Too few of today’s espionage novelists deliver well-drawn characters, rich prose, or depth of philosophical thought. Daniel Silva, like John le Carre or Alan Furst, is an exception to that rule.

The plot follows the search for a lost Rembrandt portrait, a masterpiece with a legacy of bloodshed. But what makes the book special is that Silva uses this straightforward device as a springboard to explore issues ranging from the value of art–both fiscal and emotional–to international financial scams to global politics, all without ever letting the tension lag. The prose is exceptional, the research impeccable, and the characters compelling.

If you like your thrillers relentless and smart, this is one for you.