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The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery (Zelda Richardson Mystery Series Book 1) Kindle Edition
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.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJune 22, 2016
- File size4815 KB
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All 4$19.96
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This option includes 4 books.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"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
PLEASE NOTE: This is a revised edition of the originally published novel. (updated February 2020)
From the Inside Flap
From the Back Cover
"Alderson alternates between 1942 and 2015 in this gripping mystery that explores the provenance of artwork that was hidden from the Nazis during World War II and reappears in 2015... As the narrative unfolds and the truth is revealed, the suspense is intensely magnetic and the characters equally captivating." - BookLife Prize for Fiction 2016
"A compelling mystery... a real page turner... Zelda is a determined young woman who stumbles into predicaments because of her desire to reveal the truth and the other characters also have convincing motives and characteristics. A great read." - Lizanne Lloyd, 'Lost in a Good Book' blog
"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
"Well written and well researched. I particularly enjoyed how Ms. Alderson described war time Amsterdam and how the city was changed during occupation. The story describes a brutal account of how the Nazis took everything they wanted, including lives. It is also a modern day story of determination to help find the families of the paintings and arts that were stolen and lost. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be looking out for more from this author. Highly recommended." - 5 stars, Chill with a Book Readers' Award verdict
"Loved the story and the characters. Your descriptions of Amsterdam made me feel as if I had truly been there." - Facebook review
"When I read The Lover's Portrait, I was entranced from the beginning. There are so many unusual facets to this story. Subjects that I had never read about unfolded allowing me to see another side of the war and the people that were punished in inhumane ways for being who they are. Expect to learn more about the real searches and processes in recovering these objects of art." 5 stars - Author and blogger Vicki Turner Goodwin
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B01EVVS0RI
- Publisher : Traveling Life Press (June 22, 2016)
- Publication date : June 22, 2016
- Language : English
- File size : 4815 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 300 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #69,078 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #209 in Historical Thrillers (Kindle Store)
- #384 in International Mystery & Crime (Kindle Store)
- #402 in Heist Thrillers
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
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
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story interesting and engaging. They praise the well-developed characters and writing style. The book provides new insights into art history and WWII. Readers appreciate the fast pacing and the effort to return stolen artwork during WWII.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find it interesting and heartwarming, with a nice historical background. The characters are well-developed and the story flows seamlessly between contemporary Amsterdam and 1940s Amsterdam. The fictional storyline captures the emotions of reuniting families with works of art lost during WWII.
"...Only an honest one. A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction book...." Read more
"Alderson’s Art Mystery Adventure is fascinating...." Read more
"...Set in Amsterdam, t's a well-designed, fabulous historical puzzle, solved decades later by someone who has no intention of becoming a detective;..." Read more
"...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..." Read more
Customers enjoyed the book. They found it fascinating, engaging, and well-researched. The story was exciting and informative for art enthusiasts. The book kept readers hooked from start to finish, with no dull moments.
"...It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment...." Read more
"...The story moves at a great pace, keeping the reader fully engaged in Zelda's quest for the truth...." Read more
"...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..." Read more
"...It was an enjoyable read!" Read more
Customers appreciate the well-developed characters and vivid descriptions of old Amsterdam. They find the heroine plucky and the villains believable.
"...Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of...." Read more
"...Her characters are well developed and old Amsterdam came alive for me. I look forward to discovering what else this author has written." Read more
"...The characters are well-developed and very believable...." Read more
"...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..." Read more
Customers find the writing style engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the author's knowledge of Amsterdam and its inhabitants. The book flows smoothly with great descriptions and details without losing its flow.
"...Only an honest one. A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction book...." Read more
"...A good writer...hope you will read and enjoy this book." Read more
"Easy read. Great story." Read more
"I love mysteries with historical backgrounds. This book was so well written that I literally couldn't put it down...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's research and authenticity. They find it informative and engaging for anyone interested in art history. The story has a compelling narrative and provides new insights into the efforts undertaken to return stolen works. Readers also mention that the author doesn't overdo facts but seamlessly weaves them into the narrative.
"...It is interesting to learn about both these subjects I like her heroine. It was an enjoyable read!" Read more
"...I liked how well researched this book was and the truth behind a lot of the war crimes. Anyone who is interested in art will like this book." Read more
"...However, she does not overdo facts; but rather, she seamlessly weaves the thought-provoking information into her tale. I highly recommend “..." Read more
"...I appreciate the research and authenticity displayed here. It is well-written, fast-moving, and very interesting...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's pacing. They find the story engaging and fast-paced, keeping them hooked until the end.
"...It just kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read the next on the series!" Read more
"The premise for this story is so interesting and timely, and I wanted to like it a lot more than I did...." Read more
"...It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me enmeshed until the end. I am so glad I found this book in Kindle Unlimited. A very happy reader!" Read more
"...Typos and punctuation errors abound, and the pacing drags at times...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's focus on art theft during World War II. They appreciate the blend of real events and fiction about stolen artwork. The efforts to find and return artwork are highlighted, especially the huge find of artwork in Germany. Readers praise the young woman's interest in art and her ethical approach to finding and returning the artwork.
"Loved this story. Loved the persistence of a young woman who loved art and helped restore art to the rightful owners." Read more
"...A mystery solved and looted art returned. Love it! I hope the author writes more stories like this one." Read more
"...The protagonist, Zelda Richardson, is a resilient, gutsy, ethical art history student who just might be in over her head when her search for truth..." Read more
"...a fast paced adventure mystery that I love: WWII background, and Stolen/Lost Art...." Read more
Customers have different views on the characterization. Some find it realistic and believable, with well-portrayed characters. Others find the main character naive and foolish for her age.
"...Zelda, as the main protagonist, is flawed and realistic, while the antagonist is both intelligent and cold-hearted, and is therefore very easy to..." Read more
"...And the main character, Zelda, is shockingly naive and foolish for her age...." Read more
"...I liked that the story was set in the present time period and was realistic." Read more
"...disrupted in 1942 and all the characters (except Zelda) are beautifully portrayed...." Read more
Reviews with images
Very enjoyable!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 20196/26/1942, 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)
- Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024Alderson’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.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2017This book has all the ingredients needed for a great mystery/thriller: history, intrigue, conspiracy, heartbreak, action and suspense. It may sound contrived or mundane to say that a book is a "page-turner" and that one "couldn't put it down", but it really is true of 'The Lover's Portait'. Set in Amsterdam, t's a well-designed, fabulous historical puzzle, solved decades later by someone who has no intention of becoming a detective; rather, it is through her dogged commitment to the truth that she uncovers the answers. The author has woven together a number of compelling plot lines to construct her own work of art. It is free of gratuitous violence and sex, making it suitable for Young Adult audiences as well as older readers.
The story moves at a great pace, keeping the reader fully engaged in Zelda's quest for the truth. The characters are well-developed and very believable. Zelda, as the main protagonist, is flawed and realistic, while the antagonist is both intelligent and cold-hearted, and is therefore very easy to dislike. This is paralleled in the 'historical' characters in the story: the protagonists are likeable and genuine, both oppressed for different reasons, while the author has very effectively characterised their NAZI antagonist as cruel and vindictive through his own motivations and actions without resorting to any typecasting or cliche. Throughout the novel, the author succeeds in using the natural empathy of the reader to drive their interest and engagement in the characters and plot without the reader being aware of any such positioning.
As the novel draws to a close, Anderson pulls the various story lines together into a neat and satisfying conclusion, albeit tinged with sadness and regret.
5 stars for 'The Lover's Portrait'.
Read it. You're sure to enjoy this fantastic book.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024I'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.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2024I found this story very interesting. The characters were good. I did figure out the mystery before I was half way thru.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2024Zelda gets mixed up with finding out which of two people are the real owners of art work recovered after WW2. This book is filled with information about the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam and their theft of artwork and other items.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2024The book is set in Holland and the art community. It is interesting to learn about both these subjects I like her heroine. It was an enjoyable read!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2024Amsterdam memories
Top reviews from other countries
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars could not put this book down
Such an interesting story, great characters, and history and well written. I really enjoyed the book. Can’t wait to read Book 2.
- Christopher AnsteadReviewed in Canada on September 26, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Alderson's main character, Zelda, becomes involved in the search for artwork lost since WWII.
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.
One person found this helpfulReport - Harsha YogeshappaReviewed in Germany on November 24, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery and Love, a perfect combo.
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.
- RosaReviewed in Australia on August 13, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for art- and mystery-lovers!
The Lover’s Portrait has all the essential ingredients: Dutch masterpieces, Nazi blackmailers, mist-filled canals and looted art.
As an artist, mystery-lover and follower of Philip Mould (BBC1’s Fake or Fortune, Antiques Roadshow), I was immediately drawn in by this novel. Zelda is a wonderful protagonist – educated, intelligent and plucky. I was riveted from the first page and, as I followed the story, looked up the artists and paintings mentioned, keeping the images beside me for reference. The author certainly knows her subject and, having been to the exciting city of Amsterdam, I found her vibrant descriptions of its museums and galleries and especially the history of the city, spot on.
The Lover’s Portrait is a thrilling travelogue of intrigue, detection, and quite unput-downable.
One person found this helpfulReport - RiceReviewed in Canada on October 20, 2022
4.0 out of 5 stars Mystery in the Netherlands
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.