The Art of Violence

The Lydia Chin/Bill Smith Series

By: S. J. Rozan

Narrated by: Erica Sullivan

In the latest mystery from S. J. Rozan, Bill Smith and Lydia Chin must track down a serial killer stalking women in New York’s contemporary art scene.

Former client Sam Tabor, just out of Greenhaven after a five-year homicide stint, comes to Bill Smith with a strange request. A colossally talented painter whose parole was orchestrated by art world movers and shakers, Sam’s convinced that since he’s been out he’s killed two women. He doesn’t remember the killings but he wants Smith, one of the few people he trusts, to investigate and prove him either innocent or guilty.

NYPD detective Angela Grimaldi thinks Sam’s “a weirdo”. Smith has no argument with that: diagnosed with a number of mental disorders over the years, Sam self-medicates with alcohol, loses focus (except when he’s painting), and has few friends. But Smith doesn’t think that adds up to serial killer. He enlists Lydia Chin to help prove it.

Smith and Chin delve into the world surrounding Sam Tabor, including his brother, two NYPD detectives, and various other artists, dealers, collectors, curators, and art connoisseurs. No answers appear. Evidence is found and lost again. And more bodies turn up.

Sam Tabor might be just a crazy artist. But someone is killing people in his orbit. If not Sam, who? Why? And who will be next?

©2020 S. J. Rozan (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

didn't Luke narrator and predictable story

I always get anxious with a new narrator but of the 6 books I've listened to with a variety of narrators I couldn't stand this narration. characters voice didn't have any personality. narrator had odd repetitive cadence that was annoying. I enjoyed the bond I felt with the other books. this one there was nothing and add to it a pretty predictable story, felt almost a waste of time.

Worst book in the series by far!

This rating is based on the following
1. it was imossible to relate to Lydia given all of the other books in this series - her language, & behavior
2. the performance was the worst of the almost 400 audio books I have listened to -- she doesn't differentiate her voice between chatacters. st all

in summary I wi ll never buy another Audi book by this performer & it is unlikely I will buy another book in this series