Short Synopsis
The art world has never seemed quite so treacherous, so beguiling, and so much fun as in this collection of stories from the original "art detective."

Full Synopsis
What separates a masterpiece from a piece of junk? Thanks to the BBC's Antiques Roadshow and its American spin-off, everyone is searching garage sales and hunting online for hidden gems, wondering whether their attics contain trash or treasures. In The Art Detective, Philip Mould, one of the world's foremost authorities on British portraiture and an irreverent and delightful expert for the Roadshow, serves up his secrets and his best stories, blending the technical details of art detection and restoration with juicy tales peopled by a range of eccentric collectors, scholars, forgers, and opportunities.

Each chapter focuses on one particular painting and the mystery that surrounds it. Mould is our trusty detective, tracking down clues, uncovering human foibles, and following hunches until the truth is revealed. Mould is known for his ability to crack the toughest puzzles, and whether he's writing about a fake Norman Rockwell, a hidden Rembrandt, or a lost Gainsborough, he brings both the art and the adventure to life. The Art Detective is memoir, mystery, art history, and brilliant yarn all rolled into one.

"Mould's tone is as amiable as actor/musician James Langton's narration is agreeable." ---Library Journal

"Mould proves he is wonderful storyteller, thanks in part to Langton's able performance." ---AudioFile

"Langton['s]...crisp English accent coupled with an assertive, authoritative handling of the material proves delightful." ---Publishers Weekly Audio Review