The Painter
by Peter Heller
The Painter by Peter Heller holds a well received rating of 3.76 out of 5, based on 8.7K reader ratings. First published in 2014. The book spans 364 pages.
About The Painter
Peter Heller, the celebrated author of the breakout best seller The Dog Stars, returns with an achingly beautiful, wildly suspenseful second novel about an artist trying to outrun his past. Jim Stegner has seen his share of violence and loss. Years ago he shot a man in a bar. His marriage disintegrated. He grieved the one thing he loved. In the wake of tragedy, Jim, a well-known expressionist painter, abandoned the art scene of Santa Fe to start fresh in the valleys of rural Colorado. Now he spends his days painting and fly-fishing, trying to find a way to live with the dark impulses that sometimes overtake him. He works with a lovely model. His paintings fetch excellent prices. But one afternoon, on a dirt road, Jim comes across a man beating a small horse, and a brutal encounter rips his quiet life wide open. Fleeing Colorado, chased by men set on retribution, Jim returns to New Mexico, tormented by his own relentless conscience. A stunning, savage novel of art and violence, love and grief, The Painter is the story of a man who longs to transcend the shadows in his heart, a man intent on using the losses he has suffered to create a meaningful life.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Peter Heller |
| Published | 2014 |
| Pages | 364 |
| Genres | Fiction, Arts & Photography, Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Mystery & Thriller |
| Average Rating | 3.76 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 8,666 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Painter?
The Painter is categorized as Fiction, Arts & Photography, Fiction, Mystery & Thriller. Its primary genre classification is Mystery & Thriller.
Is The Painter worth reading?
Based on 8.7K reader ratings, The Painter has an average score of 3.76 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Painter?
The Painter has 364 pages.
Who wrote The Painter?
The Painter was written by Peter Heller. It was first published in 2014.
What is the ISBN for The Painter?
The ISBN-13 for The Painter is 9780385352090.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
