Review: Artists and Thieves by Linda Schroeder

Synopsis:  Where there is art, there are thieves. Mai Ling is both. Artist by day, thief by night, she recovers stolen  art for Interpol. It's a business, not a passion, until her beloved grandfather reveals a family secret that is also a destiny. He is duty-bound to return to China an especially precious bowl which belonged to his ancestor. Mai must steal it for him. But Mai Ling is not the only one after the bowl. Four others plan to extract the bowl from a private California art collection. The rival thieves grasp and then lose the bowl until finally Mai is faced with the ultimate dilemma: save the bowl or save herself. Her duty to her grandfather gives her only one choice. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Monterey Peninsula and peopled with quirky characters, this stylish art caper entertains on every page.

Review:  From the get-go, I was drawn to this book because it deals with the art world, and that originally was my major in school (art history).  I still really love art - but life has taken me in different directions.  Regardless, I love the way Linda Schroeder describes various aspects of the art community.  I loved the history involved - especially the story of the bowl.  

The lead character Mai Ling is cunning, determined as has just the right amount of sass.  The secondary characters are great as well - my favorite being Angelo - Mai's friend, and artist - that is working on a giant piece of art involving a historic landmark.  

Another thing that I loved about this book is that Linda Schroeder incorporated history, culture, art and information into the mystery.  It was truly a joy to read.

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