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The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery (Zelda Richardson Mystery Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jennifer S. Alderson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,281 ratings
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Museum intern Zelda Richardson is swept into the mystery surrounding artwork hidden from the Nazis during World War II. But Zelda’s not the only one searching for the missing paintings — and her rival would kill to find them first…

When a Dutch art dealer hides the stock from his gallery – rather than turn it over to his Nazi blackmailer – he pays with his life, leaving a treasure trove of modern masterpieces buried somewhere in Amsterdam, presumably lost forever. That is, until American art history student Zelda Richardson sticks her nose in.

After studying for a year in the Netherlands, Zelda scores an internship at the prestigious Amsterdam Museum, where she works on an exhibition of paintings and sculptures once stolen by the Nazis, lying unclaimed in Dutch museum depots almost seventy years later. When two women claim the same portrait of a young girl entitled Irises, Zelda is tasked with investigating the painting’s history and soon finds evidence that one of the two women must be lying about her past.

Before she can figure out which one and why, Zelda learns about the Dutch art dealer’s concealed collection. And that Irises is the key to finding it. Her discoveries make her a target of someone willing to steal – and even kill – to find the missing paintings. As the list of suspects grows, Zelda realizes she has to track down the lost collection and unmask a killer if she wants to survive.


Praise for The Lover's Portrait:
"Well worth reading for what the main character discovers--not just about the portrait mentioned in the title, but also the sobering dangers of Amsterdam during World War II." - IndieReader

"As the narrative unfolds and the truth is revealed, the suspense is intensely magnetic and the characters equally captivating." - BookLife Prize for Fiction 2016

"Well written and well researched. I thoroughly enjoyed this book... Highly recommended." - 5 stars, Chill with a Book Readers' Award verdict

"Jennifer S. Alderson delivers a mystery novel not quite like most. It's not about stolen paintings, but about lives that were stolen... The Lover's Portrait is a well-written mystery with engaging characters and a lot of heart. The perfect novel for those who love art and mysteries!" - Readers' Favorite, 5 star medal
  • Awarded a B.R.A.G. Medallion by indieBRAG's readers in March 2019
  • Chosen as Chill with a Book’s January 2018 Book of the Month and winner of a Chill with a Book Readers’ Award
  • One of TripFiction's 10 Favorite Books set in Amsterdam
  • Silver Cup winner in Rosie's Book Review Team 2017 Awards, Mystery category
  • Readers’ Favorite 5 star medal
  • One of The Displaced Nation magazine’s Top 36 Expat Fiction Picks of 2016
  • One of Women Writers, Women’s Books magazine's Recommended Reads for April 2017.

Set in present day and wartime Amsterdam, this captivating thriller is not just about stolen paintings, but also the lives that were stolen. This art history mystery also describes the plight of homosexuals and Jewish artists in Europe during World War II, as well as the complexities inherent to the restitution of artwork stolen by the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s.

The Lover's Portrait is Book One in the Zelda Richardson Mystery Series. The amateur sleuth mysteries in this series can be read in any order.
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    Zelda Richardson Mystery Series
  2. Print length
    300 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    June 22, 2016
  6. File size
    4822 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Alderson has a knack for excellent description and anyone travelling to Amsterdam or who knows it well will recognize and enjoy the way she brings the city vividly to life... Recommended for all those who enjoyed the film The Woman in Gold and with an interest in art history and the Second World War." 5 stars - Victoria Blake, author of Titian's Boatman / Return of the Courtesan
"Such a treat to get immersed into not only a terrific art-themed mystery, but to be able to virtually look over the shoulders of characters charged with the responsibility of returning art to families who lost masterpieces in WWII. Great detail and engaging characters." 5 stars - Ritter Ames, author of the Bodies of Art mystery series
"The Lover's Portrait had me excited from the get-go. The plot is engaging and there are some good, believable twists. The novel provides thoughtful, engaging reading that keeps you eagerly following past events and present predicaments. It is clear this novel was authored with the same love and passion for writing that Zelda exhibits for researching art. The Lover's Portrait creates both respect and delight." - LibraryThing/Goodreads reviewer Reading Fury

"A vibrant, authentic depiction of Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation. Jennifer Alderson does a magnificent job of bringing the past to life as she weaves an intriguing mystery full of suspense." - mystery author Daniella Bernett
"The author's exemplary research into art works stolen by the Nazis during World War 2 is evident. However, she does not overdo facts; but rather, she seamlessly weaves the thought-provoking information into her tale." 5 stars - Author and artist Pamela Allegretto

From the Author

The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery draws on the author's experiences gained while studying art history in the Netherlands and working for several Dutch museums. Before moving to Amsterdam twelve years ago, Jennifer S. Alderson worked as a journalist and website developer in Seattle, Washington. 
PLEASE NOTE: This is a revised edition of the originally published novel. (updated February 2020)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01EVVS0RI
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Traveling Life Press (June 22, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 22, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4822 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 300 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1523489170
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,281 ratings

About the author

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Jennifer S. Alderson

Jennifer S. Alderson

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Jennifer S. Alderson was born in San Francisco, grew up in Seattle, and currently lives in Amsterdam. After traveling extensively around Asia, Oceania, and Central America, she lived in Darwin, Australia, before finally settling in the Netherlands.

Jennifer’s love of travel, art, and culture inspires her award-winning Zelda Richardson Mystery series, her Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries, and her Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries. Her background in journalism, multimedia development, and art history enriches her novels.

When not writing, she can be found perusing a museum, biking around Amsterdam, or enjoying a coffee along the canal while planning her next research trip.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
1,281 global ratings
Very enjoyable!
5 Stars
Very enjoyable!
I really liked these! I like art mysteries like the Estelle Ryan series and grabbed these since I'm caught up. Really liked and didn't find nearly as many editing errors as others complained about in their reviews. Fun reads! :-)
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Top reviews from the United States

Tony Parsons
5.0 out of 5 stars historical fiction
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2019
Verified Purchase
6/26/1942, Arjan, & Philip stowed away 152 of the world most valuable treasured artifact in crates.
Oswald Drechsler (Nazi) would never find these.
7/18/2015, Netherlands, Amsterdam Museum. Ms. Bernice Dijkstra (project mgr.) were going to interview Zelda Richardson (unpaid intern, U of Amsterdam MS; museum studies, BA; American art history).
The Stolen Objects: Unclaimed Paintings & Sculptures in Dutch Museum Depots exhibit is about to open.
Huub Konijn (IT, Jewish Historical Museum Sr. curator) was introduced to Zelda.
Amsterdam Museum conference table. Bernice Dijkstra, & Huub, were meeting with Bernice, Karen O’Neil, & Konrad Oswald Gotthard Heider (Karen’s lawyer, Heider, Schmidt & Weber Law Firm founding Partner).

Ms. O’Neil is not Arjan van Heemsvliet (gay) legitimate granddaughter.
Leo de Boer is currently reviewing her claim.
What does Mrs. Rita Brouwer (Margriet Verbeet) know?
Officer Eenhuizen (30, Amsterdam PD) came to investigate the ransacking of Zelda’s apartment.

She rattled off the name of Pietro Moretti (BF, gigolo), who lived with his parents in Florence, Italy.
Arjan’s letters had been taken also. Zelda had been translating them into English.
Gerard’s house had broken into & torn apart.
6/26/1942, Philip Verbeet, & Arjan were having the impossible task of packing 65 paintings into 45 crates.
It was Colonel Oswald Drechsler (Nazi’s Ministry of Culture) job to make sure the German PPL got to see the world-renowned art work.
9/1/2015, Café De Jaren’s. What were Rita Verbeet, & Zelda Verbeet discussing?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Traveling Life Press; LisaatManybooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
4 people found this helpful
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Margaret Bentley
4.0 out of 5 stars Amsterdam Art Adventure or The Good Guys Prevail
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
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Alderson’s Art Mystery Adventure is fascinating. I feel I learned a great deal about the research that goes into recovering lost art, particularly from the Nazi era. Her characters are well developed and old Amsterdam came alive for me. I look forward to discovering what else this author has written.
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Linda's Thoughts.......
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable..
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
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I'm not one for getting into reading a "series" and I probably will not go beyond this book #1 of Zelda's escapades, but I did enjoy this book. It may not have had a lot of twists and turns, and a lot was predictable, but I liked it. Enjoyable and lively characters, a nice rundown of what seems to be a beautiful part of the world even though it begins the story during WWII, and a wonderful art education.....I also liked the way the author put this all together. A good writer...hope you will read and enjoy this book.
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Gina Boscarino
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome find!
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024
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Came here after an ad on Facebook immediately hooked me. I am a sucker for art history and mysteries and Jennifer has created a mysterious read that is both feasible and emotionally charged. Highly recommend!
One person found this helpful
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Wordsmith
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read, but...
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2018
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Though I found the book well-researched and engaging, I can only give it three stars because it is desperately in need of professional editing. Typos and punctuation errors abound, and the pacing drags at times. Also, some of the characters' motivations are unclear, as are their personal characteristics. And, aside from their names, most of the characters do not come across as European - the point of view throughout is recognizably American. However, I did enjoy learning a lot about the issues surrounding confiscated art, though I question how works of art could survive, undamaged, in the hiding place invented for this story.
38 people found this helpful
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ntpilot
4.0 out of 5 stars Greed and Murder Should Never Result in Reward
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2018
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Good combination of past and modern day time line. Quite a variety of characters - from the most evil to the nicest. The heroine, Zelda, has a an opportunity to work in the art field. In addition to her ability, her curiosity and good instincts have her go above and beyond what is asked of her to unravel and solve the rightful ownership of a lovely portrait. Really liked the character Rita, who demonstrated that to some people some things are truly priceless. Nazi looted art continues to be an ongoing investigation. This book is just one story of what may be. Thought the book was well written and easy to read. Really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
One person found this helpful
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Jerry Townsend
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024
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Many of my friends love reading books about WWII. I will be recommending this book to them. I also eager to read the sequels. Thank you for a wonderful reading experience.
Nanci Townsend
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Top reviews from other countries

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! What a terrific read ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
I just had to keep on reading, as the writer took us on a fantastic, but utterly believable journey. Following Zelda's crazy path, trying to find the answers to the long lost paintings. Her clues took her in many directions, and against advice from her colleagues, but she prevailed. Loved all the signposts through Amsterdam landmarks! More please ...
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Christopher Anstead
5.0 out of 5 stars Alderson's main character, Zelda, becomes involved in the search for artwork lost since WWII.
Reviewed in Canada on September 26, 2019
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The aptly named 'The Lover's Portait' finds Zelda interning at the Amsterdam Museum, hoping it will get her accepted into a masters program for Museum Studies. While working on a web site, she chooses to display a random painting from the pieces the museum is trying to return to their original owners. This sparks interest from a number of sources and soon she is embroiled in intrigue that she never anticipated with an even more unexpected outcome.
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Harsha Yogeshappa
5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery and Love, a perfect combo.
Reviewed in Germany on November 24, 2020
Verified Purchase
I bought this book in kindle version to cultivate the habit of reading more English novels. Well, this book has perfectly set the tone for me to never turn back. The way the writer has carried the story through is very nice. The way the scenes are depicted in the heroine's perspective is amazing. The description bought the museum in Netherlands right in front of my eyes, and this also ensure that the museum is now in my bucket list of 'must visit places'. All in all, I am happy I bought this book.
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Bobby Underwood
5.0 out of 5 stars Colorful and Exciting
Reviewed in Australia on September 9, 2017
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A swiftly flowing narrative, the beauty and rhythm of Amsterdam, mystery and intrigue surrounding paintings pilfered during the second world war by Nazis, and a charming relationship between the protagonist, Zelda, and her young Dutch tutor, Friederich, make this a wonderfully readable mystery.

It opens with a flashback to 1942, with a man named Arjan trying to stay one step ahead of Nazi Oswald Drechsler by keeping art treasures out of the hands of the Gestapo. These flashbacks are intermittent throughout yet involving, balancing what is occurring in the present with slowly revealed glimpses into the past. Zelda Richardson is a likable protagonist easy for the reader to embrace, because she’s far from perfect, yet resilient. Thanks to Professor Marianne Smit, who has encouraged her, she gets an unpaid internship at the Amsterdam Museum. Her boss Bernice Dijkstra, and the stern curator Huub Konjin enlist her aid in helping with the website tied to the Stolen Objects exhibition. The translations from Dutch to English are a mess. It seems a dream assignment for young Zelda, who views the museum as a kind of Camelot. It is through her eyes that the reader gets a wonderful sense of living in Amsterdam.

Zelda is soon at odds with Huub, however, when two separate claimants step forward to claim one of the paintings even before the exhibit has opened. In the background, Konrad Heider has been searching religiously for his family’s paintings. The difficulty of proving prominence for both Rita Brouwer, and Heider’s client, Karen O’Neil, is a tricky one, however. After a day escorting Rita around Amsterdam, enjoying her company as she shares with Zelda her memories of this part of the world during the war, Zelda is convinced of Rita’s genuineness and becomes her champion. This places her at odds with Huub, who clearly is ready to grant the overbearing Karen rights to the painting. Zelda cannot understand why, or why Karen is spending so much money to claim a relatively worthless painting.

There are secrets and intrigue here, and when Zelda oversteps her assignment by speaking with a relative related to the search for documentation, it sets in motion unexpected violence, as the past reaches out to the future. Sixty-five paintings, forty-five crates, and war-time homosexuality and blackmail make for intrigue and a touch of danger amidst a colorful backdrop. More and more, as Zelda attempts to be Rita’s champion, she places in jeopardy the Master’s program she so covets so that she can become a curator and work at exhibition design. On the personal front, Zelda’s boyfriend Pietro seems to be using her, and ignoring her, while her pal Friedrich, with whom she has no romantic feelings, is always there to help. He operates quadrocoptors and small drone planes by remote control as a hobby, and this will come into play as Zelda tries to discover what one of the claimants is really up to.

The mystery surrounding the painting, Irises, and its provenance is augmented by the wonderful atmosphere of life in Amsterdam. The heroine and her sidekick are likable and the reader wants them to succeed. The narrative itself is fairly breezy, flowing and unfolding naturally, even within the flashbacks. The last third of the book is quite exciting, with a sprinkling of danger, and a dash of violence. The conclusion to the mystery is very satisfying, suggesting promise of other adventures for Zelda. All in all, this appears to be a very fine mystery series.

If I have a caveat, it is that Zelda did not take the romantic direction I’d hoped for, and where the story-line appeared to be heading. Perhaps with this being a series, the author felt that Zelda being too entangled romantically would smother options in upcoming books, but it would have been charming, in my opinion. It is a very minor quibble, however. The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery by Jennifer S. Alderson is a wonderful read for fans of the genre, and is much more enthralling than its breezy narrative and cerebral subject matter — a museum, works of art — suggests. Highly recommended!
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Rice
4.0 out of 5 stars Mystery in the Netherlands
Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2022
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I enjoyed this present day art mystery with its roots in the stolen artworks during WW2 in the Netherland and the mammoth task of locating and returning these treasures to the rightful owners.
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