The Rich and the Profane [Hardcover]

Jonathan Gash (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1999

Lovejoy's search for a missing painting and a missing friend -- Gesso the cat burglar -- takes him on a wild adventure to the Channel Islands. He hopes to keep a low profile by masquerading as Jonno Rant, an island local, but that plan backfires when the local police start to keep tabs on him and the real Jonno Rant shows up. Can Lovejoy stay one step ahead of Rant and the police? Soon, just staying alive becomes a juggling act for the irrepressible Lovejoy.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Perpetually bereft of funds, the rascally Lovejoy once again relies on charm, guile and luck to replenish his supply of groats, make "smiles" with various women and keep from getting interfered with by the Plod. Beautiful young Irma Dominick, trained by Lovejoy to steal, gets arrested by the Plod for trying to lift a jug from an auction house. And Irma's aunt Jocina wants Lovejoy to identify antiques that will be sold supposedly to fund a failing prioryAwhose prior, Lovejoy believes, is "making smiles" with Jocina behind her husband's back. That same prior wants Lovejoy to identify antiques that he can sell to support his gambling debts. Reconnoitering the abbey with his pal Gesso, Lovejoy finds a valuable painting that he nicks and disguises. Then, traveling incognito as the famous impresario Jonno Rant, Lovejoy trails Jocina and the prior to the Channel Islands, all the while pretending to set up an entertainment spectacular. But the project is usurped by the real Rant, and Lovejoy's life is threatened by more than one group interested in the painting. With this dervish of comic activity and a romp that ends in a circuslike venue, Gash is in top form. Fans will celebrate Lovejoy's 20th outing (after The Possessions of a Lady, 1996) as a welcome return of one of the most unusual characters in mysteryland.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Lovejoy appraises the antiques of Albansham priory, whose prior has gambled away its funds?and maybe done worse.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 344 pages
• Publisher: Viking (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670883468
• ISBN-13: 978-0670883462
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,821,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovejoy is back and better than ever!, March 12, 1999

By 

R. Frye "PA Bob" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rich and the Profane (Hardcover)

After the last two books by Jonathan Gash digging into the seamier side of London, and the sex trade, with his new heroine, he has graced us with new Lovejoy mystery. Some of his entourage is missing, no Tinker, and no new trainee, but he does succeed in making smiles, stealing antiques, breaking and entering, and impersonating a rock star. You never know what to expect from Lovejoy and he does not disappoint. Just when you think you figured it all out, a surprise ending. One of his best books in years, you will enjoy it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joyful fans will love the latest Lovejoy novel, January 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Rich and the Profane (Hardcover)

Irma hires antiques expert Lovejoy to teach her how to swipe a necklace. Though reluctant to be her tutor, Lovejoy cannot resist helping the beautiful young woman even if the jewelry she wants to steal is vulgar trash. However, she is caught trying to abscond with a Rottingham fake jug.

Irma's entry into Lovejoy's life opens the door for her wealthy Aunt, Mrs. Crucifex, and her uncle Reverend George Metivier to enter Lovejoy's life. All George wants from the scoundrel is his assistance in selling the Albansham priory "manufactured antiques". Instead of working with pale imitations, Lovejoy soon finds himself searching for a missing associate, a valuable painting, and George even as he struggles to simply stay alive.

Fans of the Lovejoy series know why the novels are always bestsellers. Anyone who has not read one of the books until this one, THE RICH AND THE PROFANE, will quickly learn why these tales are such fan favorites. The twentieth story is as fresh as the first book. Lovejoy remains a joy, loved by his myriad of fans. The story line is an entertaining mystery, but Lovejoy thankfully still occupies the prime seat. Jonathan Gash is heading back to the top of the lists again.

Harriet Klausner

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars borrow, don't buy, December 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Rich and the Profane (Lovejoy Mystery) (Paperback)

I'd have to agree, this book wasn't as good as his previous Lovejoy ones. I'd say this one and the previous one 'Possessions of a Lady' are more of a "borrow" than a "buy". I hope #21 does pick up. I still reread his previous ones (esp. 'The Tartan Sell' my all time favorite).