Author Description

Product Description As an art dealer, Tim Simpson doesn't have the luxury of thinking only about aesthetics; he may have an artist's heart, but it had better be covered with a businessman's pinstripes if he s going to turn a profit. With that skill-set, Simpson's new job seems ideal: He's been hired by a London merchant bank to buy art -- as an investment -- for its obscenely wealthy clients. The first painting he sees, though, won't make anyone rich. It has a real appeal, but the artist -- a one-time protegee of Walter Sickert's -- has no collectible value. However, it seems somebody wanted the painting; within hours of Simpson's first viewing, the painting's been stolen and the dealer killed. Simpson pokes around to little effect -- sleuthing isnot part of his skill-set -- but it isn't until the bank sends him to Brazil, on apparently unrelated business, that he solves the riddle ofA Back Room in Somers Town. Review "Intricate plotting, some fascinating art history...the total picture is a bang-up premier" --Kirkus"Malcom's expert knowledge of both art collecting and high finance, and his obvious love for the exotic and erotic Brazilian climate, make this an extremely interesting debut." --Publishers Weekly"Of the many mystery writers who base their stories on art, John Malcolm is one of the best....He is an urbane writer [who] weaves his plots with a sure, graceful hand" --New York Times About the Author John Malcolm is an acknowledged expert in the field, having written extensively on art and antiques. This is the first book of the "Tim Simpson" series of "art mysteries" each of which centers on a specific (real) work of art, which will be featured on the cover of each Felony & Mayhem edition.