Book Review: Counterfeit Conspiracies by Ritter Ames

Title: Counterfeit Conspiracies
Author: Ritter Ames
Genre: Mystery / Suspense
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 4 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Laurel Beacham may have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she has long since lost it digging herself out of trouble. Her father gambled and womanized his way through the family fortune before skiing off an Alp, leaving her with more tarnish than trust fund. Quick wits and connections have gained her a reputation as one of the world’s premier art recovery experts. The police may catch the thief, but she reclaims the missing masterpieces.

The latest assignment, however, may be her undoing. Using every ounce of luck and larceny she possesses, Laurel must locate a priceless art icon and rescue a co-worker (and ex-lover) from a master criminal, all the while matching wits with a charming new nemesis. Unfortunately, he seems to know where the bodies are buried—and she prefers hers isn’t next.

In Counterfeit Conspiracies, Laurel Beachman is one of the world’s premier art recovery experts. She usually works alone on assignments, but now, she has Jack Hawkes who shows up now and then, and it’s complicating matters since she doesn’t quite know what to make of him. Can she trust him? When a master criminal has stolen a priceless artwork, it’s up to Laurel to save the day.

I enjoyed how most of the story took place in Europe. The settings were great. It’s also action-packed, and from the moment I started reading, I just couldn’t stop. Laurel is an intriguing heroine – a trust fund baby with a proper education, still her dad blew away all her money, thus leaving her without the backing of a family fortune. She’s intelligent, witty, and independent, and has a very strong personality. I liked Jack too – he was a bit of a mystery, and that added to the suspense of the book.

The book also has a James Bond like quality, with Laurel getting shot at repeatedly, or having to run for her life. Usually I’m not that fond of those types of books – I tend to prefer the slower build up, the cozies and such – but here, it’s a great mix and the story is well-balanced.

I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced mystery, especially if you also like art. The whole art conspiracy angle works great, and Laurel’s personality is so interesting I wanted to find out more about her. I look forward to the second book.