A Historical Fiction Mystery & Suspense Novel - Mona Lisa's Secret

This was an excellent story to read and the characters were developed very nicely. I really enjoyed the overlap of true history and a fantasy that seemed to be so possible. The story moved very quickly and was definitely breathtaking and thrilling. I like the way Phil writes and will definitely be considering other books he has written.

Pleasantly surprised! I was worried this book would be too "Da Vinci Code" like, but it wasn't at all. The book was both suspenseful and entertaining and contained well developed characters and intriguing historical context.

I was impressed with Philips' ability to devise creative ways for the hero and villains to face off. One of the best scenes is when the hero confronts the villains while in a boat and both sides have plans ready to subvert the other. The writing in this part was perfectly detailed and clear, leaving me feeling like I was watching the events unfold.

A great read!

Art and history drenched in fast-pace action and suspense, with a good dose of mystery. Phil Philips delivers this and more. I loved the characters especially as the story progressed with great plot twists. Phil did a great job not letting Paris or La Jaconde (although very important) overshadow the protagonist and characters. Instead he intertwined Paris and various parts of the city in as if they were their own characters with their own story. Again, Phil does this not at the expense of the story but enriches it. I wanted to see the Louvre before reading this book but now I'm definitely determined. He writes it as I've always imagined it but giving it even more breadth and color and I've read plenty on Paris and this painting. This story read like a movie that I'd love to adapt or see adapted into a movie. It has all the makings of a blockbuster. Congrats on writing a good book.

Found the plot and the action very unrealistic. It does keep you turning the pages if for nothing else but to see what absurdity comes next. Certainly not even close to Dan Brown level. Found the ending chapters really inane with anti Catholic sentiments. And a note to the author.... Popes do not go by their surnames as do priests and bishops. They take a new name when they become Pope thus we have Pope Francis not Pope Bergoglio! Just putting the Pope in such an absurd story is rather disrespectful in my opinion. If you want a quick read and some keystone cop chuckles, this book may appeal. However, there are certainly much better historical mysteries on the market. Glad this was a free borrow that I didn't pay for.

The story was intriguing but the story jumped from one bumbling rescue scene to the next. The constant sophomoric threats and bullying were not realistic and a tourist site with no tourists for so long the characters could dive in, find a secret cave, etc. with no authorities showing up was just unreasonable.

Mona Lisa's Secret is just OK. Its pretty much like most of the books in this genre and i tended to find that things happened as i thought. Not super predictable but somewhat. I think it could be good if things are moved along more in the series if the ends up being one. I think its worth a read, unlike the person who stopped 25% in. I have yet to find a book that's so bad i cant finish it.

I received a free copy of this book to write a review. This suspenseful book captures the readers attention through a story entwined with mystery, intrigue and history thrown in. It is a page-turner. The plot has twists and holds your interest. I particularly enjoyed reading about the parts set in Paris, which take me back to my own time spent in Paris. A great read which I can imagine could also be made into a movie in the future.

I read this book because the synopsis was intriguing to me. I enjoyed the characters, the setting and play on history. One thing I did not like and which kept this review from being 4 stars is the storyline while at the Louvre with regards to the fighting, lockdown, and police interaction.

Wow, what a letdown. Without even trying there were at least a dozen errors in the storyline, not factual errors, just editorial. The storyline was predictable and felt like a rip off of a much more famous story involving DaVinci. You t much of the history was based on fact as well.

I enjoyed this book over all. This is a good beach read, fast paced adventure. I liked the main characters and the surprise twist. A nasty, cruel villain added to the story. I didn't care if it was factually acurate, it is fiction after all. I will read the sequel.

Did you know that the Mona Lisa was really stolen and remained missing for a few years? Well this story takes this historical fact and weaves a mystery around it. The book is fast moving but a bit predictable. Our hero is written as a super hero and is able to out fox his foes every step of the way. It is a light read but offers some good historical information along the way. The plot was good but the dialogue was a bit unrealistic.

I'm nice thrill ride from Santa Monica to Paris and on to Cypress, with an unlikely hero and his unsuspecting girlfriend. Together they try to unravel a mystery two millennia in the making. Get on the train, you are in for quite a ride.

An amazing read and yes, right up there with likes of Dan Brown. Exiting, fast paced novel about Leonardo DiVinci's painting of the "Mona Lisa" and the possible secret painted onto the canvas. Enjoyed.

This is NOT a good book. As others have stated, it's factually inaccurate, the dialogue is stilted, the characters are stock , and the events are ridiculously farfetched. To compare it to the DaVinci Code is an insult to Dan Brown.

I absolutely loved this book. It's fast pace, intriguing plot twists and historical context kept me hooked in right up until the very end (which I found to be particularly engrossing). The author sets the scenes with vivid description and I felt myself transported to the locations within and could well imagine myself there.
I like that the main character Joey was both strong and assertive yet also very vulnerable. I often read this genre which strongly focuses on law enforcement versus the bad guys but it was a nice change to read a thriller where the main investigator was a civilian who did not have the resources available to him that usually predicts this type of book.
I would definitely recommend this great read to anyone who enjoys mystery thrillers and history and an imaginative, fast-paced story line.

A Da Vinci style thriller. It was a cross between DaVinci Code and Indiana Jones. I would like to see something more original by this author otherwise still a good read that I enjoyed and would recommend.

The Mona Lisa is definitely more interesting to me after reading this lively adventure, as this fast paced novel kept me turning pages to find out what would happen next. The book provides historical information in an entertaining format that is far more enjoyable than dry history textbooks. If you have ever looked at the Mona Lisa and wondered what was so great about the rather small painting hanging in the Louvre, then perhaps this book will give you both a bit of an art lesson and a good story to go along with it.

I received a copy of this book a few days prior to my own trip to Paris and the Louvre! I enjoyed this book and can not wait to read the second one. I was hooked right away and wanted to continue reading, only took me so long to finish due to traveling 3 countries in 12 days. Every time I thought I had the mystery solved, another twist pulled me back in. The characters are relatable and the story entertaining, especially for anyone that enjoys historical fiction.

Enjoyed from start to finish. The Characters were well developed with a good backstory The only problem I had was the ending. It felt too abrupt But as I said earlier it was enjoyable and would recommend.

There is an abundance of action. The writing, dialogue, and foreshadowing could have
There is an abundance of action. The dialogue, plot twists, and foreshadowing could have been written by a high school student.

Really enjoyed this book lots of twists and turns set within a historical background. Secret societies, groups with secrets and ancient families all combine to make this book a hard to put down brilliant and enjoyable read with great characters.

Didn't expect the crude language from a book labeled as "Religion & Spirituality". Thankful I had just borrowed it and not purchased the book. Returned it without reading beyond the first couple of pages.

I was fortunate enough to be provided a copy of this book by the author. I love historical fiction and this book did not let me down.
I will try not to leak any spoilers. The author did a fantastic job researching the many subjects that are part of his book.
I have been to Paris twice and Rome and Venice once. The Writer's graphic descriptions of the places made it very visual. It also made me want to return.

Loved Mona Lisa's Secret! This book had me hooked within the first few pages. If a book can make me feel like I'm right there in the pages with the characters I consider it a great book! Filled with action and adventure made it hard to put down.

I was glued to this story which kept me intrigued to the end. The characters were fascinating but the heroes would have died in the real world. But still any story that provides a positive background for God's people is interesting.

I love historical fiction mysteries, but I can’t honestly say I would describe this as such. It was a good read and very engrossing. The author tells a wonderful story, but it is predominantly based in current times. I guess when I think historical mystery, I want it to take place in the past.

This was a nice read! Started it on vacation to the Italian riviera and finished it in a heatwave in Nebraska..lots of historical information, intrigue, plot twists and bad guys! Great for summertime!

Mona Lisa's Secret had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of art history, suspense, and the cheekiness of the main character Joey. I would highly recommend it if you are after a fast-paced mystery, rich with art history.

I found it intriguing. It was interesting from the beginning, The more I read, I kept imaging it as a movie. I enjoyed reading this book very much. Will definitely read more from this author and make it a favorite.

I'm a reader who likes a novel that keeps me on my toes and questioning what's going to happen next. This novel has so much to keep you guessing. Not only that, the description of scenery and how each scene is played out provides a really clear picture in your mind when reading it.
I love novels like this one with such a great mystery.
I have no doubt that any person who will buy this novel will absolutely enjoy it 100%

I find that it is a thriller/action novel rather than historical fiction.It is an exciting ride through art , art history, legends, mystery and puzzle solving with a lot of action . A journey from Paris to Cyrprus to Venice. If you. are interested in any of these this is the book for you. It would certainly make a great movie.

Mona Lisa's Secret had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of art history, suspense, and the cheekiness of the main character Joey. I would highly recommend it if you are after a fast-paced mystery, rich with art history.

I found it intriguing. It was interesting from the beginning, The more I read, I kept imaging it as a movie. I enjoyed reading this book very much. Will definitely read more from this author and make it a favorite.

I'm a reader who likes a novel that keeps me on my toes and questioning what's going to happen next. This novel has so much to keep you guessing. Not only that, the description of scenery and how each scene is played out provides a really clear picture in your mind when reading it.
I love novels like this one with such a great mystery.
I have no doubt that any person who will buy this novel will absolutely enjoy it 100%

I would have enjoyed the book more if it didn't have profanity in it. That's all you hear so why do you have to read it too. The plot was good and it had plenty of mystery and suspense. Clean up the language and you will have a five star review. This really should not be in Christian fiction.

The novel starts out incredibly fast with an action scene and the story unfolds to an amazing conclusion. Most books are judged by a great ending and this one does not disappoint. If you looking for an original Indiana Jones / Da Vinci code type of book, give this one a go.

This is definitely a "can't put it down" book. Well written with compelling characters, this is a nonstop read. Better put this one at the top of your TBR list.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Bernard risked his life, to prove it was a fake, so close, and stopped..Joey, young, living in riches,the heist, the murder of father and brothers and the betrayal. Feeling alive again, after the revenge. A life he grew up was of criminals, and of the killings. His father always said the answers were in the Bible, and yet not a religious man. There was more to his Dad’s penthouse, as he found out, a secret place, by the sign of the tequila bottles, a refuge he went to, and then another surprise. Was he seeing, what he thought. His girlfriend was an expert. The question now, was what all had his father been into. A history filled plot, a good mystery, full of twists and turns. Of a man and family who had the riches, to get what they wanted.