Review by Whispering Stories
‘The Girl in the Painting’ is the fourth book in the Nighthawk series, a series that I have had the pleasure of reading over the last few months.
If you’re not familiar with the series, then you can read my reviews of the other books, and an interview with the Author, Here.
In the fourth book, Abi, a talented painter, decides to pick up her paint brushes again, leading to her having an art exhibition in London. On the same night her father suddenly passes away, and it is left to her and daughter Natasha to sort out his possessions. Whilst clearing the attic, they come across a number of paintings, but they are most intrigued by one of a young naked lady with red hair, who looks just like Abi, painted by the famous artist Andrew Devereaux.
The mystery of this woman intrigues the pair of them, and they set out on a mission to discover who she is, and why the painting was in the attic of Abi’s parents’ home. The search takes them to Paris to meet a woman who can help them find the answers, but the pair are in for a big shock.
Whilst Abi and Natasha are searching for answers, Gideon is busy promoting his new album in America, but when he makes a judgement call, against Abi’s advice, he finds himself, once more, in deep water and all over the papers. With the distance between him and Abi, can he make his wife believe that the truth is nothing like what has been printed?
Rachael Richey’s books have gone from strength to strength, since her debut book, ‘Storm Rising’ was released in February 2015.
Abi and Gideon have matured throughout the series, and it’s nice to watch the two of them grow into find young adults, alongside their children Natasha and Ollie.
Ollie being only three doesn’t have much of a part in the book, but Natasha really does make the books more intriguing, with her bold, no nonsense, loud self – a typical teenager.
From the moment the painting was discovered, I myself was curious to find out who the girl was, and I wasn’t disappointed. The book had chapters dedicated to the model, and how she came to be painted naked, back in 1928. The 1920’s certainly seemed interesting, and Paris, although still the city of romance, was so much more sophisticated and artistic than it seems today. Ms Richey also introduces us to some very famous people, from that era.
Whilst the other books in the series have been more about Gideon and his career, this book was Abi’s book. She stepped out from her husband’s shadow and showed us what wonderful woman, mother and artist she is. I loved getting to know more about her, and especially about her ancestry.
Rachael Richey has a wonderful, refreshing writing style. She has a way of intriguing, and hooking her readers, and keeping us there until the very last page. Her vivid descriptions have you wandering the streets of Paris in a dreamy state, and wishing you were there.
This is one series not to be missed. Whether this is the last book in the series, I don’t know, the story doesn’t end on a ‘finale’, so if Ms Richey does decide to write more, I for one will be making sure that I’m first in line to read it.
Reviewed by Stacey
My rating: *****
‘The Girl in the Painting’ is the fourth book in the Nighthawk series, a series that I have had the pleasure of reading over the last few months.
If you’re not familiar with the series, then you can read my reviews of the other books, and an interview with the Author, Here.
In the fourth book, Abi, a talented painter, decides to pick up her paint brushes again, leading to her having an art exhibition in London. On the same night her father suddenly passes away, and it is left to her and daughter Natasha to sort out his possessions. Whilst clearing the attic, they come across a number of paintings, but they are most intrigued by one of a young naked lady with red hair, who looks just like Abi, painted by the famous artist Andrew Devereaux.
The mystery of this woman intrigues the pair of them, and they set out on a mission to discover who she is, and why the painting was in the attic of Abi’s parents’ home. The search takes them to Paris to meet a woman who can help them find the answers, but the pair are in for a big shock.
Whilst Abi and Natasha are searching for answers, Gideon is busy promoting his new album in America, but when he makes a judgement call, against Abi’s advice, he finds himself, once more, in deep water and all over the papers. With the distance between him and Abi, can he make his wife believe that the truth is nothing like what has been printed?
Rachael Richey’s books have gone from strength to strength, since her debut book, ‘Storm Rising’ was released in February 2015.
Abi and Gideon have matured throughout the series, and it’s nice to watch the two of them grow into find young adults, alongside their children Natasha and Ollie.
Ollie being only three doesn’t have much of a part in the book, but Natasha really does make the books more intriguing, with her bold, no nonsense, loud self – a typical teenager.
From the moment the painting was discovered, I myself was curious to find out who the girl was, and I wasn’t disappointed. The book had chapters dedicated to the model, and how she came to be painted naked, back in 1928. The 1920’s certainly seemed interesting, and Paris, although still the city of romance, was so much more sophisticated and artistic than it seems today. Ms Richey also introduces us to some very famous people, from that era.
Whilst the other books in the series have been more about Gideon and his career, this book was Abi’s book. She stepped out from her husband’s shadow and showed us what wonderful woman, mother and artist she is. I loved getting to know more about her, and especially about her ancestry.
Rachael Richey has a wonderful, refreshing writing style. She has a way of intriguing, and hooking her readers, and keeping us there until the very last page. Her vivid descriptions have you wandering the streets of Paris in a dreamy state, and wishing you were there.
This is one series not to be missed. Whether this is the last book in the series, I don’t know, the story doesn’t end on a ‘finale’, so if Ms Richey does decide to write more, I for one will be making sure that I’m first in line to read it.
Reviewed by Stacey
My rating: *****