The Girl who Knew Da Vinci, Belle Ami

The Girl who Knew Da Vinci

Belle Ami

Storyline

Art historian Angela Renatus is haunted by dreams of Leonardo da Vinci and a mysterious painting of Giuliano Medici and his mistress Fioretta Gorini. A painting that, as far as the world knows, doesn't exist. Compelled by her visions, Angela is determined to find out the truth.

When Angela is contacted by art detective Alex Caine, she's shocked to learn that he too is seeking the same painting. Alex's client, a wealthy German financier, is determined to clear the name of his late uncle, Gerhard Jaeger, an art historian, who went missing in Florence, during World War II. In letters written before his disappearance, the historian describes his love affair with a beautiful young Italian woman named Sophia Caro and the discovery of an extraordinary painting by the great master himself-a painting depicting Giuliano and Fioretta. Angela and Alex journey to Florence in search of the priceless treasure. Is it a lost da Vinci, potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars, or a wild goose chase that will only lead to a dead end?

But someone else is searching for the elusive painting-Alberto Scordato is a powerful man in the art world and a sociopath who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even murder. 

Review

"The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci" offers a unique blend of art history, mystery, and romance. I admired how the author skillfully intertwined elements of Leonardo da Vinci's life and work with a contemporary storyline, crafting a captivating narrative that appeals to both fans of historical fiction and romance.

I had the opportunity to read and review this book through the platform onlinebookclub.com. Therefore, the full version of the review can be found on their website at this link.

Transitioning to present-day Los Angeles, California, the narrative seamlessly alternates between past and present. This pattern continues throughout most of the book, where readers are presented with smooth transitions between various well-known Italian cities across different eras.

Protagonist Angela Renatus possesses a compelling gift: sensing emotions and events associated with artwork, particularly those of the renowned Italian Maestro. Her journey of self-discovery and exploration of her abilities unfolds intriguingly, interwoven with flashbacks to Leonardo Da Vinci's era as she joins an art recovery detective in pursuit of a potentially mythical painting. As the plot progresses, Angela grapples with sinister messages accompanying her visions, unaware that her former employer harbors ulterior motives in their shared quest for the painting. However, the flashbacks are mesmerizing as more and more pieces of the puzzle come together.

The novel boasts a captivating storyline, well-developed characters, and an imaginative blend of art and mystery. The evocative portrayal of European cities, historical landmarks, and art galleries contributes to an immersive reading experience, complemented by suspenseful elements as Angela and her ally, Alex, unravel the mystery of the missing da Vinci. I found no flaws in this book, the author's meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout and leaves little room for critique. From the very beginning, I was captivated by this beautiful work.