Review of the The Art of Deception by Leonard Goldberg

Today I want to tell you about a book I finished reading and enjoyed very much. This author is new to me and I loved the cover and the description spoke to me.  I couldn't believe it when I was notified that I had won an advanced reader copy in a Goodreads Giveaway.

"Suspenseful and entertaining, with many twists and turns....This is one of the best Sherlock Holmes series since Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell books."—Historical Novel Society

USA Today bestselling author Leonard Goldberg returns with another puzzling case for the daughter of Sherlock Holmes to unravel in this exciting mystery, The Art of Deception, sure to be enjoyed by fans of Sherlock Holmes as well as Laurie R. King and Charles Finch.

In the west end of London, an apparently crazed individual is on the loose, breaking into art galleries and private homes to slash valuable paintings of women. Despite Scotland Yard’s best efforts, the criminal remains at large and continues on his destructive path.

When Joanna and the Watsons are called in to solve the mystery, they soon discover that although the canvases have been slashed, their backings remain pristine, with no cuts or scratches. The criminal, it seems, is no mere vandal—he's searching for something hidden behind the portraits.

Suspicion soon falls on two skilled art restorers who previously worked at the gallery where all the vandalized art was purchased. When Joanna finds the body of one in a bricked off fireplace at the gallery, the other is left as the prime suspect. But then he's discovered dead as well. Luckily, Joanna has a plan for ensnaring the criminal once and for all. But it must not fail, or more paintings—and lives—will be lost.


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MY REVIEW

This was my first read by Leonard Goldberg and I must say that I plan to read more of his novels in the series. I am now a fan.

It was refreshing to read a fictional historical novel where the author matched the speech and mood of the time period perfectly. I felt as though I was there with the characters. It was well-researched.

I fell in love with the witty personality of Joanna and her uncanny ability to find clues from the evidence that most people would overlook. The story was very engaging, suspenseful, and kept me guessing from all the twists that kept coming.

I would highly recommend this page-turner to Sherlock fans or readers that love a well-crafted mystery. It was wonderfully written from beginning to end and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

 This is Book 4 but it can be read as a standalone.

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries