A Case for the van Gogh Agency (The Picture Visitors #1)

Thirteen-year-old Vincent Fox has been a picture visitor for three years; via obscured portals, he can jump inside paintings, experience their internal worlds, and journey through linked works. After learning of a stolen masterwork, he determines to use his ability to track down other missing paintings; along the way, he encounters redheaded Holly Cormack, who is also a picture visitor. As the two Londoners compete to see who can find a stolen Jan van Goyen first, Vincent discovers that there is something off about one of his favorite works, van Gogh’s The Starry Night. He and Holly soon find that the consequences of their powers are more complicated—and dangerous—than they thought possible. Convenient plot points and Vincent’s bland characterization are alleviated by the innovative worldbuilding surrounding picture visiting, and scenes with Vincent’s vivacious grandfather and his roommate, dubbed “the grandpas,” provide laugh-aloud delight. Back matter features information about the referenced paintings, as well as where some may be viewed. Vincent is depicted on the cover as having brown skin; supporting characters cue as white. Ages 10–up. (Apr.)