The Flanders Panel

As a fan of Perez Reverte's historic fiction (Siege, Fencing Master, Alatriste) I had to try this one, a whodunnit with historic links, namely to a 15th century painting. It also involves a lot of chess. The story starts off really well and I was completely captivated, wondering even if the Burgundian nobles in the painting were somehow involved in murders in 1980s Madrid, and also wondering how the writer could possibly come up with a plot that would actually satisfy. Alas, the ending was a bit of a disappointment. Maybe my expectations were just too high. At any rate, it is clear that Perez-Reverte's historic fiction is substantially better than his murder mysteries.Back to The Flanders Panel: the setting in artsy circles in Madrid has an unintentionally nostalgic charm: every time people would meet, be it for a philosphical discourse about chess, a deadly conspiracy or action in bed, the leftover would invariably be 'overflowing ashtrays'. Ah, those were the days....

It’s quite rare to find a book that covers history, art, chess and murder, but this is one such. It’s an excellent story which at first draws you in with a painting and its history before moving into the current day and murder, with chess being the link. It’s well thought out, with interesting characters and it’s an absorbing story. If you want a crime novel with a difference, this should certainly be on your list.

I've always had a fondness for great art, and art history. Throw chess and murder into the mix, and you have an intriguing blend of mystery and suspense. I was drawn to this after reading The Dumas Club, and I wanted another entertaining and quick read. Fortunately, this does not disappoint. The thing I love most about these types of books is that they teach you things you don't know: Latin phrases, historical facts, interesting insights etcMany people have criticised the convoluted plot, weak characters and the unlikeliness of the setting, but they miss the point with books such as these. They were written to entertain, not to be tomes of classical literature to be read centuries later.In this respect, the Flanders Panel does an admirable job of entertaining and teaching. (less)

I loved everything about this book - 3-dimensional characters, the minutiae of the art world, the twists and turns of 2 mysteries, past and present. Sadly I do not play chess, but I imagine that the plot, and the joy of working out a conclusion, would only have been enhanced if I had been able to tackle the complex chess "teasers" through which the plot moves. Thoroughly recommended!

Not everyone's cup of tea - or wine! However the description of life within the small suburb of a Spanish town is very well told and provokes vivid imagery of the scenario as the book unfolds the theme. You'd enjoy it even more if you're a chess player - Flanders' moves are tantalising! Good.

Great book, totally recommended

Read me read me now

Brilliant book, real good holiday read. And class service and price. Will be shopping with Greener again and again.ThanksMatt