The Immaculate Deception (Jonathan Argyll 7) (SIGNED)

London: HarperCollins, 2000. 1st. hardback. Near fine, unclipped d/j (v.g. in protective sleeve), black boards pristine, gilt spine titling bright; text block firm, pages slightly yellowed. Signed on title.. 8vo (230 x 150 / 9"" x 6""). Clever and witty art history-mystery featuring Jonathon Argyll, scholar and sleuth, from the bestselling author of ÔAn Instance of the FingerpostÕ. How do you resolve a scandalous kidnapping without paying the ransom or attracting any attention? It's not a question Flavia di Stefano, acting head of the Italian Art Theft Squad, would normally need to answer. Unfortunately, the Italian prime minister is asking it. As Flavia begins a desperate search for the Claude Lorrain landscape, snatched while on loan from the Louvre, her husband embarks on a rather more leisurely quest. Jonathan Argyll is keen to discover the provenance of a small Renaissance painting, titled The Immaculate Conception, as a favour to its owner. His enthusiasm wanes when the investigation brings him into unexpected danger. There's no turning back, though, and soon husband and wife are uncovering shocking secrets that will bring them into the path of some very dangerous enemies indeedÉ