Forgeries and Fatalities

Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries #3

by Jennifer S. Alderson

Carmen De Luca, an intrepid art sleuth with a passion for recovering lost masterpieces, is thrilled to be in Luxembourg chasing down another lead. Yet her keen eye for detail is put to the test when she gets wind of a devious plan to transport stolen masterpieces through Europe's free ports.

When the trail leads to Italy, Carmen discovers that smuggling is just the tip of the brush, and someone is determined to silence anyone who gets too close to the truth.

Will Carmen outsmart the cunning criminals and expose the murderer before she’s painted out of the picture—permanently? Find out in Forgeries and Fatalities, book three of the Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries!

Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth
Collecting Can Be Murder
A Statue To Die For
Forgeries and Fatalities
A Killer Inheritance

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2024

About the author

Hi! I am an American expat currently living in Amsterdam. After traveling extensively around Asia, Oceania, and Central America, I moved to Darwin, Australia, before finally settling in the Netherlands. When not writing, you can find me in a museum, biking around Amsterdam, or enjoying a coffee along the canal while planning my next research trip.

My love of travel, art, and culture inspires my award-winning Zelda Richardson Art Mystery series, Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries, and Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries.

Connect with me here on Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram, or my website.

Thanks for stopping by!

Reviews

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Baroness is laid up after their last adventure. Carmen is working with her best friend, Rhonda Rhodes. Carmen is investigating a potential art smuggling ring. There are plenty of characters, suspects, secrets, lies, clues and murder. This is an engaging, intriguing, and entertaining mystery. Enjoy.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

great adventure

I’m having a great time following Carmen on her assignments. I like how some of the characters interact, very real life snark and respect without the gore or sex.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing cozey mystery with a touch of murder, an array of vibrant, colorful and quirky characters and of course this wouldn't be a mystery without a deadly schemer hidden in plain sight.It's the characters that will at first draw you into this cozey mystery but what entices further is the intrigue through lies secrets and betrayal all wrapped in a plot that has you entranced turning page after page following clues questioning who a suspects or not who are the true villens and what are they really up to. I read this cozy mystery from start to finish with out stopping , I was invested in finding the answers before they were placed before me some I figured out but one I had to wait until I reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Forgeries and Fatalities " (Book 3 in the Carmen De Lucas Art Sleuth Mysteries)for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat

[Karen L. Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. I was given this book free for my honest opinion. The characters are interesting, and the mystery was hard to solve. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with true to life characters, you will enjoy this book.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. The characters are so cool and I feel like I know them. The plot had twist and turns. The storyline was great. The whole book plot, characters and endings were great.

[Christa Nardi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmen's latest assignment has an interesting twist. She's attending an art auction - by invitation only - to see if the auction is a front for an art smuggling operation. The host/artist doesn't hide the fact that he recreates other artist's works. He signs them with his name.

Carmen hits a few roadblocks right away. Her usual partner, Lady Sophie, and the one who gets the invitation is still laid up. Carmen's best friend Rhonda fit in fine on a previous job, but Rhonda's exuberant personality almost results in them both being kicked out. Lady Sophie, jealous of Rhonda, shows up as well, in a wheel chair. She wants Rhonda gone. Not able to keep either Lady Sophie or Rhonda under control, Carmen's on her own to find the connection - if there is one - to auctioning off his copies and art smuggling.

I've read and enjoyed the first two in the series, and this one did not disappoint. Although part of a series, each book is a different adventure in art history, art theft, and art smuggling. The personalities of Carmen, Lady Sophie, and Rhonda add to the tension, along with the errant interpol hottie. Readers of cozy mysteries will enjoy this book - actually the whole series. Book 4 is available on pre-order. I can't wait.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

[MJ Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a bit of everything!

Forgeries and fatalities of course, as the title suggests. Then there's the smuggling, tax fraud, potential romance, and tension among friends.

Carmen's newest assignment has her partnered up with her best friend Rhonda again, as Lady Sophie, her usual partner, continues recovering from injury. But will they be able to pull it off this time? Rhonda's bubbly personality isn't quite the asset it usually is, as their target seems to share Lady Sophie's dim view of her qualifications for even attending his event.

This book certainly had a lot going on, as Carmen tries to complete her assignment, avoid getting her cover blown, figure out what the heck her employer is hiding about this case, and try to smooth over the friction still simmering between her bestie and her partner in art recovery (without getting caught in the crossfire). Oh, and maybe figure out if her heart is ready for romance again.

But it all flows together into an intriguing read that keeps you wondering from beginning to end. Yep, the author has once again given us a book that's hard to put down!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fun to find a series and be able to read one book right after another. I read the first two books in the Carmen De Luca mystery series right before reading Forgeries and Fatalities. I am really enjoying this series. In this installment, Carmen and her bestie Rhonda Rhodes are in Luxembourg at a private auction of paintings hosted by Cyril Bouve. (I loved the choice of Cyril as the name of the main character since that was my father and grandfather's name!) Cyril is the ex-con owner of the Bouve Gallery. He is known for painting copies of lost artwork. He has been linked to a long-active art snuggling operation. He kicks Enrico Greco, a framer, out of his auction. Enrico is later found dead. So Carmen has a murder and a smuggling operation to figure out. Carmen gets some help when Dave Swanson, who she met at Harold Mareau's party, shows up. He is with Interpol. This book has lots of interesting secondary characters including Rhonda's daughter. Alderson's writing is good and she makes it easy to imagine everything that is happening.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmen De Luca works for a company who's job it is to recover stolen masterpieces.
When they get news of a forgery master who now makes a living selling reproductions, and is suspected of moving real stolen art work through his auctions.
Carmen is on the job to try and find the real artwork and prevent it from moving on to other private collectors.

Pro's:
There are developed characters, and enough intrigue and humor to keep the story moving along with a solid plotline.

Con's:
Even though I really enjoyed the story, I also like to have the stories believable.
For the 'Repeat' artwork to be so good that they would fool the experts is laughable.
The paint used on the originals could not be replicated today as many of the original things used to make the paint are no longer available, and the paint on the originals would be cracked in specific patterns due to the paint drying out.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exposing a crime!

Carmen De Luca is at a private art auction in Luxembourg with her temporary partner and best friend, Rhonda Rhodes. The Baroness is still laid up after the last mission but she was able to get them admitted to the auction in her stead. As a senior sleuth for the Rosewood Agency, Carmen is following up on a tip that the auction is part of an art smuggling operation. The security is high and Carmen will have her work cut out for her to get close enough to the paintings to examine them. To make matters worse, she recognizes one of the guests and knows they recognize her. If they reveal her identity she and Rhonda will be ejected from the event.

This is a good mystery series. There is mystery, drama, danger, and a hint of romance. I finished it in one day. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Story of Carmen's Adventures!
Carmen's newest assignment is to uncover the link (if any) between an art auction and an art smuggling ring. Since her normal partner is still out of commission, she is once again partnered with her best friend, Rhonda. Rhonda has a big personality and clashes with the host almost immediately, and Carmen must find a way to complete the mission without the host discovering her true identity. These books are so much fun to read! The little details about the different locations and the art are a bonus. I can't wait to see where Carmen goes next, and to find out what will happen with the personal information she discovered at the end of this story. I received a free copy of this book as part of the advance reader team and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Robin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmen DeLuca is on the trail of an art smuggling ring, this time attending an auction of art that are replicas of missing masterpieces. She must contend with professional jealousy/rivalry between her partner Lady Sophie and her BFF and TV personality Rhonda. And then there’s that mysterious and handsome guy Dave from a previous case who shows up at the auction. The author gives the reader a lot of information about the art world and art forgeries to support the plot. I don’t usually think of an art auction as fun, but the clash of personalities and the quibbling over the art was just that. Love the characters, loved the personal life twist at the end, and I can’t wait to see how the next chapter unfolds!
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all of Jennifer Alderson's books thus far, one is in for a big international adventure! This one is not different with an art forgery ring and a cast of unique characters - shady, cantankerous, etc. Returning with the Baronness and Carmen's best friend, Rhonda, Carmen has more than she can handle at times with balancing those relationships on top of getting to the bottom of this mystery.

The 4-star review is due to the book taking a while for it to pick up an energetic pace. Other than that, it was a delightful read! I look forward to what transpires for Carmen De Luca due to a major twist at the end along with a possible change in another area of her life!

Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy for my honest review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I have not read the previous books in this series, I have to admit that my opinion may be biased. It works well enough as a standalone and it is not difficult to pick up on the storyline. The ideas are clever and the characters quite well developed.

However, I did find it hard to keep interested as I found some part of it a bit long winded and a little short on the excitement. On the plus side, the author does present the problem/mystery well i.e. how the smuggling happens. I like the presentation on several possibilities and how our sleuth discards each theory when she finds that it does not fit.

I thought I'd pass on future ARCs but the ending had a twist in the tail which has made me think - I wonder what will happen next, so I am now hoping that the author will continue to offer me the opportunity to find out!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries are very entertaining. The books all feature Carmen, her partner Lady Sophie and her best friend Rhonda. The premise of the stories is that Carmen is undercover as an art recovery specialist. Her family and friends all believe she is a journalist for an antiques magazine. Instead she travels around the world on assignment locating stolen art. I enjoyed all the history about the various art pieces she was seeking as well as the plans she and Sophie put in place to capture the thieves and return the art to its rightful owner. It was so thrilling that there was also a murder in each story. The author did a great job in each story and I had fun reading the stories. I am sad that this series is complete and I’ve read all 4 books. They are 5 star books.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgeries and Fatalities is the latest book in the Carmen De Luca mystery series and I found it very entertaining. Poor Carmen, besides solving a mystery she has to constantly work this balancing act between Lady Sophie, Rhonda, and others. But then, isn't most of life a balancing act? Carmen mostly does a fantastic job balancing things.

I found the book to be interesting and engaging and look forward to seeing how things develop with Dave.

I received a free advanced reader copy and this is my honest review.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is very slow starting and the murder occurs almost half-way through the story. This is the first book I've read in this series, and although the characters are well-developed, I don't get them. All these people are living the life style of the rich and noveau, and they bicker like little children at an auction. Dave is the only character that I liked and that says a lot, because even though he works for Interpol, he is a beta male. The climax hits the high, and was thankful the story was over.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixed bag

Glad Carmen got to solve her case and spend time with Rhonda, but she also learns her best friend would not make a good agent. With Lady Sophie out of commission, Carmen and Rhonda attend an art auction to try to determine if the artist is involved in smuggling stolen art. When Carmen runs into someone from her past, they partner together to track the paintings shipped to Italy.

A little more delving into her past, another murder to solve, and Carmen still closes the case.

[Claudia Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carman is off on another assignment to recover lost art. Her regular partner is recovering from a previous assignment and her best friend is filling in. Rhonda thinks Carmon is undercover as a journalist not an investigator which sometimes makes things difficult. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. Each book is a delight and I’m looking forward to the next one. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the first time I’d had great coffee in a police station.

You can’t go wrong with a Carmen Deluca Art Sleuth adventure. You’ve got action, adventure, a touch of comedy and a dash of potential romance...along with dead body or two along the way. In book 3 the murder takes a back seat to Carmen’s mission to stop a smuggling ring, with plenty of complications in the form of her partner, her best friend and her daughter and a gorgeous Interpol agent. So much fun!

[Annette Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the premise of the story is good, art smuggling, I had a very difficult time dealing with all-the-words. There are just so many of them, that it seems quite long-winded and becomes tiring to read. I enjoyed the first book of the series, but I felt relieved to have even finished this one. This series is just not my cup of tea.

I would totally recommend the author’s prior series ‘Travel Can Be Murder’ which zips right along at a happy pace.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing cozy mystery!

A very intriguing cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters were amusing and full of life as they investigated the crime. Unsolicited comments from family and friends turned out to be valuable clues which helped solve the mystery. I highly recommend this book and series.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting look into the art world masterpieces and forgeries. With her usual agent sidekick on the "disabled" list, Carmen enlists the aid of her "bestie" Rhonda. This may be a big mistake!
The beginning was a bit wordy, but once the scene was set, it was pretty intriguing trying to determine if the masterpieces were indeed real or not. And the ending........hmmm.... a bit mind blowing for Carmen!
I was provided with a copy of the book; this review is my honest opinion.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmen De Luca is on the trail of an art smuggling ring in the latest installment of the Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries.
Carmen is joined by her best friend Rhonda and they run into some trouble that is smoothed over by Carmen's partner Lady Sophie. There are some returning characters and some new ones. Some of them are quite amusing!
There is some intrigue and a cliffhanger ending. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Pamela A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒘𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆!!! 😘😘😘

𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒊 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒋𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒎 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔. 🥰🥰🥰 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒊𝒎 𝒔𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓!! 𝑨𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔. 🫶🫶🫶

[Sherri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmen and Rhonda set out to discover just what dealings a famous forger is up to. Is he truly reformed or still a shady character! How fun to follow Carmen and her associates as they travel to exotic locations in search of clues! I enjoyed an advance copy of the book and these are my opinions.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an outstanding suspenseful story. Carmen is an intrepid art sleuth. She goes all over the world finding missing paintings. Will this time put her in more danger than she expected. Full of intrigue that won’t disappoint.

[L.a.l · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why would certain people associated with the art community suddenly be found murdered? A question that Carmen will need to find out. The characters in this book are the best and how they interact just superb. Even the ending keeps you wondering what will happen next.
Highly recommend this book.

[Nidia Nel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous as Always

When you read a book that you immediately can imagine as a TV series by the way the plot twists and turns!

Damn good read from the beginning of the series and can't wait to read the next one!

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continue to love Carmen, the art sleuth heroine of this clever series. Having already read books #1 & #3, I was struck by the improvement in the author's writing skills over the first three novels in the art sleuth mysteries. Now for #4.