His entry begins:Lately, it’s been non-fiction, perhaps in an effort to find ideas for future books. Just finished Lost in Shangri-la by Mitchell Zuckoff. This one was purely for fun and adventure. During the Second World War II, two American servicemen and a beautiful WAC get shipwrecked (actually planewrecked) in a hidden valley in New Guinea amidst lost-in-time headhunters. What a hook! Still reading David McCullough’s wonderful The Greater Journey about Americans in Paris in the Nineteenth Century. Having just spent a week in that wonderful city, to read how it became a Mecca to Americans who wished to study art, or medicine, or wanted to write in such a nurturing atmosphere, is...[read on]Among the early praise for Stealing Mona Lisa:
"An evocative and engaging reworking of the famous Valfierno myth and the theft of the world's most famous painting. Morton writes beautifully and transports us to an Art Deco world of intriguing criminals."Learn more about the book and author at Carson Morton's website.
--Noah Charney, author of The Art Thief and Stealing the Mystic Lamb
"An intriguing and captivating story about a great scam with a twist in the world of con artists, art forgery and mystery."
--Frank W. Abagnale, New York Times bestselling author of Catch Me If You Can
"With all the careful brushstrokes of a classic, Morton gives us a historical tale of deception and theft surrounding the actual 1911 theft of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. This delightful caper is told from the point of view of Marquis Eduardo de Valfierno, now on his deathbed, several years later … Suspense builds steadily as we hold our breath, waiting to see if all the moving parts can make this audaciousendeavor succeed. You’ll never look at museum art in quite the same way. Great characters, a captivating tale, and vivid descriptions of old Paris make this debut a pleasurable read. Morton's screenwriter/playwright background ensures sparkling dialog. Bring out the popcorn and settle in for excitement, thrills, and tension. Tremendous crossover appeal for historical fiction (think Susan Vreeland) and romance readers, too."
--Library Journal (starred review)
“Like La Jaconde, Carson’s debut novel is set in an elegant frame – a newspaper reporter wrests story from the dying Valfierno – that still isn’t as finely crafted as what lies inside.”
–Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
The Page 69 Test: Stealing Mona Lisa.
My Book, The Movie: Stealing Mona Lisa.
Writers Read: Carson Morton.
--Marshal Zeringue
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