The Van Gogh Deception

Deron R. Hicks

59 pages 1-hour read

Deron R. Hicks

The Van Gogh Deception

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Art is a 12-year-old boy suffering from dissociative amnesia after a traumatic event. With shaggy blond hair and green eyes, he wears a blue jacket with the name "Arthur" on the tag, which serves as his only initial link to his identity. Though quiet and uncertain as he struggles with his memory loss, he possesses a surprisingly deep knowledge of fine art and demonstrates sharp resourcefulness when pushed into danger.

Key Relationships

Friend and ally of Camille Sullivan

Foster child of Mary Sullivan

Investigated by Detective Brooke Evans

Pursued by Dorchek Palmer

Son of Art Hamilton Sr.

Camille is Mary's 10-year-old daughter, recognizable by her vibrant red hair and boundless energy. She is highly talkative and fiercely independent, providing a sharp contrast to Art's quiet demeanor. She takes her promise to watch over Art seriously and proves to be a brave, quick-witted companion when they face unexpected threats.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Mary Sullivan

Niece of Aunt Judy

Dorchek Palmer is a 28-year-old tech millionaire who made his fortune developing gaming apps. After achieving massive financial success early in life, he seeks extreme thrills by orchestrating a high-stakes art forgery scheme. Youthful in appearance and easily overlooked, he commands a team of skilled operatives and relies heavily on surveillance technology to track his targets.

Key Relationships

Pursuer of Art Hamilton Jr.

Secret associate of Dr. Roger Belette

Employer of Regina Cash

Employer of Eric McClain

Employer of Winston Lantham

Employer of Nigel Stenhouse

Employer of Bazanov

Mary is a senior book editor and an experienced foster parent who keeps her dark hair pulled back in a neat bun. She handles emergency placements with practiced patience and provides temporary care for children in crisis. As an independent single mother, she creates a loving, supportive environment for both her daughter and the children she takes in.

Key Relationships

Foster parent to Art Hamilton Jr.

Collaborator with Detective Brooke Evans

Sister of Aunt Judy

Detective Evans is the lead police investigator assigned to Art's case. She is a highly observant investigator who keeps her glasses hanging from a chain around her neck. She recognizes the honesty in Art's amnesia claims and promises to help him uncover his identity.

Key Relationships

Investigator for Art Hamilton Jr.

Collaborator with Mary Sullivan

Questioner of Camille Sullivan

Arthur Hamilton Sr. is a highly respected art authenticator and Art's father. Hired by the National Gallery of Art to verify the authenticity of a newly acquired masterpiece, his meticulous attention to detail uncovers dangerous secrets. He is a dedicated parent who actively shares his passion for history and art with his son.

Key Relationships

Opponent of Dorchek Palmer

Hired by Dr. Roger Belette

Supporting Characters

Dr. Belette is the Director of Acquisitions at the National Gallery of Art. An older man who favors tweed jackets, he handles the museum's high-stakes art purchases. He maintains a hidden alliance with Dorchek Palmer, using his institutional authority to facilitate the forgery scheme from the inside.

Key Relationships

Secret associate of Dorchek Palmer

Colleague of Art Hamilton Sr.

Subordinate to Elizabeth Downing

Regina Cash is a highly trained operative working on Dorchek Palmer's team. She uses disguises and tactical equipment, including tranquilizer darts, to surveil and corner targets on city streets.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Dorchek Palmer

Pursuer of Art Hamilton Jr.

Eric McClain operates as a physical enforcer for Palmer's crew. Armed with tranquilizer darts, he relentlessly chases Art and Camille through hotel lobbies and crowded areas, though his overconfidence often results in embarrassing failures.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Dorchek Palmer

Pursuer of Art Hamilton Jr.

Winston Lantham is Palmer's designated "roper," a manipulative operative skilled at gaining targets' trust. He uses false credentials and preys on the children's desire for safety to force them into Palmer's custody.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Dorchek Palmer

Kidnapper of Art Hamilton Jr.

Nigel Stenhouse is the last active field agent on Palmer's pursuit team. He utilizes a thick British accent and clever social engineering to extract information from civilians while tracking the children.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Dorchek Palmer

Pursuer of Art Hamilton Jr.

Bazanov operates as a driver and physical muscle for Palmer's crew. He handles the logistical aspects of transporting kidnapped targets but proves ill-prepared for the chaotic resistance put up by his young captives.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Dorchek Palmer

Partner of Winston Lantham

Victor Baudin is a masterful art forger who views himself as a modern alchemist. Utilizing traditional pigments, aged canvases, and exotic materials, he meticulously crafts indistinguishable fake paintings for anonymous clients.

Key Relationships

Supplier for Dorchek Palmer

Detective Wasberger is a police officer who inadvertently falls for Palmer's sophisticated disguise. Believing Palmer is Art's concerned older brother, he hands over critical contact information that puts the children directly in danger.

Key Relationships

Manipulated by Dorchek Palmer

Police contact of Mary Sullivan

Elizabeth Downing is the director of the National Gallery of Art. She oversees the museum's high-profile acquisitions and relies on the expertise of her staff to safeguard the institution's financial and cultural reputation.

Key Relationships

Supervisor of Dr. Roger Belette

Employer of Kim Yoon

Kim Yoon is the executive assistant to the National Gallery's director. Accustomed to dealing with wealthy socialites and politicians, she expertly manages the logistical demands of the museum's elite board members.

Key Relationships

Assistant to Elizabeth Downing

Acquaintance of Damon Sacks

Damon Sacks is the fictional US Secretary of State and a stringent member of the National Gallery of Art's board of trustees. He represents the high-level government oversight involved in the museum's multi-million-dollar acquisitions.

Key Relationships

Board member for Elizabeth Downing

James Appleton is the fussy manager of the Hotel Monaco. He is more concerned with the decorum of his establishment and the property damage caused by unruly children than the actual peril unfolding in his lobby.

Key Relationships

Aunt Judy is Mary's sister. She provides a vital support system for the Sullivan family, stepping in to watch Camille or stay at Mary's house during emergencies to ensure the home is covered.

Key Relationships