Death and Restoration - SPOILER Thread - (Jonathan Argyll #6) (August/Sept 24)

[Susan]

Welcome to our August/Sept 24 buddy read of Death and Restoration Published in 1996 this is the sixth book in the Jonathan Argyll series. This is another series which is coming to an end, with only one book to go after this.

The monastery of San Giovanni has few treasures -- only a painting doubtfully attributed to Caravaggio. So Flavia di Stefano of Rome's Art Squad is surprised to receive a tip-off that a raid is being planned. The raid happens, but the thieves are disturbed and snatch the wrong painting, a curious icon of the Madonna, remarkable only for the affection in which it is held by the local population. Or is this what the thieves wanted all along? Does the legend of the icon's miraculous powers hold any clue? And who murdered the French dealer found in the Tiber soon afterwards? Flavia, with the help of English art dealer Jonathan Argyll, immerses herself in the intricacies and intrigues of monastic and police politics in an attempt to solve the double mystery, but the solution that awaits her is murkier and more complex than anyone could have known.

Please feel free to post spoilers in this thread.

[Sandy]

I am quite sad there is only one more book in the series. I wonder if the series will be tied up in some way with Flavia's promotion and their wedding.

I really liked this book: the sympathetic thief Mary and her aged lover willing to do whatever is necessary to get rid of his (almost) son; all the members of the religious community were interesting (poor Paul who will never get to go home); a truly evil murderer; Flavia learning the political ropes, practicing on easily intimidated Jonathan. There was an interesting historical backstory. Jonathan got to do his research. And I felt sorry for the naive man who thought his money would be doubled (after all it was guaranteed!).

[Judy]

I really enjoyed this one too and am also sad there is only one more, Sandy. I was glad to read this fairly soon after the previous book, as it followed on quite closely - but, having said that, there was enough explanation to make it possible to follow. As you say, all the characters are interesting. Mary's character is hard to resist, and the "office politics" of the monastery are well done.

I do slightly wonder why this series is just described as "Jonathan Argyll", since Flavia is just as important and it always takes both of them to solve the mysteries! Maybe the publisher wanted one detective's name as a handle for the series.

[Sandy]

Re the series name, from GR:
Also known as "Art History Mysteries", this series describes the adventures of art historian Jonathan Argyll and two members of the (fictitious) Art Squad of the Italian police: Flavia di Stefano (deputy) and General Bottando (head of the squad).

[Frances]

I've just finished this one and really enjoyed it as well-I did enjoy seeing Mary Verney back and was only sorry that she was never able to be honest with Flavia and Jonathan about why she was back in the game. I wonder if she will reappear in the final instalment.

I'm not so sure about the reorganization of the Art Squad-while it's nice to see Flavia get a promotion, I'm sorry General Bottando wasn't around for this one.

Did anyone else think Flavia might be pregnant? Her being quite nauseated at one point, and then her being so tired that she fell asleep in her office and there is constant talk of her fatigue made me think this might be a surprise ending for the book, but no.

We had a mini-art heist story here in Canada-the original "Roaring Lion" Karsh portrait of Winston Churchill was stolen from the Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa-where Karsh had lived and worked for many years-during the pandemic (2022) and replaced with a copy, which wasn't noticed for some time . It was apparently sold via Sotheby's and purchased by an Italian lawyer who had it up in his living room. When the theft was discovered the new "owner" graciously offered to return it and there will be a handover ceremony in Rome some time soon. They even mention the Carabinieri being involved in tracing it so it was fun to hear this news while reading the mystery.

[Judy]

I wondered that about Flavia as well, Frances. Interesting to hear of your real-life art theft in Canada, thanks for posting that!