The Black Painting - by Neil Olson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A Strand Magazine Best Book of the Year

"A riveting psychological thriller, a serious dissection of a dysfunctional family and an exploration of the power of art to change lives." --Associated Press

"A fast-paced psychological thriller with a fascinating set of characters.... A real page-turner." --B.A. Shapiro, author of The Art Forger

An atmospheric literary mystery about an infamous painting rumored to be cursed--and the family torn apart by its disappearance.

When Teresa's grandfather summons her and her three cousins to his mansion at Owl's Point, the invitation comes as a surprise. None of them have seen the old man since they were children, when a priceless Goya painting was stolen from the estate, a theft that split the family apart in a cloud of accusations and suspicion.

But when Teresa arrives, she finds the old man dead, his gaze fixed on the wall where the painting once hung. As her family gathers to mourn, Teresa seeks an explanation for her grandfather's death and the painting's disappearance. But to do so she must uncover her family's secrets and face those who would keep them hidden.

A masterful, deftly plotted novel, The Black Painting explores the profound power that art and the past hold over our lives

Review Quotes

"The Black Painting is a fast-paced psychological thriller with a fascinating set of characters caught in a web of family lies, deceits, secrets, mental instability and a possible murder. This powerful tale of love and betrayal centers around a sinister painting that may, or may not, be haunted. A real page-turner." --B.A. Shapiro, author of The Art Forger

"The volatility of memory, the treacherous crucible of family lore, and the myths and mysteries of Goya's Black Paintings all come hypnotically together in Neil Olson's outstanding novel. With taut, confident prose and breathless plotting, Olson leads us through a dark and dazzling kaleidoscope of a story. Here is a writer to watch." --Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun

"Family money and long-held family secrets are at the heart of this gripping whodunit... a fast-paced, fun read that's hard to put down." --Mystery Scene

"Neil Olson's The Black Painting is an expertly confected, delicious mystery/thriller, and also a deeper study of the family romance, with echoes of Cheever's 'Goodbye, My Brother.'" --Madison Smartt Bell, author of Behind the Moon

"You'll need extra coffee in the morning because The Black Painting is going to keep you up reading way too late! A well-crafted psychological thriller with an intricate plot and first-rate characters, this deluxe suspense literally bursts with surprises. " --M.J. Rose, New York Times bestselling author of The Reincarnationist

"With its page-turning plot and moody atmospherics, Olson's tale proves seductive. ... Get ready for a thrilling ride through the worlds of the unhappy rich, whose acquisitions can prove very dangerous indeed." --Toronto Star

"[A] taut psychological thriller... This dark, supernaturally tinged tale ends on an unexpectedly hopeful note." --Publishers Weekly

"Olson explores the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and their relationship with Goya's terrifying self-portrait... a promising psychological thriller." --Kirkus Reviews

"This engrossing, dark psychological suspense tale will draw followers of art-based crime fiction." --Booklist

"This is an incredible plot with unknown twists that all readers who love mystery and suspense will thrive on." --Suspense Magazine

"The Black Painting explores the profound power of art and the past." --Eastbay Express