When Ben returns to the shop, he is viciously attacked by an intruder; Ben barely manages to fight him off. Simeon dies while Ben is contacting the police. The police believe that Simeon was the victim of a botched burglary, but Ben is convinced the crime is related to the Velasquez.

Further research results in Ben’s realization that the Velasquez is one of the missing art works from the legendary Lost Truck. During World War II, the Nazis had engaged in systematic looting of art in Europe and stored it in a vast underground salt mine in Austria. One truck carrying art had become separated from a large convoy and had mysteriously disappeared. Only one work had ever surfaced from that shipment, a painting exhibited in a Russian museum.

Ben receives a letter from an Austrian count who believes that the Velasquez is one of a group of paintings confiscated by the Nazis from his family. He has been contacted concerning companion painting by Velasquez. He wishes to hire Ben to authenticate the second painting.

Ben’s journey to Austria and Russia and his search to uncover the truth about the Lost Truck will lead to connections with the Russian and a trail of murders.

Loot is a fast-paced, intricately plotted mystery with a myriad of threads that come together satisfyingly at the end. There are just enough clues sown throughout the story that a very observant reader may figure out what’s going to happen, but most readers will just enjoy going along for the ride and let the story unfold.

What distinguishes Loot from innumerable other Nazi-evil-lives-on thrillers are the characters, particularly the very likeable first-person narrator. Ben is educated and respected but doesn’t take himself too seriously; he has a puckish sense of humor and a self-deprecating manner. He doesn’t have many of the talents that heroes of similar books frequently boast -- no martial arts training, no smooth moves with the ladies, no unlikely bolts of sudden insight. He’s a hero from the common-man-accomplishes-uncommon-deeds mold.

With a first-person point of view, all the characters are introduced through Ben’s eyes, but he’s got a keen eye. Many of the secondary characters are well-drawn and distinctive although some of the villains could have come straight from central casting.

Aaron Elkins is best known for his Gideon Oliver mystery series. His fans will not be disappointed in his newest hero.

--Lesley Dunlap