Self Portrait - A Novel (release February 21, 2023)

Thieves have struck again at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. the site of the largest unsolved and infamous art heist in history. This time the priceless self-portrait of Rembrandt is stolen. Detective Brooks isn’t too happy to have Father Tom back poking his nose into another police case, but the surprising twist and turns and complex lives of the player's involved make for an intriguing and emotional climax.

2024 Catholic Media Association Book Awards - Second Place for Catholic Novel

2023 Independent Author Network (IAN) Book Awards - Winner for Outstanding Chrisitan/Religious Fiction

Self Portrait Award

2023 Independent Author Network (IAN) Book Awards - Finalist for Outstanding General Fiction

2023 American Book Fest Fiction Book Awards Finalist for Religious Fiction

Gold Award Winner

2024 ICBA Book Awards

Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval Award recipient for editorial integrity and faithfulness to Catholic Teachings.

Endorsements

Self Portrait is a story of self-forgiveness, self-discovery, self-reflection, and self-acceptance. This story leaves readers contemplating their own humanity and humility, as we watch the characters reveal their deepest fears and their greatest loves in personal quests for goodness and truth. Self Portrait by Jim Sano delivers in every aspect. ☆☆☆☆☆

Mary Jo Thayer, best-selling and award-winning author of Close to the Soul

 "A memorable story for our times, when terrible events call into question life-long habits, forcing us to look again and consider the world—and ourselves—in a whole new light." ☆☆☆☆☆

A. K. Frailey, Author of historical and science fiction

The mark of an outstanding author is drawing readers into a genre they wouldn't normally read. That's exactly what Jim Sano did for me with the latest book in his Fr. Tom series. Self Portrait is the tale of a heist of the Rembrandt painting Self-Portrait from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston in the early 2000s. I was hooked from page one. The author does a wonderful job constructing a believable and compelling plot with enough twists to keep any reader on their toes. With his in-depth knowledge of the city of Boston, he created a rich background that shows a realistic picture of Bostonians at their best and worst. Sano has made me a fan of urban life fiction. Great job!” ☆☆☆☆☆

Award-winning author and journalist Amanda Lauer

"With mystery, action, and a lot of heart, Jim Sano has penned a 
compelling urban story of forgiveness and grace. This next installment 
in his Father Tom series won't disappoint!”

Antony Barone Kolenc, award-winning author of The Harwood Mysteries

This is the fifth novel from the pen of Jim Sano that I have read. It is the fourth that is in the Father Tom series. This one was hard to put down. Once I started it at first I wondered where it was going. Then I started putting the pieces together. It is not a locked room mystery, but it is an excellent story about a theft in broad daylight at a museum, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, with plenty of witnesses. But the pieces just seem to keep not adding up. One of the police investigating believes so and it keeps nagging at him. Father Tom and Angelo believe so and keep digging. And even the wife of the officer who loved the artwork at the museum, and is in desperate need of a medical procedure they cannot afford.

 Like the other Father Tom stories this book has great characters, an excellent plot, and it has amazing pacing. With each volume from Sano that I read I appreciate his writing more. I love the Father Tom books and this story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I am certain the story will draw you in and keep you hooked.

 This story is a contemporary fiction tale. It is a story about seeking revenge or vengeance, family, and faith. It is what Madeleine L’Engle referred to as realistic fiction. It is set in our world, in our time, and with our issues and struggles. In this story we have a few main characters, and several supporting characters that play key roles. But in some ways this one reads like a Christian or Catholic version of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer or the Spencer stories by Robert B. Parker. The description of the book is:

 “Thieves have struck again at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the site of the largest unsolved and infamous art heist in history. This time the priceless self-portrait of Rembrandt is stolen. Detective Brooks isn't too happy to have Father Tom back poking his nose into another police case, but the surprising twist and turns and complex lives of the players involved make for an intriguing and emotional climax.”

 William Patrick Quinn, Billy is set to retire soon. His partner is like a son. And his own son died many years earlier. Quinn has blamed himself. And does not feel the hero and man of honor many take him for. He is struggling with his own doubt, and inability to help his son, and is questioning how far he will go to save his wife. He is going to have to face his past, and see it in a new light. He will either learn to forgive himself or end up destroying himself. Fortunately he has a devoted wife, Father Tom, Angelo and his partner Sean O’Donnell.

 This is another excellent read from the pen of Jim Sano. It is a story about faith, family, and finding our way in difficult circumstances. Very well written, and the characters will stay with you long after you finish reading the story. Reading this was like a visit with old friends and meeting up with Father Tom and Angelo again are great characters to spend time with. ☆☆☆☆☆

 This is another great read from Jim and Full Quiver. I highly recommend it.

 Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Steven McEvoy, Book Reviews and More

2024 ICBA Gold Award Winner: Jim’s books have a way of Unraveling a midst of emotions and keeping readers on their toes!
Self Portrait guides us through the lives of many people, while weaving a backdrop of a mysterious crime.
The character’s situations contain realistic scanarios that are relateable to the reader, and ultimately creates a bond of mutual respect and admiration.

While it was sad to reach the end of the book, the ending was absolutely perfect for the story.

Inscription Christian Books

Self Portrait by Jim Sano is a moving mystery novel involving a complicated case that tests the main character’s moral principles. Though it has been decades since the last art heist occurred, which still remains unsolved, Billy is determined to solve the recent art theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Now close to retirement, Billy looks back at his long-lasting career. He appreciates the bond between the Boston police officers and the support he has received from them over the years, especially, now he is about to retire. A close friendship has developed between Billy and his young partner, Sean, who has become like family to Billy and his wife. As details about the case unfold, Billy is forced to make difficult decisions that test his principles and bring back painful memories.

Jim Sano adeptly crafts complex, well-fleshed-out characters who struggle with internal and external conflicts. I loved that Billy’s personal life is explored and interwoven with the mystery. Other characters are also relatable including Sean and Billy’s friend, Father Tom. The story includes many suspenseful turns and poignant scenes that kept me drawn to the characters and their experiences. The story’s end is powerful and satisfying. Each sub-plot is fully developed and concluded by the end of the novel. Self Portrait is an immersive faith-based novel that features unforgettable characters, heart-rending scenes, and many unexpected twists. Fans of mystery novels will love the story’s originality, believable lead characters, and the heart-warming bond between them. Highly recommended. ☆☆☆☆☆

Edith Wairimu for Readers Favorite

Great read. If you're looking for a mystery that goes beyond "whodunit" status, look no more. Jim Sano furthers his Father Tom series with intrigue as he draws you into another great story. Mystery is woven throughout the story, but doesn't overshadow the depth you gain from walking in the shoes of his endearing characters. You will find yourself not only pondering the mystery, but also your place in the world. Read it for where it takes you and enjoy it for what it reveals. ☆☆☆☆☆

Michelle Buckman, Award-winning author

Wonderful book with mystery, art, and the human experience: This book transported me to Boston and into the lives of lovable and memorable characters. I was caught up in the mystery of the stolen painting and found it hard to put the book down. Self-Portrait is much more than a mystery though, because the author gently guides us into our own human experience. We cannot help but to address our own self-awareness and self-acceptance. Officer Billy Quinn struggles with his past, or more accurately - with his view of the past. Father Tom uses Rembrandt's self portrait to teach Billy he needs to see himself the way God sees him, and the way others see him. Only then can the healing begin.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery, loves to be transported to another time and place, enjoys the characters they’re reading about, or wants to learn more about our relationship with God. ☆☆☆☆☆

Cathy Parsloe

Intense. Enjoyed this book. Fast pace, plot twists, and well developed characters. Intense moral dilemma.☆☆☆☆☆

JPC

Another gift by author, Jim Sano: This was my last read in 2023, and what a great way to end the year. I’ve loved all of Jim Sano’s books so far. He weaves criminal cases, relationships, emotional ups and downs, and redemption into every story. All the characters come to life, so much so that I feel I know Fr. Tom and Angelo. What a team! And now I can’t wait to visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner, which is the backdrop of the mystery in this novel. I’m well into his fifth book in the Fr. Tom series, Fallen Graces, and I’m hooked. Keep writing, Jim! ☆☆☆☆☆

Mrs. MM

Fictional yet real: Another fantastic read from Jim Sano. He has a gift of writing drawing you in to a story that feels very real and at times, identifiable with faith intertwined along the way and an ending that is always surprising. ☆☆☆☆☆

Joan M

:Another wonderful book and story: A great story, the characters are wonderful and you feel like you know them and right into feeling for them and their situation. Father Tom is so wise as in the other stories too, makes me want to have a chat with him too. Keep writing and look forward to the next story! ☆☆☆☆☆

Cindy Pandolfi

Great read: Enjoyed this book from the start. There are interesting twists with a wonderful story woven in. The series continues to keep the reader on their toes with each chapter. ☆☆☆☆☆

Wayne Spiro