59 pages • 1 hour read
Deron R. HicksThe Van Gogh Deception
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Van Gogh Deception by Deron R. Hicks follows 12-year-old Art, who suffers from amnesia and finds himself alone at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. With help from new friend Camille, he follows clues to uncover his identity while evading operatives seeking a vital notebook tied to an art forgery scheme. The story intertwines mystery with art history, featuring QR codes linked to the artworks mentioned. The novel references children in foster care, trauma-induced amnesia, and kidnapping.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Van Gogh Deception by Deron R. Hicks offers a thrilling ride suitable for young readers. Praised for its fast-paced plot and engaging mystery, the book adeptly integrates art history. Critics note, however, that some characters can feel underdeveloped, and the ending may appear predictable. Overall, it's a captivating read for those interested in art and intrigue.
Who Should Read The Van Gogh Deception?
A reader who would enjoy The Van Gogh Deception by Deron R. Hicks appreciates fast-paced, art-themed mysteries with clever twists. This book is ideal for fans of blueprints found in titles like Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett and Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald, where young protagonists uncover art world secrets.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
750LBook Details
Action / Adventure
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Children's Literature
Values/Ideas: Art
Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies
Relationships: Friendship
Arts / Culture