The Tell Tale Art by Lawrence E. Rothstein is an art‑world murder mystery that blends Chicago grit, international danger, and a cerebral, puzzle‑driven investigation. As the third Tri‑Star Investigations novel, it follows Marko Korb, Kelan Su, and Desmond St. Clair through coded clues, Nazi‑looted art, and a trail that leads from Chicago to Provence, every step raising the stakes.
About the Book
When a Chicago gallery owner’s supposed suicide is revealed to be murder, the Tri‑Star Investigations team, brilliant but desk‑bound Marko Korb, savvy former cop Kelan Su, and techno‑wizard Desmond St. Clair—are pulled into a case that spirals from gritty Chicago streets to the layered dangers of Provence. As they decipher an artistic code, confront an international gang, and uncover Nazi‑looted art, every clue becomes a brushstroke in a larger, more perilous picture.
BookHookUp Review
The Tell Tale Art is a richly descriptive, procedural‑leaning murder mystery that unfolds like a puzzle—one that grows more intricate with every chapter. The Tri‑Star Investigations trio is a compelling mix of strengths and quirks, but it’s Kelan Su who shines brightest. Professional and capable, she also offers glimpses of doubt, instinct, and personal reflection that pull back the curtain on her inner world. Those moments made her easy to root for as the stakes rose.
Marko Korb’s genius anchors the investigation, even as his physical limitations keep him behind the desk, and Desmond St. Clair’s tech skills and gourmet cooking, add both tension and warmth. Their chemistry is primarily professional, yet the shared meals and quiet camaraderie give the story a human heartbeat.
The Chicago setting is gritty, cultural, and wonderfully real, especially for readers familiar with the city. When the plot shifts to Provence, the tone deepens, adding layers of danger and atmosphere. The art‑world backdrop gives the mystery a unique flavor, blending elegance with high stakes. The Nazi‑looted art storyline is historically compelling and adds weight to the chase.
The suspense builds steadily, from light to moderate and finally into high tension, making this a page‑turner. The author weaves a masterful blend of twists, clever clues, and immersive detail. Even the gourmet food descriptions add texture without slowing the pace, letting readers sit at the table with the team.
A clean read except for a few profanities at the start, this mystery is both fresh and satisfying. Fans of murder mysteries, art‑themed puzzles, and international chase stories will find plenty to enjoy.
King Sumo Giveaway for this tour.
- 1 Kindle eBook Giveaway of The Tell-Tale Art
- 1 Kindle eBook Giveaway of Ripped Genes
- 1 Kindle eBook Giveaway of Venetian Bind all by Lawrence E. Rothstein.
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BookHookUp Content Note
Violence is present but not graphic, with danger and murder handled cleanly. Language includes a few instances of profanity. No sexual content. Overall, this is a clean murder mystery with suspense, puzzle‑driven tension, and atmospheric detail.
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I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tours with no compensation, and all opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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Similar Books You May Enjoy
- Venetian Bind by Lawrence E. Rothstein — First in the Tri‑Star Investigations series, this mystery introduces Marko Korb and Kelan Su as they navigate Venice, war‑crime history, and a morally tangled case involving neo‑fascist plots and personal trauma.
- Ripped Genes by Lawrence E. Rothstein — Book two in the series, this one dives into gene‑patenting, medical ethics, and Chicago’s underworld.
- The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro — A contemporary art‑world thriller centered on forgery, stolen paintings, and moral gray areas. While this book is not as clean as Rothstein’s work, it offers similar themes of art crime, high‑stakes secrets, and layered intrigue around valuable paintings.
About the Author: Lawrence E. Rothstein
Writing mysteries is my third career. In all of my careers as a lawyer, a university professor, and now as an author of novels, finding the right words to present an idea was always important and enjoyable. As an academic, I wrote many published scholarly pieces, including a book and book chapters. I started writing mystery/legal scenarios as hypothetical cases for law courses I taught. I get my ideas from the news, particularly legal news, my previous legal work, areas of academic research, and other detective stories. With regard to The Tell-Tale Art, I used my experiences living and working in Aix-en-Provence. My detectives are based in Chicago, where I was born and raised.
Website: rothsteinsmysteries.com
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