The Picasso Ransom is a funny Australian cosy crime novel inspired by the real 1986 theft of Picasso’s Weeping Woman from the National Gallery of Victoria. Phoebe, nearly 70 and bored with retirement, joins an evening art class and befriends fellow retirees Eva and Dave. When their arts school is threatened with closure due to government cuts, the trio decide peaceful protest isn’t enough. With a priceless Picasso sitting just across the road, they hatch an outrageous plan to make people listen. It’s a light, clever heist story with senior amateur criminals, art-world mischief, political satire, and cosy crime humour — ideal for readers who enjoy Richard Osman-style older sleuths and witty Australian mysteries.