Scott Soloff

This was another good novel by Scott Soloff. This is the sequel to his other works #37 and Three Strikes, though I don't think it's necessary to have read those before starting this book. This book is centered around Picker's brother Connor. Though Connor is suave, debonair, and a world-class con man, I didn't enjoy him as a protagonist as much as I enjoyed Picker. Connor seemed larger than life since he always had everything completely planned out, while Picker occasionally messed up and was more flawed. I also missed the characters in Picker's life and found the ones in Connor's to be really one-dimensional. In fact, I would have to say my favourite scenes in this novel were the ones involving Picker and Kelly.

Though I missed antiquing and art, I really did like the caper in this book. Soloff has a knack for writing these types of books. They all have complex plots, multiple storylines, and he is talented at combining them all at the end. In fact, it was quite rewarding to see how they came together.

Once again, there were small grammar and spelling mistakes, but I will still be reading any of his future works.… (meer)

Every once in a while, I come across a protagonist that makes me wish I knew them in real life. Picker is definitely one such character. Picker is such an interesting, astute, and unpredictable antihero, but he’s very likeable. He’s sarcastic and irreverent, but I still wanted to be best friends with him.

I absolutely loved this book. All of the characters were so colourful and unique and they really made this novel as great as it was. It was also enjoyable to learn about antiques throughout the novel. Antiquing is something I’ve never been interested in before, but the plot revolving around art and history in combination with antiques was a genius idea.

The plot was entertaining and involving and draws the reader into Picker’s world effortlessly. Even though there are some elements of the unbelievable in it and the plot does get a little convoluted at times, the book comes together nicely in the final act and I was really satisfied with its resolution. However, it did take a little time to adjust to the format of the chapters with one chapter taking place in the present and one in the past. Luckily, it does not detract from the book at all.

I give this book four and a half stars. It could be a five star book except for the minor spelling and grammar mistakes. One pass with an editor would make this novel incredible, but even as it is, it’s highly recommended. Scott Soloff has written a gem of a novel with an extraordinary protagonist, intriguing characters and an engaging plot. I can’t wait to read the next Picker mystery!… (meer)