The Gravity of Shadows

Book excerpt: In his critically acclaimed debut thriller, Thief of Light, former high-stakes art dealer David Ramus gave us a harrowing glimpse inside New York City's ruthlessly competitive art world. Now, in an electrifying return, Ramus casts his unflinching eye on the exclusive old-money world of Palm Beach to create a haunting tale of unfathomable wealth, merciless greed and page-turning suspense. Set behind the gates of a sprawling ocean-front mansion, The Gravity of Shadows weaves a layered account of a priceless Palm Beach art collection, an eager New York art dealer and a smoldering political secret whose powerful keeper will protect it at any cost. Wil Sumner, a self-made New York City art dealer, was entranced by the lure of fine art from an early age. Raised in the shadow of Palm Beach's spectacular wealth, he was determined to succeed in a world that had always existed just beyond his reach. Now, after making it in New York, Wil finds his business about to come crashing down in a heap of bank debt and broken dreams. An unexpected proposition -- to return to Palm Beach to appraise the private collection of Andrew Stevenson, a wealthy recluse -- may be his only chance to get back in the game.