“Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse
A murdered champion. A vanished masterpiece. And the world's best thief, who takes on the case.
Jake Rook is the most wanted art thief on the planet: charming, elusive, and always a step ahead. But his new challenge is not a robbery, but a real investigation.
On the night of a triumphal victory, a champion boxer is murdered. Following him, his manager dies, and a rare painting by Degas, just sold at auction, vanishes without a trace. While the police are spinning their wheels, Jake sees the invisible threads connecting these three crimes.
To find the canvas, Jake will have to try on the unfamiliar role of a detective. Creating his own ingenious labyrinth of tricks and clues, he turns the investigation into an elegant game of wits. He has to untangle a web of unexpected secrets and once again beautifully outfox his main rival—the tireless Inspector Grant.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Daniel Wille is a novelist, screenwriter, and visual artist whose work blends gripping crime fiction with cinematic storytelling. A member of the Israeli Artists Community and the Global Art League, he draws inspiration from both the visual arts and classic suspense films.
Born in 1987 in Samara, Russia, Daniel grew up surrounded by stories of the turbulent post-Soviet era, where crime, street gangs, and larger-than-life characters left a lasting impression on his imagination. Those early experiences shaped his fascination with heists, mysteries, and the moral ambiguity of the criminal underworld.
In 2015, he relocated to Israel, where he became an Israeli citizen. He now lives in Austria, continuing to write stories that combine suspense, intrigue, and unexpected humour.
A lifelong admirer of sophisticated crime capers, Daniel is particularly inspired by the stylish wit of Ocean's Twelve, the adventures of Arsène Lupin, and the timeless detective novels of Agatha Christie. Their blend of clever plotting, memorable characters, and unexpected twists has had a lasting influence on his storytelling.
Before turning to fiction, Daniel wrote several screenplays in the crime and thriller genres. Jake Rook: The Degas Trap is his debut novel and his favourite work to date—a fast-paced international mystery that combines art, deception, and unforgettable characters in a cinematic adventure.
Jake Rook: The Degas Trap is available online through major bookstores and library platforms worldwide. Readers can choose the format that suits them best, including eBook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook (where available). Whether you prefer reading on your Kindle, enjoying a beautifully printed edition, or listening on the go, the novel is easily accessible through leading retailers and digital libraries across multiple countries.
CONTACT ME:
d.wille.official@gmail.com
Experience Jake Rook: The Degas Trap like never before. This beautifully illustrated graphic novel brings every twist, intrigue, daring heist, and unforgettable action scene from the novel to life. Faithfully following the original story, the comic captures its distinctive blend of noir atmosphere, clever mystery, and witty humor, immersing readers in Jake Rook's thrilling world through stunning cinematic artwork. Whether you're a longtime fan of the novel or discovering Jake Rook for the first time, this graphic adaptation promises an unforgettable visual adventure.