MYSTERY

The Flanders Panel - Arturo Perez-Reverte

In the realm of literary mystery, Perez-Reverte provides a modern, sophisticated and unfortunately shallow look at art, history, mystery and the prototypes of the business.

I chose this novel randomly after studiously perusing the shelves of Barnes and Noble for a smart, interesting mystery. I was tempted to go with a traditional Agatha Christie or Janet Evanovich, but I opted for the quasi DaVinci Code read alike.

The premise is a painting with three subjects and an unfinished game of chess set in the 15th century. Julia, art restorer and protagonist uncovers the real mystery of this painting, an unsolved murder and the unlikely murderer. Soon enough a 20th century game of chess begins and she becomes a living piece on the chessboard.

While the mystery is seemingly interesting in the beginning, shortly enough the plot becomes a mess of poorly orchestrated chess plays and a set of characters that are clunky and pretentious.

Despite the bland plot it is the stereotypical characters that really disappoint. There’s the flaming homosexual, the older, slutty crack addict and the beautiful, independent, single and searching, protagonist. None of these characters would ever associate with each other in real life and I was appalled at the casual use of heroine and alcohol by the cast.

The novel gets two thumbs down from this reader. If this is what “literary” mysteries are all about, I’ll stick to M.E. Braddon or Agatha Christie. Arturo Perez should read Joanne Harris’, Gentlemen and Players and learn from her use subtlety - especially, when it comes to a chess undertone. Harris dominated it with that novel.

Note: I read the Publisher’s Weekly review after I wrote this and while theirs may be a little more eloquent, I’m glad to see that we’re eerily on the same page.
http://www.amazon.com/Flanders-Panel-Arturo-Perez-Reverte/dp/0553377868

Other more worthy reads:

Ex-Libris by Ross King
Features a man on a mysteries journey through the world of books in 17th century London. What could be better!!

Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris
Harris a modern master of language, subtlety and unique backgrounds creates this masterpiece with a classic feel amidst a prestigious boys school. Harris uses the concept of chess to direct her players moves, the ending is delicious and unexpected. A must read.