the details surrounding this tale. And the premise delivers much delight with its historical context amidst the interesting but less-salubrious aspects of the world of art history – patently long-familiar and very well-known to this author. All this then contributes to a pleasant, if short, entertaining read.

“In a country where the love of art is part of its national identity” it is not surprising that a special police department is established in Italy, to deal with the vast amount of thievery happening amongst all this treasure. Thus Generale Taddeo Bottando readily heads such a national task force, happily based in his beloved city of Rome, and ably aided by his research assistant Flavia di Stefano. And thus we are introduced to two major protagonists of this tale, who both share a diverse Italian flare, much mutual respect and affection, and a love of art and Italy; which is somewhat contrasted when they join forces with the Englishman, art historian Jonathan Argyll, in a dubious case of art imitating art! When an unknown, and hidden, Raphael painting is ‘uncovered’, due to Jonathan’s research and ultimately obtained at great expense by the Italian government, the subsequent actions and outcomes – fraud, fakery, murder and dastardly vandalism – reveal a scenario quite astonishing; except perhaps to Italian sensibilities.

The delight I found in The Raphael Affair was derived from the intricate particulars the author supplies amongst these artistic environs – through the venues, about the actual painters and paintings, in the characters inhabiting this particular sphere, and from the beauty of the country and its incomparable cultural heritage. With little fanfare and without much emphasis the reader is drawn into this world and learns the pertinent facts and necessities of the mystery, but with only partial facets of the main characters revealed. This lack of countenance disappointed somewhat – and it is to be hoped that future books develop these personalities further; there is much more below each, waiting to surface, I feel. But the elements of painting and renowned painters, of museums and restorations, and the history of famous works – these components offer an unusual nuance to enjoy.

Finishing with an interesting twist – and perhaps affecting a tongue-in-cheek poke at the world of academia, and the elite echelons of those in the purview of the wheeling and dealings surrounding priceless masterpieces – this is a fun, amusing read, presenting an unusual insight into an interesting world I know little about; and despite the wish for more substance I am sure to pick up the next book in the near future, for another peek into this fascinating setting.

(Feb 16, 2009) ( )

The first in a wonderful detective series set mostly in Rome and involves a fictional art theft squad detective called Favia and an English art dealer called Jonathan. It is well written and you learn a lot about renaissance art along the way! ( )

I enjoy this whole series very much. Light and fluffy, yes, but never once is the reader condescended to about the artists or styles described; he or she is assumed to have quite a bit of knowledge of art history (and has a better chance of figuring out the solution the more he or she knows), but the books wouldn't be incomprehensible to one who didn't. As afternoon or airplane mystery reading goes, you could do far worse.

An enjoyable quick read. The first one in the Jonathan Argyll and Flavia di Stefano series. I must admit, by the end I was getting the different pictures a bit confused in my mind. A nice final twist, though. ( )

Flavia di Stefano, of the Italian National Art Theft Squd, Rome. Jonathan Argylle, British art historian. Hidden masterpiece by Raphael supposed to be in obscure church; Jonathan arrested. ( )