The Monuments Men Murders by Josh Lanyon
The Art of Murder #4
Cozy Mystery M/M
June 30, 2019
About the Book:
Someone is watching. Someone is waiting.
Despite having attracted the attention of a dangerous stalker, Special Agent Jason West is doing his best to keep his mind on his job and off his own troubles.
But his latest case implicates one of the original Monuments Men in the theft and perhaps destruction of part of the world’s cultural heritage–a lost painting by Vermeer. Naval Reserve Lieutenant Commander Emerson Harley wasn’t just a World War 2 hero, he was the grandfather Jason grew up idolizing. In fact, Grandpa Harley was a large part of what inspired Jason to join the FBI’s Art Crime Team.
Learning that his legendary grandfather might have turned a blind eye to American GIs “liberating” priceless art treasures at the end of the war is more than disturbing. It’s devastating.
Jason is determined to clear his grandfather’s name, even if that means breaking a few rules and regulations himself–putting him on a collision course with romantic partner BAU Chief Sam Kennedy.
The Monuments Men Murders was a wonderful reminder of everything I love about Josh Lanyon. I’ve been putting off reading one of her books because I’d started to feel like maybe the shine was wearing off. I worried my love of her mystery books was a novelty that was wearing off. The previous book in this series, Magician Murders, was great in the moment but it wore off quickly.
That’s not going to be the case with this one.
The Monuments Men Murders brought me back home. The mystery was so good. I was completely invested in every aspect of it. I didn’t solve the case, though I did have ideas, but what really sold the plot was all the art history. I always knew Josh Lanyon researched the history involved in writing about real historical artists, but this was the first time I found myself invested in it. I was fascinated by Verneer, and I wanted to see the art so I could understand just how important the lost art was. I had no idea I was already aware of some of his pieces. It was all so fascinating.
I also loved coming back to Sam and Jason.
When the series first started I wasn’t sure if I felt any actual chemistry between these two men. That instant electricity was something I’d come to appreciate about Josh Lanyon books, and with Sam and Jason I didn’t feel anything.
Today, finishing The Monuments Men Murders, I felt it. I smiled, and swooned, and fell crazy in love with these agents and the balancing act their walking between their love and their careers. I was invested in their problems, because I wanted them to overcome their obstacles and choose each other.
With one book I’ve been reeled right back in, and I can’t wait for what’s next.
Thank you to Netgalley and Josh Lanyon for providing an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Birdie Bookworm 