The Mysterious Affair at the Met
by M. J. Simms-Maddox
Book review by Philip Zozzaro
“And until now it has been anybody’s guess who has the high-quality fakes and who has the genuine masterpieces.”
The men in charge of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are scrambling to tamp down a possible scandal. An alarm had been triggered in a high-profile gallery where the works of artist Marc Chagall are showcased. Security cameras show a couple in proximity to the Soleil dans le Ciel de Saint-Paul. The executives reach out to a PR firm run by Priscilla “PJ” Austin and hope she can get to the bottom of things. Priscilla possesses the intellect and connections to help companies and organizations weather controversy. However, as she begins to dive into the case, she discovers connections between Met board members and an infamous forger. Now, she will need to explore a course of investigation without tipping off the suspect or their unwitting accomplices.
A counterfeiter has high society experiencing paroxysms of paranoia in this tale of mystery and drama. The renowned reputation of Priscilla Austin precedes her physical entrance into the story. Priscilla is a protagonist who is a doting and loving wife to a CIA man. She is also a woman of uncanny insight and, thus, not to be underestimated. The plot of the narrative is linear in relation to the investigation of the event at the museum but verges on chaos when diving into the personal life of Priscilla. The complexities of Priscilla are seen in how she handles every crisis thrown her way. The story prospers when exploring both how Priscilla does her job and her relationship with her husband, Carlton. This is a book that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
©2024 All Rights Reserved • The US Review of Books