The Bellini Madonna - Hardcover

...inevitably recalls A.S.Byatt's Possession but it's a comparison from which this book does not always emerge the loser...Lowry knows how to convey atmosphere almost as well as Ian McEwan - London Review of Books

Many luminous moments...a mystery story, a love story and a comedy of errors...The Bellini Madonna is a compelling debut that entertains and unsettles in equal measures - Guardian

Tom Lynch is a libidinous, non-achieving art historian in disgrace for his sexual misdemeanours. There seems only one means of redemption - the opportunity to prove his life-long theory of the existence of an uncatalogued Madonna by the great master, Bellini. There follows a month in the dilapidated country pile of Malle, where the owners seem intent on keeping Lynch prisoner, as they know they have the picture, but they don't know where it is, while Lynch is both weakened by love and alcohol and accepts his captivity even though it will lead to his death