Book of Stolen Tales by D. J. McIntosh Read Free Book Online

The Arabian Nights , explaining why the tales were told.”
    I looked her squarely in the eye. “Did you know it included illustrations by José de Ribera?”
    â€œNo! That would have increased the book’s value astronomically.”
    â€œExactly,” I said ruefully. “An incredible find, really. My client stood to make a fortune. There’s something else. The book’s gold covers are really well executed, with Arabic-looking arabesque designs. Is that unusual for an Italian book? What do you think?”
    She thought about what I asked for a moment and said, “I remember now. Except for the initials, the covers are almost a direct copy of a famous design done in 1537 by Hans Holbein the Younger for an English book.” Amy bent over her computer and searched for an image and then swiveled the screen for me to take a look.
    Design for a metal book cover by Hans Holbein the Younger
    â€œThat’s it, exactly, except for the initials. Why is that ring on top?”
    â€œTo fasten the book to a cord or belt so it couldn’t be lost or stolen.”
    â€œNice. I’m curious why Sherrods’ catalog made no mention of the author’s real name or the fact it was a fairy-tale anthology. That would have made it highly collectible.”
    â€œThe consignor was very secretive and wanted to limit how much information we gave out. Since the owner was represented by someone I know and trust, I went along with it.”
    â€œDidn’t the secrecy raise your suspicions?”
    â€œHappens all the time. Some sellers can be pretty weird. They would have refused to let us auction it, otherwise. How are you thinking to get it back?”
    â€œBy finding the thief. Listen, can you put a hold on the money? If the book does turn out to be stolen your consignor had no right to sell it so he’s not entitled to the proceeds.”
    â€œWe wired the funds this morning—sorry.” She bit her lip. She was already thinking beyond the immediate theft and how to protect Sherrods’ reputation. “Our lawyers will have a go at it. The house may not be compromised.”
    â€œThe whole thing might turn out to be a nonissue. One family member accusing another of selling it without permission. It wouldn’t be the first time someone made a false accusation of theft.”
    She brightened up for an instant but her face fell as quickly. “Interpol would have checked all that before issuing the alert.”
    â€œNot necessarily. Depends on who made the accusation. If it’s from someone powerful, that would influence the police. Look, if I can retrieve it, I’ll make it clear you were instrumental in helping me get it back. That should help. Who’s the consignor? Where did it come from?”
    â€œI’m right fucked anyway so you may as well know. It came from Ewan Fraser Associates.” She sighed as though she were carrying the weight of the whole world on her shoulders.
    â€œSounds Scottish. Is he from Edinburgh?”
    â€œNo, Naples. We’ve dealt with him in the past. Completely trustworthy source. He’s a rare book dealer in his off hours. It’s somewhere between a hobby and a real business for him. I met him on a trip once. A big blustery guy.”
    â€œWhy Naples?”
    â€œHe works at the national library there. Moved to the city because he’s always loved the Italian life. And it’s a lot warmer than Scotland.”
    Her face clouded over. I saw she was thinking the same unpleasant thought I was.
    â€œSurely he wouldn’t have taken it from the library and sent it here hoping no one would find out?”
    â€œAnd used his own name? Doesn’t make sense. Not rightly.”
    â€œDoes your consignor still have the other four volumes, or were they sold too?”
    â€œWhat are you talking about? We auctioned the complete book.”
    â€œNo, Sherrods didn’t, Amy. There’s no way. I found