I love the concept for this novel, but the execution didn’t live up to the concept. There were simply too many changes in literary point of view and the sheer number of characters had already posed a challenge even before the POV shifts start rolling. There’s just too much going on there to make for an enjoyable reading experience, even though the idea of the lost painting was promising.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

At its surface this novel is an art heist. True crime fans of stories such as the theft of the Isabella Gardner Museum, the hunt for the Amber room, and of course--Mona Lisa. Fans of epic novels such as The Da Vinci Code and art heist movies such as The Italian Job, will see cross over themes.
But it isn't just about Vincent's missing artwork. It is a wild ride of outsmarting the next guy as Jewish art lovers and curators get back their stolen artwork. The classics are to share, not to horde, and this novel makes excellent use of old artists and government officials they thought they could trust.

The $25 purchase of an old painting sparks a deadly intercontinental chase to steal back a priceless piece of Nazi-looted artwork in The Lost Van Gogh, Jonathan Santlofer's intriguing art-theft thriller.

Luke and his girlfriend, Alex, suspect the cracked old portrait she bought from an antiques shop covers up an original painting by Vincent Van Gogh. On her way to get the piece authenticated, someone knocks her down and steals the painting--yet nothing else. Luke turns to John Washington Smith, old friend and ex-Interpol agent turned private investigator, for help. Surprisingly, he quickly agrees to take on the case. Smith does a bit of legwork and tells Luke and Alex they need to rush to Amsterdam to stop the painting from being sold and disappearing into some wealthy dealer's art collection. Luke and Alex are excited about the trip, but then Smith abruptly drops the case and cautions the couple against pursuing the painting any further. The two ignore the warning. Suddenly they are being followed by shady characters and Alex's classmate, and they come face to face with Smith who, again, warns their lives will be in danger if they don't give up on retrieving the painting. European police, Interpol, and Nazi-connected villains lure the unwitting pair into a dark cat-and-mouse game of international espionage and stolen artwork before either can figure out whom they can trust in this breathless thriller.

Jonathan Santlofer (The Last Mona Lisa; The Widower's Notebook) blends fact and fiction so seamlessly that reality is forced to take a backseat to the breathless pacing of his plot. --Paul Dinh-McCrillis, freelance reviewer

The Lost Van Gogh was my first book by Jonathan Santlofer. Can’t wait to read The Last Mona Lisa and others. Very well researched and written story set in the art world. I loved the intrigue and mystery. Having just seen the Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise exhibit at the Musee D’Orsay in Paris (his last 74 paintings painted in 70 days and all his letters) made for an extremely well timed book.

Thanks NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Art history, rumors, and mystery. This is a heavier read but very appealing if you like Art history.
Reader should know it is part fallow up to The Lost Mona Lisa, where several of these characters first appear.

The novel is about the self portrait of Van Gogh on display at the funeral which vanishes. Many years later the portrait reappears in the United States, This is a story that looks art stolen art and how did Van Gogh actually die,

If you like stolen art and history mixed with suspense you will enjoy this novel.


Thank you NetGalley for an advanced e-book edition in exchange for my honest review.

The Lost Van Gogh took Vincent’s story in a different direction, tying it in with Nazi looted/ degenerate art. The story alternates between past and present, unfolding the story of the lost Van Gogh painting 🖼️, unspooling its story. Once I was 20% in I was hooked This told of the rich history of the Germans stealing and looting artwork. I loved how the story felt fast paced and well researched. However I didn't love that their were so many characters, it was hard to get acquainted with any. I didn't feel for them which was an issue for me.
Overall this was a wonderfully interesting historical fiction book. I'd recommend that people read it for themselves.

I got about 35% into this book when I felt it wasn't doing much for me but that could be because I haven't read THE LAST MONA LISA. That book may better set up this one which is why I'm not connecting the dots properly between the characters.

This is a particularly informative story of the effort to repatriate art stolen from Jewish art patrons by the Nazis. The history of the efforts to keep art from the Nazis hands to begin with and then to provide restitution to the descendants of the artworks' original owners, as well as the history of Van Gogh's life and especially his death, serve as the background to this mystery. The book covers many time periods, moving back and forth between the final days of the Nazi regime, Van Gogh's final days, and the present when a painting that disappeared from his funeral may have been discovered. As the reader follows the path of the painting, much is learned about how paintings' provenances are determined, art restoration, the illegal trade of stolen art, and Van Gogh's life and death.

It all starts with a young art student, Alexis Verde, who buys a mundane painting from an antique barn. She brings it home to her boyfriend, Luke Perrone, an art professor, artist, and restorer. As they handle it, they notice the paint is peeling and something seems to be behind it. That something appears to be a Van Gogh painting. The next day, while attempting to bring the painting to an art auction house, she is attacked and the painting stolen. At this point, the action takes off at a fast clip, moving to Amsterdam and France, Van Gogh's territory, and involving art thieves, gallery owners, Interpol, and a great deal of deception and intrigue.

The plot moves so quickly that holes appear and the reader questions the likelihood of some of the actions. However, it is not so much the plot as the background history that captivates. Santlofer is an artist and art historian in his own right, and he is clearly very knowledgeable. Reading this novel, which incorporates so much art history, is a highly palatable means to learn about Nazi art theft and repatriation efforts as well as aspects of Van Gogh's final days. It explores an alternate theory of the artist's death to the generally accepted suicide.

Santlofer's previous book, THE LAST MONA LISA, involves the same characters, Luke and Alexis and, of course, art history. It suddenly becomes more tantalizing after having read THE LOST VAN GOGH and discovered a writer who can imbue a thriller with so much information without becoming didactic.

The Lost van Gogh is quite the enthralling read if you, like me, are a fan of historical fiction, art fiction, and thrillers. A variety of settings, meaningful art history, and lots of crafty characters to suspect made this an especially interesting mystery. This is my first book by Santlofer, but not my last. I will be backreading the first installment featuring the protagonists (The Last Mona Lisa) and looking out for his future work too.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this engaging story.

I’m a longtime fan of the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva, and I love a thriller set in the art world. So I was primed to enjoy the Lost Van Gogh, Jonathan Santlofer's follow-up to his wildly successful 2021 novel, ‘The Last Mona Lisa.’

This literary page-turner brought a sense of action, adventure, and suspense to the story of a rumored final self-portrait painted by Vincent Van Gogh. When an artist and the daughter of a notorious art thief find what might be the missing portrait, they’re sucked into solving what could be a very dangerous puzzle. There are flashbacks to WWII French resistance fighters, insider details about the underbelly of the art world, and interactions with INTERPOL.

I was hooked from the opening scene of a forger in Paris in 1944. He’s listening to the BBC on a contraband radio while he paints, disguising the Van Gogh painting in a very clever way. When he’s finished with his work, he fiddles with the radio’s dial again, this time to find the resistance radio station and his instructions — delivered in code — for what he should do next. I really enjoyed that inside peek at how sneaky deeds are done. This is a great read for fans of the novel 'The Last Painting of Sara de Vos' or works by Arturo Perez-Reverte.

This book was featured on my podcast The Library of Lost Time on January 5 — https://strongsenseofplace.com/lolts/lolt-2024-01-05/

It's one of those story that requires to suspend belief. You can have a lot of fun and enjoy the story.
Action, adventure, art.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was my second Jonathan Santlofer book, having previously read The Last Mona Lisa, so I was familiar now with the characters of Luke, Alex, and Smith.

In this book, their latest adventure concerns a rumored final self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh. As the stuff of legend, this painting was bound to attract historians, art connoisseurs, academics, and art thieves. As it happens, the portrait does exist, and it ends up with Luke and Alex at the start of this story. Days later, however, the painting goes missing.

There's always something about a search for missing paintings that gets you out of your home country, and knee deep into conspiracies you've never even suspected. The story itself is intriguing, and will certainly appeal to all who have an interest in art history. The fascination with Vincent Van Gogh's life is enduring, and is the main attraction of this book.

Being familiar with the three main characters also helped in getting me to read this, as the book felt like a reunion with old friends, and going on yet another crazy adventure. However, I couldn't help at times but wish that there was more growth in the three main characters. I wanted Luke to be smarter, for Alex to be smarter as well, and to not let her past govern her choices, and for Smith to be less tough as nails, and to actually be friends with Luke and Alex. But character growth is an entirely different take to go deeper in at another time.

All in all, this book will satisfy readers of historical thrillers, and if this is your first Jonathan Santlofer, you'll want to read his other works as well.

I give this book 4 stars.

Thanks for arc, Netgalley and Sourcebooks!

If you're looking for a gripping and suspenseful art historical thriller, look no further than "The Lost Van Gogh" by Jonathan Santlofer. This page-turner follows the story of a missing Van Gogh painting and the dramatic events that unfold as characters attempt to uncover the truth behind its disappearance.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to immerse readers in the world of art crime, providing a fascinating glimpse into the high-stakes world of art theft and the complex web of relationships that surrounds it. The characters are well-drawn and engaging, with motivations and desires that keep readers invested in their stories.
Overall, "The Lost Van Gogh" is a must-read for fans of art historical thrillers and anyone looking for a fast-paced, engaging read. Santlofer's expertise in the art world shines through in his vivid descriptions of the paintings and the art world itself, adding depth and authenticity to the story. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and high-stakes drama, "The Lost Van Gogh" is a standout work of fiction that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Just did not enjoy this one as I had a hard time “buying into” the story line. I know it is fiction, but the plot was too far fetched for me to connect.

I enjoyed The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer! I generally enjoy books that have to do with the undercover art world, artworks that were stolen by the Nazis- so this one fit right in! I did find this book slightly confusing at times- there are many characters with code names and many times that we’re reading from the point of view of a person whose identity we don’t know. This could’ve been my fault for not reading carefully enough, but there were times when all the secrecy left me a little lost. Santlofer also relied on readers having read and retained information from his previous book, The Last Mona Lisa, to understand the detailed relationship between two of our main characters. I read the previous book so long ago that this was a little fuzzy to me- it wasn’t detrimental to the read, however there is a lot of mention of the last time these two worked together. I really did enjoy the different settings in the book and the information about artwork and Van Gogh himself. If you enjoy these topics- definitely give this one a try!

When a art history student buys a painting for $25 at an antique house, the last thing she expects is to unearth a missing Van Gogh painting. Unfortunately for her, she's not the only one after the painting, and she'll have to travel to Amsterdam to track down the painting and its history. Along with boyfriend Luke and INTERPOL agent Smith, they race to outsmart the world of shady art dealers and Nazi looters.
While full of details about the art world, Van Gogh, and Nazi art looting during the Second World War, the book is always just shy of compelling, likely because it is a follow-up to The Lost Mona Lisa. Fans of the first novel will likely find this second outing to be more compelling than those that try this one first.

Loved the premise of this book, and a huge admirer of Van Gogh, it wasn't a hard sell. That said, this book left me disappointed and somewhat confused. An overabundance of characters, many of whom had more than one name, caused a lot of the confusion, and made it hard to follow what was going on and with whom. The narrative was also oddly cut up and many of the chapters would end in somewhat stilted ways. I think Santlofer has the ability to tell a good story, but this needed a bit more polish and editing to reach its full potential.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark, the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Book Review: The Lost Van Gogh by Jonathan Santlofer

Summary:
The story revolves around Luke Perrone, an artist and the great-grandson of the infamous Mona Lisa thief, and Alexis Verde, the daughter of a notorious art thief. Together, they stumble upon a long-standing rumor suggesting that Van Gogh completed a final self-portrait before his death. This discovery sets them on a quest to find the missing painting, drawing them into an epic art puzzle.

As they delve deeper into their search, the painting mysteriously disappears, forcing them to join forces with INTERPOL agent John Washington Smith. Their collective efforts lead them to uncover not only the secrets of Van Gogh's last days but also the dark underbelly of the art world. Unbeknownst to them, the artwork they seek is linked to something sinister that thrives in the shadows of the dark web and the underground art scene.

Review:
"The Lost Van Gogh" is a riveting novel that effortlessly combines art history with an engaging mystery. Santlofer's writing style is impeccable, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story from start to finish. The fast-paced narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning each page in anticipation of what lies ahead.

One of the book's strengths lies in its meticulous attention to detail. Santlofer seamlessly weaves historical facts into the storyline, adding depth and authenticity to the plot. The fusion of art and history creates a rich tapestry against which the characters' journeys unfold, making for an even more immersive reading experience.

Speaking of characters, "The Lost Van Gogh" boasts a diverse and compelling cast. Luke Perrone and Alexis Verde are well-developed protagonists whose personal histories add layers of complexity to their motivations. Their shared passion for art fuels their determination to solve the mystery, making them relatable and endearing to readers.

The plot is executed flawlessly, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The twists and turns are expertly crafted, ensuring that the story remains unpredictable and engrossing throughout. Santlofer masterfully builds tension and suspense, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth behind the missing painting and its dark connection.

In conclusion, "The Lost Van Gogh" is an exceptional novel that seamlessly combines art, mystery, and history. Santlofer's masterful storytelling, well-researched historical backdrop, and captivating characters make for an enjoyable and engrossing read. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply love a good adventure, this book is a must-read. "The Lost Van Gogh" is a testament to Santlofer's talent as a writer and will leave you eagerly awaiting his next masterpiece.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I loved that this mystery was based on the theme of stolen art. I also loved that the author has highlighted how art was affected during the Nazi regime and how stolen art is sold on the black market - some fakes look so 'real!' The only niggle I had with this story were the characters. I had a hard time trying to keep track of them and felt lost at times. The narrative felt a bit too long at times.

Following the events of The Last Mona Lisa, artist and professor Luke Perrone has settled back down in New York City with his beloved girlfriend, art historian Alex Verde. It’s not unusual for Alex to bring back artwork she finds while on one of her frequent visits to her mother upstate, but when the couple discover another painting hidden beneath the facade of one she’s recently purchased, the last thing either of them expects is for their worlds to be turned entirely upside down.

For the hidden painting is, if their own combined expertise isn’t mistaken, a missing self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh himself. They keep their attempts to authenticate the piece under wraps, but a criminal element has long been on the painting’s trail, and snatches it out from underneath them. In an effort to get the painting back, they somewhat reluctantly decide to consult with John Washington Smith, a former INTERPOL agent turned private detective whom Perrone has previously butted heads with. Smith is just as excited to see Perrone:

QUOTE
“You become an agent since we last met, Perrone, or just showing off for your girlfriend?”

Maybe I was showing off a little. “I was just curious if you had FBI connections,” I said.

“Yeah, but I don’t need them. The Bureau’s integrated automated fingerprint ID system is accessible if you have permission or a license or the right digital program.”

“Which you have?”

“I’ve retained some of my INTERPOL databases, connections too. That okay with you, Perrone?”

“Okay with me if it’s okay with the FBI and INTERPOL.”

Smith lifted his shades again to give me an intimidating stare. I gave him one back. We’d fallen into our sparring ways. Everything he said annoyed me, and I guessed he felt the same way about me.
END QUOTE

Regardless of any macho posturing, Smith is actually eager to take the case, and not just because of how well he and Perrone always end up working together. Smith isn’t exactly the private detective he’s been advertising himself as, but is pursuing greater aims. As the trail of the potentially missing Van Gogh gets hotter though, he’ll find himself needing to tell bigger and bigger lies to Alex and Perrone, even as the trio are inevitably drawn together over and over again in their pursuit of the painting.

A globe-trotting art crime thriller with plenty of twists and multiple viewpoint narratives, The Lost Van Gogh feels cinematic in its scope as our three main protagonists work to get to the truth of the stolen painting. This novel is rich with the history of stolen art – particularly the works taken from their Jewish owners under duress by the Nazis and their collaborators – as well as information on the state of modern art commerce and theft. Betrayals and reversals stud the pages, but perhaps the most fascinating mysteries Jonathan Santlofer tackles in this book are those to do with the title artist himself. Mr Santlofer has a gift for making readers feel the full weight of history with his prose, as he details Alex’s visit to the home where Van Gogh worked and died:

QUOTE
Alex stepped into a rose-colored room with dark wooden moldings, everything bathed in the soft glow of light through lace-curtained windows, hardwood tables and caned chairs, a large, faded mural.

“All of it has been restored to how it was in Vincent’s time,” the guide said, pointing out a small wooden table in the corner where Vincent had taken his meals, the only table set with a tablecloth, a wineglass and carafe, an empty wicker basket. A still life without the man, Alex thought, though his presence was so palpable she shivered.

“The table is always set,” the guide said. “But no one is allowed to eat there.”
END QUOTE

Infused with both mood and the adrenaline of international heist thrills, this novel is a brisk and often fun exploration of the art world. It touches thoughtfully too on the ramifications of not only theft, whether individual or institutional, but also repatriation. It wouldn’t hurt to check out The Last Mona Lisa first to understand the bigger implications of some of the appearances in this book, but this novel functions just fine as a standalone, especially for anyone with an interest in art in general and Van Gogh in particular.