Review: An Inside Job by Daniel Silva
Looks Like Books contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimer to learn more.
If you’re a fan of fast-paced thrillers that mix art, espionage, and the shadowy world of international intrigue, then An Inside Job by Daniel Silva deserves a spot on your reading list. This latest installment in the Gabriel Allon series pulls readers into a dangerous chase through Venice, London, and beyond, with a stolen Leonardo da Vinci at the heart of the mystery. Silva once again proves why his novels are devoured by thriller lovers who crave intelligent storytelling with a razor-sharp edge.
Key Takeaways: An Inside Job by Daniel Silva
What It’s About
Gabriel Allon, art restorer and legendary spy, has been awarded a prestigious commission to restore one of Venice’s most important paintings. But when the body of a mysterious woman is pulled from the lagoon, what begins as a work of art becomes a descent into conspiracy and danger.
At the center of the intrigue is a vanished Leonardo da Vinci portrait, hidden for more than a century in the Vatican’s storerooms and stolen during a suspicious blackout. To track it down, Gabriel must move through the refined yet treacherous worlds of auction houses, organized crime, and Vatican politics.
From London’s galleries to the French Riviera’s gilded enclaves, every step brings him closer to a shocking confrontation in St. Peter’s Square – where the fate of a pope, and perhaps much more, hangs in the balance.
My Review Rating – 4 out of 5 stars.
An Inside Job by Daniel Silva is a strong addition to the Gabriel Allon series, though not without its quieter moments. I loved seeing Gabriel in his roles as husband, father, and loyal friend to the pontiff, as well as the cameos from familiar faces. Still, I occasionally found myself wishing for more of the high-voltage action from his days inside Israeli intelligence.
What I Liked
The Setting
Silva once again brings his readers into atmospheric corners of Europe. From the misty canals of Venice to the hushed archives of the Vatican and the glittering Riviera, every location carries his signature detail. As always, the blend of high art, history, and international intrigue makes the backdrop as compelling as the story itself.
The Characters
This installment gave me something I really enjoyed: more of Gabriel as a father, interacting with his children who are developing their personalities as kids with a legendary dad. Seeing him interact with his children added warmth and humanity to a character often defined by his spycraft. His relationship with Chiara continues to ground him, while his friendship with the pope adds surprising emotional depth. I also loved the cameos from familiar names like Julian Isherwood and Oliver Dimbleby – reminders of the larger Allon universe that Silva has built so meticulously.
The Plot
The central thread of a stolen Leonardo da Vinci painting is classic Silva – art and espionage colliding in a way only he can deliver. I enjoyed how Gabriel’s role as an art restorer dovetailed with his investigative instincts, especially when he resorts to creating a forgery to outwit the thieves. The tension within the Vatican, with a pope trying to root out corruption, added another intriguing dimension. And while quieter than some past entries, the story still built toward a climax worthy of the series.
What I Disliked
While I enjoyed the novel overall, I did feel that this 25th entry occasionally lacked the urgency of earlier installments. At times, the pacing leaned more toward the domestic than the dangerous. I found myself nostalgic for Gabriel’s high-stakes days inside Israeli intelligence and the energy that came from his larger “office” team. The sense of danger is still there, but it feels more muted compared to the global-scale crises of earlier books.
That said, Silva did leave some intriguing threads hanging that I suspect will pay off in future installments – enough to keep me eager for book 26.
Frequently Asked Questions About An Inside Job by Daniel Silva
Is An Inside Job part of the Gabriel Allon series?
Yes, this is the 25th book in Daniel Silva’s long-running Gabriel Allon series.
Do you need to read the Gabriel Allon books in order?
While each novel has a self-contained plot, the series builds on Gabriel’s personal life and past missions. Reading in order gives you the richest experience.
Where is An Inside Job set?
The story moves from Venice to the Vatican, London, and the French Riviera – locations that highlight Silva’s signature blend of art, culture, and intrigue.
Is this book heavy on art history?
Yes, like many Gabriel Allon novels, art and history are central to the plot. Here, a stolen Leonardo da Vinci painting drives the suspense.
How does An Inside Job compare to earlier books in this series?
It’s more personal and reflective than some of the action-heavy installments. Readers who enjoy Gabriel’s family life and friendships will especially appreciate this one.
Conclusion: An Inside Job by Daniel Silva
An Inside Job may not be the most explosive entry in the Gabriel Allon series, but it’s a satisfying one that balances art, espionage, and family. I especially loved seeing Gabriel in his roles as father and friend, even as he’s pulled back into the world he can never quite leave behind. While the pace sometimes felt quieter, Silva left just enough intrigue dangling to keep me eager for what comes next.
If you want to dive deeper into Daniel Silva’s work, check out my Daniel Silva bibliography for the full list of Gabriel Allon novels in order. And if you’re curious about where Gabriel’s retirement began, I also reviewed Portrait of an Unknown Woman.
📚 Did You Know?
Daniel Silva didn’t start his career as a novelist – he was a journalist for CNN before turning to fiction full-time. His background in covering international politics and conflict has shaped the authentic feel of his espionage thrillers, giving Gabriel Allon’s world its sharp, realistic edge.
