The Virgin Knows: an art theft thriller

Alicia Barzini, stuck at home in Subiaco, Italy, uses her extrasensory power to spy on her brother and his exciting new life in Boston's North End. What starts out a story about sibling rivalry quickly evolves into an exciting transatlantic thriller involving Vatican smuggling, opera, lost virginity, murder, loyalty and love. If you enjoy well-plotted books, this one will go to the top of your list. What kicks off the chase? Alicia's twin brother, Carlo happens to be visiting Rome in 1972 when Lazlo Toth climbs over a guardrail in St. Peter's, onto Michelangelo's Pietà and batters a hammer at the statue. Carlo picks up a fragment of the statue's nose and sneaks out of the basilica. His actions set off an escapade that connects Boston's prestigious museums to the Vatican's coffers. The story twists and turns through the back alleys of Boston's North End and under Harvard Square's subway stop, Alicia helps Carlo out of the mess, a mess that's filled her brother's pockets with big bucks. "This robust, operatic, transatlantic thriller lurches from ribald farce to paranormal phenomena...and as with García Márquez, the fantastic is commonplace. A knowing look, a charming book."-RICHARD ELMAN