Veridian Sterling has graduated from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, but it doesn’t seem to be helping her get a foot in the door of any of New York’s numerous art galleries. Living with her mother and shouldering some of her difficulties isn’t easy either. So when a basic gallery receptionist job opens up, Veridian takes it. Little does she realise how it will throw her headlong and flailing, into the world of fine art crimes, heists and bring her face to face with her family’s past.
Veridian is a wonderful young protagonist, the reader instantly empathises with her. I was drawn into her “Meryl Streep in the devil wears prada” boss Myra and her shenanigans. When Veridian overhears Myra talking about the finders fee for a lost Van Gogh, she decides to try something alternative. What follows is the buildup of her relationship with Charles Winthrop, a celebrated art dealer and his utterly charming British driver Tate.
The author keeps the reader guessing with the twists in the tale. As someone who works in tech I also enjoyed the appearance of an nft in the picture – used in modern times to place a permanent record of the authenticity of an artwork. Eventually we follow veri as she navigates the complex web of art crime she finds herself in.
This is a great read on a very unique theme. I particularly enjoyed how it came together at the end and the different character arcs – including Veridian’s mother Belinda & her friend Alison, the sculptor. The characters are relatable and also this is an interesting way to get acquainted with famous art. One to watch out for this summer!