The Lost van Gogh is quite the enthralling read if you, like me, are a fan of historical fiction, art fiction, and thrillers. A variety of settings, meaningful art history, and lots of crafty characters to suspect made this an especially interesting mystery. This is my first book by Santlofer, but not my last. I will be backreading the first installment featuring the protagonists (The Last Mona Lisa) and looking out for his future work too.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this engaging story.

I’m a longtime fan of the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva, and I love a thriller set in the art world. So I was primed to enjoy the Lost Van Gogh, Jonathan Santlofer's follow-up to his wildly successful 2021 novel, ‘The Last Mona Lisa.’

This literary page-turner brought a sense of action, adventure, and suspense to the story of a rumored final self-portrait painted by Vincent Van Gogh. When an artist and the daughter of a notorious art thief find what might be the missing portrait, they’re sucked into solving what could be a very dangerous puzzle. There are flashbacks to WWII French resistance fighters, insider details about the underbelly of the art world, and interactions with INTERPOL.

I was hooked from the opening scene of a forger in Paris in 1944. He’s listening to the BBC on a contraband radio while he paints, disguising the Van Gogh painting in a very clever way. When he’s finished with his work, he fiddles with the radio’s dial again, this time to find the resistance radio station and his instructions — delivered in code — for what he should do next. I really enjoyed that inside peek at how sneaky deeds are done. This is a great read for fans of the novel 'The Last Painting of Sara de Vos' or works by Arturo Perez-Reverte.

This book was featured on my podcast The Library of Lost Time on January 5 — https://strongsenseofplace.com/lolts/lolt-2024-01-05/

It's one of those story that requires to suspend belief. You can have a lot of fun and enjoy the story.
Action, adventure, art.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was my second Jonathan Santlofer book, having previously read The Last Mona Lisa, so I was familiar now with the characters of Luke, Alex, and Smith.

In this book, their latest adventure concerns a rumored final self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh. As the stuff of legend, this painting was bound to attract historians, art connoisseurs, academics, and art thieves. As it happens, the portrait does exist, and it ends up with Luke and Alex at the start of this story. Days later, however, the painting goes missing.

There's always something about a search for missing paintings that gets you out of your home country, and knee deep into conspiracies you've never even suspected. The story itself is intriguing, and will certainly appeal to all who have an interest in art history. The fascination with Vincent Van Gogh's life is enduring, and is the main attraction of this book.

Being familiar with the three main characters also helped in getting me to read this, as the book felt like a reunion with old friends, and going on yet another crazy adventure. However, I couldn't help at times but wish that there was more growth in the three main characters. I wanted Luke to be smarter, for Alex to be smarter as well, and to not let her past govern her choices, and for Smith to be less tough as nails, and to actually be friends with Luke and Alex. But character growth is an entirely different take to go deeper in at another time.

All in all, this book will satisfy readers of historical thrillers, and if this is your first Jonathan Santlofer, you'll want to read his other works as well.

I give this book 4 stars.

Thanks for arc, Netgalley and Sourcebooks!

If you're looking for a gripping and suspenseful art historical thriller, look no further than "The Lost Van Gogh" by Jonathan Santlofer. This page-turner follows the story of a missing Van Gogh painting and the dramatic events that unfold as characters attempt to uncover the truth behind its disappearance.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to immerse readers in the world of art crime, providing a fascinating glimpse into the high-stakes world of art theft and the complex web of relationships that surrounds it. The characters are well-drawn and engaging, with motivations and desires that keep readers invested in their stories.
Overall, "The Lost Van Gogh" is a must-read for fans of art historical thrillers and anyone looking for a fast-paced, engaging read. Santlofer's expertise in the art world shines through in his vivid descriptions of the paintings and the art world itself, adding depth and authenticity to the story. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and high-stakes drama, "The Lost Van Gogh" is a standout work of fiction that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Just did not enjoy this one as I had a hard time “buying into” the story line. I know it is fiction, but the plot was too far fetched for me to connect.

I enjoyed The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer! I generally enjoy books that have to do with the undercover art world, artworks that were stolen by the Nazis- so this one fit right in! I did find this book slightly confusing at times- there are many characters with code names and many times that we’re reading from the point of view of a person whose identity we don’t know. This could’ve been my fault for not reading carefully enough, but there were times when all the secrecy left me a little lost. Santlofer also relied on readers having read and retained information from his previous book, The Last Mona Lisa, to understand the detailed relationship between two of our main characters. I read the previous book so long ago that this was a little fuzzy to me- it wasn’t detrimental to the read, however there is a lot of mention of the last time these two worked together. I really did enjoy the different settings in the book and the information about artwork and Van Gogh himself. If you enjoy these topics- definitely give this one a try!

When a art history student buys a painting for $25 at an antique house, the last thing she expects is to unearth a missing Van Gogh painting. Unfortunately for her, she's not the only one after the painting, and she'll have to travel to Amsterdam to track down the painting and its history. Along with boyfriend Luke and INTERPOL agent Smith, they race to outsmart the world of shady art dealers and Nazi looters.
While full of details about the art world, Van Gogh, and Nazi art looting during the Second World War, the book is always just shy of compelling, likely because it is a follow-up to The Lost Mona Lisa. Fans of the first novel will likely find this second outing to be more compelling than those that try this one first.

Loved the premise of this book, and a huge admirer of Van Gogh, it wasn't a hard sell. That said, this book left me disappointed and somewhat confused. An overabundance of characters, many of whom had more than one name, caused a lot of the confusion, and made it hard to follow what was going on and with whom. The narrative was also oddly cut up and many of the chapters would end in somewhat stilted ways. I think Santlofer has the ability to tell a good story, but this needed a bit more polish and editing to reach its full potential.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark, the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Book Review: The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer

Summary:
The story revolves around Luke Perrone, an artist and the great-grandson of the infamous Mona Lisa thief, and Alexis Verde, the daughter of a notorious art thief. Together, they stumble upon a long-standing rumor suggesting that Van Gogh completed a final self-portrait before his death. This discovery sets them on a quest to find the missing painting, drawing them into an epic art puzzle.

As they delve deeper into their search, the painting mysteriously disappears, forcing them to join forces with INTERPOL agent John Washington Smith. Their collective efforts lead them to uncover not only the secrets of Van Gogh's last days but also the dark underbelly of the art world. Unbeknownst to them, the artwork they seek is linked to something sinister that thrives in the shadows of the dark web and the underground art scene.

Review:
"The Lost Van Gogh" is a riveting novel that effortlessly combines art history with an engaging mystery. Santlofer's writing style is impeccable, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story from start to finish. The fast-paced narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning each page in anticipation of what lies ahead.

One of the book's strengths lies in its meticulous attention to detail. Santlofer seamlessly weaves historical facts into the storyline, adding depth and authenticity to the plot. The fusion of art and history creates a rich tapestry against which the characters' journeys unfold, making for an even more immersive reading experience.

Speaking of characters, "The Lost Van Gogh" boasts a diverse and compelling cast. Luke Perrone and Alexis Verde are well-developed protagonists whose personal histories add layers of complexity to their motivations. Their shared passion for art fuels their determination to solve the mystery, making them relatable and endearing to readers.

The plot is executed flawlessly, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The twists and turns are expertly crafted, ensuring that the story remains unpredictable and engrossing throughout. Santlofer masterfully builds tension and suspense, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth behind the missing painting and its dark connection.

In conclusion, "The Lost Van Gogh" is an exceptional novel that seamlessly combines art, mystery, and history. Santlofer's masterful storytelling, well-researched historical backdrop, and captivating characters make for an enjoyable and engrossing read. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply love a good adventure, this book is a must-read. "The Lost Van Gogh" is a testament to Santlofer's talent as a writer and will leave you eagerly awaiting his next masterpiece.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I loved that this mystery was based on the theme of stolen art. I also loved that the author has highlighted how art was affected during the Nazi regime and how stolen art is sold on the black market - some fakes look so 'real!' The only niggle I had with this story were the characters. I had a hard time trying to keep track of them and felt lost at times. The narrative felt a bit too long at times.

Following the events of The Last Mona Lisa, artist and professor Luke Perrone has settled back down in New York City with his beloved girlfriend, art historian Alex Verde. It’s not unusual for Alex to bring back artwork she finds while on one of her frequent visits to her mother upstate, but when the couple discover another painting hidden beneath the facade of one she’s recently purchased, the last thing either of them expects is for their worlds to be turned entirely upside down.

For the hidden painting is, if their own combined expertise isn’t mistaken, a missing self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh himself. They keep their attempts to authenticate the piece under wraps, but a criminal element has long been on the painting’s trail, and snatches it out from underneath them. In an effort to get the painting back, they somewhat reluctantly decide to consult with John Washington Smith, a former INTERPOL agent turned private detective whom Perrone has previously butted heads with. Smith is just as excited to see Perrone:

QUOTE
“You become an agent since we last met, Perrone, or just showing off for your girlfriend?”

Maybe I was showing off a little. “I was just curious if you had FBI connections,” I said.

“Yeah, but I don’t need them. The Bureau’s integrated automated fingerprint ID system is accessible if you have permission or a license or the right digital program.”

“Which you have?”

“I’ve retained some of my INTERPOL databases, connections too. That okay with you, Perrone?”

“Okay with me if it’s okay with the FBI and INTERPOL.”

Smith lifted his shades again to give me an intimidating stare. I gave him one back. We’d fallen into our sparring ways. Everything he said annoyed me, and I guessed he felt the same way about me.
END QUOTE

Regardless of any macho posturing, Smith is actually eager to take the case, and not just because of how well he and Perrone always end up working together. Smith isn’t exactly the private detective he’s been advertising himself as, but is pursuing greater aims. As the trail of the potentially missing Van Gogh gets hotter though, he’ll find himself needing to tell bigger and bigger lies to Alex and Perrone, even as the trio are inevitably drawn together over and over again in their pursuit of the painting.

A globe-trotting art crime thriller with plenty of twists and multiple viewpoint narratives, The Lost Van Gogh feels cinematic in its scope as our three main protagonists work to get to the truth of the stolen painting. This novel is rich with the history of stolen art – particularly the works taken from their Jewish owners under duress by the Nazis and their collaborators – as well as information on the state of modern art commerce and theft. Betrayals and reversals stud the pages, but perhaps the most fascinating mysteries Jonathan Santlofer tackles in this book are those to do with the title artist himself. Mr Santlofer has a gift for making readers feel the full weight of history with his prose, as he details Alex’s visit to the home where Van Gogh worked and died:

QUOTE
Alex stepped into a rose-colored room with dark wooden moldings, everything bathed in the soft glow of light through lace-curtained windows, hardwood tables and caned chairs, a large, faded mural.

“All of it has been restored to how it was in Vincent’s time,” the guide said, pointing out a small wooden table in the corner where Vincent had taken his meals, the only table set with a tablecloth, a wineglass and carafe, an empty wicker basket. A still life without the man, Alex thought, though his presence was so palpable she shivered.

“The table is always set,” the guide said. “But no one is allowed to eat there.”
END QUOTE

Infused with both mood and the adrenaline of international heist thrills, this novel is a brisk and often fun exploration of the art world. It touches thoughtfully too on the ramifications of not only theft, whether individual or institutional, but also repatriation. It wouldn’t hurt to check out The Last Mona Lisa first to understand the bigger implications of some of the appearances in this book, but this novel functions just fine as a standalone, especially for anyone with an interest in art in general and Van Gogh in particular.

I just finished The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer and here is my review.

Alexis is a huge art lover and likes to buy portraits. When she brings the portrait home, she doesn’t know someone else is looking for it. When her partner Luke realizes that the painting has another painting underneath, their minds are blown when they realize it’s a Van Gogh. It’s not a painting ever seen before and looks like it’s the last self portrait he ever did.
They need to have it authenticated but on the way Alexis is attacked and the painting stolen. They can’t let it go which leads to Luke reaching out to Smith, an ex- interpol agent turned PI. The chase gets more heated the second they leave US soil. Finding the painting is more dangerous than any of them realized.

I loved this book. I am a huge art person and reading about the underground art world…. Fascinating!! There was a heck of a lot going on. We jump back to the past pretty infrequently giving us the backstory of how the painting ended up being covered and how it made it out of nazi germany and to the USA. It also gives us a little glimpse into Van Gogh's last moments.

What didn’t I like? Well, sometimes it was a little hard to see who’s POV it was because it didn’t say at the start of the chapter. That’s a huge pet peeve. I shouldn’t have to guess. You want multiple POV fine but refrain from using I for one person then the name when it’s their POV. I got confused a few times. Not cool.

That’s my only gripe. The action was great, the pace was excellent. I loved the characters. Smith was my favorite. I can’t help it, he was brilliant. I loved that Alex’s dad is an art thief and he was right in the thick of it. It was all very exciting and I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. I don’t usually mention covers of books but this cover is perfect.

There were so many excellent details in the book and it was very well researched.

4.5 stars (just the POV lost that half star)

Thank you @sourcebooks and @netgalley for my gifted copies (ebook and paperback)

#sourcebooks #thelostvangogh #jonathansantofer #thrillereader #mysterythriller #art #vangogh #bookreview #bookblogger #readerblog #bookishcommunity #bookstagram

Having read The Lost Mona Lisa, I was very excited to be given an ARC of this by NetGalley. Fast paced with many twists and turns, we follow artist Luke Perrone and his girlfriend Alex as they search for a lost painting that Alex bought at a garage sale and then discovering it may be a lost Van Gogh, only to have it stolen from them. Likewise, there are more individuals, some good and some sinister, looking for this painting reported to have disappeared at Van Gogh's funeral at least a hundred years before. It seemed as if every character had a secret, which made it interesting to unravel, with some mysteries that will surprise you. As an art lover, I enjoyed all the references to many impressionist artists and their works. But I also felt that this story fell short where The Lost Mona Lisa shone in the storyline. However, It did make me think about Van Gogh's demise, whether there was truth in how he died. But overall, I enjoyed it. I do love stories about lost art, and the redemption of art finding its home. Many thanks to #netgalley #thelostvangogh #jonathansantlofer for the opportunity to read and review this book.

"The Lost Van Gogh: A Novel" by Jonathan Santlofer is a captivating work of fiction that combines art, mystery, and intrigue. Santlofer demonstrates a masterful storytelling ability, weaving a narrative that seamlessly integrates historical elements with a gripping fictional plot.

One of the strengths of the novel lies in Santlofer's skillful portrayal of the art world and the intricate details surrounding a lost Van Gogh painting. The blending of fact and fiction creates a rich and immersive experience for readers, especially those with an appreciation for art history. The characters are well-developed, and the plot unfolds with a balance of suspenseful moments and gradual revelations, maintaining a sense of intrigue throughout.

However, some readers may find certain plot twists somewhat predictable, especially if familiar with mystery and art-themed novels. While the novel provides a compelling overview, those seeking an in-depth exploration of the art world or more profound character analysis may find certain aspects of the narrative wanting.

In conclusion, "The Lost Van Gogh" is a commendable novel that successfully combines art and mystery, offering a compelling and engaging story. Santlofer's ability to create a vivid and atmospheric setting adds to the overall appeal for readers. While the novel may follow some familiar tropes within its genre, the fusion of historical elements and fictional storytelling distinguishes it as an intriguing and enjoyable read for those captivated by art-themed mysteries.

What amazing book it had so many twists and turns I learned a lot. I like how the story started out with this painting when. When the girlfriend went up to upstate New York and came back and gave it to Luke and Luke started to clean it. And this is when it really became really interesting. I couldn't believe how much stuff I learned in this book about this one painting and how people were involved in this and it was like a crime mystery story. People were very interesting and everybody was somehow related to everybody in this book. I
Like how it went back-and-forth in time. And how this painting was painted over because it was trying to get out of paris during the forties. And it's interesting how Luke got involved too. Because they went to Amsterdam. And this is when things got really interesting. And some people We're not even about it because they didn't realize what really was behind it.. Luke's girlfriend's father he found out what's in for jail for fraud in the In the art world. Especially when they went to Amsterdam. Things started really heating up. And this was really interesting because interpol was involved and you'll love the ending

I started loving this book, but then I realized that it was part of a series apparently. I thought that maybe I could read it anyway but there were many references to the previous book The Last Mona Lisa, a fictional take on the life of Vincent Peruggia. In this book, a long lost painting by Van Gogh appears in an antique shop, covered by another painting, and somehow it ends in the hands of, you know who? Luke Perrone , great grandson of Peruggia (what are the chances) This man has a magnet for great masters’ art theft. I dont think that this one works as a standalone. I’m going to read The Last Mona Lisa and then this one again to see if that way I can find it more interesting. For that reason I think it is not fair to rate the book but I can’t send my feedback without it. I should have known better before requesting it, because the characters were not believable for me so the dialogues didn’t work. Great cover!

I wish I would’ve realized this was a second book, then I would’ve read the first one first and maybe this would’ve worked for me a bit more. I found it really hard to keep track of all of the characters and was lost quite a bit. I also thought it was a bit long in places. But I do appreciate how the author was highlighting how the art world was affected by the Nazis during that regime.

3.5 stars

A follow up to The Last Mona Lisa, this story also follows Luke Perrone and his girlfriend Alex as they deal with the shady aspects of the art world and espionage. I enjoyed reading about these characters and their adventures!

As a big fan of Van Gogh and history, I loved the premise and I appreciated the research that the author did for this book, but I wish the plot itself was less choppy. There were exciting moments, but most of the time I just felt confused.

Pub Date: Out Now!

This eARC was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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I think that Santlofer has found his niche writing suspenseful novels about art works. This is his second, following on a story about the Mona Lisa. I think that anyone who enjoyed Dan Brown’s novels will consider his a worthy colleague.

This time, as the title indicates, the missing work (if it indeed is) is by Van Gogh. Luke and Alexis are excited by the possibility and want to claim it. He is the great grandson of an art thief and Alexis is familiar with this trade as well. They engage with an investigator and Interpol as they seek answers. 

All in all, here is a fast paced story with an intriguing plot. The short chapters encourage the reader to keep going. Perfect for those who are seeking a page turner.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.