2008-06-22 Excellent romantic suspense story

Very enjoyable romantic suspense novel centring on art auctioneering.

River guide, Jillian Breck's Greataunt leaves her niece her ranch and 13 western themed paintings, which may or may not have been painted by late talented Western painter L Dunston. The paintings are all unsigned which poses a problem for authentication. Jillian's grandmother, also an artist but not famous, and Dunston were lovers.

Prior to her "accidental death", Jillian's aunt had sent one of the paintings to a dealer for authentication and valuation. She needed the money, if any, to pay land taxes. She receives a letter back stating that the painting is definately not a Dunston and not worth anything and 'Oh by the way the painting has been lost in the post'. The next thing Jillian knows is that her aunt is dead, the ranch house and barn have been burnt down, she receives a death threat and the 'lost' painting back, shredded up into rags.

Worried she contacts Joe Faroe of St Kilda Consulting. On a recent rafting holiday she saved Joe's son's life and enternally grateful he tells her to contact him if she ever needs any sort of help. Joe sends help in the form of art buff and information gathering expert, Zach Balfour.

Jillian and Zach find themselves in the middle of a tax and art scam, with someone very intent on not letting 12 previously unknown Dunston's onto the art market, even if it means commiting murder.

The title "Blue Smoke..." apparently refers to the practice of generating interest and 'winding up' the buying market so that higher prices are paid for an artist's work.

Well written, interesting and action packed novel. Well worth reading.