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The Painter of Time cover art

The Painter of Time

Written by: Matthew S O'Connell
Narrated by: Susan Fouche
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Publisher's Summary

Contemporary/historical suspense audiobook set amid the art world of modern day NYC and the dawn of the Renaissance in Italy.

Bronx born and bred, Mackenzie Ferrara is both nervous and excited to begin her career as a restorer of fine art at the prestigious Cloisters in New York City. The star of the restoration team is a handsome and reserved Italian, Anthony Bataglia. On loan from the Ufizzi, he is renowned for his ability to bring pre-Renaissance treasures back to life. Despite a rocky start, the two form a close working relationship, which Mackenzie hopes will blossom into something more. 

But as she works with him she begins to notice peculiar patterns and unexplainable similarities in all of his restorations. Something is clearly not what it seems to be with the dashing Mr. Bataglia. Mackenzie - with help from her father, a retired detective - is determined to uncover the truth, regardless of the consequences.

©2015 Matthew O'Connell (P)2018 Matthew O'Connell

What the critics say

Review by Dab of Darkness: This is a charming contemporary tale that incorporates the lives of some of the great Italian artists from Medieval and Renaissance times such as Berlinghiero Berlinghieri, Daddi, Giotto, Filippo Lippi, and Michelangelo. The suspense is well done, cranking the reader up chapter by chapter. There’s also small flashbacks to the lives of these renowned Italian artists. Eventually, it’s revealed what Bataglia’s connection is to these artists and Mackenzie is astounded. I really liked the flashbacks even though they didn’t linger over historical details. The flashback that had the most impact on me involved the bubonic plague. 

Susan Fouche did a fantastic job with this narration. Her New York and Italian accents really brought this story to life. Her pacing was perfect and her male voices were believable. She had distinct voices for all the characters. 

Review by Martha's Bookshelf: The plot details are engaging and kept me eagerly listening. The historical elements of the paintings and the detailed explanation of restoration are very fascinating. The descriptions would pull in any art lover and even those of us who are familiar with some art periods and styles but are in no way art authorities. I recommend this to mystery lovers as well as art lovers. 

Susan Fouche does a wonderful job with the narration. She provides appropriate voices and energies to each of the characters. The presentation is clear and flows easily. I enjoyed this and highly recommend the audio version.  

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  • KM
  • 2020-11-14

Review of The Painter of Time

I can appreciated that it's hard for an actor to voice all the characters but choosing the voice of what sounds like a immature 12 year girl for the heroine of the story - a fully grown, well educated adult - was off-putting. Some of the surprises in the book, particularly the end, are telegraphed in advance. You want to yell at the character "don't be so stupid". Also, the dialogue between characters from the middle ages is full of modern catch-phrases. Still, you do a learn a little about Italian painting in the 13th, 14th an 15th centuries.

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Good but...

I liked the story but... why he’s how he is and the End? No answer to too many questions it took while to get in the story but it finished I was frustrated...

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