This story is set among the richness and intrigue of the Spanish Court in 1656 and in London, 1991, where Alex Johns works as an art intern at the Courtauld Institute of Art.

Central to both stories is a 17th century painting, Las Meninas, and the secrets held within it. Featured in the painting is the Infanta Margarita, the little Spanish princess.

While trying to uncover the secrets held within the painting, Alex’s mother was mysteriously killed. Alex herself is troubled by memories of her own encounter as a child with the girl in the painting, memories that continue to haunt her.

Alex, armed with her mother’s cryptic notes, is working to discover additional evidence to uncover the truths that lie within the canvas. The elite of the art world are far from impressed as she audaciously questions the opinions and conclusions of the world’s best experts.

In 1656, Diego Velazquez, favourite of both Margarita and her father, King Philip, is in the process of capturing a scene in the Royal household in his painting Las Meninas. As young as Margarita is, she can sense something is very wrong in the royal household. The King and Queen are distressed. Some say the royal household is cursed. As powerful courtiers try to marry her off, Margarita finds herself fighting to control her own destiny.

The Art world, the Church and the 17th century Spanish court all hold the answers. But there are powerful players who will stop at nothing to ensure the truths hidden in the painting never come to light.

The Vanishing Point is a beautiful read. An exciting well-crafted debut.

Reviewed by Nicola Skinstad

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrea Hotere grew up in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, and lives in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, with her family. She studied history at the University of Otago, journalism at the University of Canterbury and has worked as a historical researcher, journalist, TV producer and author.