I could finish this book. I feel really bad about that but it was just so poorly written and completely unrealistic. I may pick it up again at some point but I don’t plan on it.

Counterfeit Conspiracies
(Bodies of Art #1)
by Ritter Ames 

Kindle Edition, 252 pages
Published February 2nd 2016 by Henery Press (first published December 1st 2013)



Goodreads synopsis:
Laurel Beacham may have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she has long since lost it digging herself out of trouble. Her father gambled and womanized his way through the family fortune before skiing off an Alp, leaving her with more tarnish than trust fund. Quick wits and connections have gained her a reputation as one of the world’s premier art recovery experts. The police may catch the thief, but she reclaims the missing masterpieces.

The latest assignment, however, may be her undoing. Using every ounce of luck and larceny she possesses, Laurel must locate a priceless art icon and rescue a co-worker (and ex-lover) from a master criminal, all the while matching wits with a charming new nemesis. Unfortunately, he seems to know where the bodies are buried—and she prefers hers isn’t next.

Related subjects include: women sleuths, cozy mysteries, amateur sleuth books, murder mysteries, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), book club recommendations.

***

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in the Bodies of Art series by Ritter Ames.

I felt like I dove into this book starting at a jog and the farther I got into the book the faster I was running. This book didn’t let up. I wound up exhausted by the end. I would have enjoyed a few more areas where I could slow down and breathe for a minute. But the book was so good I gobbled it up as fast as I could.

We spent a good portion of the book wondering who Jack Hawke was and if he might make a good love interest for Laurel. Laurel was mainly focused on getting her job done instead of checking out Jack for personal swoon-worthy reasons. Dear me. She needed to find Simon, her co-worker and former lover and bring back the supposed sword of King Arthur. She knew what she needed and was single minded in her focus. Dang her. I wanted some sly looks across a gallery as they wanted each other as much as they wanted to capture the bad guy. Maybe I will get that in upcoming books.

This reads more like a spy thriller than a couple of agents working to bring priceless paintings and artifacts back to their proper owners. But I guess these types of people can be spy-like so it makes sense in my mind.

This was intense and high-energy. Not a moment was wasted and everything is a clue even if you don’t think a section of the story fits with the overall story arc. Pay attention to it all. It will all come around in the end and make total sense.

Great book. I enjoyed it and will continue with the series. And here’s hoping Jack and Laurel find more then friendship in upcoming books. :)

Highly recommended.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

This was my first book by this author but it won't be the last! I enjoyed the premise of this mystery and could not figure out whodunnit until the very end!!

A 5 star mystery ! This is fast paced fun in the world of stolen art. I love the authors witty writing and the protagonist Laurel Beacham. Laurel recovers lost and/or stolen art all over the world and her work is nonstop action. Laurel usually works alone on her assignments until Jack Hawes enters her life and the two begin a search that takes the reader around the globe. Its great mystery fun and this book like all her books kept me reading into the night . Very highly recommended. series.

This is Ritter Ames first book in her Bodies of Art Series and was a fascinating read for me.

Laurel Beacham, who is the main character, is an art recovery expert. She knows how identify and put together an art piece that would put any art thief to shame. Laurel was born in the lap of luxury, but her father lost the fortune due to gambling anscreen-shot-2017-01-25-at-11-33-27-pm-1d drinking. She works for the Beacham Foundation because she loves art and feels the need for it to be returned to its rightful owners. This assignment has not gone according to plan since her boss called off her vacation and sent her on this disastrous mission. While she is on assignment, Jack Hawke’s appears and some more opportune moments and helps her get out of some tough situations.

My Opinion and Rating 4.2

This book was a great read and is a real page turner. I’m not sure about Jack, he just seemed to a little out their for me, but the plot was fast paced with some adventure, murder, guns blazing and some interest characters. The characters, Laurel and Jack were fun to read about and it will be interesting to see how they develop. In addition, there was Nico who assists Laurel in her recovery cases. He is definitely a tech genius that provides tools for Laurel as well as transportation.

. The plot keeps twisting nicely and the action scenes are intense and vivid. The characters are believable and interact well with each other