Looking for a thrilling mystery novel to sink your teeth into? Look no further than Elizabeth Lowell’s “Die in Plain Sight,” the third installment in the Rarities Unlimited series.
Featuring a tantalizing blend of art world intrigue and heart-racing romance, this book is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. Read on for a book summary that will leave you eager to delve deeper into this gripping tale.
Key Takeaways:
- “Die in Plain Sight” by Elizabeth Lowell is a thrilling mystery novel with a captivating blend of art world intrigue and romance.
- The book is the third installment in the Rarities Unlimited series.
- Readers will love following the twists and turns of the gripping storyline.
- The novel explores underlying themes and motifs that add depth to the narrative.
- Lowell’s unique writing style is sure to impress readers looking for a fresh and engaging voice in the mystery genre.
About the Author
Elizabeth Lowell is a prolific American author known for her compelling romantic suspense novels. She was born in 1944 in Wisconsin and spent her formative years in California. Lowell’s writing career began in 1982 with the publication of her first novel. Since then, she has written over 70 books and sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award. Lowell continues to write and publish to this day, captivating readers with her thrilling stories and dynamic characters.
Book Overview
Elizabeth Lowell’s “Die in Plain Sight” is a thrilling tale featuring art expert, Elizabeth Hardy, and former spy, Luther Wright. The story begins with Elizabeth Hardy setting out to determine the authenticity of a rare French painting that could be worth millions. However, the quest becomes dangerous when she discovers that the painting’s history is linked to a Nazi war criminal.
The story then takes a romantic turn as Elizabeth and Luther partner up to uncover the truth. Their investigation takes them across Europe, facing many obstacles, and ultimately, the truth is revealed in a dramatic and unexpected manner.
Throughout the novel, Lowell skillfully weaves together mystery, action, and romance, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The book’s fast-paced plot takes readers on an exciting journey that explores the darker side of the art world.
Overall, “Die in Plain Sight” is an excellent read for fans of romantic suspense, art, and mystery. The book’s intriguing characters, plot twists, and international settings make it a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling page-turner.
Setting
The setting of “Die in Plain Sight” is a crucial element that adds depth and richness to the story. The novel takes place in the art world, with the majority of the action occurring in and around the small town of Salmon Bay, Oregon. Lowell expertly captures the beauty of the Pacific Northwest landscape with its lush forests, blue waters, and rugged coastline, creating an immersive experience for readers.
The art world itself is also a pivotal setting, as the characters interact with various players in the industry, including dealers, collectors, and appraisers. The descriptions of the artwork are vivid, and readers get a glimpse into the passion and intrigue that surround the creation, buying, and selling of rare and valuable pieces. Additionally, the setting of an auction becomes a high-stakes backdrop for the climax of the novel.
Overall, the setting of “Die in Plain Sight” plays an essential role in creating a fully-realized world that draws readers in and adds to the tension and mystery of the story.
Characters
In “Die in Plain Sight,” Elizabeth Lowell creates a cast of intriguing characters that add depth and complexity to the narrative. Here are some of the main players:
| Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Emma Cross | The protagonist. A gemologist who uncovers dark secrets in the art world while investigating the murder of a colleague. |
| Colin Donovan | The love interest. A private investigator hired to discover the truth behind the murder. |
| Paula Cross | Emma’s sister. A brilliant artist struggling with addiction and the aftermath of a traumatic event from her past. |
| Lucinda Sloan | A wealthy art collector with a mysterious history. |
| Richard Worth | A powerful art dealer with ties to the criminal underworld. |
Each character in “Die in Plain Sight” has a unique backstory and motivation that contributes to the overall plot. Lowell expertly weaves these characters together to create a multi-layered and engrossing mystery.
Plot Summary
Amelia, a beautiful gems expert, is hired by an international dealer to identify a rare emerald that has been stolen from a Venezuelan mine. While on the job, she meets John, a former CIA agent, who is also trying to recover the stolen emerald. Together, they embark on a journey to track down the jewel and uncover a network of corrupt dealers and collectors who will stop at nothing to get their hands on rare and priceless gems.
As the search intensifies, Amelia and John’s relationship deepens, but they soon discover that danger is lurking around every corner. The couple must navigate a treacherous web of lies and deceit to stay alive and bring justice to those who have been wronged. With each new twist and turn, the stakes get higher, and the danger becomes more real. Will Amelia and John be able to find the emerald and expose the corrupt network before it’s too late?
“Die in Plain Sight” is a gripping tale of action, adventure, and romance that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Themes and Motifs
Elizabeth Lowell’s “Die in Plain Sight” explores a variety of themes and motifs that add depth to the narrative. One of the most prominent themes is the complex relationship between art and power, as the story revolves around a valuable art collection that holds great influence in the world of high-stakes trading. This relationship is further complicated by the inclusion of illicit activities that allow for financial gain.
Another important theme is the idea of redemption and second chances. Many of the characters in the novel are struggling with their pasts and searching for a way to make amends. The book also explores the theme of trust, as almost every character must navigate a web of deceit and learn who they can rely on.
The motif of hidden identities also adds intrigue to the story, as characters must grapple with discovering the true intentions of those around them. Additionally, the use of artistic motifs, particularly in the descriptions of rare and valuable pieces, enhances the book’s focus on the art world.
“Die in Plain Sight” incorporates thought-provoking themes that compel readers to consider powerful questions about art, trust, and redemption.”
Writing Style
Elizabeth Lowell’s writing style in “Die in Plain Sight” is unique and engaging. She masterfully blends intrigue, mystery, and romance in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Lowell’s use of descriptive language creates a vivid and immersive atmosphere, making it easy to envision the characters and their surroundings.
One notable aspect of Lowell’s writing style is her ability to create complex and multi-dimensional characters. She develops her characters with great care, delving into their past experiences and motivations. Through this approach, readers come to identify and care about the characters, making the story even more captivating.
In addition, Lowell’s writing is concise and to-the-point, effectively moving the plot forward while maintaining a high level of tension and suspense. Her use of dialogue is natural and authentic, adding depth and realism to the story.
“Lowell’s writing style is skillfully crafted, drawing readers into a world full of art world mysteries and romance.” – Publisher’s Weekly
Reception and Criticism
Upon its release, “Die in Plain Sight” was met with positive reception from readers and critics alike. The book’s intricate plot, well-developed characters, and thrilling suspense kept readers engaged from beginning to end.
One notable criticism of the novel was its slow pacing at certain points. Some critics felt that the story could have been condensed without losing any of its impact.
“While the art world intrigue and romance are certainly engaging, the book’s slow pace at times may prove frustrating to some readers.” – Publishers Weekly review
| Publication | Rating | Review Excerpt |
|---|---|---|
| The New York Times | Positive | “Elizabeth Lowell’s ‘Die in Plain Sight’ is a gripping page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.” |
| Kirkus Reviews | Mixed | “While the novel has its moments of excitement, it ultimately falls short with predictable plot twists and underdeveloped secondary characters.” |
| Booklist | Positive | “Lowell delivers another thrilling addition to the Rarities Unlimited series with ‘Die in Plain Sight.’ Fans of romantic suspense won’t be disappointed.” |
Similar Books
If you were captivated by “Die in Plain Sight,” here are some similar books that you won’t want to miss:
| Shiver by Lisa Jackson | The first book in the “New Orleans” series, “Shiver” will have you on the edge of your seat with its gripping suspense and steamy romance. |
|---|---|
| The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner | Join Detective D.D. Warren as she tries to solve a series of murders in this heart-pounding thriller. |
| The Collector by Nora Roberts | As a renowned artist’s assistant, Lila Emerson is used to spotting the beauty in the world. But when she witnesses a murder, her world turns upside down in this enthralling mystery from the queen of romance. |
These books are sure to satisfy anyone in search of a gripping mystery with just the right amount of romance. Happy reading!
Conclusion
Overall, “Die in Plain Sight” by Elizabeth Lowell offers readers a thrilling journey through the art world’s mysteries and romantic entanglements. The plot is captivating, and the setting and characters are richly developed, making it an engaging read for anyone who loves a good mystery novel.
Lowell’s unique writing style adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, and while some critics may have had their gripes, the positive reception among readers speaks volumes to its popularity and appeal.
If you enjoyed “Die in Plain Sight,” there are plenty of other books in the genre worth checking out. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery fan or just dipping your toe into the waters, there’s something here for everyone.
In conclusion, “Die in Plain Sight” is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a captivating mystery novel with well-developed characters, a unique setting, and plenty of twists and turns.
