Yes, you really do have to read this series in order. Important foundational story in this one. ( )

Gabriel Allon is called to Zurich to evaluate and restore a Raphael, but when he arrives the owner is lying in a pool of blood. Gabriel is soon caught up in case involving a missing art collection, a Swiss banking cabal, and a temperamental violinist.

I liked this second book in the Allon series much more than the first. The author seems to have moved past his adolescent fixation on women's bodies, and focuses instead on an interesting chapter in history: the Nazi theft of art and the role of Switzerland in aiding and abetting the Nazis by laundering artwork and preventing its reclamation by the rightful heirs. ( )

I really liked the subject of this one (Nazi-era looting of money, art and other valuables from Jews in occupied countries) but I felt like the wrap up was massively underwhelming. I'm hoping the loose ends from this one are tied up in a future book in the series. ( )

It keeps the pace, excitement and mystery going. As the reader knows there are more volumes in the series one know Allon survives - but the challenge of survival remains interesting. The possibility of a new love interest is exciting. ( )

Well written and kept me turning pages. I really didn't buy the resolution though. 2nd in the gabriel allon series. Enjoyed the first. On the fence on whether to continue this series. ( )