Marty Neumeier

Synopsis:'...Scarlett and her partner, art historian Artie, approach editor Peter Chenoweth of Harker Publishing with a story nearly beyond belief. While authenticating Renaissance art for a mysterious billionaire client named Mr. Dickson, these reluctant, bickering partners uncovered a journal written by Leonardo da Vinci’s last pupil, painter Francesco Melzi. Such a find would be worth its weight in gold for its insights into the inventor’s mind alone. But it also tells the tale of a show more gruesome murder in Venice, revealing that Leonardo and his charge, while visiting publisher Aldo Manuzio about releasing da Vinci’s famous folios, arrived to find a crucified man branded with text from Dante’s Inferno.

As the story unfolds, the scholars find themselves on the run, desperate to keep the diary from their sinister client. Meanwhile, Leonardo’s investigation unfolds in the journal, drawing the artist and his apprentice into the ruthless world of Italian politicians, not least the Borgias, Italy’s most infamous power brokers.' From Blueink Review website.

Review: It's been a very long time since I've read a book that I didn't want to end. This is a superbly written novel in every sense. The story is finely crafted leading the reader through the history of politics, religion, print making, publishing, art, and one person who typified a Renaissance man. In Leonardo's voice, the author imparts wisdom; he also captures the essences of both women allowing them to communicate their methods of evaluating artifacts for authenticity along with their individual world views. As Leonardo and his apprentice work to solve the mystery, we are shown the innerworkings of Leonardo's mind and the way in which he mentors Checco, not only teaching him how to use logic, but preparing him to become the writer/artist he is meant to be. The conclusion of the book is as excellent as all that had gone before, leaving the reader with a sense of satisfaction, yet anticipation of good things to come. show less

This edition is BEAUTIFUL. The cover, the weight of the paper, the fonts- it's a work of art. Don't judge a book by its cover? Not this book!

The story is engaging from the very first page, and I raced through the story. Two women, an art historian and a scientist, are called in to authenticate a painting found in an old Italian home. As they start their process, they find a manuscript that, upon translation, contains details of Leonardo's DaVinci's life, previously undocumented. But they show more aren't the only ones interested in the manuscript, and they contact an indie publisher to make a deal to get it into the world, rather than buried in a private collection.

Scarlett and Artie, our main characters, are so different in age, background, personality and presentation, but the adventure they embarked on together bonds them profoundly. While half the story is about Leonardi and his apprentice, S and A are what brings life to the book. The research that went into this novel is obvious, as it feels like stepping into history. The transcendence of humanity, science, art and love ties these storylines together across five centuries. show less

Scarlett, a biophysics expert, and Artie, a retired professor of art history, have been hired to authenticate a cache of paintings, unearthed literally under the floorboards of a house in Italy undergoing renovations. They discovered a full-length portrait of Leonardo da Vinci, painted by his protégé. But even more exciting, they found a manuscript penned by da Vinci’s last pupil. It recounts a murder and its solution, as derived by da Vinci himself. Scarlett and Artie are afraid that show more their client will again hide the manuscript, depriving the world of another look at da Vinci’s genius. So they do the only thing they can do: they steal the manuscript and take off on a not-so-merry chase across Italy, being pursued by some bad guys who also want the manuscript. Meanwhile, they contact a publisher, wanting him to publish their find. The centuries-old murder may not be the only one connected to this manuscript, for now Scarlett and Artie have put a target on their backs. This most unusual tale is only rivaled by the unusual manner in which it was written. It vacillates between Scarlett and Artie emailing their publisher and excerpts from the manuscript itself. Peter then answers their emails with his own queries. The fonts in the book are different for the various people, and even the binding of the actual book itself, designed by the author, is unusual. Suspense builds not only because Scarlett and Artie gradually reveal to Peter what the manuscript says, but also because they are running for their lives. It is a masterfully penned tale about a masterful painter. The characters, both past and present, are well developed. It is not usual for stories with dual time periods to have equally compelling storylines, but this author has most assuredly managed to do just that. show less

What a clever romp this is! I'm not quite sure in what genre I would place it but let's call it avant-historic philoso-mystery with a dash of suspense and horror thrown in! Octavo is a great read.

The book is structured as a dialog via email and audio files between an editor in New York and a couple of art authenticators, Scarlet and Artie, working for a sleazy collector in Italy. They have found a manuscript of vast cultural significance, absconded with it and are on the run and looking for show more a publisher. Their goal is to share their find with the world rather than have it locked away in some oligarch’s offshore art cave. They’re being chased around Italy by the collector’s goons and everything is beginning to look pretty hairy.

The historic part of this adventure is contained in the 16th century manuscript peppered throughout the book. Purportedly written by Francesco de Melzi, a student and assistant in the workshop of Leonardo da Vinci. It is a comi-tragic masterpiece with murder, revenge, sabotage and ingenious detective work by Leonardo himself! Step aside Sherlock!

Marty Neumeier, a writer and lecturer on design and creativity, has had a long career in branding and design for many A-list clients and that background is on display in the beautiful presentation of Octavo. Highly recommended! show less