"Exploring the Shady Sides of Art History: 7 Novels Revealing the Art World's Dark Secrets"
Art historical crime novels, a captivating subgenre that blends mysteries and crimes with themes related to art, artists, or art history, have been gaining popularity among readers. These novels offer intriguing narratives that delve into the rich tapestry of art and history, providing a unique perspective on both.
While a direct list of art historical crime novels may not be readily available, related mystery novels often incorporate art-themed puzzles or historical artworks as central plot elements. For instance, stories involving medieval paintings or occult art during wartime showcase how art history can create intriguing crime narratives [2].
Classic amateur detective novels with rich historical or cultural backgrounds are another great option. Novels such as Agatha Christie's *The Body in the Library* and Ellis Peters' *A Morbid Taste for Bones*, while not strictly about art history, often delve into historical settings that involve art and artifacts [4].
The appeal of settings like Oxford, with its beautiful historical architecture, demonstrates that crime fiction set in historically and artistically rich environments is well received. These settings naturally weave art and history into the crime narrative [3].
For those interested in crime novels with a historical/artistic dimension, exploring mysteries that involve secret societies, occultism, or surrealism set against historical backdrops—like the War Office cohort using occultists during WWII—may be quite engaging [2].
To find more explicit art historical crime novels, consider looking into mystery series where art theft, forgery, or art-related murders are central, such as those by authors like Elizabeth Peters or Laurie R. King, who incorporate art history into their plots [5].
Some recent recommendations include Fiona Davis's "The Magnolia Palace," which centres on a New York City landmark, the Frick Museum, and involves a murder mystery in 1919 and a modern-day story. B.A. Shapiro's "The Muralist" is set in 1940, during the lead-up to the Second World War, and focuses on an artist named Alizée Benoit who vanishes. Steve Martin's "An Object of Beauty" takes place mainly in 90s New York and tells the story of Lacey Yeager, a young woman who gets involved in dodgy art deals [6].
In conclusion, whether you're interested in medieval paintings, occult art, or famous art locales, or prefer classic amateur detective novels with puzzles related to historical or cultural artifacts, or historical mysteries involving art history and secret societies, especially those set in interesting eras like WWII, art historical crime novels offer a rich and engaging reading experience [1][2][3][4]. These novels not only provide a thrilling mystery but also offer a glimpse into the past, revealing politics, conventions, materials, and individual biographies [7].
References: [1] https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/apr/23/the-best-art-crime-novels-to-read-right-now [2] https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/art-mysteries-that-blend-history-and-crime [3] https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/oct/13/the-best-crime-novels-set-in-oxford [4] https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/apr/26/amateur-detectives-crime-fiction [5] https://www.theartnewspaper.com/features/the-best-art-crime-novels-ever-written [6] https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/287116/the-magnolia-palace-by-fiona-davis/ [7] https://www.theartnewspaper.com/comment/art-crime-novels-are-a-microcosm-of-their-time
Art-themed historical mystery books can immerse readers in intriguing narratives, blending suspenseful crime plots with insights into art history and lifestyle. For example, novels like Elizabeth Peters' "The Crocodile on the Sandbank" or Laurie R. King's "A Grave Talent" offer suspenseful historical crime stories that seamlessly integrate art history and cultural details.
