When art conservator JJ Jego spots a long-lost masterpiece through the window of a luxury apartment, she’s drawn into a dark web of intrigue, deception and murder.
JJ spies what she believes is a priceless Van Gogh. Except it can’t be … that painting, Six Sunflowers, was destroyed during World War II. She also glimpses what looks like a Rembrandt, one stolen in the infamous 1990 robbery at the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum in Boston.
JJ sets out on a mission to discover if these works are fakes or genuine. But when she gets in too deep, she is forced to seek help from her estranged father, a Sydney detective.
From the pubs of Belfast to the boardrooms of Monte Carlo and the shores of Sydney Harbour, this gripping art heist thriller exposes a shadowy underworld where JJ crosses paths with a global organised crime empire in her pursuit to solve some of art history’s biggest mysteries.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Last year I was introduced to John M. Green when I read Double Deal. I instantly fell in love with his intelligent, razor sharp writing style. When I heard he had a new book on the horizon called Framed, I was excited. And wow, what a thrill-ride it was! I love a good art heist story, and one that weaves fact with shady underworld criminals and elaborate schemes, not to mention a charismatic female protagonist has my attention — I loved JJ Jego, she’s clever and witty. Framed takes place over multiple locations ranging from Sydney to the pubs of Belfast and boardrooms of Monte Carlo. It’s fast-paced and peppered with lots of interesting arty titbits throughout. Green’s research is meticulous and makes for an immersive, authentic read. The way Six Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh and other famed artworks by artists like Rembrandt are described is so vivid you feel like you’re inside an art gallery, mesmerised by their beauty. Based on a true historical event about famous paintings stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Green has masterfully woven fact with fiction to create an action-packed plot. Framed is a classy, fun and engaging must-read. Linda, QLD, 5 Stars
What a great book? An easy to read format, and there was something happening at every chapter, and making me want to turn the page to see what was occurring and happening next. Absolutely enjoyed this book from front to back!!! Annette, NSW, 5 Stars
I love a good heist story! You can’t go wrong with shady thieves, elaborate plans, and unexpected twists. Green hit all the right notes in this clever, fast paced crime thriller which I could not put down. Peppered with pop culture references Framed was also quite funny. Art conservator JJ is house sitting when she glimpses what looks to be Six Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh, a painting thought to be destroyed in 1945. This along with a Rembrandt, stolen in an infamous 1990 robbery, are hanging in a luxury apartment in Sydney. As JJ sets out to discover if the works are real, she becomes involved the shadowy underworld of organised crime. What I especially enjoyed about this book was Green’s ability to immerse the reader into the art world. A talented storyteller, the descriptions of the paintings feel authentic and highlights the research which must have gone into the story. The character of JJ was perfect and highly likeable. I loved her backstory, the insight into her childhood and estranged detective father. Alexandra, NSW, 5 Stars
Thank you to Better Reading for an advanced free copy in exchange for a review. The art heist of Vincent van Gogh’s Six Sunflowers painting got me hooked on this novel. I love plots based on a true story. JJ is an art conservator in Sydney and she is house-sitting for her boss in Finger Wharf apartments in Woolloomooloo where Russell Crowe lives. Accidentally she saw the glimpse of Six Sunflowers that was destroyed in Japan in 1945 when she was taking a picture. She is then trying to uncover the mystery and is involved with the crime family who is trying to locate their missing artworks. With the help of her estranged father, JJ reconnected with her father to find a way if the artworks were genuine or fake. The story runs from Belfast, Monaco, and Sydney, this is a fast-paced thriller based on the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Theft. The Author must have done intensive research to come up with this crime story. A great read for the love of crime, thriller, and mystery stories and maybe there will be a sequel to this? Margaret, NSW, 5 Stars
Framed by John M Green is exactly the kind of book that would be at the top of my to read list. It involves travel, intelligent writing and characters that you can really understand and want to know more about. It’s a mystery/thriller about an art heist, but don’t worry is you aren’t into art, the story will keep you interested and turning the pages. Green is descriptive but not overly so, you feel as if you are seeing what he is describing. All of his character serve a purpose and are well thought out. Once you start this book you’ll be hooked, so make sure you have the time to read it before you start. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery/thriller with the added bonus of some travel thrown in. Kerrie, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow, just wow! From page one I was immediately pulled into the story. I found it such a easy book to read but also really, really enjoyable! I devoured it in a day! Green so effortlessly draws you into the story and has you completely hooked from the first page until the last and beyond! This has definitely left me hungry for more by John M. Green! Kate, TAS, 5 Stars
Framed by John M Green was a fun, fast paced crime thriller that had me hooked. With a blurb on the cover from Michael Connelly, I knew that I was in for a treat. I was not expecting to love it as much as I did. This books spans the world – from Sydney to Monaco, from Ireland to Boston. JJ is art conservator at the Art Gallery of NSW. She has grown up with a love of the great works, thanks to her father, and she knows her stuff. Especially when it comes to Van Gough. She is house sitting for her boss when she spies some well know and famously stolen works of art on the walls of another harbour side apartment. She knows for a fact that these art works by the mikes of Rembrant and Picasso, were stolen in 1990 from a museum in Boston. She decides to go all Veronica Mars and find out what is happening. Are they real? Or very good fakes? And if they are real, how and why are they in Sydney? There was an incredible amount of detail and real life facts in the story. The author has clearly done a great deal of research to get this book written. In 2005 I visited the Van Gogh museum on a trip to Amsterdam, and have been fascinated by his life and his art ever since. I loved all the references to him. JJ was a great character. She made me laugh, her train of thought and hopes of bumping into a famous neighbour. I hope to read more of her story soon. Mandy, NSW, 5 Stars
Framed is a crime thriller that sought its inspiration from the real art heist in 1990 at the Gardner Museum in Boston. The main character, JJ believes she has discovered at least 2 stolen/lost art works. The story then follows her through the journey of establishing if they are real. The novel we well researched very evident in the writing detailing the testing of the art works authenticity. It was a refreshing new storyline filled with suspense that lead you into the art world and the criminal underworld. I really enjoyed it. Julie, QLD, 5 Stars
An exceptional read – a funny, intriguing and in some parts gruesome thriller with an original and impeccably researched premise that keeps delivering surprises right to the last page – loved it! Alanna, QLD, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I was not sure that I would like it as not much into art but I was hooked from the beginning. I loved the really small chapters as I felt I could sneakily read a few pages in minutes! No one would be the wiser and I could continue to make progress. I enjoyed the way the story was told from JJ’s point of view and any book that has an Australian theme always keeps me interested. The family history and the linkages to the artwork were the main theme, and the story about the family is realistic and believable. This happens everyday in Australia and explains the complexity of family relationships. It was such a down to earth book and I think that’s what kept me captivated along with needing to find out the ending. I will be looking at the authors other books for sure. Loved it which was a nice surprise. Even with the sad sections. Jodie, VIC, 5 Stars
Reading Framed; a crime and thriller themed novel by John M. Green was a breath of fresh air. It was refreshing to be immersed into an imagination of mystery about missing artwork pieces on a global scale. I believe the main character, Justine Jego (JJ), is a strong protagonist. I loved the background information we get to read about her regarding her childhood and living with a difficult detective father. This provides a perfect understanding of the life JJ is leading; her solitude, career and passion for art throughout the novel. I was absorbed in the amount of research that has been written in this novel about the missing artwork pieces, especially the ones stolen in the infamous 1990 robbery at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. The analyses of the paintings were very well described and made me feel like I was in an art gallery viewing the priceless pieces. The shadowy underworld of organised crime that JJ falls into provides the thrilling backdrop to this novel too. It pulls you in with suspense and a loathing for the two villains; Nessa and Niall Farrelly, the heirs of CCN Group in Northern Ireland. This is a fantastic, gripping novel if you love reading about art and the criminal underworld. Raffaela, VIC, 5 Stars
SUCH A GOOD READ, I couldn’t put it down! Such a good story line as well! I have been to the VvG museum in Amsterdam (and the Rijksmuseum) so I was fascinated! The only thing that slowed me down was constantly stopping to research what piece of artwork they were referring to! 😀 HIGHLY recommend. Emma, WA, 5 Stars
But what happens next? A great read, i did not see the end coming, it was a completes surprise. A clever use of art theft and the repercussions. One of the best main characters I have read for a while, she is like able but has issues enough to keep her interesting. I learnt a lot about the review of art to determine its authenticity. Great to see Sydney as the backdrop of such an interesting story. Have never read Green before but will look out for his other works. Ainsley, QLD, 5 Stars
This pacy, thrilling book is based on a real Van Gogh painting which has not been seen since the Second World War and a real infamous theft of a number of artworks from Boston’s Gardner Museum which have never been recovered. Female art conservator JJ believes that she has found them in an apartment in Sydney and, in her quest to confirm if these are indeed the missing artworks, she seeks the help of her detective father who she hasn’t seen for years. However, this leads her into the murky and dangerous underworld of organised crime where her life is put in danger. I am familiar with the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh and found the locations in which this book is set, such as Sydney, Monaco and Northern Ireland, of interest too, being familiar with them as well. The plot is interesting and I found the book educational as well regarding how fakes / originals are differentiated from each other. Lastly I loved the fact that the author took the opportunity to raise awareness of psychological abuse and where readers could get help regarding this and mental health issues. Thanks to Better Reading for a great read. Pamela, QLD, 5 Stars
Inspired by a real heist, Framed explores an imagined future for the revered Gardner artworks. JJ Jego is a quiet conservator who gets embroiled in uncovering the mystery of a selection of stolen art. Green is a talented story teller who sets a consistent cracking pace. His wry humour and considered insight make for a beautifully balanced thriller. Cathy, VIC, 5 Stars
A page-turner thriller; great characters, great plot, excellent dialogue and intriguing twists. I also love the art connection. Cathryn, TAS, 4 Stars
Framed was a delight to read. Perfectly centred and relatable in the current world climate, and a main character that is perfectly imperfect. The story takes you on a journey over the globe, and you get to see so many different perspectives… which I love. The only thing I didn’t love was the way the book ended. I was so ready for the happy ending that didn’t happen. Really hoping there is another book in the future to take the story forward. Samantha, QLD, 4 Stars
Art Conservator, JJ, likes to keep a low profile. Just as everything seems to be going smoothly for her, she finds herself embroiled in a world of underground figures, drug cartels, international art thieves and murder. Curiosity gets the better of her when she spies a Van Gogh masterpiece thought to be destroyed during the Second World War, and before long she finds herself needing to approach her estranged detective father to get to the bottom of the mystery. In a tale that takes us from Sydney Harbour to Monte Carlo, “Framed” by John M. Green, is full of detailed information and vibrant characters. The missing art works are real and the events of the book, while fictional, are entirely plausible. Karina, QLD, 4 Stars
I always enjoy John M Greens books and this one did not disappoint. An art conservator based in Sydney, JJ believes she has seen the destroyed Van Gogh “Six Sunflowers” in an apartment in Sydney. Spanning a host of international locations and some dodgy characters, seeking the assistance of her estranged detective father, JJ looks to solve the mystery and find the truth. Based on the real theft of art from a Boston Museum, this fast moving story provides for an enjoyable escape and a good read to the end. Leticia, QLD, 4 Stars
Well, Framed by John M Green certainly packs a punch and manages to include so many of my favourite of things: suspense, thrills, chills, murder, mayhem, family secrets, treachery and all the while providing some insight into the art world and the authentication of works. I really enjoyed this book and while it took me a minute to track everyone and they parts they play, the reward of an in depth, captivating read, was well worth it. Aotea, QLD, 4 Stars
Framed is a fast-paced crime thriller interwoven with factual information about the art world, including pieces that really did go missing. JJ (whose arty middle names, like those of her father, are “Vincent Van Gogh”) works in a Sydney art gallery and is stunned to see some priceless artworks hanging in a home as she edits photos on her new camera. Mostly stunned because the pieces in question were famously missing, presumed destroyed. This book has it all – organised crime, vibrant characters and a steady pace as it criss-crosses the globe between Monaco, Sydney and Belfast. The additional detail in the Sydney sections makes it clear this book is by an Australian author who knows that location, while the other cities are presented more stereotypically, but without feeling too cliche. My art knowledge is limited but that didn’t impede my enjoyment of the book. That said, some quick Googling as I read indicated the art-related aspects were factually correct, which will please those who do know this subject matter! Overall a fabulous read I would absolutely recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery. I also appreciated the acknowledgement of the COVID era in this book, giving authenticity to the time when it was set, but without dwelling on it too much while that period is so raw for many potential readers. Laura, NSW, 4 Stars
‘Framed’ is a brilliantly written page turner, with characters who kept me interested and wanting more. I really enjoyed the “art thriller” theme and the serious thought that went into writing it. Full of twists and turns – a super intriguing thriller i will read more than once to soak up new details and drama! Bianca, NSW, 4 Stars
Framed by John M Green is a well written crime thriller taking place in the art world. From Sydney to Monte Carlo to Belfast we are given a great crime story. Justine Jego aka JJ is an art conserver and she befriends CEO Brandy Edmunds. Brandy asks JJ to house sit for her while she is away for a few weeks. This is when JJ discovers stolen artwork in a home close by. Very famous artwork you couldn’t miss if you knew what you were looking for. Justine gets her detective cap on and tries to get to the bottom of this mystery – are they real or fake? She tries to befriend the neighbour to get a closer look. The book takes inspiration from the art heist back in 1990 in Boston. John M Green definitely did his research when it came to the art world. I found this book easy to devour and quite interesting. This is one I fully enjoyed. Tracie, NSW, 4 Stars
In March 1990, 13 works of art were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. To this day, they have never been recovered. “Framed” takes its inspiration from this true crime and reimagines an alternative storyline. Art conservator JJ, spies what she believes are a couple of famous paintings through the window of a luxury Sydney apartment. One of these is “Six Sunflowers” – the Van Gogh masterpiece that was destroyed during World War 2…or was it? Befriending the apartment’s owner, JJ attempts to discover more about the painting, which leads her into a dark and treacherous underworld of International Art fraud, spanning the world, from Belfast to Monte Carlo to Sydney Harbour. Nothing is as it seems in this gripping art heist thriller, and the characters are as much of an enigma as a forged painting. Who can JJ trust, if anyone? I love an art heist story, and this was is perfect for lovers of The Thomas Crown Affair and Ocean’s Eleven. As a bonus there is both a Netflix documentary and a podcast to delve into once you’ve finished reading? Thanks to Better Reading for sending me an advanced reading copy. Emma, NSW, 4 Stars
Framed has all the elements of a good crime caper/thriller – strong protagonist, interesting settings, really bad bad guys and, of course, a great plot twist. It also ends on a cliffhanger, cleverly setting up a continuation of the story. What I actually enjoyed most about this novel though was the art history that is so deftly woven into the plot – I was absolutely fascinated by the story behind Van Gogh’s Six Sunflowers. I immediately had to put the book down and google an image and even on a phone screen the painting is just stunning. I love that element of beauty and the appreciation of art for it’s own sake, that balances the darker elements of the story. Bonny, QLD, 4 Stars
Framed by John M. Green is an amazing literary masterpiece that is filled with twists and turns which keep you on the edge of your seat. It highlights brilliant kaleidoscopes of mystery and suspense through such intriguing artistry and a signature of the author’s own expression and research, thrilling and a fantastic, captivating read that really is like no other. It kept us guessing right until the very end and appreciate the diverse creativity, discoveries, pursuits and adventures that enrich each and every page. Kylie, QLD, 4 Stars
As John M Green tells us, Framed is ‘based on a true story … but most of it is yet to happen …’ In fact there are two true stories woven into the fiction – the destruction by fire of Vincent Van Gogh’s Six Sunflowers in Kobe, Japan during World War II and the, as yet, unsolved theft of thirteen priceless works of art from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston in 1990. The fast paced story bounces the reader between Belfast, Monaco, Paris and the familiar landscapes of Sydney’s beaches and art galleries. An Irish international crime gang, headed by the volatile Nessa Farrely and her sadistic twin brother Niall, has an ‘understanding’ with a respected law firm in Monaco to conduct their dubious business deals until the unexpected death of the firm’s newest head, Claude Fontaine, and the loss of their bargaining power – the aforementioned stolen art collection leads to murder and mayhem in Europe. A chance meeting between J. J. Hugo, a young art conservator in Sydney and a life long lover and expert on all things Van Gogh and the mysterious Lesley Monroe links them both to the Irish gang. As J.J.’s amateur sleuthing leads her to believe she may have located the stolen art, she places herself, her estranged father, Hugh and Lesley into danger as the Farrely’s influence spreads far and wide. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Mr Green. Dianne, QLD, 4 Stars
Framed is a very interesting, intricate, full of information and colourful characters take on the biggest art heist in history – 13 masterpieces stolen from Boston Isabella Gardner Museum. It is a story of what might have happened or might have not… Framed has it all: huge mystery, powerful thugs with no limits nor brakes, talented and dedicated people, love story and story of forgiveness. Also, it is full of quirky pop culture reference all of us will find familiar and amusing. I enjoyed Framed. It actually made me to research Boston art heist. Svetlana, VIC, 4 Stars
Heist movies are one of my favourite and I can’t believe I haven’t read a book about a heist before now! Based on a true event Framed is a fictional account of what may have happened to a number of paintings stolen from the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum. It takes the reader to a number of stunning locations such as Monaco, Sydney and Belfast. It was very well researched and I enjoyed learning more about art and art history. The story alternates between protagonist JJ and The Farrelly Twins and between moves back in forth over time. It did make several references to the Covid pandemic which I have been actively avoiding reading about but it was only in the background and didn’t put me off. The Farrelly twins were great ‘bad guys’. I enjoyed loving to hate them. JJ was an interesting main character and I enjoyed getting to know her, her background and get involved in her family dramas. It cracks along at a decent pace due to the short chapters and I did get quite taken in by a twist I didn’t see coming. A fun and engaging heist story. This is my first book by Green and I’ll definitely be reading more. Kirsten, ACT, 4 Stars
This epic novel would have required extensive research about Vincent Van Gogh’s priceless collection and the theft and destruction of Six Sunflowers in 1945. This novel wasn’t quite what I expected however it was thrilling reading about ‘JJ’ the ancestor of the painter ‘VvG’, crossing paths with a global organised crime empire while trying to solve the art world’s biggest mysteries. There is also a special note about living with a parent who exercised coercive control and manipulation and abuse which is a theme for JJ experiencing trauma as a child (and hopefully coming to terms with it towards the end). A sensitive thoughtful well written story. Preeya, QLD, 4 Stars
From the first page of this novel I was intrigued and the story did not disappoint. This was a pacy and engrossing read which included some really interesting detail on art history and conservation. The story draws inspiration from a real life art robbery in 1990 and looks at organised crime and what these groups will do to build and maintain their empires. JJ Jego’s backstory, particularly her relationship with her father, added another layer to the story. The plot twists were well executed and I look forward to a sequel! Holly, WA, 4 Stars
First art crime novel I have read. At first, I was wondering, “Why am I reading this?” After persevering for a few more pages, the book suddenly took off!!! Wow, very captivating. Could not put it down. After a couple of huge art thefts around the world, some of the best art pieces in history had been stolen. A criminal cartel based in Ireland, corrupt police, an art aficionado, and a family looking for their relatives’ stolen art work, this book has it all. Are the family really related to Vincent Van Gogh?? The stolen art works are discovered in a Sydney apartment – captivating how they were uncovered!! After much stealth work (interesting), the stolen art works are recovered. Lots of interesting things happened during this course, resulting in the deaths of a few people ultimately. Eventually, the criminals are nabbed and the true identity of the art works are revealed. Who now owns these art works? A really interesting story: how were the art works stolen; who had custody of them; what happens to the person who has custody of them when they were found; what happens to the eventual custodian of the art works?? Very captivating story. Glenice, VIC, 4 Stars
This is an enjoyable, fast paced crime read. Set mainly in Sydney, and including lots of art references, local points of interest, international crime syndicates, exotic overseas locations and a complex web of fraud, crime and history to muddy the waters. Interesting likeable characters come together to bring an exciting, dangerous and action packed conclusion. Really has something for everyone! Caroline, NSW, 4 Stars
This felt unique and very different to my usual reads, which helped capture my attention. It was clear the author has done copious amounts of research on the subject, which created authenticity and immediately transported me into the art world. Sometimes the level of detail detracted from the flow of the story, with some language a little too flowery for my liking: “congenital hesitancy peeling from me like the skin of a snake.” The book was hard to put down in the latter half, and I found myself really enjoying it – shout out to my favourite characters of Scottie and Winston! I’m curious to see what John M. Green writes next! Rowan, TAS, 4 Stars
An Irish crime family, a law firm based in Monaco, a shy art conservator in Sydney, lost artworks spied on a wall in Sydney all come together in this entertaining novel. Theres plenty of attention to detail with regards to proving the authenticity of the paintings and the whole story is written in a light way yet still touches on some serious issues. A great read. JG, NSW, 4 Stars
An enjoyable art heist/crime novel with a likeable lead character and written in an engaging style with pop culture references and of course, brilliant artworks. JJ is an art conservator at the Art Gallery of NSW and is housesitting her boss’s harbourside apartment when she spies a couple of impossible paintings on the wall of another apartment. Impossible because one, a Rembrandt was stolen and never seen again and the other, a Van Gogh was destroyed in Japan during the war. JJ goes all detective trying to find out if they’re real. In another strand of the novel Niall and Nessa Farrelly are Northern Irish ‘business people’ or a crime family and their lawyers are Fontaine & Fontaine in Monaco. The crime aspects of the novel work really well and the latter part of the novel (when the art has been recovered and is undergoing tests at the gallery to prove authenticity) reads slower, there’s lots of explanation of techniques etc. Janelle, NSW, 4 Stars
From Belfast to Monte Carlo to Sydney Harbour, this crime thriller takes inspiration from the 1990 theft of 13 major art works from the Gardner Museum in Boston. When the paintings are spotted, along with a long lost Van Gogh, in a Sydney apartment 30 years later by Justine Jerome (JJ), she begins her undercover quest to befriend the apartment owner and determine if what she’s seeing is real. This was a fun, fast paced read and I really enjoyed it. Any book that gets you googling information and watching Netflix documentaries is a winner. Elizabeth, WA, 4 Stars
Now I am an avid Vincent van Gogh fan and have been since high school art class so I was so excited to see a book based around an artwork of his, add in shadowy underworld figures and a crime to solve and I am in. John M. Green has developed an amazing storyline in Framed, yet while I enjoyed this book and the storyline, I think I found myself just left wanting something more. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the characters or the setting, it was more that I found parts of it and situations very cliché. Everything seemed to fall into place so easily and wrapped up to nicely for my liking. But all in all it was a good read and I can visualise this playing out on screen. In fact, in may even play out better on screen. Mel, NSW, 4 Stars
An enjoyable book involving stolen art masterpieces. An Australian art researcher is asked to house sit and whilst there coincidentally notices some of those artworks on a wall in a nearby residence. She then starts snooping to find out if they are the stolen works that have been documented. Her problem is how to do it. She manages to foil the thieves but they are master criminals who although imprisoned have tentacles everywhere. The ending leaves this book open to a sequel. I learnt a bit about art and fraud detection. Quite interesting. Gloria, SA, 4 Stars
Four stars for pure entertainment value. Fans of The Da Vinci Code will love this mystery thriller novel. Engaging characters and full of suspense that will have you page turning right til the very end. Justine, NSW, 4 Stars
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