The Modigliani Scandal by Ken FollettMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Published under a pseudonym (Zachary Stone) in the 1970s before Follett reached his fame, The Modigliani Scandal is an entertaining look at the follies of the art world, and a reasonably good "mystery" of sorts. The back-of-the-book blurb would have it: "A high-speed, high-stakes caper from the grand master of international action and suspense." High-speed is pushing it a bit--the plot only really picks up speed in Part III, "Figures in the Foreground," but it is good fun. None of the characters are particularly likeable, although I daresay I was originally rooting for Dee, since she needs the "lost Modigliani" for her thesis. Certainly there is intrigue, but as stakes go, they aren't that relatable unless you happen to be in the art world running a gallery. The best part for me is how Follett sets up the denouement at a pub, but then steps back from it before revealing what happens inside that pub. That kept me reading and made for an entertaining ending.
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