THE COLLECTOR Gabriel Allon, Book 23

Edoardo Ballerini creates a suspense-filled performance of Daniel Silva's latest thriller featuring Gabriel Allon, master art restorer and former chief of "the Office," Israel's espionage agency. Living in Venice with his wife and children, Allon is summoned to Amalfi by the Carabinieri Art Squad to assist in the investigation of a murder and the recovery of a major painting from the Dutch Golden Age. Allon soon discovers the painting is linked to international intrigue involving his enemies in Russia and their war against Ukraine. Ballerini's narration pairs well with Silva's taut plotting. He builds tension with subtle changes in tone and cadence, making use of the characters' vocal distinctions and perfectly delivering the urgency of the story's drama. An author's note separates fact from fiction. S.G. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2023]