The Picasso Heist – James Patterson and Howard Roughan

Published By: Century
Pages: 384
Released On: 28/08/2025

A rare masterpiece by Picasso is about to go to auction, and the whole world is watching.

But bright art student Halston Graham sees an opportunity. One that could secure millions for her future – and freedom for her wrongly imprisoned father…

To pull off the crime of the century, she must assemble an unlikely crack team: an expert in forgery, a ruthless mob boss, and an eccentric fashion designer.

In a game where trust is a luxury and failure is not an option, will Halston’s brilliance be enough to outsmart her enemies?

*****

Thanks to NetGalley and Century for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I’ve only come to James’ books relatively recently, and have been immediately hooked, although I have only read series, rather than standalone.

I know I’ve only read a few of his books but this didn’t sound like him at all. Maybe it’s the influence of the co-writer, but I did struggle to find Patterson’s voice.

It’s not full-on thriller, it’s quieter than that, it gets under your skin. It’s very narrative heavy and character heavy, rather than real thrilling plot, and so it’s unlike the other books of his I’ve read but it really works in this circumstance.

It took me a little while to get into it but then I read it in less than a day because it had me hooked. It’s so intense.

There are some quite technical parts to do with the legal – and illegal – art world which sort of went over my head but it didn’t impact the enjoyment of it.

Halston is an interesting character. She’s very real but she’s got an edge, a spark to her. I loved how quick she was with comebacks and the ability to think on her feet.

It’s full of twists and turns but none that felt too out there. The plot is intricate and layered and some would say too busy. And yes it is very busy and there were a few bits that confused me and possibly there’s one too many subplots. But for the most part, it read okay, it becomes more engaging as it goes on, and more addictive.

It’s completely different to what I’m used to but a very enjoyable red and I’d recommend it to Patterson fans and newbies alike. I wonder if it will be the start of a new series…?