Reviews
Anita's Lot
Bookviral Review
"Edge-of-your-seat intrigue that keeps one glued to the words..."
Original crime fiction with a sublime twist “Anita’s” Lot prospers in everyway British Murder Mystery Novels should with Clive Lord giving his readers a peak beneath the veneer of the glamorous and exclusive world of art auctions.
A lively read with Lord drawing on his extensive experience as former chief operating officer of Sotheby’s there’s enough here to keep the most inquisitive reader guessing, but where Lord ultimately excels is in his characterization, creating personalities that are bold and wholly memorable, with dialogue that is sharp and keenly observed.
Moving along at a brisk clip ‘Anita’s Lot’ is paced like a police procedural with Lord wringing out the suspense as disgraced policewoman Anita Wu and Camau (nephew of the Home Secretary) dig deeper into the mysterious worldwide deaths of wealthy collectors.
The twists work well with not so many shocks that they begin to wear thin and Lord is careful not to condense Anita and Camau’s investigations into a handful of genre tropes. They are genuinely interesting and intelligent characters whilst the added dynamics of a global investigation take them to locations that are not only well described but provide for character development.
With backstories quickly established Lord weaves a plot with more than enough unexpected twists to keep the attention of readers throughout and spins them with a level of clarity that leaves us in no doubt what he wants us to think, suspect and know. Drawing us into mysterious deaths that compel us to dwell on the outcome, but always finding the right balance between show and tell, with a fine eye for detail when the setting demands it.
This is essential because friendship, trust and truth are often shaped by perspective and can be more complicated than they might first seem. It’s this that Lord taps into to create the undeniably warm rapport that defines Anita and Camau’s working relationship and evolving friendship and brings their characters to life.
In a genre that more often than not favours the shock factor over the elements of good writing and originality, Anita’s Lot generates the kind of edge-of-your-seat intrigue that keeps one glued to the words and the pages turning. It is highly recommended!
OnlineBookClub.org review
Anita’s Lot is a crime thriller novel by Clive Lord. It is centred around the art world and crimes that supposedly occur below the surface. The book is divided into three parts. The first part examines the recruitment of officers and the Art Squad's rebirth. Anita Wu is a high-ranking officer due for a promotion, but a video showing a moment of lapse takes all that away, and she is sent to head the almost non-existent Metropolitan Art Squad department. She is assigned an assistant, Camau, and decides to make the best of her situation.
In the book's second part, the team of Anita and Camau fly to different locations to investigate crimes related to murder and the success and auction sales of single-owner collections. They visit locations like Iceland, Dubai, India, Miami, etc., where some high-profile people have died mysteriously, and their art properties have sold for hundreds of millions of dollars each. Anita deeply suspects foul play, but is she right? I believe there's only one way to find out. The third part sees the squad connecting the dots, crossing the 'T's, and dotting the Is. What shocking revelation awaits them in the end?
Anita’s Lot ranks easily among the best books I've read. It was an absolute masterpiece, dutifully incorporating adventure, mystery, service to the country, love, and art. I commend the author on the evident amount of research that appeared obvious from this work. All the locations mentioned in this book were real, for instance, the Silfra fissure in Iceland; his ability to weave an eventful plot around this fascinated me. The story is told from the third person's perspective, giving the audience ample time to sit back, observe, and reach their conclusions on events occurring throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the second part, as I am an adventurist. I was unprepared for how the story ended; who could have ever thought?
While reading this story, I contemplated adding the book's length as a dislike. Still, as I went further, I discovered that the length was necessary for the reader to truly experience the plot and visualize it as a spectator. In that vein, I did not dislike anything in this story; instead, I enjoyed everything, from travelling to investigations. My favourite character is Anita; her role in this story could be compared to that of a phoenix. She did not allow her past to define her, which is a lesson worth learning. I'm rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I recommend this book to audiences interested in themes like adventure, mystery, crime thrillers, espionage, and stories centred on art. It comes thoroughly recommended by me, as I had a wonderful experience.
Ursula's Tribute
The BookViral Review
"A notable blend of thriller, mystery, modern technological intrigue"
“Ursula’s Tribute,” penned by Clive Lord, is the thrilling sequel to “Anita’s Lot.” Lord, who spent over two decades working at Sotheby’s, brings his extensive experience in the art world to bear in this engaging novel. Set in the high-stakes environment of the fictional Mount’s Auction House, this story intertwines mystery, art, crime, and personal journeys in a compelling narrative. The intrigue quickly deepens with the introduction of various colourful characters, such as Riccardo Hofstadt, Brad Numan, and other figures within Mount’s Auction House.
“Ursula’s Tribute” explores themes of power, greed, and the lengths individuals will go to achieve their desires. It delves into the moral complexities of the art world, where the line between legality and criminality often blurs. The novel also touches on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, as characters confront their past actions and seek to make amends.
Lord excels in character development, presenting a diverse and memorable cast. Anita Wu is portrayed as the determined and resilient leader of the Anti-Terror Threat Unit, grappling with personal and professional challenges. Her partner, Juliet, adds depth to Anita’s character, showcasing the complexities of their relationship amidst the chaos.
Penny and Stephen bring a refreshing dynamic to the story. Penny, a sharp-tongued and wealthy aristocratic art collector, adds both humour and tension with her unfiltered opinions and insatiable curiosity. Her relationship with Stephen, a retired police officer ready to enjoy a quiet life, injects warmth and humanity into the story.
One of the most intriguing characters is not human at all: SPOT, Mount’s state-of-the-art AI system. SPOT plays a pivotal role in managing the auction house’s business opportunities. Its artificial intelligence allows it to analyze vast data sets, identify lucrative clients, and streamline Mount’s operations. Lord weaves in the technical complexities of AI with ease, making SPOT’s contributions to the story both believable and impactful without overwhelming the reader with jargon. The incorporation of SPOT into the narrative reflects modern-day concerns about the impact of technology on traditional industries and the moral implications of relying on AI for decision-making.
Camau’s character arc is a subtle but significant exploration of personal growth, family loyalty, and the choices that define who we become whilst Dynami, the criminal syndicate that emerges as a significant force in the subplot, reinforces the novel’s exploration of hidden power structures. The syndicate’s reach into the art world serves as a reminder of the darker, more corrupt side of wealth and influence.
Clive Lord’s writing is both engaging and accessible, with a keen eye for detail that brings the world of high-stakes art auctions to life. His background in the art industry lends authenticity to the narrative, enriching the reader’s experience. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining suspense while allowing for character development and intricate plot twists.
Conclusion: “Ursula’s Tribute” is a notable blend of thriller, mystery, modern technological intrigue, and character-driven drama, set against the glamorous yet perilous backdrop of the art auction world. Fans of Lord’s first book and newcomers alike will find “Ursula’s Tribute” an absorbing and satisfying read.
OnlineBookClub.org review
In "Ursula's Tribute: The Biggest Auction And The Largest Theft Of All Time (Mystery thriller Book 2)," Clive Lord crafts a high-stakes mystery thriller set in the intricate world of art auctioning. The story centers around Mount, the world's oldest art auction house, and its involvement in an unprecedented plan to sell The Moon. This ambitious endeavor is spearheaded by Dr. Banjo, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who envisions the sale as a way to prevent global powers from exploiting The Moon's resources for destructive purposes.
Mount's involvement comes after a turbulent period in its history. Rosemary Akbarov, wife of the former director, Kerem Akbarov, is imprisoned for a string of murders tied to the art world, a scheme she orchestrated with her brother Charles. With the scandal behind it, Mount is taken over by Riccardo and his partner Brad, who revitalize the auction house into a thriving and transparent enterprise. Their success leads to their selection as the facilitators of The Moon's sale, a project with the potential to reshape global dynamics.
As Riccardo and Brad assemble a team to handle the auction, the plot thickens with the introduction of Penny, a wealthy socialite with a penchant for acquiring rare art, including the coveted Fabergé rock.
However, the narrative takes a darker turn when Dynami, a shadowy organization, disrupts the sale. Dynami's theft of digital art images from museums worldwide alarms global leaders, prompting an investigation by the Art Squad, a team of detectives with a history of solving high-profile art crimes. Their pursuit leads them across the globe in a race to uncover the truth behind Dynami's operations.
As auction day draws near, a shocking revelation surfaces—Dynami is, in fact, Brad's father, Professor Baumann, a physicist who masterminded the greatest art theft in history. His actions are driven by a desire to honor his late wife, Ursula, a victim of the art world's greed. Baumann's condition for returning the stolen wealth and transferring ownership of The moon is to rename it Ursula, ensuring her legacy endures.
Throughout the novel, Clive Lord weaves a complex web of intrigue, betrayal, and redemption, exploring the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones and secure their place in history. As the Art Squad closes in on the truth and global leaders grapple with the implications of The Moon sale, "Ursula's Tribute" delves into the ethical dilemmas of power, legacy, and the preservation of humanity's future.
What I particularly appreciate about "Ursula's Tribute" is its masterful intertwining of high-stakes drama with profound moral questions, all set against the backdrop of the art auctioning world. Clive Lord skillfully uses the audacious concept of selling The Moon to explore themes of power, greed, and the potential for collective human action to shape a safer future. The novel captivated me not just for its unique premise but also for how it confronts the reader with the consequences of unchecked ambition and the destructive potential of advanced technology.
For instance, the revelation that Dr. Banjo, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, orchestrated The Moon's sale to prevent the exploitation of its resources by power-hungry nations struck me as both a brilliant plot twist and a thought-provoking commentary on modern geopolitics. The sale of The Moon, while initially seeming outlandish, is grounded in a deeply relevant concern—the fear that technological advancements could lead to further nuclear proliferation and potentially catastrophic outcomes. This aspect of the book resonated with me, as it underscores the importance of proactive global cooperation to prevent future disasters.
This book is worth my rating of 5 out of 5 stars; I have found nothing to dislike about it, and the editing is exceptionally well done. The writing style of the novel is top-notch because the author made it readable, with every action keeping readers engaged, especially in the climactic scenes. The writing style and the word choices used are unique and commendable.
I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy complex, thought-provoking thrillers that blend elements of science fiction, mystery, and ethical dilemmas. The book will particularly appeal to those interested in stories that challenge the status quo and offer a fresh perspective on the potential consequences of humanity's technological and moral choices. It’s a gripping read that not only entertains but also leaves you reflecting on the state of the world and our collective responsibilities.
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.