St. Agatha's Breast
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Book Overview
"A fascinating mixture of good, evil, blood, religion, and the Internet, this first novel is a compelling read." -Library Journal For the monks of San Redempto, a decaying monastery in Rome, the rewards of embezzlement and the indulgence of their carnal appetites are distraction enough to prevent them from noticing that someone has been plundering the monastery of its treasure. But when archivist Brocard Curtis identifies the artist of the one remaining painting as 17th-century master Nicolas Poussin, they find themselves under close and unwelcome scrutiny. Ambitiously offbeat and graphically startling, St. Agatha's Breast is a brilliant mystery of corruption, sexuality, and murder. T.C. Van Adler is very experienced in the worlds of both art and the church. Van Adler is a pseudonym.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1555837085
ISBN13:9781555837082
Release Date:December 2001
Publisher:Alyson Books
Length:292 Pages
Weight:0.62 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 5.4" x 8.5"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Delightful
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
This book, and the sequel, are delightful little gems. Yes, as with others, I would love to know the real "T.C. Van Adler", an interesting person I should think. I cannot speak for the Latin, but the English usage is complex and new words abound. The plot is superficial, the novel not deep, but the writing style is enchanting. One chapter - and all are short - is a wonderful description of the decaying building. Closing my eyes, I could picture this edifice along one of the small Roman streets. This is a book to keep and re-read for sheer pleasure from time to time. It is fun. It would have five stars had the plot been a bit more convincing, but then again, perhaps the plot is close to truth, and I simply do now how close it may be!
fantastic book - full of extraordinary characters
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Loved it from start to finish. Great characters and plot. Van Adler did his homework - art history, monastic life (could it really be like that) and so many twists and turns. Can't wait for the next novel.
I LOVED IT!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
It is rare that you find a book with such intense character development. T.C. Van Adler draws you into each person's psyche through the use of exceptionally crafted, descriptive language.It is like peeling away layers to delve deeper into the mystery of not only what has happened in this mystery linking religion and art, but why. A compelling, must read book, almost impossible to put down.
A Real Gem of a Mystery--Who is Van Adler?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This novel is so far above the typical art-heist books being cranked out these days. The superb, comic writing reminds one of the best work of Ngaio Marsh. The characters in their manifold perversities, problems, and schemes are deeply satisfying. Van Adler's critical insights to the art history profession are right on target. So who is this Van Adler anyway? It's hard to believe this is really a debut novel. It seems more likely that it comes from an experienced literary comic novelist who has, for the fun of it, turned his or hand to the genre of mystery.
a cross between umberto eco and carl hiaasen
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This book is wonderful. The plot revolves around stolen artwork from a monastary in Rome. No one is pious, chaste or virtuous. Everyone has secrets, and the cast of characters are bawdy, funny and licentious. I was surprised with the accessability of these men - one of the best parts of the book is the e-mails!!!
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