Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Painted” as Want to Read:
Painted
by
Kirsten McKenzie (Goodreads Author)
If art can capture a soul, what happens when one of those souls escapes?
When art appraiser Anita Cassatt is sent to catalogue the extensive collection of reclusive artist Leo Kubin, it isn’t only the chilly atmosphere of the secluded house making her shiver.
Upon entering the house, Anita stands before a silent audience of portraits clustered on every wall. Every painted ey ...more
When art appraiser Anita Cassatt is sent to catalogue the extensive collection of reclusive artist Leo Kubin, it isn’t only the chilly atmosphere of the secluded house making her shiver.
Upon entering the house, Anita stands before a silent audience of portraits clustered on every wall. Every painted ey ...more
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Painted,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about Painted
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing 1-40)
I've discovered a new author that I love. This book is a hidden gem amongst many. A very unique, addictive and creepy horror tale with a difference. Bravo!, Kirsten for such a fantastic book idea!
I was totally enthralled with this book from very early on and eagerly came back to it whenever I could over a few busy days. It's one of those books where you just need to knowwhat's going to happen next. Where is this story taking me?
The author builds a backdrop in this creepy old house where Anita go ...more
I was totally enthralled with this book from very early on and eagerly came back to it whenever I could over a few busy days. It's one of those books where you just need to knowwhat's going to happen next. Where is this story taking me?
The author builds a backdrop in this creepy old house where Anita go ...more
I've discovered a new author that I love. This book is a hidden gem amongst many. A very unique, addictive and creepy horror tale with a difference. Bravo!, Kirsten for such a fantastic book idea!
I was totally enthralled with this book from very early on and eagerly came back to it whenever I could over a few busy days. It's one of those books where you just need to knowwhat's going to happen next. Where is this story taking me?
The author builds a backdrop in this creepy old house where Anita go ...more
I was totally enthralled with this book from very early on and eagerly came back to it whenever I could over a few busy days. It's one of those books where you just need to knowwhat's going to happen next. Where is this story taking me?
The author builds a backdrop in this creepy old house where Anita go ...more
When I saw that fellow New Zealand author, Kirsten McKenzie had written a horror, I jumped at the chance to read it! I’m a sucker for anything that will have me on the edge of my seat, and this book did that.
First of all, I’d just like to touch on the wonderful writing style of Kirsten. This book was so beautifully written, with such attention to detail, you couldn’t help but feel as though you were right there with the characters. She painted such an eerie picture of the house and its surroundi ...more
First of all, I’d just like to touch on the wonderful writing style of Kirsten. This book was so beautifully written, with such attention to detail, you couldn’t help but feel as though you were right there with the characters. She painted such an eerie picture of the house and its surroundi ...more
I am not usually a reader of horror novels. I came to know McKenzie's writing through her historical fiction novels which display her love and knowledge of antiques. Painted continues her love of antiques with descriptions of the amazing rooms in this novel. Room by room, character by character and painting by painting the author delivers a page turning, gripping novel of a house that is haunted - if only they had listened to the owner who left specific instructions in his will.
Leo Kubin is dead and he has left the law firm headed by Alan Gates, some very specific instructions on how to dispose of his art collection. All paintings must be taken from the wall and immediately crated. Under no circumstances must they be leant against the wall or left on a table or crated with other items. Alan has no patience with such frivolities and arranges for a team from Nickleby's to visit the house and assess the artwork and other treasures in the hope that there might be a valuabl
...more
I enjoyed the author's attention to detail about art—it's obvious she knows her stuff—and her vivid descriptions helped to bring the setting to life. The story worked best for me when the protagonist, Anita, had a clear adversary in the form of the sexist lawyer, Alan. With his early disappearance, the story became somewhat muddled. I did, however, enjoy the eerie atmosphere and the overall ghost story. Cool cover too.
Most horror being written nowadays is of the 'splattergore', more-is-better school of thought, so it was refreshing to encounter this subtle, delicate narrative where horror peeps slyly out from picture frames and the reader's palate is never overwhelmed with an excess of foulness. Admirable restraint and a real gift for story combine to produce an unforgettable experience.
Worthy of note is McKenzie's treatment of her female protagonist. Unlike most in this genre, the woman is neither a feisty, ...more
Worthy of note is McKenzie's treatment of her female protagonist. Unlike most in this genre, the woman is neither a feisty, ...more
3.5
Review to come
Review to come
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book Loving Kiwis: Official Launch Team | 19 | 23 | Jul 03, 2017 01:28AM | |
| Horror Aficionados : PAINTED | 9 | 22 | Jun 25, 2017 11:07AM |
For years Kirsten McKenzie worked in her family's antique store, providing a unique insight into the world of antiques which touches every aspect of her writing.
Now a full time author, her historical fiction novel, 'Fifteen Postcards', was published in May 2015, with its sequel 'The Last Letter' released in November 2016. Her books have been described as Time Travellers Wife meets The Far Pavilion ...more
More about Kirsten McKenzie...
Now a full time author, her historical fiction novel, 'Fifteen Postcards', was published in May 2015, with its sequel 'The Last Letter' released in November 2016. Her books have been described as Time Travellers Wife meets The Far Pavilion ...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
