The Heist, Silva - B

                                               This book is the fourteenth in the Gabriel Allon series, and although last year's slotted him for the top job at the 'Office', that job is still a year away and he remains in the field.  The circumstances strain credulity more than usual, but the extensive background  on art history and Silva's storytelling skills overcome the weaker plot points.  While working on a restoration in Venice, Allon is asked by the Italians to investigate the murder of a man who sells stolen art.  The painting that may have led to the murder is a Carvaaggio that has been missing for four decades. Gabriel confirms that the missing 'Nativity' is indeed in play and sets up a trap.  His first attempt to recapture the painting fails but he ascertains that the man behind it all, the man trying to accumulate a string of stolen masterpieces, is none other than the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad. The action then shifts from Europe to King Saul Boulevard in Tel Aviv,  home of Israel's intelligence service.  Gabriel's team plots to strip Assad of his financial assets and undertakes one of their legendary operations.  And so, off they go back to Europe to spin their web and entrap the Syrians.  In consideration of those who will read this, I will simply state the ending is one of those LeCarre-ish partially resolved and subtle conclusions.  Presumably, Allon will be Chief when we see him next summer.  One of the attractions of any series is the familiarity of not just the main, but also the secondary characters. His team of Israelis is the same one he's used for years and that is comforting in series like this.  Additionally, Silva uses a familiar cast of associates in London, Geneva, Corsica and Paris. I'm certain this series will be with us for quite some time.