A Death in Cornwall: A Novel (Gabriel Allon, 24)

The tale begins with a gruesome murder, one of several. The murderer, known as the Chopper, uses a hatchet and we, fortunately, are spared having to watch. But then, there's something else. The victim, whom we never meet, was a professor of art history and was trying to determine the true ownership of a painting by Pablo Picasso. Timothy Peel, who was a child when he first met Gabriel Allon, is now a detective sergeant in the area surrounding Cornwall, England. Peel thinks there's a connection between the murder and the Picasso. The plot thickens, as they say. This novel is a revealing romp through the world of art thievery, high finance, tax evasion, and murder; in the case of the last, we're probably only told about the ones that move the plot along. Some beloved supporting characters appear as does one not so beloved by this reviewer; that's life. Some characters we've come to love are apparently off doing other stuff; that's also life. This is a great read. Silva does a good job of introducing the returning characters so that a new reader will not be lost in the relationships. In the author's note at the end of the book, Silva very clearly explains the real world behind the fiction; prepare to be educated. Silva continues to entertain. I wish him continued success.

Officially summer with the release of the latest Daniel Silva book. This was actually one of my favorites in recent years because he steered clear of the politics, Russia (mostly) and current events and wrote the thriller we all fell in love with. As an art nerd, I LOVED that this was heavy on Marco the restorer, although I admit to not remembering a lot of the details of Allon's time in Cornwall. I loved the parallels back with Peel who is aging in a manner consistent with the twins and yet not the Allon elders. I also love how he wove him into the story on several occasions without it seemig hamfisted. The secondary characters were strong and not too spread thin in this one with the focus being almost wholly on/in the UK and not spread across. Nice to see Don Orsati again along with Rene. An excellent read <spoiler> I hesitated in tagging this espionage since Allon is finally for real retired and there's no appearance by the other members of nor mention of The Office, but is a spy ever really not a spy? Now that they're house poor in Venice and Cornwall, are the Allons winding down? I hope not. I'm loving the continued weaving of Christopher, Sarah and now Ingrid to see where this series could potentially go. I could have done without the wasted lines of the barman's crush on Chiara and the teasing infidelity there and with Anna. It's just a waste because as Christopher said, we all know Gabriel won't cheat and Chiara knows Gabriel is married to the job. If she was going to look elsewhere she would have already </spoiler>

Daniel Silva hit this one out of the park in his latest Gabriel Allon thriller. Allon is back in my favorite venue for him, the art world, with all its mystery, deceit, financial shenanigans and interesting characters. Likewise, a number of the most memorable players in previous stories have supporting roles, bringing depth and color to the story. Starting with a vicious murder in Cornwall the plot soon weaves its way into the world of illicit movement of billions in art and property secretly owned by everyone from legitimate collectors to heads of state to crime lords, all seeking to hide personal wealth. I believe the underlying purpose of the book is to reveal how large the market is for those who hide wealth trying to avoid taxes, personal embarrassment and/or their criminal activity. In doing so, the author has written a compelling story featuring a protagonist people enjoy. The writing is smooth and fast moving. The plot is absorbing with plenty of things happening to keep the readers' interest. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, as I have most of the series. This is one of the best.

July, for more than two dozen years, allows one to enjoy a day or so of pure pleasure, reading the latest Daniel Silva book; once again inhabiting the enchanted world of Silva’s Gabriel Allon and spending time with the wonderful cast of characters we have to know and savor while, in the process of resolving the thriller, one can learn about art, art restoration and the art world, music,delicious food and exquisite wine, the world’s great restaurants and other elements of the high life,corruption in politics, climate change, the Holocaust, Venice, Geneva, Monaco, Cannes,London, Paris,and tons of other transporting details. And one is truly transported. But the trip can only last a day or so; no matter how one tries one can’t slow the reading down. This year’s book is no exception. I think it’s the best one yet. With the unraveling of a deep political plot- especially resonant in today’s England - murders, chases, heists and breathtaking suspense after an abduction until release ; all the elements of a marvelous thriller are there. You will love it, as I did and always do- July of every year- hopefully for years to come!

Phenomenal story telling- the comic relief was well placed and witty as ever- characters are intriguing and well developed. Don't like Chiara but definitely like Ingrid! She's a good match for Allon. Timothy was delightful as was Sarah and Nicky. Just fun all around!!!

I feel that Mr. SIlva made this a little too fanciful and it was not equal in quality to his early works. However, it is a good read and it holds your attention.

The story starts in Cornwall but then embraces the whole of Europe in the search for the perpetrator. Engaging and clever.

El libro es muy bueno, como todos los de Daniel Silva.

Recibido a tiempo, en excelente condición. Aun no lo leo, David Silva el autor es garantía de una novela de primera, altamente recomendable.

As always, Daniel Silva delivers another great novel. Always lots of intrigue twists and turns. Many plots within plots keep you glued to this book.

Digoni is a great writer who has the Allon character down cold. The usual blend of espionage and action, but always entertaining. The ensemble of continuing characters - men and women - are likeable and effective in filling out these stories. Very few authors can sustain a collection of characters over 24 books - a testament to Dugonii’s skill.