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Burnt Sienna |
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 Burnt Sienna byDavid Morrell Warner Books (Mysterious Press) 387 pages, 2000 ISBN 0446519642 Reviewed by Phillip Tomasso III As a retired marine, Chase Malone had it all. When he left the military, he began a new life as a painter who specialized in landscapes, earning enough not to worry, living in a beautiful home on a remote tropical island surrounded by inspiration. When Malone refuses a one million dollar offer from Derek Bellasar, one of the largest arms dealers in the world who wants to commission two portraits of his wife Sienna, Bellasar sets out to ruin Malone’s life. He proceeds to acquire the land around Malone’s serene home and has the trees cut down to make way for a hotel; he buys Malone’s favorite beachfront hangout only to close it down; and finally, he purchases the art gallery in New York where Malone would've exhibited his paintings. Interestingly, Bellasar has been married to three previous women. Requesting an artist's portrait of his former wives has proven deadly for them in the past. In a highly confrontational scene at an art auction where Malone nearly loses his life, he finally accepts to paint Sienna's portrait - but what will happen to Sienna then? This is the first book by David Morrell that I have read and it will not be the last. Burnt Sienna moves quickly. Short chapters, crisp dialogue and believable characters contribute to build suspense and tension. The story’s climax lasts for over one hundred pages and the ending, surprising and unsettling, will satisfy the most discriminating mystery lovers. |
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