Status
Off Shelf
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Series
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Collections
Publication
Putnam (2002), Edition: 1st, 386 pages
Description
Fiction. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:Spy turned art restorer Gabriel Allon finds himself accused of murder in this New York Times bestseller from Daniel Silva. An Israeli spy by trade and art restorer by preference, Gabriel Allon arrives in Zurich to restore the work of an Old Master for a millionaire bankerâ??and finds himself standing in blood and framed for the manâ??s murder. While trying to clear his name, Allon is swept into a spiraling chain of events involving Nazi art theft, a decades-old suicide, and a dark and bloody trail of killingsâ??some of them his own. The spy world Allon thought he had left behind has come back to haunt him. And he will have to fight for his lifeâ??against an assassin he himself h
User reviews
LibraryThing member theportal2002
Fantastic book. The story grabs hold of you and never let go. I love the character of Gabriel Allon.
LibraryThing member MSWallack
I got to know the character a bit better, and the plot was more interesting.
LibraryThing member AnneliM
Gabriel Allon, art restorer, is called to Zurich to restore the painting of an old master. He finds the owner of the house dead. Through this, he meets the world famous violinst Anna Roffe and is introducted to the world of Swiss banking....
LibraryThing member miyurose
Another good entry in this series. I wish they'd make one of these into a movie! The focus in this one moves away from the Israel/Palestine conflict and more into ramifications of the Holocaust. It's a nice switch. My one complaint is that I didn't really care for the female lead in this one. She
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was sort of on the flighty and annoying side. Not Gabriel's type at all! Show Less
LibraryThing member FMRox
Gabriel Allon Israeli Mossad agent steps into a mystery of who solved his latest benfactor.
Another interesting twist on the Holocaust thefts of art. The characters are more interesting than the previous novel, but then so is the plot. There are several unlikely turn of events that I didn't like.
Another interesting twist on the Holocaust thefts of art. The characters are more interesting than the previous novel, but then so is the plot. There are several unlikely turn of events that I didn't like.
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And, I really would like to know more about 'the English Assassin'. He was one of the more interesting characters in the novel. I'd like to see him again. Show Less
LibraryThing member ZoharLaor
In this second installment of the Gabriel Allon series we find our sensitive and scarred spy taking on the Swiss bankers who helped the Nazis during WWII and are still hiding old Jewish money and treasure under the boardwalks of Zurich.
As in the first novel, "The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon)", the
Silva's narrative is fast paced and uncluttered. The book's descriptions are detailed but not over bearing and the action sequences are brutal and effective. The characters do not get lost within the book's descriptive prose; they are all individuals, rich and well rounded. The incredible historical research is pouring out of the book, the insight into the world of art restoring is distinct and refreshing, but still manages to be engrossing as well as entertaining.
I felt that the first half of the book was much better than the second half which seemed, to me, to be stretched. However, this is a delightful read and as in the previous Silva books keeps the characters full of shades of gray - it's difficult to say who is the good guy or the bad guy because Silva makes a wonderful, even though not too convincing case, for each (except the Nazis of course).
As in the first novel, "The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon)", the
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reluctant Israeli spy Gabriel Allon is joined by a world famous woman, this time though she is a violinist named Anna Rolfe, on his adventures. As in his previous novels, Mr. Silva brings back characters he created in the "Silva Universe" which are always a pleasure to reacquaint with. The novel is a mystery within a mystery - after recovering some missing paintings Allon goes after the Swiss banking cartel that has been hiding them. In the midst of the all the globetrotting, Allon has to avoid assassination attempts from a worthy adversary, an English assassin, however the least said the better in order to avoid spoiling the story. Silva's narrative is fast paced and uncluttered. The book's descriptions are detailed but not over bearing and the action sequences are brutal and effective. The characters do not get lost within the book's descriptive prose; they are all individuals, rich and well rounded. The incredible historical research is pouring out of the book, the insight into the world of art restoring is distinct and refreshing, but still manages to be engrossing as well as entertaining.
I felt that the first half of the book was much better than the second half which seemed, to me, to be stretched. However, this is a delightful read and as in the previous Silva books keeps the characters full of shades of gray - it's difficult to say who is the good guy or the bad guy because Silva makes a wonderful, even though not too convincing case, for each (except the Nazis of course).
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LibraryThing member chinquapin
In this second book of the series, Israeli art restorer and spy, Gabriel Allon, is sent to Switzerland to restore a Raphael painting. When he arrives at the mansion where he has been sent, he finds the owner, Augustus Rolfe, has been murdered. Delving into the mystery, Gabriel goes to meet Rolfe's
This was another fascinating, fast-paced thriller by Silva. I did not know much about the Swiss role in collaborating with and thereby supporting the Third Reich financially, or about their role in stealing Jewish-owned art. Indeed, I had no idea about how much art had been stolen. I actually went and did some online research on the subject after finishing the book, and I was astounded. That Swiss banking laws have these loopholes that allow Swiss banks and bankers to knowingly own stolen property is shocking. Anyway, I found the storyline intriguing and thought-provoking, and the action to be swift and decisive. I plan to keep on reading the series.
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daughter Anna, who is a famous violinist. He learns that Rolfe had an extensive art collection in a well-protected basement that is now missing. As his investigation continues, a Swiss conspiracy of silence emerges regarding art stolen from the Jews during World War II. This was another fascinating, fast-paced thriller by Silva. I did not know much about the Swiss role in collaborating with and thereby supporting the Third Reich financially, or about their role in stealing Jewish-owned art. Indeed, I had no idea about how much art had been stolen. I actually went and did some online research on the subject after finishing the book, and I was astounded. That Swiss banking laws have these loopholes that allow Swiss banks and bankers to knowingly own stolen property is shocking. Anyway, I found the storyline intriguing and thought-provoking, and the action to be swift and decisive. I plan to keep on reading the series.
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LibraryThing member rosies
Silva improves his writing in this series (clearly shown in book 11 which I read first); this book was boring.
LibraryThing member Condorena
If you like thriller spy stories with death on most pages this is the book for you.
LibraryThing member CMBlaker
I think at first this book started a little slow for me. I like that the author didn't spend a lot of time going over the hero's past or what happened in the a previous book. In so many series the author recaps the past too much! But this book picked up pretty quickly. I love all the history in
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these books, this one in particular focuses on WWII & the lost art the Nazis stole. Very interesting! Show Less
LibraryThing member csayban
Of the first three Gabriel Allon books that I have read (and loved all of them) The English Assassin is my favorite. There is a certain nuance to the storytelling where everything ultimately makes complete sense, but the twists and turns are completely unexpected. Gabriel's spycraft is as much
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intellectual as it is physical - and this is what makes these stories so gripping. He isn't just another superhero. He makes mistakes and he doesn't win every fight. But he perseveres and ultimately makes it through, but not always in the way we would expect. In addition, the artistic eye Silva brings to his storytelling is as beautiful as the art pieces he mentions. I have this entire series on my self and I expect I'm going to saver every single installment. The English Assassin is a book - and a series - everyone should give a try. Show Less
LibraryThing member utbw42
Silva went to another level with this Gabriel Allon novel from his previous works. Great plot, great characters, great writing, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gem....and, the intrigue will continue with the next novel as this one sort of leaves a few things hanging. This one just clicked with me.
LibraryThing member cjordan916
Art restorer and sometime spy Gabriel Allon is asked to visit Zurich, to clean the work of an Old Master for a millionaire banker. But when he gets there he finds the corpse of his client in a pool of blood beneath the masterpiece, and discovers that a secret collection of priceless paintings -
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stolen by Nazis in the war - is missing. With the Swiss authorities trying to pin the murder on Allon and a powerful cabal determined to make sure this wartime secret remains buried, the art restorer must use all his former spy skills to find out the truth. And with an assassin that he helped to train also on the loose, Allon will need all his wits just to stay alive. Show Less
LibraryThing member buffalogr
Silva spins a tale of a secret Swiss society that collaborated with Nazi Germany and a quest to recover art treasures plundered by the Nazis. My thoughts on this book are mixed. The plot is very compelling but the story seemed to jump around. I was afraid that, in this early Gabriel Alon book, I'd
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have to endure discussions of paint brush strokes. However, it was an exciting, intelligent spy thriller with well-defined characters and unpredictable twists. In the end, it just sort of burped. Show Less
LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
Gabriel Allon arrives in Zurich to restore the work of an Old Master for a millionaire banker named Augustus Rolfe and finds himself standing in the dead man's blood and framed for the his murder. In order to extricate himself from a web of suspicion, the art restorer and sometimes Israeli spy must
I've read all of the Gabriel Allon series (through #19 now) and I really enjoy them. Recently I've decided to listen to them all starting from the beginning and am now on the second one. It's interesting to revisit the early Gabriel knowing how things change for him in the future. This is a great series and the narrator, John Lee, does a wonderful job of voicing all the characters I've come to know and love/hate.
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find the murderer. His investigation leads to the English assassin, a former British soldier who has become a ruthless hired killer and a morally ambiguous character who is quite fascinating. Gabriel becomes involved in an investigation that involves a secret Swiss society, long-ago collaboration with Nazi Germany, and a quest to recover art treasures stolen by the Nazi's in WWII, all while guarding a beautiful and damaged violinist.I've read all of the Gabriel Allon series (through #19 now) and I really enjoy them. Recently I've decided to listen to them all starting from the beginning and am now on the second one. It's interesting to revisit the early Gabriel knowing how things change for him in the future. This is a great series and the narrator, John Lee, does a wonderful job of voicing all the characters I've come to know and love/hate.
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LibraryThing member Bookish59
An exciting, fast-paced novel of intrigue, spies, killers and victims in the fight between good and evil.
Enjoyable and well done but I've read many similar type books.
Enjoyable and well done but I've read many similar type books.
LibraryThing member rosalita
Israeli art restorer/assasin Gabriel Allon is back, traveling to Switzerland to meet a man who needs a valuable painting restored. But the man is dead when Gabriel arrives, and the local police suspect he had something to do with it. And just like that we're off and running, from Switzerland to
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Portugal to Italy in a quest to find the truth behind the priceless art stolen from Jews during the Holocaust and hidden, perhaps, in secretive Swiss banks. Everywhere Gabriel goes for answers, he find another professional killer has been there before him, erasing the evidence he needs to uncover the truth. Like the first entry in this series, the plot hums right along and Gabriel, despite his lamentable side hustle, is an appealing and sympathetic figure. Show Less
LibraryThing member cbl_tn
Gabriel Allon’s second outing finds him headed to Switzerland to restore a painting. When he arrives, he discovers his prospective employer dead in his study. Allon is swept up in a web of art theft and conspiracy that stretches back decades, revealing the dark side of Switzerland’s banking
I enjoy mysteries and thrillers about art and music and set in exotic locations. This book has plenty of all three. The author seemed to write himself into a corner a couple of times, though.The hero’s life was spared twice because two different villains had a pang of conscience and passed up opportunities to kill him.
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industry.I enjoy mysteries and thrillers about art and music and set in exotic locations. This book has plenty of all three. The author seemed to write himself into a corner a couple of times, though.
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LibraryThing member Andrew-theQM
4.5 Stars. An excellent read, that kept me wanting to turn the next page! Complex plot involving Nazi stealing of Works of art and Switzerland's involvement in this.
LibraryThing member judithrs
The English Assassin. Daniel Silva. 2002. This is the third Silva novel I have read. In this one art restorer/spy/assassin Gabriel Allon is called to Switzerland to restore a Rubens. What he finds is the body of the banker who had requested his services. As he searches for the murderer he is drawn
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into the world of Nazi art thefts during WWII and Switzerland’s role in bank rolling the Nazis and hiding the art which was considerable. I had no idea the Swiss were so helpful to the Nazis. It makes me angry. I should did out my copy of The Rape of Europa, and read it Show Less
LibraryThing member usuallee
Well written and kept me turning pages. I really didn't buy the resolution though. 2nd in the gabriel allon series. Enjoyed the first. On the fence on whether to continue this series.
LibraryThing member waldhaus1
It keeps the pace, excitement and mystery going. As the reader knows there are more volumes in the series one know Allon survives - but the challenge of survival remains interesting. The possibility of a new love interest is exciting.
LibraryThing member Jthierer
I really liked the subject of this one (Nazi-era looting of money, art and other valuables from Jews in occupied countries) but I felt like the wrap up was massively underwhelming. I'm hoping the loose ends from this one are tied up in a future book in the series.
LibraryThing member labfs39
Gabriel Allon is called to Zurich to evaluate and restore a Raphael, but when he arrives the owner is lying in a pool of blood. Gabriel is soon caught up in case involving a missing art collection, a Swiss banking cabal, and a temperamental violinist.
I liked this second book in the Allon series
I liked this second book in the Allon series
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much more than the first. The author seems to have moved past his adolescent fixation on women's bodies, and focuses instead on an interesting chapter in history: the Nazi theft of art and the role of Switzerland in aiding and abetting the Nazis by laundering artwork and preventing its reclamation by the rightful heirs. Show Less
LibraryThing member JudyGibson
Yes, you really do have to read this series in order. Important foundational story in this one.
Subjects
Awards
Crime Writers' Association Awards (Shortlist — 2006)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2002
Physical description
386 p.; 6.3 inches
ISBN
0399148515 / 9780399148514