Julia, a professional art restorer in Madrid, discovers a hidden inscription while cleaning a fifteenth-century Flemish masterpiece depicting a chess match. The message, concealed beneath layers of paint, suggests a murder occurred centuries ago. To solve the riddle, Julia enlists the help of a brilliant but eccentric chess master named Muñoz to reconstruct the game move by move. As they backtrack through the historical match, a contemporary serial killer begins mirroring the board's captures in real life, turning the investigation into a lethal puzzle where every choice impacts their survival.
This novel serves enthusiasts of cerebral mysteries and historical semiotics. Readers who enjoy deciphering codes and following logical deductions will appreciate the technical integration of chess theory into a structural plot. The book provides a detailed look at the meticulous work of art conservation alongside the cold geometry of competitive strategy. One finishes the story with a sharper understanding of how historical artifacts bridge the past with the present and how mathematical logic can be applied to criminal patterns.
Escapist; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1990
- Language
- EN
