Trick of the Eye

Odd little book, primarily about loneliness, disguised as a book about a trompe l'oeil artist and a society matron courting her to paint a ballroom at the matron's elegant (and famous) country home. There were a number of predictable plot twists, a few unexpected ones (including a kicker that is revealed in the last half page of the book), but the last portion of the book (the reveal, so to speak) felt forced/contrived to me, and with more than a touch of creepiness. While it was supposed to clear up much, it ended up making me doubt much of the knowledge gained, and distrust all but one or two of the characters. Though I learned from it, I can't say I liked the story. I prefer my humankind less dysfunctional.

If you like your intrigue set adjacent to the working art world, this is a book for you. Old New York comes back as the setting for a cold case. A trompe-l’oeil artist is hired to restore a ballroom on the Long Island estate of a well-known, but reclusive socialite. Evidently things are not as they seem. Hitchcock has created an intriguing plot populated by characters who some readers might recognize. The story winds and twists before coming to an inevitable ending. The author draws from her personal experiences in upper class NYC to write this satirical mystery/thriller.

Trick of the Eye is a book about an artist. The artist thinks that she has control of her life but it is all an illusion. An interesting book with an interesting question. How much of what you see or think you know is really what it is? The book receives four stars in this review and is highly recommended.

For a debut novel, it was a good one. Had no expectations from it, therefore was pleasantly surprised with the way the story unfolded and reached a climax. The suspense is well maintained and the writer uses her knowledge of art world to her advantage.

A good read.

Ooooh, very good! Very creepy book. I am totally going to steal People magazine's quote and call it "an elegant psychological thriller."
I mean, what's better than a creepy old lady who stalks people. Great book.

I absolutely loved this book. Great writing, nice twists and and inside view of the upper crust.

I enjoyed reading this book, but it was a little predictable.