This novel is really not a mystery as the facts of the case are fairly clear. The only mystery is a side issue of identifying an informer. It is a cops and robbers novel where the author takes the side of the robbers. Most of the characters are either reformed villains who somehow avoided prison, or police who have been trying to make a case against them.

It took some time for the story to develop while various characters were being introduced and relationships were established. The first portion of the novel was somewhat dull. Once the story was sufficiently developed, and the action picked up, it was harder to set the book aside.

The main plot concerns restitution, i.e., trying to return stolen paintings to the rightful owners. This is not as simple as it sounds. A police inspector wants to catch people with the goods and make a case for his own career advancement. A band of thieves wants to steal the paintings from the original thieves. There is also the problem of trying to transport the paintings through customs without getting caught.

This is an average length novel of 265 pages broken up into 48 short chapters. It is a good novel for commuters who want a book to read in installments. It is a fun book if you don't get offended by being on the side of the villains.

However, there is one character in the book that could have had his air time shortened. He was borrrrring... About 1/2 way through the book, the story really picks up and becomes very intriguing; like "Mission Impossible" with Mrs.Pargeter in charge of the gang. The author really kept me guessing until the end. So Mr.Brett, keep the CW character, but get him to the point, or give him less air time... Looking forward to the next...