Review: Portrait of an Unknown Woman 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’ve ever wondered what happens when the world’s greatest spy hangs up his cloak and dagger for paintbrushes and palette knives, Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Daniel Silva has your answer.
This first post-retirement novel in the Gabriel Allon series trades geopolitical espionage for the shadowy intrigues of the art world – and proves that danger finds Gabriel no matter how far he tries to distance himself from his past. With a centuries-old painting, a possible forgery, and a multibillion-dollar fraud at the heart of the plot, Silva delivers a thriller that’s both elegant and suspenseful.
Key Takeaways: Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Daniel Silva
What It’s About
Gabriel Allon has finally stepped away from Israeli intelligence and settled into life in Venice with his wife and children. But peace is short-lived when Julian Isherwood, Gabriel’s eccentric friend and art dealer, calls on him for help investigating a suspicious Old Master painting. The portrait, attributed to Sir Anthony van Dyck, has been rediscovered and sold for an astronomical sum – but Gabriel quickly suspects it’s a forgery.
As he digs deeper, Gabriel uncovers a massive art fraud operation involving some of the most powerful players in the art world. To expose it, he devises one of the most elaborate deceptions of his career – becoming a master forger himself to trap the real culprit. What unfolds is a sophisticated cat-and-mouse chase through auction houses, galleries, and the elite enclaves of international collectors, where art is treated less like beauty and more like currency.
My Review Rating – 4 out of 5 stars.
Portrait of an Unknown Woman is a sophisticated, art-centered thriller that introduces a new phase in Gabriel Allon’s life. I loved the exploration of the art world’s darker corners and the intricate forgeries at the heart of the story. While quieter than some earlier books in the series, it’s still an intelligent, gripping read that balances atmosphere with Silva’s signature twists.
Review Of Portrait Of An Unknown Woman by Daniel Silva
Daniel Silva’s Portrait of an Unknown Woman combines the intrigue of an international art mystery with the sharp pacing of a spy thriller. In this review, I’ll share what worked especially well, where the story felt uneven, and how this novel stands apart within Silva’s celebrated Gabriel Allon series.
What I Liked About Portrait Of An Unknown Woman
The Setting
Silva paints the art world in vivid strokes, from the sunlit canals of Venice to the hushed, high-stakes world of dealers and auction houses in London. The glamour of priceless art collides with the shadow of fraud, giving the novel a stylish yet dangerous atmosphere.
The Characters
I appreciated seeing Gabriel in a new stage of life. Retirement hasn’t dulled his instincts, but it has softened his edges, especially in how he relates to his family. Chiara, as always, is a strong presence, and Julian Isherwood adds levity as the perpetually frazzled art dealer. The forger antagonist is intriguing – intelligent, elusive, and an almost perfect mirror of Gabriel’s own skills.
The Plot
The art-forgery angle is fresh and clever, making the novel feel distinct within the Allon series. Watching Gabriel orchestrate a con against the con artists was both thrilling and satisfying. Silva blends the intricacies of art history with high-stakes suspense, making the climax a sharp reminder that even post-retirement, Gabriel is still one step ahead of everyone else.
What I Disliked About Portrait Of An Unknown Woman
Compared to earlier books in the series, this one is slower and less action-heavy. The shift from global intelligence crises to art fraud may feel like lower stakes for longtime readers, and I occasionally missed the pulse-pounding urgency of Gabriel’s spy days. That said, the change in focus fits his character’s new chapter, and Silva still delivers enough twists to keep the story engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Daniel Silva
Is this part of the Gabriel Allon series?
Yes, it’s book 22 in the series, and the first to focus on Gabriel’s life after retiring from Israeli intelligence.
Do I need to read the series in order to enjoy it?
Not strictly, as this story can technically stand on its own. But reading earlier novels will give you a richer context for Gabriel’s character and relationships. I highly recommend that you read this series in order.
What genre is the book?
It’s a mix of thriller and art-heist fiction, with international settings and Silva’s signature espionage flair.
How does this book differ from earlier Gabriel Allon books?
It’s more focused on the art world than politics or terrorism. The plot revolves around forgery and deception rather than intelligence operations.
Conclusion: Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Daniel Silva
This novel may mark Gabriel’s retirement, but it proves there’s still plenty of danger in his world. Portrait of an Unknown Woman blends art, forgery, and suspense into a stylish thriller that feels like a turning point for the series. While less explosive than some of the earlier books, it’s a rewarding read for fans who want to see Gabriel evolve beyond the shadows of his intelligence career.
For more on Silva’s work, check out my Daniel Silva bibliography or my review of An Inside Job, which continues Gabriel’s story in Venice and beyond.
And if you’re in the mood for some different types of mystery books and thrillers, here’s a handy guide to all the different types of books that fall into that category.
Did You Know?
The real Sir Anthony van Dyck, whose name is tied to the painting in this novel, was a Flemish Baroque artist famous for his portraits of European royalty. His works are so influential that the beard style he often painted – pointed goatee with a mustache – is still known today as a “Van Dyke.”
Related Posts:
- Book Review: Captive by Iris Johansen
- Review: The Enigma of Room 622 by Joel Dicker
- Review: The Diver’s Clothes Lie Empty by Vendela Vida
- Review: The Family Holiday by Shalini Boland
- Deanna Raybourn Books In Order [All 25+]
- Review: Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
- John Grisham Books In Order [Complete List]
- Patricia Cornwell Books In Order
