A review by purplepenning
The Frame-Up by Gwenda Bond

adventurous dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

Survival, and even atonement, turned out to be second-best motivations. Tonight wasn't just about stealing [the] portrait; it was about stealing their lives back. 

Resist the false expectations of the rom-com/cozy caper title and cover and you'll have a much better chance of enjoying this. The Frame-Up leans a little more gritty than cozy caper and the romance is a nice subplot but not the point. It delivers a coordinated team-heist style adventure with paranormal elements, a bit of mystery, some historical context, big mother-daughter drama, and a found-family core. I like a little my heists with a little more humor, but the main character, the mystery, and the historical backstory kept me engaged. 
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