Enjoyable

I read this book because the synopsis was intriguing to me. I enjoyed the characters, the setting and play on history. One thing I did not like and which kept this review from being 4 stars is the storyline while at the Louvre with regards to the fighting, lockdown, and police interaction. ( )

Book Riot's 2019 Read Harder Challenge #2 is "An alternate history novel." Having read Vanished Smile as my "Non-Violent True Crime" work, I found it fascinating to read Philips' Mona Lisa's Secret for this category. What if Peruggia didn't try to sell the Mona Lisa to the Uffizi? What if he worked with Chaudron to create an exact replica? What if Peruggia's great-grandson discovers the original in his father's "secret room"? What if Joey Peruggia (the great-grandson) has a girlfriend with an Art History major? What if that girlfriend has been carefully tutored by the head of the Louvre? I could go on and on. This book is an almost endless stream of "what ifs" but to say any more would give away the story. All of the questions above are answered in the first chapter, and there are 74 chapters in this book. Philips is a great story teller. Never a dull moment and lots of local color. This book has my highest recommendation. ( )

Phil Philips seems to draw his inspiration from those closest to him. Wife Marie and sons Alexander and Leonardo share names of multiple characters within this gripping tale.

'Mona Lisa's Secret' is a great example of a Historical Fiction Mystery & Suspense novel. Set mainly in Paris, France, we follow the journey of young Joey Peruggia and his partner, Marie, as they uncover the real Mona Lisa painting in a secret room built by Joey's father.

We undertake a memorable journey with the characters as we uncover the reasons for Joey's family having held on to the painting for so long. This is a novel of secrets, betrayals, and of true cunning. I loved how half way through the story, there is plenty more to come. You think that it could end at any moment, but instead you are taken on a whirlwind adventure, which is difficult to put down.

The words flow effortlessly from page to page. The plot is exciting and well thought out, and displays a particular talent for tension building. The cast of characters shows a unique mix of personalities that shine through the pages. This is a fast paced story, ideal for lovers of action. It made for a thought provoking read that made me think deeply about the world and the history of its people.

There is a dark and mysterious tone to Mr Philips' work. He presents us with a plot that dazzles and charms, with no shortage of action or drama. I would 100% recommend 'Mona Lisa's Secret.' It is a read that will leave you utterly speechless. ( )

I think this book tried to be similar to "The DaVinci Code", but it didn't really succeed. Joey and his girlfriend discover that Joey's family has the real Mona Lisa hidden away. They decide to try to do the right thing and return the painting to the Louvre--asking only for recognition and the chance to clear the name of one of Joey's ancestors. Instead, they find that the curator doesn't want to admit that the painting on display is a well done forgery. He also wants the real painting for a message it contains, hoping that it will lead him to a tomb that also contains documents that will undermine Christianity.

There aren't as many puzzles to solve as "The DaVinci Code" had and some of the action seemed repetitious. ( )

I can never get enough of historical mysteries that involve conspiracies, lost artifacts, ancient secrets and plenty of suspense and action. "Mona Lisa's Secret" by Phil Philips provides all this and more. I was thrilled to discover a new author that I will now put on my list of favorites. If you enjoy this genre, you will not be disappointed in this stellar offering. ( )