Book Talk | For The Minds and Wills of Men
AND WILLS OF MEN
by
Jeff Lanier
Mystery / Art History
Publisher: Boyle & Dalton
Date of Publication: October 16, 2022
Number of Pages: 310 pages
Scroll down for Giveaway!
A gripping, historical art mystery set in 1950s New York, For the Minds and Wills of Men is a story of art, love, and Cold War fear, suspicion, and betrayal.
MANHATTAN, 1953. Fear of communist subversion and espionage are tearing America apart. Abstract expressionism is on the verge of exploding, making New York the cultural epicenter of the world. While recovering a stolen Jackson Pollock for a wealthy client, art insurer Will Oxley falls for the client's daughter, Liz Bower, who leads him deep into the rebellious and seductive world of the abstract expressionist painters, their Village bar haunts and East Hampton binges. But when Will learns the painting-and Liz-may be hiding communist secrets better left hidden, he finds himself torn between exposing the girl he loves or risking his life by trusting her instead. Realizing nothing is as it seems, Will is caught between communist espionage, secret government programs, and the grip of cold war fear, suspicion, and betrayal where trust is all he has left...
With post-World War II New York, 1950s avant-garde art world, and the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings as background, the novel tells the story of abstract expressionism and mid-century American politics- through the thrilling search for a stolen Jackson Pollock.
I love a good double-agent type of book and For The Minds And Wills of Men did not disappoint! From almost the very beginning of our story, you notice that things are not what they appear to be at first glance. Our author keeps us on our toes the whole book wondering what Liz is really hiding and if the missing painting is even real or all a ploy.
Our characters are also written to make us feel like secrets are in every corner of this book. Our main character's love interest, Liz, is written in a cool and mysterious way that you don't blame Will, our main character, for falling head over heels for her in an instant. Other characters we meet along the way also makes the reader wonder if they are telling the truth or are just great liars that blend in with everyone. Even Will, at times, can make us feel his doubts on everything come to fruition throughout the book. But besides being mysterious, our author did a great job shining a light on Will and his journey with PTSD. We got to see and feel how our main character moves through life with something that seems will always be on his shoulder and are brought to peace and calm when he is feeling steady with his paintings that he protects.
Besides plot and characters, I was also just engulfed in this world that doesn't feel talked about as much. This is not just a post-war world, it's one where people left for a war and didn't come back completely the same. Our author's incredible attention to detail, without a sense of over-explaining the setting, made for a great time piece. While reading, I could envision where our main character was, his mannerisms, and how he interacted with his surroundings without using too much brain power.
Overall, I enjoyed this detective-like story. A a reader, we are kept on our toes by our outstanding cast of characters and are able to envision everything perfectly through our author's words. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. Until next time - Happy Reading!
PRAISE FOR FOR THE MINDS AND WILLS OF MEN
*2023
INDIEREADER AWARD WINNER: 1ST PLACE FICTION*
"Lanier brilliantly evokes the energy and excitement of the New York art world in this Cold War thriller with an artistic twist. Along the way, he gives us fascinating insights into Abstract Expressionism and the power of art to communicate values and ideas."
-Ross
King, Acclaimed art historian and New
York Times bestselling author of The Judgment of Paris, Brunelleschi's Dome,
and Michelangelo and The Pope's Ceiling.
Click to Purchase!
Jeff Lanier is an award-winning author. He earned bachelor’s degrees in history and art History at the University of Texas, Austin, with a focus on the History of American Culture through Art and Literature. He has a master’s from Rice University, is a member of the American Society of Aesthetics, and currently lives in Houston with his wife and three children.
--------------------------------------
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
ONE WINNER:
Autographed hardcover copy of
For the Minds and Wills of Men
(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 8/4/23)
CLICK TO VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE
FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY,
or visit the blogs directly:
|
07/25/23 |
Review |
|
|
07/25/23 |
Review |
|
|
07/25/23 |
BONUS Stop |
|
|
07/26/23 |
Excerpt |
|
|
07/26/23 |
Review |
|
|
07/26/23 |
BONUS Stop |
|
|
07/27/23 |
Review |
|
|
07/28/23 |
Scrapbook Page |
|
|
07/28/23 |
Review |
|
|
07/29/23 |
Review |
|
|
07/30/23 |
Excerpt |
|
|
07/31/23 |
Review |
|
|
08/01/23 |
Book Club Kit |
|
|
08/01/23 |
Review |
|
|
08/02/23 |
Review |
|
|
08/03/23 |
Review |
|
|
08/03/23 |
Review |
blog tour services provided by
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this book -- I'm really looking forward to reading it! sounds completely different from anything on the shelves right now.
ReplyDelete