I loved the setting and the detailed descriptions of art and various works. The mystery itself is a pretty strong one and made for a plot which was engaging. The writing style was a bit awkward for my taste, seeming to lack pace and flow.

An intriguing art crime novel with excellent setting.

This is the second Helena Marsh novel by Anna Porter, and it reminds me a bit of Chris Pavone’s The ExPats in tone and pacing (which is fine) though I would have preferred that it pace more like his subsequent books.

I class this as art crime rather than art heist, and I wish it had been the later, at least in terms of the way both types of books tend to move. Still, it’s a good story, and the lack of adventurous spirit and dynamism is easily made up for in subtle bit excellent atmosphere, art education, and bits of wry humor.

The role of the art in the story is the best part of the book, since Helena and Attila (while likable enough) are not especially enthralling or dynamic characters. I appreciate Helena’s cool under pressure, but I would love to see her show a bit more personality and some deliberate humor. I kept thinking (and this goes for more than just the protagonist) that for a “light” book, this book really needed to lighten up a bit.

In terms of setting, Porter does exceptional work, true of each city featured in the story as well as the way she effortlessly shifts the story between them. I would love to see a true art heist as the subject of the next book in the series, keeping the academic tone with regard to the art and the rich sense of place, but adding a bit more action to the mix.

It's a good mystery, fast paced and action packed.
It's the second in a series but it can be read as a stand alone
Entertaining and gripping, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I was intrigued by this release and the cover featuring one of my favorite paintings. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy reading this novel. I had to do some research to ensure this was not in fact a translation. The writing is so clunky.

Deceptions is a fast-paced art world thriller, set between Strasbourg and Budapest. Helena Marsh is a kickass art historian who can change her appearance at a moment's notice and take down bad guys without breaking a sweat. Her adventures as she attempts to authenticate an Artemisia Gentileschi painting are a ton of fun.

Deceptions is a sequel but it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first volume but had no issues understanding the relationships between the characters. Helena is an art expert called in to authenticate a painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, an artist that I’m embarrassed to say I only knew because of the Maestra trilogy. Helena Marsh reminded me a little of this other character, since she’s a strong woman with talents that only a super spy would normally have (minus the explicit content). Helena has shady relationships with characters that come from the previous volume and which seemed harder to follow. The political intrigue was also too convoluted for me, but I enjoyed the artistic part. Helena’s secretive activities to find out more information about the painting and the people involved in the intrigue were very suspenseful. I also loved her relationship with Attila, a Hungarian ex-cop who helps her throughout the novel. I should warn other readers that reading Deceptions will bring an intense desire to visit Budapest, which is described in such loving detail that it shines.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/ECW Press!

i hadn't read the first book in the series, I enjoyed reading this book it had a strong female lead and a great read. I look forward to more from the author and this series.