The Art Whisperer: An Alix London Mystery

In the Elkinses' artful third Alix London mystery (after 2013's A Cruise to Die For), the art consultant and conservator examines 28 paintings for the L. Morgan Brethwaite Museum in Palm Springs, Calif. A work she's not evaluating, a large Jackson Pollock, fires her curiosity. Alix sounds out others about the painting, including unpopular senior curator Clark Calder, brash appraiser Jerry Swanson, and patrician curator Prentice Faversham Vandervere. When Alix surprises an invader in her hotel cottage who escapes after a tussle, police detective Jake Cruz figures she probably was a victim of the "Phantom Burglar," but Alix thinks the attack was personal. Alix discovers some other anomalies that suggest possible fraud, but when her prime suspect is murdered, she has to recalculate quickly. Interesting characters, an amiable sleuth, and a satisfying plot will keep readers turning the pages. Agent: Lisa Erbach Vance, Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency. (Aug.)