This is a fun cozy mystery set in Italy. The protagonist, art detective Hadley, is charming, although not inclined to take her own advice—such as to be cautious when going places with someone you don’t know—and she ends up in trouble. This is a relatively compact story with short chapters and it is a quick read. If you are interested in art, and in the ongoing saga of art stolen by the Nazis and not recovered, then this book is for you! The details about artworks and art theft are impressive. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Having read this book, I now must go and find and buy The Case of the Missing Botticelli. This book simply blew me away.


I have always had a passing interest in art that started in school in the last decade. This book will so appeal to people who know art. If you love art but don't know a lot about it, then this book will give you knowledge.


The story kept me on edge throughout. The evil being represented showed people acting like ultimate evil. The underlying story about Hadley and her hubby was excellent too. This difference in what one wants in a relationship will resonate with many.


If you loved the first book, you would love the second one. Marilyn Baron must be the best art mystery writer out there now. If you love a cozy mystery set in Europe, this is for you. If you love art and the world of art crime, then you need to read it. Addictive to the point I have to buy book one and can't wait for book three!


My Rating: 5 stars

art-detective, art-history, art-theft, lies, mystery, verbal-humor, law-enforcement, war-booty, historian, historical-research, Italy, cozy-mystery, series, Neona$is, politics, danger, intrigue, historical-places-events, war-crimes, short, romantic

This is nice, short, factual on art history and WW2 art thefts. There is also a backstory to the current assignment.
The publisher's blurb is a good hook and no spoilers here, so just ENJOY. LOVED IT!
I requested and received an EARC from The Wild Rose Press, Inc. via NetGalley. Thank you!

The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard by Marilyn Baron

Good mystery that I couldn't put down. Intriguing about stolen artwork and Nazi/police office involvement.

Hadley newly married to Luca is a Art curator, building anreputation for herself in
the highly competitive world of art in Italy. She wants to succeed in her career first
and then start a family.

Finding a client who wants her opinion on a missing Fragonard would be a coup for
Hadley and she disappears to Rome, only informing her office with scant instructions
to her husband as to her whereabouts.

The actual story commences here. It is not just a Fragonard that has to be certified and
valued, but a kings ransom in paintings from Goering's stack which have been looted
and plundered by the Nazis and have now fallen into one persons hands and he now wants
to encash the lot and he needs Hadley's valuation of each and every one.

The story brings up the subject of robbed art which most of the time disappears into
the galleries of rich individuals, never to be seen again or shady museums who are
avaricious to own a masterpiece and not bothered about its title.

Does well as a standalone though there are two volumes before this one.