So you want to pull an art heist. Not the most noble of goals, is it? Or the simplest. I mean, if somebody could waltz into a major museum–I assume after hours is the plan–and pluck a masterpiece off the wall, then lots of somebodies would be waltzing and plucking masterpieces by the vanload. Oh, sure, there are real-life crews who try the waltzing…… Continue reading So You Want to Pull an Art Heist?
Tag: Crime Fiction
Behind The Short Story: “Aix to Grind”
Yes, I was in Aix-en-Provence, and sure, I was studying a Picasso in a museum’s first room, only a token velvet rope between me and it, and okay, I even thought, “man, this is how many million euro hanging how many steps from the door?” But no, I wasn’t casing the joint. I’m no thief. I am a…… Continue reading Behind The Short Story: “Aix to Grind”
It Was a Cold and Stormy Night
It was a cold and stormy night. A steady rain turned the New York streets slick and pattered the spring leaves. Cabs sloshed past office workers huddled in raincoats hurried home. The rain kept on, in streamlets down into the subway stations and turning the air into a glistening haze. Perfect night for spies. Or, in my case,…… Continue reading It Was a Cold and Stormy Night
Show Some Love for Effie Perine
Dashiell Hammett earned his place in literary lore many times over, for amazing fiction but also for presenting the quintessential “lady walks in” opener. The Maltese Falcon kicks off with a scene borrowed into cliché. Secretary Effie Perine leans into PI Sam Spade’s office and says: “There’s a girl out here who wants to see you.” Plot summaries barely mention Effie, and when…… Continue reading Show Some Love for Effie Perine