Where there is art, there are thieves. Mai Ling is both. Artist by day, thief by night, she recovers stolen art for Interpol. It's a business, not a passion, until her beloved grandfather reveals a family secret that is also a destiny. He is duty-bound to return to China an especially precious bowl which belonged to his ancestor. Mai must steal it for him. But Mai Ling is not the only one after the bowl. Four others plan to extract the bowl from a private California art collection. The rival thieves grasp and then lose the bowl until finally Mai is faced with the ultimate dilemma: save the bowl or save herself. Her duty to her grandfather gives her only one choice. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Monterey Peninsula and peopled with quirky characters, this stylish art caper entertains on every page.
Artists & Thieves
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
Midwest Book Review
Artists & Thieves
February, 2011
There was a time when mystery novels could be counted on to inform as well as intrigue. From Dorothy Sayers who detailed the art of bell-ringing to Elizabeth Peters who told us of early-day Egyptian archeology, readers reveled in the double pleasure of following a murder investigation and also picking up knowledge.
Modern mysteries are all to often lacking in both intrigue and information. Whether police procedurals or horror tales, they focus entirely on action and suspense. Both are necessary but both can be overdone. Breathtaking action tempts the reader to skim in order to find out what happened, and a skimmed novel is never memorable. So it was a real treat to come upon this mystery which actually informs us about the art world of San Francisco and Monterey, and introduces us to its artists, its collectors, and even its thieves.
Every page of this book is worth reading. Mai Ling is both artist and thief; she steals back stolen art work for Interpol. But in this case she is working on her own, in search of a Ming bowl with mysterious powers stolen from her family many generations ago. Through the years, the male heirs have been charged with recovering the bowl, but now there are no male heirs so the responsibility becomes Mai's. Unfortunately, Mai is not the only one who wants the bowl. A collector wants it, a museum curator wants it, and some art thieves with eager buyers want it. Things go wrong from the beginning. Some of these people want this special bowl badly enough to kill for it, so there are murders--or are there? Did the murdered thief really die? When the collector died of a heart attack because his nitro couldn't be found, was this someone's fault or was it an accident? Are the people who seem guilty really guilty? Intrigue continues to surround the bowl as we move toward a climax in which Mai seems certain to lose her life if she persists, yet Chinese tradition demands persistence. And in the midst of breathless suspense, a peacock riding in the front seat of Mai's car provides a lovely touch of humor.
Highly recommended.
San Diego Fiction Examiner
July 5, 2011
Linda Schroeder's Artists & Thieves introduces us to Mai Ling, a fun and resourceful protagonist who recovers stolen art for Interpol--but presents herself to the world as an artist. Mai Ling's world is filled with deception. It's a world where every donor is a potential thief and every friend may have a secret agenda.
When her grandfather asks Mai to help him fulfill an ancient family promise, she's torn between honoring that centuries old promise and her responsibility to Interpol. As Mai is drawn further from her role as an Interpol agent and closer to her role as a thief, she's faced with temptations that will ultimately test her moral fabric. Mail steals the vase from an antiquities smuggle. But in this small world where all the players know the others, she quickly becomes a suspect, which also makes her a target.
As the art smugglers close in on Mai Ling, she becomes attached to the vase and begins to learn it secrets. And when the smugglers steal back the vase and nearly kill her grandfather, she vows to do anything to fulfill her promise. In the final moments, Mai is faced with one of the most basic questions of all--will she kill to get what she wants or not?
Readers interested in the art world will enjoy Schroeder's characters, who seem to have just enough larceny in them to be unable to refuse an opportunity to make a big score. And, for those who are tired of novels dominated by weak pots that only succeed due to an overabundance of senseless violence and sex. Artists and Thieves is a good alternative. The violence isn't excessive, but well placed. The plot slows a bit as the vase changes hands a few times, but overall, this well-written mystery will have readers cheering for Mai Ling to fulfill her promise, but not lose sight of who she is."
Artists & Thieves
February, 2011
There was a time when mystery novels could be counted on to inform as well as intrigue. From Dorothy Sayers who detailed the art of bell-ringing to Elizabeth Peters who told us of early-day Egyptian archeology, readers reveled in the double pleasure of following a murder investigation and also picking up knowledge.
Modern mysteries are all to often lacking in both intrigue and information. Whether police procedurals or horror tales, they focus entirely on action and suspense. Both are necessary but both can be overdone. Breathtaking action tempts the reader to skim in order to find out what happened, and a skimmed novel is never memorable. So it was a real treat to come upon this mystery which actually informs us about the art world of San Francisco and Monterey, and introduces us to its artists, its collectors, and even its thieves.
Every page of this book is worth reading. Mai Ling is both artist and thief; she steals back stolen art work for Interpol. But in this case she is working on her own, in search of a Ming bowl with mysterious powers stolen from her family many generations ago. Through the years, the male heirs have been charged with recovering the bowl, but now there are no male heirs so the responsibility becomes Mai's. Unfortunately, Mai is not the only one who wants the bowl. A collector wants it, a museum curator wants it, and some art thieves with eager buyers want it. Things go wrong from the beginning. Some of these people want this special bowl badly enough to kill for it, so there are murders--or are there? Did the murdered thief really die? When the collector died of a heart attack because his nitro couldn't be found, was this someone's fault or was it an accident? Are the people who seem guilty really guilty? Intrigue continues to surround the bowl as we move toward a climax in which Mai seems certain to lose her life if she persists, yet Chinese tradition demands persistence. And in the midst of breathless suspense, a peacock riding in the front seat of Mai's car provides a lovely touch of humor.
Highly recommended.
San Diego Fiction Examiner
July 5, 2011
Linda Schroeder's Artists & Thieves introduces us to Mai Ling, a fun and resourceful protagonist who recovers stolen art for Interpol--but presents herself to the world as an artist. Mai Ling's world is filled with deception. It's a world where every donor is a potential thief and every friend may have a secret agenda.
When her grandfather asks Mai to help him fulfill an ancient family promise, she's torn between honoring that centuries old promise and her responsibility to Interpol. As Mai is drawn further from her role as an Interpol agent and closer to her role as a thief, she's faced with temptations that will ultimately test her moral fabric. Mail steals the vase from an antiquities smuggle. But in this small world where all the players know the others, she quickly becomes a suspect, which also makes her a target.
As the art smugglers close in on Mai Ling, she becomes attached to the vase and begins to learn it secrets. And when the smugglers steal back the vase and nearly kill her grandfather, she vows to do anything to fulfill her promise. In the final moments, Mai is faced with one of the most basic questions of all--will she kill to get what she wants or not?
Readers interested in the art world will enjoy Schroeder's characters, who seem to have just enough larceny in them to be unable to refuse an opportunity to make a big score. And, for those who are tired of novels dominated by weak pots that only succeed due to an overabundance of senseless violence and sex. Artists and Thieves is a good alternative. The violence isn't excessive, but well placed. The plot slows a bit as the vase changes hands a few times, but overall, this well-written mystery will have readers cheering for Mai Ling to fulfill her promise, but not lose sight of who she is."
About the Author
The author lives in California and writes full-time, she has two MA degrees in English and Audiology. She worked with deaf children at San Diego Children's Hospital and has lectured at San Diego State University. This is her first novel.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Mai Ling, a successful artist in northern California, also recovers stolen art for Interpol. But a more personal theft is presented to her by her grandfather, who wants her to steal back a priceless bowl that he is honor-bound to deliver to China.
Unfortunately, there are others who covet the bowl as well, and the ensuing tale makes for a dandy suspense novel.
Set in San Francisco and its environs, Schroeder gives the reader an excellent feel for the locale, and also for the art scene. We go inside the lives of these artists to learn more of their work and their passions.
The night that the bowl is actually stolen has four threads of story interwoven into a thriller ride.
Schroeder is a very promising novelist. I look forward to reading more of her work!
Unfortunately, there are others who covet the bowl as well, and the ensuing tale makes for a dandy suspense novel.
Set in San Francisco and its environs, Schroeder gives the reader an excellent feel for the locale, and also for the art scene. We go inside the lives of these artists to learn more of their work and their passions.
The night that the bowl is actually stolen has four threads of story interwoven into a thriller ride.
Schroeder is a very promising novelist. I look forward to reading more of her work!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By leerread
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Mai is a detective character that you wish was real. Her cunning and insight into human character matches her appreciation of her ancestry, her love for her grandfather and her intelligence. As you travel through the book with her, the landscape, history and characters become vivid in your reading eye. The ending of the book is completely satisfying---a terrific read!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By BeachReader
Format:Paperback
This book is great fun. Fast paced. Wonderful characters. (My favorite was the peacock!) And the writing is simply gorgeous.
Format:Kindle Edition
A book which will keep you on turning the pages in this oriental thriller. It; well written a good book to read for anybody who loves thrillers and mystery books. Linda Meckler
By Judy
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
An ancient Chinese mystery is more than just a case to Mai Ling, a present day artist and Interpol agent. The story unwinds with lots of twists and long-held secrets in the bustling artist community in Monterey, California, a setting so meticulously described that it immediately brings to mind Cannery Row by John Steinbeck. This book has everything I look for in a mystery -- great characters with lots of depth and stories of their own, a smart and resourceful protagonist, and an ending that surprises and makes you want more. Plus, I love a book that teaches me something new. I highly recommend it.
Format:Paperback
This book is very intriguing. I love how it introduces historical art pieces without becoming lost in the details. The tidbits of art information add to the story, rather than distracting from it.
I enjoyed the tidbits of information regarding Chinese history also, as well as the look at Chinese culture. This book ias well as the look at Chinese culture. This book is a great read and has a remarkable feast of charm, wit, action, humor, sorrow, and love.
I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
I enjoyed the tidbits of information regarding Chinese history also, as well as the look at Chinese culture. This book ias well as the look at Chinese culture. This book is a great read and has a remarkable feast of charm, wit, action, humor, sorrow, and love.
I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
By Kim Adams
Format:Paperback
Artists don't make objects. Artists make mythologies.- Anish Kapoor
Mai Ling's unusual profession becomes personal when she is charged by her grandfather to return an ancient bowl to China. The bowl is sought by many for different reasons, making it that more difficult for Mai to complete this familial mission. ARTISTS AND THIEVES is a rich ode to how objects de art inspire "collectors" to launch ruthless campaign to possess the myths embedded in the bowl. Schroeder delivers a page turning thriller in which Ling questions her own moral compass to fulfill the destiny bestowed by her ancestors. Schroeder excels in her own artistry in creating a sophisticated caper with unexpected twists and out of the ordinary characters.
I received a print copy from the author - an artist herself.
Mai Ling's unusual profession becomes personal when she is charged by her grandfather to return an ancient bowl to China. The bowl is sought by many for different reasons, making it that more difficult for Mai to complete this familial mission. ARTISTS AND THIEVES is a rich ode to how objects de art inspire "collectors" to launch ruthless campaign to possess the myths embedded in the bowl. Schroeder delivers a page turning thriller in which Ling questions her own moral compass to fulfill the destiny bestowed by her ancestors. Schroeder excels in her own artistry in creating a sophisticated caper with unexpected twists and out of the ordinary characters.
I received a print copy from the author - an artist herself.
By John Mullen
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Artists and Thieves is an engaging book, filled with quirky characters from Sweet Flag-imbibing Cypress, to the appropriately named Hunter, to Mai Ling--artist, Interpol agent, and reluctant thief. We follow Mai as she pursues a mysterious antique Chinese bowl, a bowl her ancestors once safeguarded that had been lost for centuries and that Mai must now snatch from thugs and thieves as a matter of family honor. In this fast-paced book, Mai weaves her way through the dangerous underbelly of the art scenes of San Francisco and Monterey where art is highly valued and life is cheap. Only one person will secure the bowl while others will lose money, their pride, or their life. My only criticism is that, for me, the ending winds up a little too neatly and too forgivingly, a quibble in this otherwise very enjoyable book.
