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Frame Work
When college teacher Sarah Brandau is invited to a literary conference in Prague, she persuades her grandmother, Edith, who raised her when her parents died, to travel from Manhattan for a reunion in the fabled city. Exploring the streets near their hotel on their first night in Prague, they browse an antique shop. Attracted to the picture's ornate frame, Edith chooses a reproduction of a city scene. When they return to their hotel and examine their purchase more closely they discover they've gotten more than they bargained for. Edith's impulsive purchase plunges them into a complex world of international theft, Nazi war crimes, and a lethal secret that puts the women in more danger than they could ever have imagined when they planned a shared holiday.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
215 pages, Hardcover
First published December 24, 2008
6 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 31, 2011
Frame Work (Anne G. Faigen)
Mystery/Suspense. Sarah Brandau and her grandmother Edith, travel to Prague for a conference. Sarah is a professor working on her tenure, and she feels this conference will help. While there they purchase a picture frame in a tiny(antique) shop. They discover another drawing behind the original. It appears to be the work or famed artist Mary Cassat.
Soon they find this could be a piece of work that is wanted by art-smugglers. But thieves are not the only ones interested in Sarah and her grandmother. Secrets surround this drawing and possible connections to Nazi war criminals surface. Sarah and her grandmother are in danger, not knowing who to trust abroad, people turn up missing and dead. Will
one of them be next?
Fast paced, fantastic read. Intrigue with Nazi/Jewish/Prague history, adds to the mystery and suspense.
Mystery/Suspense. Sarah Brandau and her grandmother Edith, travel to Prague for a conference. Sarah is a professor working on her tenure, and she feels this conference will help. While there they purchase a picture frame in a tiny(antique) shop. They discover another drawing behind the original. It appears to be the work or famed artist Mary Cassat.
Soon they find this could be a piece of work that is wanted by art-smugglers. But thieves are not the only ones interested in Sarah and her grandmother. Secrets surround this drawing and possible connections to Nazi war criminals surface. Sarah and her grandmother are in danger, not knowing who to trust abroad, people turn up missing and dead. Will
one of them be next?
Fast paced, fantastic read. Intrigue with Nazi/Jewish/Prague history, adds to the mystery and suspense.
May 11, 2013
The premise, characters, and setting of this cozy mystery seemed fine. Somehow, though, the book failed to deliver.
August 27, 2013
Meh. Utterly predictable story line but I've read worse while on the metro. For the $1.00 price tag I won't complain.
June 29, 2017
Professor Sarah Brandau had her trip to Prague all planned. She invited her stylish, vivacious grandmother, Edith, along for the ride and once her duties as a session leader at her literary conference were taken care of she expected to spend the rest of her time seeing the sights in the historic city, shopping in the local stores, and sampling the cuisine of nearby restaurants. They manage a little bit of each of these--stopping by an antique store and purchasing a miniature landscape in an ornate frame for one of the "aunts" back home in New York.
When they get back to the hotel with their purchase, Sarah notices that the print has shifted and a bit of white paper is behind the print. The women are astonished to find a sketch that has a familiar look about it. Further investigation reveals that they may have an early work by Mary Cassat, a famous Impressionist artist. They consult a couple of new friends--a fellow conference attendee with a knowledge of art and an older local man who volunteers at a nearby museum...and who has taken a special interest in Edith.
But before they can decide precisely what they should do, the clerk from the antique shop calls them in a bit of a panic. It seems that the particular painting they bought was NOT supposed to be for sale and the owners of the shop are quite upset with him. He begs them to return the painting in exchange for something else or for a refund. When they go back to the shop as arranged (though they plan on telling him that they bought the painting good faith and will not be returning it), they discover the police in possession of the establishment and the clerk has disappeared. It isn't long before his body is fished out of the river. What exactly have the women gotten themselves into?
Before long, they find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving an art-smuggling network that is actually a cover for a family descended from a Nazi "hero." These ruthless men were not only responsible for deaths in the Holocaust, but they were part of the Nazi scheme to "liberate" valuable art from lesser mortals. These ruthless men will stop at nothing to retrieve what they believe is rightfully theirs and to prevent Sarah and Edith from leading the police to their network.
This was a very fast-paced read--especially when I was expecting a cozy academic mystery. But it has excellent pacing and an interesting plot, though it did take a bit of belief suspension to picture the academic from small college USA taking on Nazi-descendants/sympathizers. Sarah also had a bit of the Gothic mystery heroine thing going on and when she went out of the hotel with X after specifically being told NOT to leave the hotel for any reason I wanted to throttle her. Anyone with mystery-reading experience just knew what was going to happen next.
I enjoyed the historic tidbits about Prague and learning even more about the Nazi efforts to snatch up priceless artwork from those they conquered. The personal story of Joseph Meyer, the museum guide, was very compelling as he told about the persecution of the Jews and his involvement in trying to rescue artwork that had been stolen by the Nazis. Overall, an interesting novel--with more emphasis on the historic background and an action/thriller atmosphere than a straight mystery, but still very enjoyable. ★★★ and 1/4.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
When they get back to the hotel with their purchase, Sarah notices that the print has shifted and a bit of white paper is behind the print. The women are astonished to find a sketch that has a familiar look about it. Further investigation reveals that they may have an early work by Mary Cassat, a famous Impressionist artist. They consult a couple of new friends--a fellow conference attendee with a knowledge of art and an older local man who volunteers at a nearby museum...and who has taken a special interest in Edith.
But before they can decide precisely what they should do, the clerk from the antique shop calls them in a bit of a panic. It seems that the particular painting they bought was NOT supposed to be for sale and the owners of the shop are quite upset with him. He begs them to return the painting in exchange for something else or for a refund. When they go back to the shop as arranged (though they plan on telling him that they bought the painting good faith and will not be returning it), they discover the police in possession of the establishment and the clerk has disappeared. It isn't long before his body is fished out of the river. What exactly have the women gotten themselves into?
Before long, they find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving an art-smuggling network that is actually a cover for a family descended from a Nazi "hero." These ruthless men were not only responsible for deaths in the Holocaust, but they were part of the Nazi scheme to "liberate" valuable art from lesser mortals. These ruthless men will stop at nothing to retrieve what they believe is rightfully theirs and to prevent Sarah and Edith from leading the police to their network.
This was a very fast-paced read--especially when I was expecting a cozy academic mystery. But it has excellent pacing and an interesting plot, though it did take a bit of belief suspension to picture the academic from small college USA taking on Nazi-descendants/sympathizers. Sarah also had a bit of the Gothic mystery heroine thing going on and when she went out of the hotel with X after specifically being told NOT to leave the hotel for any reason I wanted to throttle her. Anyone with mystery-reading experience just knew what was going to happen next.
I enjoyed the historic tidbits about Prague and learning even more about the Nazi efforts to snatch up priceless artwork from those they conquered. The personal story of Joseph Meyer, the museum guide, was very compelling as he told about the persecution of the Jews and his involvement in trying to rescue artwork that had been stolen by the Nazis. Overall, an interesting novel--with more emphasis on the historic background and an action/thriller atmosphere than a straight mystery, but still very enjoyable. ★★★ and 1/4.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
September 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! The premise was interesting, scholarly conference in Prague. I loved Mum, she was feisty and hilarious! Sarah was too trusting for her own good. Josef was darling and I was devastated when he was murdered. Jake was great, and I really enjoyed the budding relationship between him and Sarah. I did not trust Lazlo from the beginning; he was too smooth. Him ending up being related to a Nazi and still believing in the Nazi goals was shocking, but not surprising. I was unhappy with hot the Ginny story line wrapped up; it felt incomplete. I loved that Mum was able to help save Sarah and that together they were able to not only catch a Nazi, but to foil the smuggling and illegal painting trade. I would love to read about Sarah and Jake. Does she get tenure? Do they find some way to get together? Does the distance get between them? I am definitely interested in more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2016
The premise of this book appealed to me and the intertwining of the mystery with WWII history and the Holocaust held promise. However, it just didn't seem to hold my attention. It certainly didn't have that "couldn't put it down" quality that I like in a mystery novel. The characters just didn't seem very fleshed out and I didn't find myself caring about them.
It did have nice descriptions of Prague and the scenery and setting were good but, on the whole, it was just an unsatisfying read for me.
It did have nice descriptions of Prague and the scenery and setting were good but, on the whole, it was just an unsatisfying read for me.
February 5, 2019
This 'cozy' mystery was a thrill to read with all the educational relation to writing and art! Sense we live not all that far from the Willa Cather center it was fun to read about a scholar teaching on her in such far away places like Prague.
There is so much packed into this little story it almost felt Novel like in information but in to way was too much to take in. In a sense the ending did feel a bit rushed, but perhaps that was me in wanting to get all the information in as fast as I could and yet not wanting the story to end.
There is so much packed into this little story it almost felt Novel like in information but in to way was too much to take in. In a sense the ending did feel a bit rushed, but perhaps that was me in wanting to get all the information in as fast as I could and yet not wanting the story to end.
March 17, 2016
A good read until the last 10 percent, when it became overdrawn and trite. Predictable ending.
July 10, 2019
Good, short mystery about stolen art.
September 18, 2022
Bought for $3 on 8/7/22 because Anne Faigen is teaching an Osher course on Lorraine Hansberry in September. Also bought Out of Turn on 8/31/22.
A delightful foray into the fun mix of international intrigue and romance (reminiscent of Helen MacInnes), with likable characters, historical and literary resonances (as a Willa Cather scholar, Sarah makes me want to read her), lovely and vivid descriptions of Prague,
Sarah Brandau, Willa Cather scholar, makes me want to read her
Genuine, believable, and likable, characters
Lots of humor
Wonderful evocation of Prague
Romance? Mystery? International intrigue? All three?
Nice primer in the Nazi stolen art history and context
Sarah descnded from a disciplined value system, reaped all its (privileged) benefits, surrounded by comfort, opts for simplicity. loc. 265
Lazlo: no acknowledgment of his namesake in Casablanca, and his villainy is transparent but not the less interesting for that.
Both women exhibit a becoming and admirable agency. True heroes (heroines?).
A delightful foray into the fun mix of international intrigue and romance (reminiscent of Helen MacInnes), with likable characters, historical and literary resonances (as a Willa Cather scholar, Sarah makes me want to read her), lovely and vivid descriptions of Prague,
Sarah Brandau, Willa Cather scholar, makes me want to read her
Genuine, believable, and likable, characters
Lots of humor
Wonderful evocation of Prague
Romance? Mystery? International intrigue? All three?
Nice primer in the Nazi stolen art history and context
Sarah descnded from a disciplined value system, reaped all its (privileged) benefits, surrounded by comfort, opts for simplicity. loc. 265
Lazlo: no acknowledgment of his namesake in Casablanca, and his villainy is transparent but not the less interesting for that.
Both women exhibit a becoming and admirable agency. True heroes (heroines?).
August 20, 2021
Cute little romantic mystery that most readers will have solved by the climax. Good for an escapist read.
March 23, 2022
Enjoyed this mystery although it was a little preposterous
September 30, 2023
It was a good, quick read. The ending was nice.
September 1, 2024
An enjoyable mystery with some interesting history, a slightly too predictable villain, and some stilted dialogue. Overall, appreciated.
August 13, 2017
This story was a simple plot centered around stolen art with no detailed plot or collection of characters to get confused with. Simplified read with good ending. Did like the descriptions of the church's and historical buildings in Prague and various areas throughout the book. Good read.
February 28, 2017
Enjoyed, but she (main character) shouldn't be so dim about some things so they can be used to explain things to the reader. A better editor would have caught this. Most mystery readers will be able to just handle explanations in plain speak. Grandmom was excellent!
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March 7, 2013Danger was not on the itinerary when Professor Sarah Brandau set out for a literary conference in historic Prague, accompanied by her spunky grandmother, Edith. While exploring the city's quaint back streets, the duo purchase a lovely piece of artwork from an antiques store and make a stunning discovery—hidden behind the painting is a sketch by famous Impressionist-era artist Mary Cassat.
A desperate phone call from the store clerk insisting they return the print immediately concerns and intrigues the women—especially when the man goes missing.
Soon Sarah and her grandmother connect the valuable Cassat sketch to a vast European art-smuggling network operating out of the city. But the thieves are just part of a bigger, more sinister link to decades-old Nazi secrets. A ruthless war criminal and mastermind is hiding in plain sight. And when Sarah uncovers the truth, this magnificent city may become the last place on earth she ever sees.
Sarah and Edith's friend, an older gentleman, who was showing them around. He is killed by nazi thugs and his grandson comes to Prague for him. The murderer is caught - he turns out to be a man who was interested in Sarah - and he and his grandfather are nazis. Sarah and the grandson get together.
A desperate phone call from the store clerk insisting they return the print immediately concerns and intrigues the women—especially when the man goes missing.
Soon Sarah and her grandmother connect the valuable Cassat sketch to a vast European art-smuggling network operating out of the city. But the thieves are just part of a bigger, more sinister link to decades-old Nazi secrets. A ruthless war criminal and mastermind is hiding in plain sight. And when Sarah uncovers the truth, this magnificent city may become the last place on earth she ever sees.
Sarah and Edith's friend, an older gentleman, who was showing them around. He is killed by nazi thugs and his grandson comes to Prague for him. The murderer is caught - he turns out to be a man who was interested in Sarah - and he and his grandfather are nazis. Sarah and the grandson get together.
July 24, 2017
Initially I thought the book, which promised to be an exciting story about Nazi looted art found in Jewish Prague, fell flat. The characters seemed wooden and even the descriptions of Prague, which should have been scintillating, were disappointing. But, by around Chapter 5, the descriptions of Nazi looting and the movement of stolen Jewish owned works of art during WWII became quite detailed. While I found the characters to be less than appealing (with the exception of the elderly Josef) and lacking the spark of reality, I pressed on for the sake of the art, itself! As a (second) murder was committed and we got closer to uncovering the organization responsible, the suspense built. Art theft and repatriation is a thrilling and dangerous business. I wish the characters in this book had more depth because I really wanted to care about them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2011
This is another good read for a weekend. Throughout the book, the reader gets a tour of Prague and some history of the Nazi's taking works of art and hiding it during WWII.
This book starts in what appears to be present day. A professor, Sarah, goes to Prague for a conference and gets her grandmother to travel with her. Once there the reader meets other characters that add to all the twists and turns in this book. The grandmother purchases a framed picture that is later discovered to also have a stolen art sketch inside it. Then people start to die. The owners of the store want to item back.
In the end, well it's almost a happy ending.
Good read!!
This book starts in what appears to be present day. A professor, Sarah, goes to Prague for a conference and gets her grandmother to travel with her. Once there the reader meets other characters that add to all the twists and turns in this book. The grandmother purchases a framed picture that is later discovered to also have a stolen art sketch inside it. Then people start to die. The owners of the store want to item back.
In the end, well it's almost a happy ending.
Good read!!
April 25, 2014
Great descriptive detail of Prague - I now am adding it to my bucket list! The history of the art thefts tied with Nazi Germany's WWII invasions was compelling & the personal narrative of the persecution of Jews truly touched my heart. This is one of those stories where you take away a great deal, if you allow it. I think there were some unnecessary details, one or 2 sidebars without purpose & an outcome that was fairly predictable, but overall, I did enjoy it & I think the meat of the story - the murders & art theft rings - was captivating.
June 24, 2016
Sarah Brandau invites her grandmother, Edith, to accompany her to Prague where she will be presenting a paper at a literary conference. While touring they purchase a framed landscape for a friend. In the course of straightening the picture in its frame they discover another sketch in the lining. Soon this hidden sketch becomes the cause of a murder and puts them at risk. The book is filled with the history of Nazi stolen artwork and the current attempts to locate and return the works to their original owners. It was interesting as a quick mystery but a little bit of a lecture as well.
December 31, 2013
Purchased on a whim via Kindle deal. Interesting historical background about the Nazis' obsession with art, and the illicit dealing that lasted long after the war. The description and dialogue felt too scripted at the beginning, and the narration started attributing suspenseful feelings to the characters before anything really suspenseful happened, but eventually things got flowing. The characters are pleasant to spend time with.
January 25, 2012
interesting book, a nice fast read, got some interesting history on WW2 that i didn't know about. Not very fast paced. If you normally like thrillers, this might not be your cup of tea. this is more of a historical thriller. the intrigue is as much in the past as it is in the present. a pleasant read, and a nice surprise of a good read.
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January 8, 2014Lighthearted mystery
I enjoyed this book. The relationship between Sarah and Edith was very entertaining. The short history lesson was quite interesting. Some of it seemed to be predictable but not every story has to have crazy mind bending twists and turns to be interesting.
I enjoyed this book. The relationship between Sarah and Edith was very entertaining. The short history lesson was quite interesting. Some of it seemed to be predictable but not every story has to have crazy mind bending twists and turns to be interesting.
March 1, 2015
This was a hand-me-down book laying around that I had not read yet. I didn't expect much, but enjoyed the mystery and some of the history (not sure if it was historically accurate). I also want to go visit Prague now. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.
March 10, 2013
An interesting mystery involving lost art and Nazis.
September 8, 2013
Fairly direct mystery/suspense novel. Slightly odd writing style.
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April 26, 2014It's a quaint mystery fiction novel. It’s an easy read and fairly short, but intriguing in a gentle way.
August 13, 2016
This was a Bookbub freebie for the Kindle app. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great, either. Fairly predictable and not very thrilling thriller.
June 13, 2015
I always enjoy mysteries that feature art history/art theft. This is a slight volume but worth a recreational reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews