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Unethical no. Marketing Ploy? Yes, I do believe there is a very strong possibility of that since the cover resembles Dan Brown's Da Vinci book cover.

The name, da Vinci, is a part of the book because the missing painting was done by him. Since it's a fictional story, it's okay for the author to add the name to the title. It makes the title more appealing.

Sorry, but I do not agree with the question. I just enjoyed the book for entertainment and reviewing purposes. I never focused on the marketing strategy because I'm not sure if that the author's intent. And what does ethics have to do with it?

I believe that because Da Vinci is the name of the artist who painted the missing painting, this gives the storyline added flavor. Also, he was a very famous artist.

May be it is not necessary to use da vinci's name on book but there is no hard and fast rule regarding the nature of title of the book. The author tries to use every possible way to promote their book.In my opinion, If they use a famous personality's name in the title of the book, then, it is not unethical.

I think its a marketing strategy. When I saw the title, I thought it was centered around da Vinci only to discover its a romance novel. I must say, it was quite a surprise.

I'd only say it was unethical if it seemed like they were trying to make it seem like a different genre than it is or something, and I didn't have any problem figuring out what type of book this is. I mean, sure, they used a marketing tactic / visual association, but it wasn't overtly deceptive or harmful, so I don't see a problem with it personally.

I see your point about it possibly being a bait and switch strategy. In that sense, it will definitely disappoint those who have different expectations and didn't read the summary and sample.

I am yet to read this book but it is in my 2018 reading list. Is this a work of fiction? Since the answer is yes, the author can use any title he is comfortable with. Unethical by a mile no. Going through the comments, it seems there is some similarity in this book's cover with Dan Brown's da Vinci Code, well though not unethical too, it is a bit too much.

Very interesting point! I wouldn't have thought of this. If the book doesn't centre around Da Vinci then is it right to use his name on the cover?
Thank you for presenting an interesting thought on this.

Every commercially produced book needs some kind of pull. I know that da Vinci is a smaller character, but his work and the search for it is thematic throughout the book. I don't think the use of his name is unethical at all.

When I see the name "da Vinci" I immediately think of art. Since the book includes a search for a missing da Vinci painting, and the main character finds herself immersed in dreams about da Vinci, the inclusion of the name is relevant. The link to Dan Brown's book is a great bonus for the marketing of the book.

Every author has a right to moral attribution and identification as authors of a piece of work.

It was done strategically, but am not mad at it. His name is important because of the painting. The painting is the reason the story even exists, I felt that using his name was fitting.

The story of this book revolves around the incident of a missing painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. So, the title consisting the name of Da Vinci is not a surprise to me. Though the author could have used another name instead of using Da Vinci. So, I think it is there to make the book stand out.