The Mystery of the Lost Cezanne

Verlaque and Bonnet Provençal Mystery Series, Book 5

De: M.L. Longworth

Narrado por: Christa Lewis

A friend in his cigar club asks Antoine Verlaque to visit Rene Rouquet, a retired postal worker who has found a rolled-up canvas in his apartment. As the apartment once belonged to Paul Cezanne, Rouquet is convinced he's discovered a treasure. But when Antoine arrives at the apartment, he finds Rene dead, the canvas missing, and a mysterious art history professor standing over the body.

When the painting is finally recovered, the mystery only deepens. The brushwork and color all point to Cezanne. But who is the smiling woman in the painting? She is definitely not the dour Madame Cezanne. Who killed Rene? Who stole the painting? And what will they do to get it back?

Like Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri, M. L. Longworth's enchanting mysteries blend clever whodunits with gustatory delights and the timeless romance of Provence. The Mystery of the Lost Cezanne adds a new twist by immersing Antoine and Marine in a clever double narrative that costars Provence's greatest artist.

©2015 Mary Lou Longworth (P)2018 Tantor

surprisingly informative and expansive.

learned about paul Cezaine and post-impression in France also about the thefts of stolen art. it continues to be stilen and bought by amoral rich people. currently in countries like Qatar whose lack of a many moral principles continues ti the present.

sad to note that this practice continues today. instead of feeding straving poeple they choose tobenricj themselves. Nit mentioned is the ongoing convivence of musesums including the Met in nyc.

Technical problem

Book was quite enjoyable, but the reading experience was ruined by part of the ending being spliced into the end of chapter 32or 33. I had to relisten to the last 5 chapters several times to “get” it.

My favourite of the series, so far.

Was a very fun and multi-dimensional story. Paul Cezanne, Aix en Provence culture, it's famous patisseries and their fine fares, cosmetic compounding all enriched the intriguing plot. Some very touching moments with Antoine and Marine and their father’s.

Very engaging mystery

These are very good stories but although the main narrator has a lovely voice, as an American, the French names and characters become confusing. I speak French so the bits of another tongue aren’t the problem. I just would like to be able to follow people when I listen as well as if I read the book.

Great book, wonderful series

I love the setting in Provence and the characters are believable, well developed and engaging, I’ve loved the series but especially enjoyed The Lost Cezanne. It’s made me want to visit Aix!

Another great book in the series

The storyline is great as usual.
If you started with this book, make sure and try his earlier versions.
His books make you wonder what is coming next.

A Great Story

Wonderful and intricate details interwoven into the story and cultures. I loved the way various times intertwined.

Pourquoi

The build-up of both the plotand characters was compelling. The book started slowly for me but I was riveted by it halfway through. I imagined coming down on the TGV through the Drome and into Avignon.

I have always loved Cezanne’s paintings - and now i am caught up into his biography!

Another winner

This is another great mystery by Mrs. Longworth. I enjoyed the parallel timelines and the art history/fiction.