THE TEN WORD GAME

The Ten Word Game
by Jonathan Gash
320 pages
ISBN: 0-312-32347-6
St. Martin’s Minotaur
January 20, 2004
$23.95

“Years ago I invented the Ten Word Game. It’s simple: put any problem into ten words. No extras. You can describe the Olympics, America, or the whole universe, in ten words. It shows you what’s what.”

The Ten Word Game by Jonathan Gash is a continuation of the Lovejoy adventures. Unfortunately for Lovejoy, he is not in control of this particular scam and is forced to go along on a northern European cruise while not completely understanding his purpose or involvement except that he is certain that the event will take place in St. Petersburg and it will be an antique theft. The others on this cruise manipulate Lovejoy as a pawn in their own personal games. This becomes comical with Lovejoy’s talents and knowledge of both women and antiques. What makes this particular book unusual is the lack of ability for Lovejoy to control the situation. He has to accept that the others on the cruise know what his role is to be in this scam and they efficiently take care of his needs.

Lovejoy has an unusual gift in that he can sense the authenticity of any piece of art or antique. With the tremendous number of fakes and reproductions with certificates of authenticity, this rare ability makes his gift a unique talent. When he is near the authentic artistic works he actually becomes ill from the genuine things. Imagine having someone with this gift as you meander through a museum. Someone who can truly distinguish the fakes from the real thing would be an invaluable, but manipulative gift.

While awaiting and dodging his probable arrest in England, Lovejoy was somewhat kidnapped onto this cruise which is a special antique-theme cruise to St. Petersburg and back. His attempts to escape his captors often are in conflict with his love of the actual antiques. Much of the mystery in this delightful cruise jaunt is through Lovejoy’s own eyes, discovering what is the real antique that this group wants to have Lovejoy steal for them and at what expense, not monetarily, will Lovejoy be responsible.

There is delight also in reading this book in that there are antique lessons scattered throughout, even a guide for an antique kit for beginners in the field and easy methods to check for authentic amber. The fictional Lovejoy also is very adept at making copies of authentic paintings as well as antiques. There couldn’t then be a better guide for distinguishing a true works of art for any beginner or antique enthusiast.

The Ten Word Game is a comical book about a man who is accustomed to being in charge, having to let others guide him without his input. He’s even told what to wear and the clothes are either bought or found for him.

Jonathan Gash is a retired physician who has written numerous novels including the Lovejoy series. He lives in Essex, England.