THE ESTUARY PILGRIM

by Douglas Skeggs ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 15, 1989

Add Skeggs' first novel to the growing number of Nazi-confiscated-art stories; but, here, when Monet's Estuary Pilgrim surfaces and is authenticated by English art historian Dr. John Napier, the mysterious Barnabas pops up, denounces the work as a forgery, then is found floating in France's Honfleur harbor, an iron cross still in his hand. John heads for Honfleur and--with the support and love of assistant museum curator Jacqui--delves into a past alliance between Rommel staff member General von Eichendorf (who first appropriated the painting); his captive, Captain Rupert Ashford (who smuggled art works to safety under the very noses of the Allies); and a very enraged madam, Eugenic (who decorated her walls with a slew of self-portraits). Before the last vestige of the real Pilgrim appears, John and Jacqui suffer the loss of a dear companion and special investigator; disrupt an elaborate financial setup; and vanquish one of Jacqui's particularly nasty relatives, leaving Jacqui heir to the Monet, wherever it might be. Readable, with some interesting art facts, pleasant hero and heroine, and crusty old Whitehall types, but hardly distinguished fare.

Pub Date: Dec. 15, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1989

Categories: FICTION