"Jeff Lanier brilliantly evokes the energy and excitement of the New York art world in this Cold War thriller with an artistic twist. Along the way he gives us fascinating insights into Abstract Expressionism and the power of art to communicate values and ideas."
-Ross King, New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of The Judgment of Paris, Brunelleschi's Dome, and Michelangelo and The Pope's Ceiling"Lanier intelligently limns not only the American obsession with Communist infiltration in the wake of World War II, but also the emergence of abstract expressionism in the U.S. This is an exceedingly intelligent and unpredictable story, one that astutely combines a love of art with an exciting tale of intrigue. A mesmerizing spy thriller, thoughtful and dramatic."
-Kirkus Reviews"Truth can be stranger than fiction, it's true-- but great fiction can also be inspired by true events. In this must-be-read-to-be-believed book, Lanier brings the real story of art as a key player in mid-century American politics and international relations. Sweetened with romance, intrigue, and historical knowledge, this book is a fun romp for readers of all stripes."
-Jennifer Dasal, author, ArtCurious: Stories of the Unexpected, Slightly Odd, and Strangely Wonderful in Art History For the Minds and Wills of Men is a captivating tour through the art world of postwar New York City, blended with an enthralling whodunit that leaves you guessing until the end.
-Glasstire MagazineJeff Lanier's terrific For the Minds and Wills of Men sweeps readers into 1950s New York City where abstract art is thought to contain messages to help enemies destroy democracy in America. Lanier skillfully and effortlessly captures the era but his outstanding talents are his vivid descriptions of paintings and his keen understanding of the avant-garde art world. A fresh voice and exciting storyteller, Lanier's "who-stole-it" mystery is of the highest order.
-Ann Weisgarber, Award-Winning Author of The Glovemaker and The Promise"Jeff Lanier has written a true unicorn of a novel. Taken as historical fiction, For The Minds and Wills of Men works on a fantastically authentic level, as its setting-1950s New York City, amid the Cold War milieu of paranoia, post-war patriotism and the rise of abstract expressionism-is rendered utterly convincingly."
- Todd Stoddard Smith, Author of Whore StoriesWith its 50s-noir flavor, engaging down-to-earth characters, and enticing art world plot, For the Minds and Wills of Men is highly recommended for readers of mystery fiction, historical fiction, or political thrillers, and especially those readers interested in American modern art and abstract expressionism.
- Lone Star Literary LifeFinding a historical mystery novel that utilizes history as a central mechanism of its dramatic impetus is a rare delight indeed, and Jeff Lanier achieves this beautifully through his thrilling novel where art meets espionage. For the Minds and Wills of Men is a superb read that I would certainly recommend to fans of sophisticated mysteries with plenty of atmospheric and accurate historical detail that only enhances the storyline.
- Reader's Favorite
2022-08-23
In this novel, an insurance agent in the 1950s attempts to track down a stolen painting by Jackson Pollock and gets pulled into the murky world of American espionage.
Will Oxley isn’t a typical insurance agent—he heads a one-man art division at All American Insurance, an idea of his own concoction. Elaine Carter, a gallery owner, charges him with tracking down a stolen painting by the up-and-coming Pollock intended for an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. The work is an odd choice for a theft—it’s not among the most valuable paintings that were available and, given the size of the canvas, not the easiest to purloin. As Will quips, “You can’t tuck that under your coat.” In fact, the motive for the theft of that particular painting is exasperatingly unclear to Will, who doggedly pursues its recovery nonetheless. In the process, he meets Liz Bower—who heads the Bower Foundation, the well-funded organization behind the exhibition. She hails from a very prominent family—her father, Frank, owns a massive manufacturing company that, among other things, supplies the United States military with uniforms and gas masks. Will and Liz begin a romantic affair, but he becomes suspicious that she might have ties to subversive Communist groups—a weighty concern since the “House Un-American Activities Committee was holding trials at an unapologetic pace.” Lanier intelligently limns not only the American obsession with Communist infiltration in the wake of World War II, but also the emergence of abstract expressionism in the U.S. Moreover, Will is a captivating protagonist—he turns to art for solace after a traumatic experience fighting as an infantryman in the war: “The war stayed with me when I returned. We all came back different, broken. I find solace in paintings. I need them. Paintings help quiet the memories. I can spend time in front of one and be taken away from the images of bodies and trenches.” This is an exceedingly intelligent and unpredictable story, one that astutely combines a love of art with an exciting tale of intrigue.
A mesmerizing spy thriller, thoughtful and dramatic.
