Stanley Sokol

The Czartoryski Raphael Stanley Sokol

Little does small time private investigator Sy Bluestone know that when he becomes involved in the "murder" case of his sometimes bridge partner, Anders van der Lewin-who dies suddenly during an afternoon game-that he will be pulled into the World War II saga of Nazi-looted art, and uncover facts about his own identity that turn his life upside down. The story unfolds after Bluestone is contacted by Anders' daughter, Amanda van der Lewin, to investigate what she says is the murder of her father. There's intrigue and romantic electricity between Sy and Amanda, but then, Sy meets Ginny Scanlon, who helps him go deeper into the mystery and becomes his true love interest. Sy learns that Anders van der Lewin, a former captain in the American intelligence service, was a double agent during World War II. Anders, under the guidance of his Uncle Wolf, who was a general in the German Luftwaffe, amassed a fortune over the years by dealing in artworks stolen by the Nazis, and by selling copies of "missing" masterpieces as originals. To transport the art from Germany to France, Anders recruited an American pilot, Colonel Max Bluestone, Sy's future father. This novel, The Czartoryski Raphael (itself a real-life priceless painting that has never been recovered from the Nazis) features a twisting, page-turning combination of present-day, hard-boiled detective story, and carefully researched historical novel set in the final days of World War II Germany. There are two shocking surprises: one about the relationship between the Bluestone family and Anders; the other concerning Ander's sudden death-and life as a cultured murderer, thief, and swindler. History buffs, art world followers and anyone who likes a suspenseful, fast-paced tale will enjoy this story.