The Art Forger, the Nazi, and "The Pope"

Roderick Thorp's "The Detective" is a crime novel centered around Joe Leland, a seasoned detective investigating a murder case involving a severed penis. The story delves into the dark underbelly of crime, exploring themes of corruption, violence, and the psychological toll on law enforcement officers. Thorp's experience as a private investigator and crime reporter adds a layer of realism to the narrative. The novel's gritty realism and complex characters make it a compelling read for fans of crime fiction. The book's unique plot and characters have inspired various adaptations, including the film "Die Hard".

The Forger's Spell by Edward Dolnick tells the captivating story of Han van Meegeren, a relatively unknown Dutch painter who successfully forged paintings attributed to Johannes Vermeer during World War II. Van Meegeren's forgeries were so convincing that they fooled prominent art collectors, including Hermann Goering and Adolf Hitler. The book explores the psychological manipulation and technical skill that allowed Van Meegeren to pull off one of the most audacious art hoaxes of the 20th century.

This book by Jonathan Lopez delves into the life of Han van Meegeren, exposing him as a skilled forger rather than an unappreciated artist or antifascist hero. Lopez explores Van Meegeren's involvement in illicit art commerce across Europe, including his dealings with powerful collectors and the Nazi regime. The book is based on extensive research from multiple archives and languages, offering a detailed account of Van Meegeren's life and his impact on the art world.