NIGHTWATCH

by Nicolette Devas ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 24, 1962

Florence Atkinson, 29, living in a London house in about the same state of disrepair as she is after the abandonment of her husband and the death of her only child, gets her second wind. Her staid cousin Nigel reappears in her life, and even though he isn't the type to rehabilitate her emotionally, he does insist on cleaning up the picture on her wall (a legacy from a connection in Amsterdam). Lucas Webb, however, a dealer with a sleek, casual, calculating charm, poverty in his background and pictures in his blood, recognizes the painting for what it is (a Rembrandt), seduces Florence for the sake of securing it and other art world-shaking discoveries in a trunk. Assorted chicanery, forgery and the attempt to acquire other unknown pen and wash sketches from a house in Amsterdam provide a lively pursuit, and fortunately there's Nigel to protect Florence's interests- too nice, and naive, for all of this.... The picture game is a sure lure, and while the mood wavers somewheres between sentiment and a true sophistication, it is genuine entertainment.

Pub Date: Jan. 24, 1962

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1962

Categories: FICTION