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Jennifer S. Alderson
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The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery (Zelda Richardson Mystery Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jennifer S. Alderson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,560 ratings
Museum intern Zelda Richardson is swept into the mystery surrounding artwork hidden from the Nazis during World War II. But Zelda’s not the only one searching for the missing paintings — and her rival would kill to find them first…

When a Dutch art dealer hides the stock from his gallery – rather than turn it over to his Nazi blackmailer – he pays with his life, leaving a treasure trove of modern masterpieces buried somewhere in Amsterdam, presumably lost forever. That is, until American art history student Zelda Richardson sticks her nose in.

After studying for a year in the Netherlands, Zelda scores an internship at the prestigious Amsterdam Museum, where she works on an exhibition of paintings and sculptures once stolen by the Nazis, lying unclaimed in Dutch museum depots almost seventy years later. When two women claim the same portrait of a young girl entitled Irises, Zelda is tasked with investigating the painting’s history and soon finds evidence that one of the two women must be lying about her past.

Before she can figure out which one and why, Zelda learns about the Dutch art dealer’s concealed collection. And that Irises is the key to finding it. Her discoveries make her a target of someone willing to steal – and even kill – to find the missing paintings. As the list of suspects grows, Zelda realizes she has to track down the lost collection and unmask a killer if she wants to survive.


Praise for The Lover's Portrait:
"Well worth reading for what the main character discovers--not just about the portrait mentioned in the title, but also the sobering dangers of Amsterdam during World War II." - IndieReader

"As the narrative unfolds and the truth is revealed, the suspense is intensely magnetic and the characters equally captivating." - BookLife Prize for Fiction 2016

"Well written and well researched. I thoroughly enjoyed this book... Highly recommended." - 5 stars, Chill with a Book Readers' Award verdict

"Jennifer S. Alderson delivers a mystery novel not quite like most. It's not about stolen paintings, but about lives that were stolen... The Lover's Portrait is a well-written mystery with engaging characters and a lot of heart. The perfect novel for those who love art and mysteries!" - Readers' Favorite, 5 star medal
  • Awarded a B.R.A.G. Medallion by indieBRAG's readers in March 2019
  • Chosen as Chill with a Book’s January 2018 Book of the Month and winner of a Chill with a Book Readers’ Award
  • One of TripFiction's 10 Favorite Books set in Amsterdam
  • Silver Cup winner in Rosie's Book Review Team 2017 Awards, Mystery category
  • Readers’ Favorite 5 star medal
  • One of The Displaced Nation magazine’s Top 36 Expat Fiction Picks of 2016
  • One of Women Writers, Women’s Books magazine's Recommended Reads for April 2017.

Set in present day and wartime Amsterdam, this captivating thriller is not just about stolen paintings, but also the lives that were stolen. This art history mystery also describes the plight of homosexuals and Jewish artists in Europe during World War II, as well as the complexities inherent to the restitution of artwork stolen by the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s.

The Lover's Portrait is Book One in the Zelda Richardson Mystery Series. The amateur sleuth mysteries in this series can be read in any order.
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    Zelda Richardson Mystery Series
  2. Print length
    300 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    June 22, 2016
  6. File size
    4.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Alderson has a knack for excellent description and anyone travelling to Amsterdam or who knows it well will recognize and enjoy the way she brings the city vividly to life... Recommended for all those who enjoyed the film The Woman in Gold and with an interest in art history and the Second World War." 5 stars - Victoria Blake, author of Titian's Boatman / Return of the Courtesan
"Such a treat to get immersed into not only a terrific art-themed mystery, but to be able to virtually look over the shoulders of characters charged with the responsibility of returning art to families who lost masterpieces in WWII. Great detail and engaging characters." 5 stars - Ritter Ames, author of the Bodies of Art mystery series
"The Lover's Portrait had me excited from the get-go. The plot is engaging and there are some good, believable twists. The novel provides thoughtful, engaging reading that keeps you eagerly following past events and present predicaments. It is clear this novel was authored with the same love and passion for writing that Zelda exhibits for researching art. The Lover's Portrait creates both respect and delight." - LibraryThing/Goodreads reviewer Reading Fury

"A vibrant, authentic depiction of Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation. Jennifer Alderson does a magnificent job of bringing the past to life as she weaves an intriguing mystery full of suspense." - mystery author Daniella Bernett
"The author's exemplary research into art works stolen by the Nazis during World War 2 is evident. However, she does not overdo facts; but rather, she seamlessly weaves the thought-provoking information into her tale." 5 stars - Author and artist Pamela Allegretto

From the Author

The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery draws on the author's experiences gained while studying art history in the Netherlands and working for several Dutch museums. Before moving to Amsterdam twelve years ago, Jennifer S. Alderson worked as a journalist and website developer in Seattle, Washington. 
PLEASE NOTE: This is a revised edition of the originally published novel. (updated February 2020)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01EVVS0RI
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Traveling Life Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 22, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 300 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Zelda Richardson Mystery Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,560 ratings

About the author

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Jennifer S. Alderson

Jennifer S. Alderson

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Jennifer S. Alderson was born in San Francisco, grew up in Seattle, and currently lives in Amsterdam. After traveling extensively around Asia, Oceania, and Central America, she lived in Darwin, Australia, before finally settling in the Netherlands.

Jennifer’s love of travel, art, and culture inspires her award-winning Zelda Richardson Mystery series, her Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries, and her Carmen De Luca Art Sleuth Mysteries. Her background in journalism, multimedia development, and art history enriches her novels.

When not writing, she can be found perusing a museum, biking around Amsterdam, or enjoying a coffee along the canal while planning her next research trip.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,560 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this art mystery novel for its engaging plot with lots of twists and turns, well-developed characters, and easy-to-read writing style. The book receives positive feedback for its research, with customers appreciating the historical background and how it informs the story. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it excellent while others note it drags at times. Customers have mixed views on the characterization, with some finding it believable while others describe it as shockingly naive.

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91 customers mention "Story quality"91 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's plot twists and turns, and appreciate how it combines elements of art history.

"...Only an honest one. A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction book...." Read more

"I loved the historical information about art and WWII. The characters were well rounded and their interactions really kept the story rolling." Read more

"...Set in Amsterdam, t's a well-designed, fabulous historical puzzle, solved decades later by someone who has no intention of becoming a detective;..." Read more

"...and lively characters, a nice rundown of what seems to be a beautiful part of the world even though it begins the story during WWII, and a wonderful..." Read more

54 customers mention "Enjoyment"54 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly entertaining, keeping them fully engaged and mesmerized to the very end.

"...It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment...." Read more

"...The story moves at a great pace, keeping the reader fully engaged in Zelda's quest for the truth...." Read more

"...Enjoyable and lively characters, a nice rundown of what seems to be a beautiful part of the world even though it begins the story during WWII, and..." Read more

"...I found this story kept me interested throughout...." Read more

37 customers mention "Character development"31 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one review highlighting the plucky heroine and another noting the nasty villains.

"...Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of...." Read more

"I loved the historical information about art and WWII. The characters were well rounded and their interactions really kept the story rolling." Read more

"...The characters are well-developed and very believable...." Read more

"...Enjoyable and lively characters, a nice rundown of what seems to be a beautiful part of the world even though it begins the story during WWII, and..." Read more

27 customers mention "Writing style"22 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with detailed descriptions that draw readers in.

"...Only an honest one. A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction book...." Read more

"...A good writer...hope you will read and enjoy this book." Read more

"...was pointless but otherwise the characters were believable and well written...." Read more

"...history buffs, historical novel fans, and anyone else looking for a well-written, enjoyable read. I have not yet read Ms. Alderson’s first..." Read more

20 customers mention "Research quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the research in the book, finding it informative and giving them new insights, with one customer noting that it doesn't overdo facts.

"...However, she does not overdo facts; but rather, she seamlessly weaves the thought-provoking information into her tale. I highly recommend “..." Read more

"...It is interesting to learn about both these subjects I like her heroine. It was an enjoyable read!" Read more

"...I appreciate the research and authenticity displayed here. It is well-written, fast-moving, and very interesting...." Read more

"...I liked how well researched this book was and the truth behind a lot of the war crimes. Anyone who is interested in art will like this book." Read more

12 customers mention "Art theft"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's focus on art theft, with one review highlighting the stolen artwork during WWII and another mentioning the huge find of artwork in Germany.

"...The protagonist, Zelda Richardson, is a resilient, gutsy, ethical art history student who just might be in over her head when her search for truth..." Read more

"Loved this story. Loved the persistence of a young woman who loved art and helped restore art to the rightful owners." Read more

"...a fast paced adventure mystery that I love: WWII background, and Stolen/Lost Art...." Read more

"...detailing this research....especially the one about a huge find of artwork in Germany...." Read more

15 customers mention "Pacing"10 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it excellent and timely, while others report that it drags at times.

"The premise for this story is so interesting and timely, and I wanted to like it a lot more than I did...." Read more

"...Unfortunately, the book itself is boring. It failed to keep my attention and I chose not to even finish it." Read more

"...It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me enmeshed until the end. I am so glad I found this book in Kindle Unlimited. A very happy reader!" Read more

"...It is well-written, fast-moving, and very interesting. I especially enjoy the element of finding lost art work confiscated or lost during WWII...." Read more

9 customers mention "Characterization"6 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the characterization in the book, with some finding it believable while others describe it as shockingly naive.

"...Zelda, as the main protagonist, is flawed and realistic, while the antagonist is both intelligent and cold-hearted, and is therefore very easy to..." Read more

"...And the main character, Zelda, is shockingly naive and foolish for her age...." Read more

"...disrupted in 1942 and all the characters (except Zelda) are beautifully portrayed...." Read more

"...I liked that the story was set in the present time period and was realistic." Read more

Very enjoyable!
5 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable!
I really liked these! I like art mysteries like the Estelle Ryan series and grabbed these since I'm caught up. Really liked and didn't find nearly as many editing errors as others complained about in their reviews. Fun reads! :-)
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Tony Parsons
    5.0 out of 5 stars historical fiction
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    6/26/1942, Arjan, & Philip stowed away 152 of the world most valuable treasured artifact in crates.
    Oswald Drechsler (Nazi) would never find these.
    7/18/2015, Netherlands, Amsterdam Museum. Ms. Bernice Dijkstra (project mgr.) were going to interview Zelda Richardson (unpaid intern, U of Amsterdam MS; museum studies, BA; American art history).
    The Stolen Objects: Unclaimed Paintings & Sculptures in Dutch Museum Depots exhibit is about to open.
    Huub Konijn (IT, Jewish Historical Museum Sr. curator) was introduced to Zelda.
    Amsterdam Museum conference table. Bernice Dijkstra, & Huub, were meeting with Bernice, Karen O’Neil, & Konrad Oswald Gotthard Heider (Karen’s lawyer, Heider, Schmidt & Weber Law Firm founding Partner).

    Ms. O’Neil is not Arjan van Heemsvliet (gay) legitimate granddaughter.
    Leo de Boer is currently reviewing her claim.
    What does Mrs. Rita Brouwer (Margriet Verbeet) know?
    Officer Eenhuizen (30, Amsterdam PD) came to investigate the ransacking of Zelda’s apartment.

    She rattled off the name of Pietro Moretti (BF, gigolo), who lived with his parents in Florence, Italy.
    Arjan’s letters had been taken also. Zelda had been translating them into English.
    Gerard’s house had broken into & torn apart.
    6/26/1942, Philip Verbeet, & Arjan were having the impossible task of packing 65 paintings into 45 crates.
    It was Colonel Oswald Drechsler (Nazi’s Ministry of Culture) job to make sure the German PPL got to see the world-renowned art work.
    9/1/2015, Café De Jaren’s. What were Rita Verbeet, & Zelda Verbeet discussing?

    I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

    A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

    Thank you for the free Traveling Life Press; LisaatManybooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
    Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Melissa G.
    4.0 out of 5 stars great history and Art history book!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I loved the historical information about art and WWII. The characters were well rounded and their interactions really kept the story rolling.
    Helpful
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  • Book Squirrel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This book has all the ingredients needed for a great mystery/thriller: history, intrigue, conspiracy, heartbreak, action and suspense. It may sound contrived or mundane to say that a book is a "page-turner" and that one "couldn't put it down", but it really is true of 'The Lover's Portait'. Set in Amsterdam, t's a well-designed, fabulous historical puzzle, solved decades later by someone who has no intention of becoming a detective; rather, it is through her dogged commitment to the truth that she uncovers the answers. The author has woven together a number of compelling plot lines to construct her own work of art. It is free of gratuitous violence and sex, making it suitable for Young Adult audiences as well as older readers.

    The story moves at a great pace, keeping the reader fully engaged in Zelda's quest for the truth. The characters are well-developed and very believable. Zelda, as the main protagonist, is flawed and realistic, while the antagonist is both intelligent and cold-hearted, and is therefore very easy to dislike. This is paralleled in the 'historical' characters in the story: the protagonists are likeable and genuine, both oppressed for different reasons, while the author has very effectively characterised their NAZI antagonist as cruel and vindictive through his own motivations and actions without resorting to any typecasting or cliche. Throughout the novel, the author succeeds in using the natural empathy of the reader to drive their interest and engagement in the characters and plot without the reader being aware of any such positioning.

    As the novel draws to a close, Anderson pulls the various story lines together into a neat and satisfying conclusion, albeit tinged with sadness and regret.

    5 stars for 'The Lover's Portrait'.

    Read it. You're sure to enjoy this fantastic book.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Linda's Thoughts.......
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable..
    Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I'm not one for getting into reading a "series" and I probably will not go beyond this book #1 of Zelda's escapades, but I did enjoy this book. It may not have had a lot of twists and turns, and a lot was predictable, but I liked it. Enjoyable and lively characters, a nice rundown of what seems to be a beautiful part of the world even though it begins the story during WWII, and a wonderful art education.....I also liked the way the author put this all together. A good writer...hope you will read and enjoy this book.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • RS
    3.0 out of 5 stars Liked subject, story line, but writing at times... just boring...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    At times I thought this book was meant for teens...
    Needs to step up the writing!
    I will take a break and try the next book.
    Helpful
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  • Sara Paschal
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good mystery with WWII background,
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I’m generally not a fan of books that bounce between time lines as I find it distracting but this one kept it to a minimum. I found this story kept me interested throughout. The Italian boyfriend was pointless but otherwise the characters were believable and well written. I enjoyed reading about Amsterdam and the glimpse into the cities war time occupation.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Christopher Anstead
    5.0 out of 5 stars Alderson's main character, Zelda, becomes involved in the search for artwork lost since WWII.
    Reviewed in Canada on September 26, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The aptly named 'The Lover's Portait' finds Zelda interning at the Amsterdam Museum, hoping it will get her accepted into a masters program for Museum Studies. While working on a web site, she chooses to display a random painting from the pieces the museum is trying to return to their original owners. This sparks interest from a number of sources and soon she is embroiled in intrigue that she never anticipated with an even more unexpected outcome.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars could not put this book down
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Such an interesting story, great characters, and history and well written. I really enjoyed the book. Can’t wait to read Book 2.
    Report
  • Rosa
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for art- and mystery-lovers!
    Reviewed in Australia on August 13, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The Lover’s Portrait has all the essential ingredients: Dutch masterpieces, Nazi blackmailers, mist-filled canals and looted art.

    As an artist, mystery-lover and follower of Philip Mould (BBC1’s Fake or Fortune, Antiques Roadshow), I was immediately drawn in by this novel. Zelda is a wonderful protagonist – educated, intelligent and plucky. I was riveted from the first page and, as I followed the story, looked up the artists and paintings mentioned, keeping the images beside me for reference. The author certainly knows her subject and, having been to the exciting city of Amsterdam, I found her vibrant descriptions of its museums and galleries and especially the history of the city, spot on.

    The Lover’s Portrait is a thrilling travelogue of intrigue, detection, and quite unput-downable.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Harsha Yogeshappa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery and Love, a perfect combo.
    Reviewed in Germany on November 24, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book in kindle version to cultivate the habit of reading more English novels. Well, this book has perfectly set the tone for me to never turn back. The way the writer has carried the story through is very nice. The way the scenes are depicted in the heroine's perspective is amazing. The description bought the museum in Netherlands right in front of my eyes, and this also ensure that the museum is now in my bucket list of 'must visit places'. All in all, I am happy I bought this book.
    Report
  • Rice
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mystery in the Netherlands
    Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this present day art mystery with its roots in the stolen artworks during WW2 in the Netherland and the mammoth task of locating and returning these treasures to the rightful owners.
    Report

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