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The Spectacle
A powerful art dealer who presents a convincing portrait of international success pulls an idealistic young gallery assistant into his web of lies. This sharp, edgy social thriller explores the price of ambition in the decadent underbelly of the high-end art world.
Nobody knows quite who Rudolph Sullivan is, or how he ascended so quickly to the glittering top of New York’s art scene. When aspiring artist and struggling gallery assistant Ingrid meets the charismatic dealer at a party, she falls fast—Rudolph offers her a seductive taste of luxury and an escape from her humdrum existence.
But Rudolph is hiding much more than his dazzling facade lets on. With insatiable tastes and a need to keep up appearances, his debts mount rapidly, and he turns to double dealing to stay afloat. As his adversaries close in, Rudolph realizes his fall from grace could cost him more than his reputation. Panicking, paranoid, and willing to sacrifice anyone to maintain his precarious foothold, he plans his most audacious gambit yet—and Ingrid is at the center of it.
Nobody knows quite who Rudolph Sullivan is, or how he ascended so quickly to the glittering top of New York’s art scene. When aspiring artist and struggling gallery assistant Ingrid meets the charismatic dealer at a party, she falls fast—Rudolph offers her a seductive taste of luxury and an escape from her humdrum existence.
But Rudolph is hiding much more than his dazzling facade lets on. With insatiable tastes and a need to keep up appearances, his debts mount rapidly, and he turns to double dealing to stay afloat. As his adversaries close in, Rudolph realizes his fall from grace could cost him more than his reputation. Panicking, paranoid, and willing to sacrifice anyone to maintain his precarious foothold, he plans his most audacious gambit yet—and Ingrid is at the center of it.
416 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2025
20 people are currently reading
5827 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 1, 2025
The Spectacle was as sluggish as New York City traffic.
October 22, 2025
Rudolph Sullivan, wants nothing more than his name to be known by every one. He rose quickly to the top of the art scene and operates a "successful" gallery. Ingrid is a failed artist and struggling assistant at another gallery when she meets Rudolph. She is dazzled by his charisma and falls right into his web of lies. When the cracks in Rudolph's facade begin to show, he does whatever he must to secure his millions even if it means committing a multitude of crimes.
I've always been interested in learning more about the art world as it holds an air of mystery and opulence to it. The Spectacle delivered an insider look into the cut throat industry, the makings of an artist and how the political climate plays a significant role in the value of art. Rudolph was crazed, egotistical and a villain hiding in plain sight. He was manic yet entertaining, a character you will love to hate. Ingrid left me a little disappointed. I wish she had more of a backbone but I suppose that is why Rudolph chose her. This book is very niche, I enjoyed it but think at points the writing became a bit bogged down by the discussion of the art itself. The Spectacle is a story of ambition and greed. A solid debut.
I've always been interested in learning more about the art world as it holds an air of mystery and opulence to it. The Spectacle delivered an insider look into the cut throat industry, the makings of an artist and how the political climate plays a significant role in the value of art. Rudolph was crazed, egotistical and a villain hiding in plain sight. He was manic yet entertaining, a character you will love to hate. Ingrid left me a little disappointed. I wish she had more of a backbone but I suppose that is why Rudolph chose her. This book is very niche, I enjoyed it but think at points the writing became a bit bogged down by the discussion of the art itself. The Spectacle is a story of ambition and greed. A solid debut.
August 21, 2025
Book Title: The Spectacle
Author(s): Anna Barrington
Publisher(s): Union Square & Co./Hachette Audio
Publication Date: July 8, 2025
Currently Available on KU? 🙅🏼♀️
Audiobook? ✅
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: The Spectacle by Anna Barrington is one of those books that I have a really hard time rating, and I am literally still sifting through my feelings days after reading it. Aptly titled, this was definitely a spectacle of a story, and it felt like a whirlwind wrapped up in a slow burn.
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: One thing is for certain; I. Could. Not. Stop. Reading. This. Book! It is a lil bit on the thicker side, but I finished it in only two days, and I was completely wrapped up in Rudolph and Ingrid’s stories, both as a couple and separately. Our man is a hot mess guys and it only gets worse as the book gets on, but it’s also got that vibe of a crash you can’t look away from. Barrington clearly knows her way around the art world (she is in it after all), and I loved the peek we got inside. I had no idea where this was going to go, and one part actually made me gasp out loud. For a book with a heavy literary fiction feel, you really can’t get better than that!
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: Four words: listen to the audiobook. Juliette Goglia & Nick Thurston made me float around in the world of this book and made me feel like I was actually in it with our MC’s. They were perfectly matched to the characters they were voicing, and it was a true work of art.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: The Spectacle has a very modern feel to it though it is set in the 2010s (2016-2017). It felt a little political at times and while I wouldn’t say {preachy} you can definitely tell the author has strong opinions about certain things. That being said, it is incredible to me that this is a debut, and you get a really raw and unfiltered look at the New York art scene at the time which this is set. I would most definitely read the next book Barrington writes.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🖼️🏦🚩🐇
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (maybe)
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author(s): Anna Barrington
Publisher(s): Union Square & Co./Hachette Audio
Publication Date: July 8, 2025
Currently Available on KU? 🙅🏼♀️
Audiobook? ✅
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: The Spectacle by Anna Barrington is one of those books that I have a really hard time rating, and I am literally still sifting through my feelings days after reading it. Aptly titled, this was definitely a spectacle of a story, and it felt like a whirlwind wrapped up in a slow burn.
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: One thing is for certain; I. Could. Not. Stop. Reading. This. Book! It is a lil bit on the thicker side, but I finished it in only two days, and I was completely wrapped up in Rudolph and Ingrid’s stories, both as a couple and separately. Our man is a hot mess guys and it only gets worse as the book gets on, but it’s also got that vibe of a crash you can’t look away from. Barrington clearly knows her way around the art world (she is in it after all), and I loved the peek we got inside. I had no idea where this was going to go, and one part actually made me gasp out loud. For a book with a heavy literary fiction feel, you really can’t get better than that!
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: Four words: listen to the audiobook. Juliette Goglia & Nick Thurston made me float around in the world of this book and made me feel like I was actually in it with our MC’s. They were perfectly matched to the characters they were voicing, and it was a true work of art.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: The Spectacle has a very modern feel to it though it is set in the 2010s (2016-2017). It felt a little political at times and while I wouldn’t say {preachy} you can definitely tell the author has strong opinions about certain things. That being said, it is incredible to me that this is a debut, and you get a really raw and unfiltered look at the New York art scene at the time which this is set. I would most definitely read the next book Barrington writes.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🖼️🏦🚩🐇
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (maybe)
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 12, 2025
Thank you to @getredprbooks and @unionsqandco #partner for the free book to review!
Today I am sharing The Spectacle by Anna Barrington, which was published this week (7/8) and is available now. This is a slow-burn read about the art scene. I found it interesting and liked the audio, but really liked the second half when the book picked up its pace and got twisty, and I was vested in Rudolph and how he was going to get himself out of the mess he found himself in. Ingrid was naive at the start but by the end had seen and been through a lot and was stronger for it, I think. Overall, this was an interesting read about the hot mess that is the art world.
Today I am sharing The Spectacle by Anna Barrington, which was published this week (7/8) and is available now. This is a slow-burn read about the art scene. I found it interesting and liked the audio, but really liked the second half when the book picked up its pace and got twisty, and I was vested in Rudolph and how he was going to get himself out of the mess he found himself in. Ingrid was naive at the start but by the end had seen and been through a lot and was stronger for it, I think. Overall, this was an interesting read about the hot mess that is the art world.
July 23, 2025
✨Psychological Tension
✨Love/ambition/betrayal
✨Luxury Art world world
✨Social Thriller
✨Toxic Romance
I went in thinking it would be a slow literary drama about the art world and while it is that in some ways it turned out to be way more suspenseful than I expected. The writing is sharp, the tension builds in a subtle way, and once things start unraveling, I couldn't put it down.
It did take a few chapters to fully click for me, but once it did, I was hooked. The characters feel layered and a little morally gray (which I loved), and the whole luxury art scene vibe was super atmospheric. If you're into character driven stories with a little edge and a lot of tension, this one might be for you.
✨Love/ambition/betrayal
✨Luxury Art world world
✨Social Thriller
✨Toxic Romance
I went in thinking it would be a slow literary drama about the art world and while it is that in some ways it turned out to be way more suspenseful than I expected. The writing is sharp, the tension builds in a subtle way, and once things start unraveling, I couldn't put it down.
It did take a few chapters to fully click for me, but once it did, I was hooked. The characters feel layered and a little morally gray (which I loved), and the whole luxury art scene vibe was super atmospheric. If you're into character driven stories with a little edge and a lot of tension, this one might be for you.
July 7, 2025
BOOK✶TOUR
#ad much love for my advanced copy @getredpr #partner
🆃🅷🅴 🆂🅿🅴🅲🆃🅰🅲🅻🅴
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴊᴜʟʏ 𝟪, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
What a fabulous book this one is! You get pulled right in before the prologue is even over. You don’t know what is happening but you know you’re hooked!
Oof! Glamours lifestyles of the rich? Or maybe those who want to appear as if they are one of them - all the while drowning in debt and willing to do whatever it takes to stay at the top.
If art, top of the food chain, and scandal catch your attention then this book is a must read. I loved the writing and characters. Ingrid is a gallery owner who gets swept up in the life of Rudolph. A man who isn’t who he appears to be.
This book has it all whit, adventure, and a dash of love. It was a spectacular read. Some readers might feel this book is a little too long but stick it out because I promise - the journey is worth it.
I loved that the setting was in the art world. Something I don’t know much about, I found this story fascinating. Just brilliant.
📖:
“A powerful art dealer who presents a convincing portrait of international success pulls an idealistic young gallery assistant into his web of lies. This sharp, edgy social thriller explores the price of ambition in the decadent underbelly of the high-end art world.”
#getredpr #thespectable #books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookstagrammer #read #bookish #booknerd #instabook #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookshelf #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookaholic #bookgirlbrown #reader #booklove #literature #instabooks #booklovers
#ad much love for my advanced copy @getredpr #partner
🆃🅷🅴 🆂🅿🅴🅲🆃🅰🅲🅻🅴
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴊᴜʟʏ 𝟪, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
What a fabulous book this one is! You get pulled right in before the prologue is even over. You don’t know what is happening but you know you’re hooked!
Oof! Glamours lifestyles of the rich? Or maybe those who want to appear as if they are one of them - all the while drowning in debt and willing to do whatever it takes to stay at the top.
If art, top of the food chain, and scandal catch your attention then this book is a must read. I loved the writing and characters. Ingrid is a gallery owner who gets swept up in the life of Rudolph. A man who isn’t who he appears to be.
This book has it all whit, adventure, and a dash of love. It was a spectacular read. Some readers might feel this book is a little too long but stick it out because I promise - the journey is worth it.
I loved that the setting was in the art world. Something I don’t know much about, I found this story fascinating. Just brilliant.
📖:
“A powerful art dealer who presents a convincing portrait of international success pulls an idealistic young gallery assistant into his web of lies. This sharp, edgy social thriller explores the price of ambition in the decadent underbelly of the high-end art world.”
#getredpr #thespectable #books #bookstagram #book #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookstagrammer #read #bookish #booknerd #instabook #bookaddict #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookshelf #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookaholic #bookgirlbrown #reader #booklove #literature #instabooks #booklovers
September 21, 2025
I'm not sure how to categorize this book.
Thriller? Yes, in some aspects.
Mystery? Definitely, but so sharp and socially aware that I feel it deserves more.
Psychological thriller probably comes as close as hitting the nail on the head for THE SPECTACLE, but the layers here go very deep and social.
What I can easily categorize it as? A 4-5 star read.
From the moment this very intriguing cover was pulled from the package GET RED PR sent me, I was curious. That cover, it says so much in so little.
Now the story:
Powerful and influential, Rudolph Sullivan is at the top of the art dealer game. Ask how he got there, and you'll learn very little, but when he offers Ingrid, a struggling gallery assistant a chance, she can't pass it up.
The ugly side of beautiful art is what she finds. And both Ingrid and the reader are pulled into a dark and twisted underground world.
Thank you to GET RED PR, without you I may not have ever discovered this one, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Thriller? Yes, in some aspects.
Mystery? Definitely, but so sharp and socially aware that I feel it deserves more.
Psychological thriller probably comes as close as hitting the nail on the head for THE SPECTACLE, but the layers here go very deep and social.
What I can easily categorize it as? A 4-5 star read.
From the moment this very intriguing cover was pulled from the package GET RED PR sent me, I was curious. That cover, it says so much in so little.
Now the story:
Powerful and influential, Rudolph Sullivan is at the top of the art dealer game. Ask how he got there, and you'll learn very little, but when he offers Ingrid, a struggling gallery assistant a chance, she can't pass it up.
The ugly side of beautiful art is what she finds. And both Ingrid and the reader are pulled into a dark and twisted underground world.
Thank you to GET RED PR, without you I may not have ever discovered this one, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
July 8, 2025
The Spectacle by Anna Barrington is out today! drama, suspense, toxic relationships. A lucrative art scene in New York that is competitive improves that people will do anything for money. When Rudolph gets wrapped up into this world he meet Ingrid who quickly falls for him. How far will Rudolph go to ensure that he is financially secure and gets everything he's dreamed of? And will Ingrid follow him through it all?
I highly recommend this story! It was so suspenseful and definitely a page turner. I did not want to put it down. This is Anna's debut novel and it did not disappoint. It is out today!
I highly recommend this story! It was so suspenseful and definitely a page turner. I did not want to put it down. This is Anna's debut novel and it did not disappoint. It is out today!
July 12, 2025
The Spectacle is a glimpse into the darker side of the art world and the seductive glamour and high profile status that can go along with it. I found it fascinating, but it also felt like it took a while to really get the story moving, but then the twists just kept coming. I did listen to the ending three times just because I found it so powerful and haunting. Juliette Goglia and Nick Thurston did an amazing job bringing voicing the characters and really bringing the story to life.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2025
Thank you so much to @GetRedPRBooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sharp, twisty ride through the glamorous (and seriously shady) side of the art world. The Spectacle pulls you right into the world of Rudolph Sullivan, a charming, mysterious art dealer who seems to have it all… until the cracks start to show.
When Ingrid, a struggling gallery assistant and aspiring artist, meets Rudolph, she’s quickly swept up in his world of luxury and big promises. But nothing is quite what it seems. As things start to unravel, the tension builds and the story takes some dark, unexpected turns.
Anna Barrington does a great job showing how ambition and deception can go hand in hand, especially in a world where image is everything. The writing is amazing, the characters are complex (and often morally messy), and the whole vibe feels like The Talented Mr. Ripley meets the NYC art scene.
It’s smart, edgy, and hard to put down. A really solid read if you’re into character-driven thrillers with a touch of glam and grit.
4.25 Stars!
#TheSpectacle, #AnnaBarrington, @GetRedPRBooks
This was such a sharp, twisty ride through the glamorous (and seriously shady) side of the art world. The Spectacle pulls you right into the world of Rudolph Sullivan, a charming, mysterious art dealer who seems to have it all… until the cracks start to show.
When Ingrid, a struggling gallery assistant and aspiring artist, meets Rudolph, she’s quickly swept up in his world of luxury and big promises. But nothing is quite what it seems. As things start to unravel, the tension builds and the story takes some dark, unexpected turns.
Anna Barrington does a great job showing how ambition and deception can go hand in hand, especially in a world where image is everything. The writing is amazing, the characters are complex (and often morally messy), and the whole vibe feels like The Talented Mr. Ripley meets the NYC art scene.
It’s smart, edgy, and hard to put down. A really solid read if you’re into character-driven thrillers with a touch of glam and grit.
4.25 Stars!
#TheSpectacle, #AnnaBarrington, @GetRedPRBooks
August 18, 2025
“Ugliness. The art world loved ugliness. Pretty was so boring to look at, and everyone here hated to be bored.”
This is my first social thriller as well as an atypical read about the political dramas of the powerful and wealthy. The book pulled me immediately into the highly seductive and competitive art world and provided front row access to the industry’s behind-the-scene scandals and dark dealings through its shady and crooked characters. I was intrigued by Ingrid’s relationship with Rudolph and had anticipated an ending that would derail my initial expectations for this debut. By adding romance to the mix, it raised the stakes even higher.
The writing is biting, sharp, and uninhibited with the right amount of grit and suspense to keep me invested and moving forward. Although it was slightly lengthy, the novel’s luxe setting and corrupt characters made for a compelling and intoxicating read. The equal parts of glitz and grime never ceased to entertain and I can only wonder what the author will come up with next.
Thank you Union Square & Co. and Get Red PR for my reviewer’s copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is my first social thriller as well as an atypical read about the political dramas of the powerful and wealthy. The book pulled me immediately into the highly seductive and competitive art world and provided front row access to the industry’s behind-the-scene scandals and dark dealings through its shady and crooked characters. I was intrigued by Ingrid’s relationship with Rudolph and had anticipated an ending that would derail my initial expectations for this debut. By adding romance to the mix, it raised the stakes even higher.
The writing is biting, sharp, and uninhibited with the right amount of grit and suspense to keep me invested and moving forward. Although it was slightly lengthy, the novel’s luxe setting and corrupt characters made for a compelling and intoxicating read. The equal parts of glitz and grime never ceased to entertain and I can only wonder what the author will come up with next.
Thank you Union Square & Co. and Get Red PR for my reviewer’s copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 23, 2025
I liked this a lot, and it was extremely well-written, but for whatever reason - probably personal, not the book's fault - I found it difficult to pick it up and start reading. It's good enough that I'm willing to blame myself for the overall lack of enjoyment. In terms of style, story, and characters (all that good stuff) I know it'll be one I'll try again sometime in a different mood.
January 17, 2026
A very slow burn, but I really enjoyed this one. The pace was a bit slow at the beginning however it picked up towards the second half. The plot was very unique and the characters were well done. I took a chance on this one and I liked it - a great debut novel filled with complex emotion. Definitely a must read for fiction lovers.
August 8, 2025
Intimate look into the fine art world and all the people that come with it. This did not read as a debut novel, as the author’s personal experience came through on every page. Each Rudolph chapter felt like a fever dream. High recommend!
July 6, 2025
Thank you to getredpr for my complimentary copy of The Spectacle. All thoughts and opinions are my own
An absolute train wreck of a novel centered on the art world.
I could not stop reading it
An absolute train wreck of a novel centered on the art world.
I could not stop reading it
August 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
August 6, 2025
I was approached by this author's agent in an attempt to interview and promote this first book of Ms. Barrington's. The interview never did end up happening, as our schedules just could never align. But, the agent was kind enough to provide me with a digital copy of the book to read and review.
I am sad to report that I did not enjoy the story. The book is billed as an art heist thriller. Anna's knowledge of the art world appears to be very extensive to the eye of someone that has no toe in the industry. Early in the book she was throwing around a lot of lingo and artist names that I have no knowledge of. All fine. The problem comes when there never ends up being a thrilling art heist. Granted, the way the character "steals" the artwork felt truer to the real world than many of the thriller stories traditionally told in the genre. It is supposed to come off as a Ponzi scheme. But the mark is missed. It ends up being simply boring. The handful of times there is the threat of action, the author kills it with the character backing down or the criminal backing off. The biggest example is when a shady art collector wants Rudolph to launder money for mobsters through art masterpieces. Rudolph rejects at first, willing to take huge losses for the artwork he had stolen from the art collector. Later, when Rudolph's bad financial decisions have finally caught up to him, he goes back to the shady ark collector to see if that deal was still on the table. The shady art collector rejects Rudolph, saying he doesn't want someone so desperate. Which makes no sense. Isn't that when those types of people get their fingers into people?
Anyways. There is also a romance aspect to the book. And I wondered if maybe this book was simply mislabeled in an attempt to be separated from the ever crowded field of the romance genre. But as a romance, it fell flat too. Rudolph is too despicable of a human, especially with how much time we spend in his head, there is no hiding how immature and slimy he is. And the love interest, Ingrid, ends up being a dud and a wallflower. She is so passive through all of this, basically allowing this toxic relationship consume her until she is little better than a servant to the man that claims to love her. And he does think he loves her. There is a term for the way he "worships" her. It's called limerence. Basically he has turned her into an object, or a piece of art, that he has put on a pedestal. It makes for a caustic relationship that you pray Ingrid can escape from.
There are a lot of small problems with the book too. Things that a more experienced author or good editors would have been able to fix. I can forgive a lot of that as it is hard and expensive to polish a novel to the level of some of the big names. To break into the publishing world, even self-publishing, sometimes it is not possible to put out the gem you had hoped. And the premise of this book has potential. The thing that killed it for me, was that it was just so boring. I found that I needed to speed read through large sections, because literally nothing was happening. Pointless scenes that had little to no effect on the story. Subplot lines that petered out or had unsatisfactory conclusions.
I do hope that Anna Barrington does well. She has good ideas and unique knowledge of this high class world. But she needs to hone her writing skills and story telling methods to keep my attention. I'm sure this book has an audience, but I'm not it. Thank you for letting me get a look into the world you created.
I am sad to report that I did not enjoy the story. The book is billed as an art heist thriller. Anna's knowledge of the art world appears to be very extensive to the eye of someone that has no toe in the industry. Early in the book she was throwing around a lot of lingo and artist names that I have no knowledge of. All fine. The problem comes when there never ends up being a thrilling art heist. Granted, the way the character "steals" the artwork felt truer to the real world than many of the thriller stories traditionally told in the genre. It is supposed to come off as a Ponzi scheme. But the mark is missed. It ends up being simply boring. The handful of times there is the threat of action, the author kills it with the character backing down or the criminal backing off. The biggest example is when a shady art collector wants Rudolph to launder money for mobsters through art masterpieces. Rudolph rejects at first, willing to take huge losses for the artwork he had stolen from the art collector. Later, when Rudolph's bad financial decisions have finally caught up to him, he goes back to the shady ark collector to see if that deal was still on the table. The shady art collector rejects Rudolph, saying he doesn't want someone so desperate. Which makes no sense. Isn't that when those types of people get their fingers into people?
Anyways. There is also a romance aspect to the book. And I wondered if maybe this book was simply mislabeled in an attempt to be separated from the ever crowded field of the romance genre. But as a romance, it fell flat too. Rudolph is too despicable of a human, especially with how much time we spend in his head, there is no hiding how immature and slimy he is. And the love interest, Ingrid, ends up being a dud and a wallflower. She is so passive through all of this, basically allowing this toxic relationship consume her until she is little better than a servant to the man that claims to love her. And he does think he loves her. There is a term for the way he "worships" her. It's called limerence. Basically he has turned her into an object, or a piece of art, that he has put on a pedestal. It makes for a caustic relationship that you pray Ingrid can escape from.
There are a lot of small problems with the book too. Things that a more experienced author or good editors would have been able to fix. I can forgive a lot of that as it is hard and expensive to polish a novel to the level of some of the big names. To break into the publishing world, even self-publishing, sometimes it is not possible to put out the gem you had hoped. And the premise of this book has potential. The thing that killed it for me, was that it was just so boring. I found that I needed to speed read through large sections, because literally nothing was happening. Pointless scenes that had little to no effect on the story. Subplot lines that petered out or had unsatisfactory conclusions.
I do hope that Anna Barrington does well. She has good ideas and unique knowledge of this high class world. But she needs to hone her writing skills and story telling methods to keep my attention. I'm sure this book has an audience, but I'm not it. Thank you for letting me get a look into the world you created.
July 6, 2025
4.5stars-THE SPECTACLE by Anna Barrington is an adult, suspense thriller focusing on thirty-three year old, curator Rudolph ‘Gris’ Sullivan, and twenty-six year old, artist and gallery assistant Ingrid Groenfeld.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Rudolph and Ingrid), set in 2016-2017, THE SPECTACLE focuses on the affluent yet seedy underbelly of the art world. Rudolph Sullivan is an art curator, acquiring and selling paintings to the upper class and well-to-do. Jetting around the world, attending art auctions and parties, all in the hopes of using his name and reputation, Rudolph begins to acquire the ultimate prize but somewhere along the way, Rudoph’s need for opulence and money takes a terrible turn that will affect the lives of everyone he knows and the woman he loves. Ingrid Groenfeld was a struggling gallery assistant whose professional life was on the upward climb until her life implodes, and the spiral finds our ill-fated heroine beholden to the man whom she married, a man she would discover is not the man she had once known.
The world building focuses on the lifestyle of the people connected the art world, from sales to acquisitions, auctions to flamboyancy, appreciation , manipulation and greed but the past is about to catch up as the #MeToo movement slams into the interconnected life of artists and artistry. From the entitled and snobs, nouveau riche and Bohemian lifestyle, the art world is about to descend into chaos as one of their own turns the world upon itself, leaving a gutted minefield of lies in its’ wake.
THE SPECTACLE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, money and greed, acceptance and dissension, devotion and duplicity. The premise is detailed, complex and edgy referencing names, places and ideals as only the author can describe. The author’s experience and work in galleries, auction houses and museums brings the art world up close and personal. The characters are charismatic, larger than life, and questionable on many levels.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Rudolph and Ingrid), set in 2016-2017, THE SPECTACLE focuses on the affluent yet seedy underbelly of the art world. Rudolph Sullivan is an art curator, acquiring and selling paintings to the upper class and well-to-do. Jetting around the world, attending art auctions and parties, all in the hopes of using his name and reputation, Rudolph begins to acquire the ultimate prize but somewhere along the way, Rudoph’s need for opulence and money takes a terrible turn that will affect the lives of everyone he knows and the woman he loves. Ingrid Groenfeld was a struggling gallery assistant whose professional life was on the upward climb until her life implodes, and the spiral finds our ill-fated heroine beholden to the man whom she married, a man she would discover is not the man she had once known.
The world building focuses on the lifestyle of the people connected the art world, from sales to acquisitions, auctions to flamboyancy, appreciation , manipulation and greed but the past is about to catch up as the #MeToo movement slams into the interconnected life of artists and artistry. From the entitled and snobs, nouveau riche and Bohemian lifestyle, the art world is about to descend into chaos as one of their own turns the world upon itself, leaving a gutted minefield of lies in its’ wake.
THE SPECTACLE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, money and greed, acceptance and dissension, devotion and duplicity. The premise is detailed, complex and edgy referencing names, places and ideals as only the author can describe. The author’s experience and work in galleries, auction houses and museums brings the art world up close and personal. The characters are charismatic, larger than life, and questionable on many levels.
copy supplied for review
August 23, 2025
The Spectacle by Anna Barrington
The Spectacle, Anna Barrington’s debut novel, is a sharp introspective into the intense, cutthroat, international art scene, set during the Trump era (circa 2016), where aesthetics and mega profit are instrumental to survival in this intense and provocative thriller.
Rudolph Sullivan is a contemporary conman with a few sociopathic tendencies. He tosses around flattery, lies, and money, like snowflakes in a windstorm. This handsome, morally detached young man, has insinuated himself amongst the wealthiest of art collectors. Rudolph meets Ingrid, a pretty, unassuming former artist who works in an art gallery and is about to play an important role in the con of a lifetime. Complications arise when Rudolph’s investors force his hand, and he must outrun the web of lies he has manufactured.
Before Ingrid met Rudolph, she led a pedestrian life of mediocrity. After meeting at a party, the two begin a whirlwind romance that sweeps her into a vortex of drugged fueled parties, questionable characters, and liberal elites. Ingrid becomes the Yin to Rudolph’s Yang, in what becomes a co-dependent relationship, until the risks outweigh the benefits.
The Spectacle is a fascinating contemporary suspense novel that is loosely based on several real-life Ponzi schemes committed over the past few decades. Barrington provides a spicy anthropological commentary on art, love, money, cancel culture, classism and a panoramic examination of current day political and moral crises. Readers have a backstage view of international galleries, auction houses, and the deliberate manipulations applied to creative works to maximize profitability. The Spectacle embodies prose dripping with bold rebellion that delivers you into a deliciously captivating world of pretense and splendor as it unravels into an avantgarde game of cat and mouse.
The Spectacle, Anna Barrington’s debut novel, is a sharp introspective into the intense, cutthroat, international art scene, set during the Trump era (circa 2016), where aesthetics and mega profit are instrumental to survival in this intense and provocative thriller.
Rudolph Sullivan is a contemporary conman with a few sociopathic tendencies. He tosses around flattery, lies, and money, like snowflakes in a windstorm. This handsome, morally detached young man, has insinuated himself amongst the wealthiest of art collectors. Rudolph meets Ingrid, a pretty, unassuming former artist who works in an art gallery and is about to play an important role in the con of a lifetime. Complications arise when Rudolph’s investors force his hand, and he must outrun the web of lies he has manufactured.
Before Ingrid met Rudolph, she led a pedestrian life of mediocrity. After meeting at a party, the two begin a whirlwind romance that sweeps her into a vortex of drugged fueled parties, questionable characters, and liberal elites. Ingrid becomes the Yin to Rudolph’s Yang, in what becomes a co-dependent relationship, until the risks outweigh the benefits.
The Spectacle is a fascinating contemporary suspense novel that is loosely based on several real-life Ponzi schemes committed over the past few decades. Barrington provides a spicy anthropological commentary on art, love, money, cancel culture, classism and a panoramic examination of current day political and moral crises. Readers have a backstage view of international galleries, auction houses, and the deliberate manipulations applied to creative works to maximize profitability. The Spectacle embodies prose dripping with bold rebellion that delivers you into a deliciously captivating world of pretense and splendor as it unravels into an avantgarde game of cat and mouse.
December 1, 2025
I stopped reading Anna Barrington’s THE SPECTACLE after 185 pages (of 401 pages). The novel was not for me.
Full Disclosure: Either her friends, relatives and associates swamped Goodreads with ratings, or I’m in the irrelevant minority. Eighty percent of the reader ratings on Goodreads are 4 or 5 stars.
I’d think readers who can relate to the shallow, untrustworthy, highly competitive denizens of the NYC and London art world—artists, dealers, promoters, and even customers—might enjoy reading about the whole sordid industry. A promo quote on the back cover sums it up: “I inhaled this decadent glimpse into the underbelly of the art world.” If that paints your canvas, go for it.
It’d help if you are familiar with NYC and of art society in general since Barrington throws in references to people and places that do not make sense to a reader like me out here in the hinterlands. (But see my Full Disclosure statement above.)
Barrington’s writing style may enchant you or turn you off. Here’s protagonist Ingrid’s initial impression of Rudolph Sullivan (a major character):
“She had a sudden premonition: the man was a complete moral innocent. Untroubled by guilt, by second thoughts, by all the little hesitations and foundering that slowed other people down. When others stuttered—stiff, awkward, sounding like liars though telling the truth—he just barreled forward into the future, the kind of guy who made history sag under his weight.”
If that writing style appeals to you, you might like the book. If it makes you say “huh,” this book is not for you. It tired me. I found myself setting the book aside for the day after two chapters as often as not.
Also, when I stopped at 185 pages, the promised plot was just beginning.
Despite my DNF, I’m rating it 3 stars because Anna Barrington obviously put a lot of time and energy into the book.
Full Disclosure: Either her friends, relatives and associates swamped Goodreads with ratings, or I’m in the irrelevant minority. Eighty percent of the reader ratings on Goodreads are 4 or 5 stars.
I’d think readers who can relate to the shallow, untrustworthy, highly competitive denizens of the NYC and London art world—artists, dealers, promoters, and even customers—might enjoy reading about the whole sordid industry. A promo quote on the back cover sums it up: “I inhaled this decadent glimpse into the underbelly of the art world.” If that paints your canvas, go for it.
It’d help if you are familiar with NYC and of art society in general since Barrington throws in references to people and places that do not make sense to a reader like me out here in the hinterlands. (But see my Full Disclosure statement above.)
Barrington’s writing style may enchant you or turn you off. Here’s protagonist Ingrid’s initial impression of Rudolph Sullivan (a major character):
“She had a sudden premonition: the man was a complete moral innocent. Untroubled by guilt, by second thoughts, by all the little hesitations and foundering that slowed other people down. When others stuttered—stiff, awkward, sounding like liars though telling the truth—he just barreled forward into the future, the kind of guy who made history sag under his weight.”
If that writing style appeals to you, you might like the book. If it makes you say “huh,” this book is not for you. It tired me. I found myself setting the book aside for the day after two chapters as often as not.
Also, when I stopped at 185 pages, the promised plot was just beginning.
Despite my DNF, I’m rating it 3 stars because Anna Barrington obviously put a lot of time and energy into the book.
July 8, 2025
The Spectacle by Anna Barrington is a breathtakingly confident debut novel. It’s a stylish, whip-smart thriller that peels back the glamorous veneer of the art world to reveal something far more dangerous and seductive.
From the first chapter, Barrington proves herself a masterful storyteller. She drops the reader into a world of forged canvases, thrilling romance and carefully curated illusions, all while building a con so bold that you can’t help but root for the very people pulling the strings. It’s a story that thrives on dualities: beauty and deception, value and worthlessness, authenticity and performance. And just when you think you’ve figured out the game, Barrington flips the canvas and shows you something new.
What makes The Spectacle stand out isn’t just the thrill of the con, it’s the depth of its characters and the sharp, evocative writing. Every setting is rendered with cinematic clarity and every player is compelling, morally grey, and pulsing with ambition.
Barrington’s voice is fresh, fearless, and filled with insight, she captures the intoxicating pull of prestige and the subtle violence of a world where perception is everything. This book is as much a character study as it is a heist, and the result is electric.
If you loved The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Goldfinch, or Nine Perfect Strangers, The Spectacle is your next obsession. It’s audacious, addictive, and impossible to put down. Anna Barrington is absolutely one to watch, this debut is nothing short of a triumph.
From the first chapter, Barrington proves herself a masterful storyteller. She drops the reader into a world of forged canvases, thrilling romance and carefully curated illusions, all while building a con so bold that you can’t help but root for the very people pulling the strings. It’s a story that thrives on dualities: beauty and deception, value and worthlessness, authenticity and performance. And just when you think you’ve figured out the game, Barrington flips the canvas and shows you something new.
What makes The Spectacle stand out isn’t just the thrill of the con, it’s the depth of its characters and the sharp, evocative writing. Every setting is rendered with cinematic clarity and every player is compelling, morally grey, and pulsing with ambition.
Barrington’s voice is fresh, fearless, and filled with insight, she captures the intoxicating pull of prestige and the subtle violence of a world where perception is everything. This book is as much a character study as it is a heist, and the result is electric.
If you loved The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Goldfinch, or Nine Perfect Strangers, The Spectacle is your next obsession. It’s audacious, addictive, and impossible to put down. Anna Barrington is absolutely one to watch, this debut is nothing short of a triumph.
July 14, 2025
This novel explores wealth and power set against the art world. Rudolph is a smooth talking, up and coming gallery owner that is living the life or at least that is how the world perceives him. But inside he is still trying to prove his worth and will take any risk to maintain the facade, even risking his relationship with the one woman that is everything he wants in art, Ingrid. Ingrid is not sure of herself or where she fits and is jealous of others' success. She falls hard and fast for Rudolph but once in his world she continues to struggle with where she fits. When an art world scandal is a little too close the facade starts to collapse. Can Rudolph pull off the ultimate misdirect or is the life he has created over? Will Ingrid be caught up in the fallout? The world of this story is equal parts glitter and dirt where money buys everything except for happiness and how the wealth is gained and kept is not always legal. The ending surprised me and I have read it multiple times. Readers that enjoy book about the art world or the dark side of money and power will enjoy this book.
Thanks to Get Red PR and the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Get Red PR and the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 28, 2025
This book was truly different than anything I’ve read before. It was written in a way that was so unique it almost made me feel like I was in a fever dream at times- but in a good way.
It is about the exclusive art world in New York and the darker undercurrents of that scene.
It shines light on a lot of social issues like classism and performative activism. It’s set in circa 2016 after the election.
It’s a social thriller with romance and the MMC gave me major Gatsby vibes.
The FMC is a struggling artist/ gallery assistant who gets swept up into the world of the popular and charismatic art dealer MMC.
The MMC is so set on becoming successful and being someone important that he makes a lot of risky moves and sketchy business deals that leads to problems.
It was intense at times, fun at times, kinda trippy at times.
I found this book to be really compelling and liked how it highlighted some important social issues in the midst of the writing.
4⭐️
Thank you to Get Red PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! ☺️
It is about the exclusive art world in New York and the darker undercurrents of that scene.
It shines light on a lot of social issues like classism and performative activism. It’s set in circa 2016 after the election.
It’s a social thriller with romance and the MMC gave me major Gatsby vibes.
The FMC is a struggling artist/ gallery assistant who gets swept up into the world of the popular and charismatic art dealer MMC.
The MMC is so set on becoming successful and being someone important that he makes a lot of risky moves and sketchy business deals that leads to problems.
It was intense at times, fun at times, kinda trippy at times.
I found this book to be really compelling and liked how it highlighted some important social issues in the midst of the writing.
4⭐️
Thank you to Get Red PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! ☺️
July 8, 2025
Rudolf Sullivan is high-end art dealer with a wealthy client base. He lives a life of luxury and cannot satisfy his need to have more. When faced with growing debt, Rudolf crosses a dangerous line. While at a party, he meets a struggling gallery assistant named Ingrid and the unlikely pair begin a relationship. As Ingrid works to improve her skills of recruiting talented artists, she is exposed to the inner workings of the art world including the shadier side of the business. Just when her career begins to take off, her gallery takes a financial hit.
The pacing of the book started on the slower side while setting the stage with the various players, types of art, and the financial stakes. Once it picked up, there were a lot of moving parts including action, romance, theft, etc.! I enjoyed Ingrid’s character growth, especially as her relationship with Rudolph developed. I also loved the many places they visited throughout the book.
Thank you @gettedpr for the #gifted book and @hachetteaudio for the #ALC
The pacing of the book started on the slower side while setting the stage with the various players, types of art, and the financial stakes. Once it picked up, there were a lot of moving parts including action, romance, theft, etc.! I enjoyed Ingrid’s character growth, especially as her relationship with Rudolph developed. I also loved the many places they visited throughout the book.
Thank you @gettedpr for the #gifted book and @hachetteaudio for the #ALC
September 24, 2025
I just finished The Spectacle by Anna Barrington, and woah, this book was unlike anything I’ve ever read.. The writing is so unique it almost felt like a fever dream.. but in the best way.
It dives into New York’s exclusive art world, with all its glamour and darker undercurrents - like classism, performative activism, shady business deals. It’s set around 2016 and really nails the vibe.
The FMC is a struggling artist pulled into the orbit of this charismatic art dealer who gave me major Gatsby vibes. He’s desperate for success, willing to risk everything.. and watching that unravel was wild.
It’s intense, fun, trippy, and sharp all at once. If you love smart social thrillers with romance and twists, and want a peek inside the high-stakes art scene - The Spectacle needs to be on your TBR.
Thank you Get Red PR for the copy of this wonderful books. It was truly a breath of fresh air.
It dives into New York’s exclusive art world, with all its glamour and darker undercurrents - like classism, performative activism, shady business deals. It’s set around 2016 and really nails the vibe.
The FMC is a struggling artist pulled into the orbit of this charismatic art dealer who gave me major Gatsby vibes. He’s desperate for success, willing to risk everything.. and watching that unravel was wild.
It’s intense, fun, trippy, and sharp all at once. If you love smart social thrillers with romance and twists, and want a peek inside the high-stakes art scene - The Spectacle needs to be on your TBR.
Thank you Get Red PR for the copy of this wonderful books. It was truly a breath of fresh air.
July 23, 2025
Nobody knows quite who Rudolph Sullivan is, or how he ascended so quickly to the glittering top of New York’s art scene. When aspiring artist and struggling gallery assistant Ingrid meets the charismatic dealer at a party, she falls fast—Rudolph offers her a seductive taste of luxury and an escape from her humdrum existence.
The pacing seems a bit off in this book. And it is a bit disjointed in spots. But, stick with it. Rudolph is a very good villain. He is a bit deranged and he is determined. So, he does not care who he hurts to get what he wants.
Then there is Ingrid. She is a bit naïve. And this leads to some intense situations…in more ways than one!
Need a thriller about the underworld of the art scene…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel for a honest review.
The pacing seems a bit off in this book. And it is a bit disjointed in spots. But, stick with it. Rudolph is a very good villain. He is a bit deranged and he is determined. So, he does not care who he hurts to get what he wants.
Then there is Ingrid. She is a bit naïve. And this leads to some intense situations…in more ways than one!
Need a thriller about the underworld of the art scene…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel for a honest review.
July 7, 2025
What a great book! The plot is full of twists, and I couldn’t stop reading it.
This literary fiction reveals how the race to the top is often riddled with deception, and how greed can easily overpower honesty. The depiction of the international art-dealing world—where people move seamlessly from a New York auction in the morning to a private club party in London in the evening—is truly fascinating. It’s a world where nothing is off-limits, and the boundaries of legality are often blurred.
The writing is excellent, and I felt completely immersed in the story.
If you enjoy smart, edgy thrillers and are curious about life in the art world, this book should definitely be on your reading list!
This literary fiction reveals how the race to the top is often riddled with deception, and how greed can easily overpower honesty. The depiction of the international art-dealing world—where people move seamlessly from a New York auction in the morning to a private club party in London in the evening—is truly fascinating. It’s a world where nothing is off-limits, and the boundaries of legality are often blurred.
The writing is excellent, and I felt completely immersed in the story.
If you enjoy smart, edgy thrillers and are curious about life in the art world, this book should definitely be on your reading list!
July 8, 2025
I am rating this one around 3.75 stars for myself. I overall enjoyed the art culture presence and seeing how intense the art industry is. Along with being behind the scenes to understand the moral integrity of these characters who are deeply flawed.
Ingrid's character finds herself falling for a mysterious investor named Rudolph Sullivan. The only problem is that there may be more lies and deceit that surround him.
Overall, this story had me questioning where it was going, and if the problems could be resolved. I will say for myself I felt the first half of the story was a bit slow, but once I hit the 60 percent mark the story took off and had me fully gripped until the end.
Thank you to GetRedPR and the author for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest review.
Ingrid's character finds herself falling for a mysterious investor named Rudolph Sullivan. The only problem is that there may be more lies and deceit that surround him.
Overall, this story had me questioning where it was going, and if the problems could be resolved. I will say for myself I felt the first half of the story was a bit slow, but once I hit the 60 percent mark the story took off and had me fully gripped until the end.
Thank you to GetRedPR and the author for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest review.
July 22, 2025
The Spectacle by Anna Barrington
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | "When ambition meets deception in the glittering art world"
This book gutted me in the most beautiful way. Watching Ingrid navigate New York's ruthless art scene while falling for Rudolf felt like witnessing my own dreams and fears play out on the page. There's something so achingly real about wanting to belong in a world that seems just out of reach, and Barrington captures that desperation perfectly.
The first half builds with this gorgeous, slow-burn tension that made me almost protective of Ingrid. Then the second half hits like a freight train - I found myself holding my breath as Rudolf's carefully constructed world began to crumble. The moral complexity here is exquisite; there are no clean heroes, just flawed humans making devastating choices.
What struck me most was how the book explores the price we pay for acceptance and success. Ingrid's transformation throughout the story mirrors so many of our own compromises with integrity.
Vibes We Are Tracking:
🎨 Struggling artist in over her head
💸 Mysterious wealthy man with dark secrets
🖼️ Art world corruption and moral ambiguity
🚩 Train wreck romance you can't stop watching
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | "When ambition meets deception in the glittering art world"
This book gutted me in the most beautiful way. Watching Ingrid navigate New York's ruthless art scene while falling for Rudolf felt like witnessing my own dreams and fears play out on the page. There's something so achingly real about wanting to belong in a world that seems just out of reach, and Barrington captures that desperation perfectly.
The first half builds with this gorgeous, slow-burn tension that made me almost protective of Ingrid. Then the second half hits like a freight train - I found myself holding my breath as Rudolf's carefully constructed world began to crumble. The moral complexity here is exquisite; there are no clean heroes, just flawed humans making devastating choices.
What struck me most was how the book explores the price we pay for acceptance and success. Ingrid's transformation throughout the story mirrors so many of our own compromises with integrity.
Vibes We Are Tracking:
🎨 Struggling artist in over her head
💸 Mysterious wealthy man with dark secrets
🖼️ Art world corruption and moral ambiguity
🚩 Train wreck romance you can't stop watching
August 7, 2025
Quite fun book. I found it also very well written. I'm not sure I liked any of the characters - or that I was supposed to, but they were interesting characters, and I did learn a lot about the art world. If you like Donna Tart or Brett Easton Ellis - I think you will like this book as well. It has got a similar vibe but a different story.
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