Lovejoy

Lovejoy follows the exploits of an East Anglian antiques dealer with an uncanny gift for spotting genuine treasures and detecting forgeries. He moves through the underbelly of the British antiques trade, where his talents as a "divvie" - someone with an almost supernatural connection to antiques - make him both valued and viewed with suspicion. The book establishes a distinct world of dealers, collectors, and con artists operating in rural England's antiques scene. Through Lovejoy's first-person narration, readers gain insight into the technical aspects of antiques dealing and the complex networks of relationships that govern this specialized trade. The unconventional protagonist balances his extraordinary gift with questionable ethics, navigating between legitimate dealing and various schemes. His adventures involve rare artifacts, dangerous rivals, and the constant challenge of staying one step ahead while pursuing valuable finds. The novel explores themes of authenticity versus deception, both in objects and people, while painting a vivid picture of a subculture where expertise, cunning, and survival instincts intersect.

Readers appreciate the witty first-person narration and detailed insights into the antiques trade. The character of Lovejoy comes across as a flawed but entertaining protagonist, with his schemes and observations about human nature providing humor throughout. What readers liked: - Authentic details about antiques and collecting - Fast-paced plotting - Gash's knowledge of East Anglian settings - Clever dialogue and British humor What readers disliked: - Lovejoy's treatment of women - Dated attitudes and social views - Sometimes confusing plot threads - Technical antiques terminology can be overwhelming Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,124 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (268 ratings) Common reader comments note the book works better as a mystery-comedy than a straight crime novel. Multiple reviews mention enjoying the book more after watching the TV series. Some readers found the protagonist unlikeable but still engaging, with one Amazon reviewer noting "Lovejoy is a rogue, but an entertaining one."

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🏺 The "divvie" ability described in the books is based on a real phenomenon where some antique dealers claim to have an instinctive feel for authentic pieces, though it's much rarer than fiction suggests. 📚 Jonathan Gash is the pen name of John Grant, who worked as both a medical doctor and a practicing antiques dealer before becoming an author. 🎬 The Lovejoy series was adapted into a successful TV show starring Ian McShane, running from 1986 to 1994 on BBC One. 🗝️ The first Lovejoy novel, "The Judas Pair," was published in 1977 and won the Crime Writers' Association's John Creasey Award for best first crime novel. 🏛️ East Anglia, where the series is set, has historically been one of Britain's richest regions for antiques due to its wealthy wool trade history and proximity to continental Europe's trading routes.