The Trouble with Mirrors

An Alix London Mystery, Book 4

By: Aaron Elkins, Charlotte Elkins

Narrated by: Kate Rudd

Alix London, the art restorer and FBI consultant renowned as the Art Whisperer, can spot a counterfeit masterpiece before the paint even dries. What she can't see is why an elite European art dealer would offer her big money for a little mirror that's no more than a homemade gift from her beloved uncle Tiny. Not that Alix would part with it at any price. But when the mirror is abruptly stolen from her home, she realizes that someone sees more in the looking glass than mere sentimental value.

When her uncle Tiny disappears mysteriously just after the mirror is stolen, the simple art theft becomes a personal and professional challenge Alix can't ignore. With backup from her friends in the FBI, her game-for-anything pal Chris, and an aging-but-dogged Italian police detective, she delves into the puzzling case, only to find that there is much more to this theft than meets the eye. Once the Mafia shows up on the scene, Alix's mission becomes a do-or-die race to find the one possible man with all the answers.

©2016 Charlotte and Aaron Elkins. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Interesting Story

While I prefer Gideon Oliver, the art world is an interesting story background and the main character is likeable. I see some interesting storylines ahead.

Only one drawback!

Story was great, performance was great. I believe they all mispronounced GEN oh ah, not gen OH ah, though, according to 2 dictionaries! ⭐️

Narrator brings story to life

Colorful characters and a great story makes this series one of the best. Loved it.

Decent read and great narration..

This was an okay book. Tiny disappeared and Alix and Chris went looking for him. The theft of a painting 20 or 30 years ago came into play after a few days and Alix’s 300 pound friend, Tiny, was thought to have had a part in the theft.

Alix’s had been married only a few days and she lives in Seattle and her new husband, Ted, lives in Washington D.C. and that’s the way they were going to leave it, each taking turns flying out to see each other when time allows. She’s an art consultant and Ted is in charge of the Art Theft Department of the FBI.

Anyway, this all had to do with a mirror that Tiny gave Alix 20 years ago and her condo being broken into and it was stolen, along with some other pictures she thought was worth about $500. The mirror and Tiny’s disappearance happened at the same time.

There were some pretty boring moments in this. Times I had to skim to get past all the roads and directions they traveled. I don’t care how they get anywhere, the streets, roads, highways, trails, paths because unless I’ve been to that state or city I can’t picture it, so there’s no point in writing all that, unless it’s to add to the word count of the book.

There was no sex and very little swearing, mostly damn and hell.

As to the narration: I absolutely love Kate Rudd’s narration. Her voices and emotional reading is wonderful.

I Love This Series

It took me a while to give the books in this series a chance. But, now that I have I'm hooked. I can't wait for the next one.

Where is Tiny?

Another adventure/mystery with Alix London and her friend Chris who is really enjoying life except for one thing. Where is Tiny? Art and intrigue with a lot of subtext comedy and friendship.

Mystery PLUS Education

This is a very entertaining series and educational book. I’m sure everyone will like it.

Loved the audio

Great story, read very nicely. Highly recommended, if you are into art even better. Entire book kept me entertained.

Missing mirror and friend

This is the fourth book in the series and is better than the previous two, returning to the quality of the first book in this series. This is a light mystery with a Mary Higgins Clark vibe. In this book Alix’s family friend (Uncle “Tiny”) and the mirror he gave her as a child both disappear. Alix and her friend Chris decide to track Tiny down. In the meantime, Alix’s new husband Ted, from the FBI and the mafia also get involved. The pacing of this book is more consistent and doesn’t lag. It kept my interest. The primary characters are likable but not very complex. Overall, this book - and the series - is okay, but, for me, there are other more worthwhile series out there.

Another good Elkins story

Enjoyed this book. if you like Art History, you will like all his books. Highly recommend.