Science, mathematics, and technology are some of the most astounding discoveries in the modern world. Above all, art continues to be unique in its own right. It is important to society because it satisfies our sense of beauty and wonder and provides an outlet for creative expression and historical documentation. How is it possible for art to be stolen or, worse, forged? What happens to stolen works of art? If these criminals are apprehended, how does the law track them down? Rich DiSilvio's Arnolfini Art Mysteries 3 answers these questions masterfully in a beautifully crafted collection of stories that immerse the reader in the art world, its enemies, and its heroes. Here we meet Armand, a multi-talented man who is also a wonderful father to two lovely children. He is also a well-known private investigator specializing in art forgery and other art-related crimes. Follow Armand as he travels across many countries, unraveling the mysteries involving today's art world.

Arnolfini Art Mysteries 3 did not disappoint. The plot development in each of the stories is excellent and engaging. I enjoyed watching the events unfold as Armand sought the truth through tenacity and thinking outside the box. I appreciated the structural organization that the author employed in presenting his work. Rich DiSilvio organized the stories chronologically, with each case standing alone. While the stories are all interconnected and built on one another, each is better and more exciting than the one before. I believe this played a significant role in the book's success. I found the passages that featured Armand and his children the funniest and most endearing. One instance from the tale An American in Paris is when little Jack and Artemisia sprinted into the room where Armand was seated. Artemisia had attempted to take little Jack's book. Even though young Jack cannot read, Armand advises Artemisia to ask Jack's permission before taking the book because it is his. This was just one of many instances that portrayed Armand as a fantastic father. I was also impressed by how DiSilvio kept the collection simple yet well-detailed so that any mystery enthusiast could enjoy it.

Arnolfini Art Mysteries 3 by Rich DiSilvio is a fascinating and educational journey through the world of art and the underworld of art theft and forgery, with the author’s erudite and suave private detective, Armand Arnolfini, this time accompanied on occasion by his lovely wife Andrea and their two children Jack and Artemisia. In this installment of Arnolfini’s adventures, the author takes us all over Europe and throughout the United States in a series of cases that are as varied as they are interesting. From Massachusetts, where the family becomes involved in the true story of the sinking of a whaling ship that inspired Herman Melville’s famous tale, Moby Dick, to France, Italy, and Germany as Arnolfini investigates cases involving Michelangelo, Bernini, Bouguereau, Casper David Friedrich and many more great artists of the past. To all these cases Armand applies his uncanny sleuthing ability, combined with his extensive understanding of art, perspective, brushstrokes, color, and history, along with his considerable courage and strength in the face of criminal elements, to uncover and unmask charlatans and frauds in the art world.

Arnolfini Art Mysteries 3 achieved something I didn’t think possible. It made me aware of and understand the beauty of art as well as music. Rich DiSilvio deserves all the plaudits for that feat alone in awakening a philistine such as me to the wonders and mysteries I had long ignored. Much more than this ability, this set of individual stories within one novel is fun, at times whimsical, and always compelling. Perhaps it was some of the cases that were just a little bit odd that captured my attention more than most but for me, the three stories that held me gripped in anticipation the most were: An Old Whale’s Tale, about the source of Herman Melville’s inspiration for Moby Dick; Pollack’s Paint, a macabre story of a modern-day artist’s quest for an elusive and new color tint; and The American Stonehenge which investigates the strange monument that was erected anonymously in the Georgian hills and christened the Georgia Guidestones. This monument has long been the source of conspiracy theories and ownership claims by Christians and Satanists alike. These are just three of the seven amazingly diverse cases Armand undertakes in this iteration of his adventures. I particularly appreciated the photos scattered liberally throughout the manuscript which highlighted the works being discussed by Armand Arnolfini. The author’s relaxed and conversational writing style made this book a sheer joy to read. This brought each case to life and just adds to the fantastic nature of this book. This is a wonderful read and one I can highly recommend.