For the Minds and Wills of Men
by Jeff Lanier
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Oct 16 2022 | Archive Date Jan 14 2023
Talking about this book? Use #FortheMindsandWillsofMen #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
A gripping, historical art mystery set in 1950s New York, For the Minds and Wills of Men is a story of art, love, and Cold War fear, suspicion, and betrayal.
"Lanier brilliantly evokes the energy and excitement of the New York art world in this Cold War thriller with an artistic twist. Along the way, he gives us fascinating insights into Abstract Expressionism and the power of art to communicate values and ideas."
-Ross King, Acclaimed Art Historian and New York Times bestselling author of The Judgment of Paris, Brunelleschi's Dome, and Michelangelo and The Pope's Ceiling.
MANHATTAN, 1953. Fear of communist subversion and espionage are tearing America apart. Abstract expressionism is on the verge of exploding, making New York the cultural epicenter of the world. While recovering a stolen Jackson Pollock for a wealthy client, art insurer Will Oxley falls for the client's daughter, Liz Bower, who leads him deep into the rebellious and seductive world of the abstract expressionist painters, their Village bar haunts and East Hampton binges. But when Will learns the painting-and Liz-may be hiding communist secrets better left hidden, he finds himself torn between exposing the girl he loves or risking his life by trusting her instead. Realizing nothing is as it seems, Will is caught between communist espionage, secret government programs, and the grip of cold war fear, suspicion, and betrayal where trust is all he has left...
With post-World War II New York, 1950s avant-garde art world, and the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings as background, the novel tells the story of abstract expressionism and mid-century American politics- through the thrilling search for a stolen Jackson Pollock.
Advance Praise
Jeff Lanier brilliantly evokes the energy and excitement of the New York art world in this Cold War thriller with an artistic twist. Along the way he gives us fascinating insights into Abstract Expressionism and the power of art to communicate values and ideas."
-Ross King, New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of The Judgment of Paris, Brunelleschi's Dome, and Michelangelo and The Pope's Ceiling
"Lanier intelligently limns not only the American obsession with Communist infiltration in the wake of World War II, but also the emergence of abstract expressionism in the U.S. This is an exceedingly intelligent and unpredictable story, one that astutely combines a love of art with an exciting tale of intrigue. A mesmerizing spy thriller, thoughtful and dramatic."
-Kirkus Reviews
"Truth can be stranger than fiction, it's true-- but great fiction can also be inspired by true events. In this must-be-read-to-be-believed book, Lanier brings the real story of art as a key player in mid-century American politics and international relations. Sweetened with romance, intrigue, and historical knowledge, this book is a fun romp for readers of all stripes."
-Jennifer Dasal, author, ArtCurious: Stories of the Unexpected, Slightly Odd, and Strangely Wonderful in Art History
For the Minds and Wills of Men is a captivating tour through the art world of postwar New York City, blended with an enthralling whodunit that leaves you guessing until the end.
-Glasstire Magazine
Jeff Lanier's terrific For the Minds and Wills of Men sweeps readers into 1950s New York City where abstract art is thought to contain messages to help enemies destroy democracy in America. Lanier skillfully and effortlessly captures the era but his outstanding talents are his vivid descriptions of paintings and his keen understanding of the avant-garde art world. A fresh voice and exciting storyteller, Lanier's "who-stole-it" mystery is of the highest order.
-Ann Weisgarber, Award-Winning Author of The Glovemaker and The Promise
"Jeff Lanier has written a true unicorn of a novel. Taken as historical fiction, For The Minds and Wills of Men works on a fantastically authentic level, as its setting-1950s New York City, amid the Cold War milieu of paranoia, post-war patriotism and the rise of abstract expressionism-is rendered utterly convincingly."
- Todd Stoddard Smith, Author of Whore Stories
With its 50s-noir flavor, engaging down-to-earth characters, and enticing art world plot, For the Minds and Wills of Men is highly recommended for readers of mystery fiction, historical fiction, or political thrillers, and especially those readers interested in American modern art and abstract expressionism.
- Lone Star Literary Life
Finding a historical mystery novel that utilizes history as a central mechanism of its dramatic impetus is a rare delight indeed, and Jeff Lanier achieves this beautifully through his thrilling novel where art meets espionage. For the Minds and Wills of Men is a superb read that I would certainly recommend to fans of sophisticated mysteries with plenty of atmospheric and accurate historical detail that only enhances the storyline.
- Reader's Favorite
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9781633376113 |
| PRICE | |
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Jane Yolen; Harry Turtledove; Premee Mohamed; Lisa Morton
Mystery & Thrillers, Sci Fi & Fantasy
