A fabulous artwork made by Sonia Delaunay, a famous modern artist, is missing from the French village church for which it was designed. Barbara and Sam, an American couple who just bought a tumbledown 15th century house in the village, are inevitably drawn into the mystery of the artwork’s disappearance.
Together with their new French friends-longtime villagers and other big city and foreign transplants like themselves, Barbara and Sam attempt to track down the whereabouts of the missing modern masterpiece. Their search takes them from the depths of the church’s medieval crypt to the heights of the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in Paris.
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Winner P a r i s B o o k Festival 2024
Honorable Mention for Fiction
Praise from Booklife for Samuel’s prior novella—
“…Readers who enjoy mysteries with a humane,
international bent will devour Samuel’s tale.”
ISBNs
978-1-63777-604-9 / 978-1-63777-628-5
978-1-63777-629-2
Genres
Art Mystery / France
Amateur Sleuths
146 pages
Language: English
Imprint: Red Penguin Books
Roberta Samuels earned degrees in French and Art History from Northwestern University and the University of Paris at the Sorbonne. French Lessons, One Woman’s Tale of Sex, Wine and House Renovation and her art history mystery book series, Vanished! evolved from her passion for French culture, beautiful objets d’art and exotic travel.
The starting point for the books is based on her experience living in an 18th century farmhouse and then in a medieval townhouse in a French village. She worked as a French teacher, translator, tour escort and art gallery owner, showing her own artwork among others. She speaks French “uently. She lives in New York City and Montpezat de Quercy, France with her partner.
Reviews
A delightful combination of elements — the life of an American owning property and being immersed in life in south-western France, art history, and a fun mystery.
“A charming mystery with art, intrigue, and French flair.”
Set against the backdrop of a picturesque French village, this delightful tale blends art history, small-town secrets, and the allure of discovery. Barbara and Sam make a wonderfully relatable duo as they uncover layers of mystery and culture with every turn of the page.
“A captivating blend of mystery and wanderlust.”
From hidden crypts to Parisian parks, this story is a love letter to France and the thrill of a good puzzle. Smart, elegant, and full of atmosphere, it’s the perfect read for anyone who enjoys armchair travel with a touch of intrigue.