What do you think?
Rate this book
Louvre Escape: An Archaeological Thriller
Ancient secrets. Hidden danger. A lost masterpiece.
Darwin Lacroix seeks a tranquil year in Paris guest lecturing at the esteemed École du Louvre, but fate has other plans. Beneath the museum's grandeur lie secrets of a murky past.
A clandestine group formed in the Age of Enlightenment secretly controls the collections. During the wars, its unscrupulous curators conspired to squirrel away booty, cutting out the rightful owners. Billions in bought and sold for private gain. When French authorities pressure Darwin to expose the group’s dark agenda, he pushes back.
But he soon discovers a terrible wrong done to his family that he must make right.
Trust is scarce. Danger constant in this deadly chase through the Paris underbelly
Louvre Escape is a whirlwind of suspense and action, where every clue and twist brings Darwin closer to a shattering revelation while fighting to restore the Louvre's legacy.
Darwin Lacroix seeks a tranquil year in Paris guest lecturing at the esteemed École du Louvre, but fate has other plans. Beneath the museum's grandeur lie secrets of a murky past.
A clandestine group formed in the Age of Enlightenment secretly controls the collections. During the wars, its unscrupulous curators conspired to squirrel away booty, cutting out the rightful owners. Billions in bought and sold for private gain. When French authorities pressure Darwin to expose the group’s dark agenda, he pushes back.
But he soon discovers a terrible wrong done to his family that he must make right.
Trust is scarce. Danger constant in this deadly chase through the Paris underbelly
Louvre Escape is a whirlwind of suspense and action, where every clue and twist brings Darwin closer to a shattering revelation while fighting to restore the Louvre's legacy.
- GenresThriller
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2024
About the author
Dave Bartell
19 books123 followersDave Bartell has spent his life chasing questions across mountains, deserts, laboratories, and quiet places where the universe feels close enough to touch. He climbed the highest mountain in the continental United States at ten, earned the nickname 'mountain goat' for his relentless pace on the trail, and could start a campfire with a single match before he learned algebra. As a teenager, he preserved indigenous bone beads found on a Southern California peak—his first archaeological discovery, long before he knew the word for it.
A degree in biochemistry sharpened his sense that humanity is made of stardust and story. Air Force survival training taught him how to think when options vanish. Zen meditation taught him how to listen to mysteries hiding in the quiet. He raced road bikes at more than fifty miles an hour, circled Lake Tahoe in four hours, and learned that endurance is a kind of prayer.
Today, Dave writes archaeological thrillers that blend science, history, and wonder. A member of the Archaeological Institute of America, he draws from a lifetime of adventure to craft stories of discovery, danger, and the search for meaning in a vast, ancient world. He lives in Los Gatos, California, where the hills still offer enough wilderness to spark a novel.
A degree in biochemistry sharpened his sense that humanity is made of stardust and story. Air Force survival training taught him how to think when options vanish. Zen meditation taught him how to listen to mysteries hiding in the quiet. He raced road bikes at more than fifty miles an hour, circled Lake Tahoe in four hours, and learned that endurance is a kind of prayer.
Today, Dave writes archaeological thrillers that blend science, history, and wonder. A member of the Archaeological Institute of America, he draws from a lifetime of adventure to craft stories of discovery, danger, and the search for meaning in a vast, ancient world. He lives in Los Gatos, California, where the hills still offer enough wilderness to spark a novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 6, 2026
I recently stumbled upon Dave Bartell’s work with high hopes. Bartell continues the exploration of Darwin Lacroix, the energetic and inquisitive young archaeologist who seems destined to find adventure wherever he goes. When a letter lists a number of previously stolen art masterpieces are safely stored away, the recipient is eager to learn of the truth behind the tale. Darwin Lacroix is also alerted to some Nazi pillaging and hopes to help the Vatican save face by recovering them.
Darwin Lacroix has been given an opportunity of a lifetime by guest lecturing in Paris at École du Louvre. However, fate never got the memo and he is pulled into a new adventure that relates to Nazi art pillaging and the hope of returning it to its rightful owners. As Lacroix learns more, he uncovers that a group of museum curators sought to hide artwork for themselves, ensuring the rightful owners never got the pleasure of their return after the Nazi defeat. Billions of dollars left in the hands of a few and the French authorities somehow spin it that Lacroix must help them or face prosecution. Worse still, Lacroix discovers his family is part of a larger problem and feels a true sense of guilt. Rushing to right a significant wrong, Lacroix and his team rush through Paris and the underground tunnels of the Louvres for answers and to stop a ruthless cabal. Time is of the essence!
Archaeological thrillers have long been among my favourite genres, and Dave Bartell keeps impressing me with these stories. Solid storytelling combine with ongoing action to allow the reader something enjoyable. The story opens with a piece of history, permitting themes to build from there. Using short chapters helps create that speed Bartell has come to enjoy injecting into the piece, the reader soon finds themselves addicted to learning all the nuances that history and modern interpretation make better . Bartell has definitely made binge reading a pleasure, as I seek to learn even more.
The characters provide a solid framework for this series. Darwin Lacroix has made his mark on series fan, with a strong personality and a passion for archeology. This ensures an ongoing chance to educate the attentive reader. Those familiar with the series know Lacroix’s wife, Eyrún, well. She has often used her own backstory to educate the attentive and curious reader. The supporting cast keeps flavouring the story with their own depth, never overshadowing the core elements. I find myself learning about and enjoying many subplots they bring to various stories and their development as they keep coming back.
Bartell uses twists, surprises, and escalating dangers to ensure the greatness of the series, all of which leaves the reader wondering how things will resolve themselves. This has been a typical recipe for Bartell, sharing minimally at any one time. While a number of the surprises lead to scandalous revelations, it keeps things entertaining. The archaeological and historical elements are not overwhelming, as each book shows significant research to encapsulate the subject matter. This shows that Bartell is invested in his writing and those who read it.
Kudos, Mr. Bartell, for never letting an opportunity pass you by with your writing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Darwin Lacroix has been given an opportunity of a lifetime by guest lecturing in Paris at École du Louvre. However, fate never got the memo and he is pulled into a new adventure that relates to Nazi art pillaging and the hope of returning it to its rightful owners. As Lacroix learns more, he uncovers that a group of museum curators sought to hide artwork for themselves, ensuring the rightful owners never got the pleasure of their return after the Nazi defeat. Billions of dollars left in the hands of a few and the French authorities somehow spin it that Lacroix must help them or face prosecution. Worse still, Lacroix discovers his family is part of a larger problem and feels a true sense of guilt. Rushing to right a significant wrong, Lacroix and his team rush through Paris and the underground tunnels of the Louvres for answers and to stop a ruthless cabal. Time is of the essence!
Archaeological thrillers have long been among my favourite genres, and Dave Bartell keeps impressing me with these stories. Solid storytelling combine with ongoing action to allow the reader something enjoyable. The story opens with a piece of history, permitting themes to build from there. Using short chapters helps create that speed Bartell has come to enjoy injecting into the piece, the reader soon finds themselves addicted to learning all the nuances that history and modern interpretation make better . Bartell has definitely made binge reading a pleasure, as I seek to learn even more.
The characters provide a solid framework for this series. Darwin Lacroix has made his mark on series fan, with a strong personality and a passion for archeology. This ensures an ongoing chance to educate the attentive reader. Those familiar with the series know Lacroix’s wife, Eyrún, well. She has often used her own backstory to educate the attentive and curious reader. The supporting cast keeps flavouring the story with their own depth, never overshadowing the core elements. I find myself learning about and enjoying many subplots they bring to various stories and their development as they keep coming back.
Bartell uses twists, surprises, and escalating dangers to ensure the greatness of the series, all of which leaves the reader wondering how things will resolve themselves. This has been a typical recipe for Bartell, sharing minimally at any one time. While a number of the surprises lead to scandalous revelations, it keeps things entertaining. The archaeological and historical elements are not overwhelming, as each book shows significant research to encapsulate the subject matter. This shows that Bartell is invested in his writing and those who read it.
Kudos, Mr. Bartell, for never letting an opportunity pass you by with your writing.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 21, 2024
I enjoy these books but I don't love them. The characters are interesting in their own ways but not especially lovable. I get very frustrated by the poor proofreading done here. I am not talking about the punctuation, but actual incorrect words used in many instances or entire words skipped. Sure, I figure out what went wrong and keep reading, but why should I have to. Bartell also tends to jumble elements of his plots which leads to reader confusion. Why does he still have Darwin drinking cappuccino all day long when everyone knows that he should only be drunk before 11 am. Darwin is way too prissy and self-aware not to know that!
October 11, 2025
Is It Real or Is It Memorex?
Louvre Escape is a bit tamer than the preceding thrillers in the Darwin Lacroix series but still just as fun. Dave Bartell takes on the topic of tracing and repatriating the fine art stolen by the Nazi regime during World War II.
Darwin and Eyrún are working out of Paris so often that Eyrún finds them a lovely apartment so they won't miss each other. Eyrún is working on the tunnels that may have run under the Cathedral de Notré Dame. She believes that art may have been transported through them.
Darwin is in a buying partnership with an old friend, trying to entrap the thieves who are stealing from the Louvre. He comes across a buried horde of World War II-looted art and tries to liberate it, but almost gets taken out by the thieves.
The race to the finish is full of unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think the art is safe and going to the correct institution, another surprise. The end will have to be resolved in the next book.
Louvre Escape is a bit tamer than the preceding thrillers in the Darwin Lacroix series but still just as fun. Dave Bartell takes on the topic of tracing and repatriating the fine art stolen by the Nazi regime during World War II.
Darwin and Eyrún are working out of Paris so often that Eyrún finds them a lovely apartment so they won't miss each other. Eyrún is working on the tunnels that may have run under the Cathedral de Notré Dame. She believes that art may have been transported through them.
Darwin is in a buying partnership with an old friend, trying to entrap the thieves who are stealing from the Louvre. He comes across a buried horde of World War II-looted art and tries to liberate it, but almost gets taken out by the thieves.
The race to the finish is full of unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think the art is safe and going to the correct institution, another surprise. The end will have to be resolved in the next book.
December 9, 2024
A Proven Series
This is book 7 (so far) of the Darwin Lacroix series. I reviewed this series after the 3rd book, recommending the series to others as a worthwhile pursuit.
Now, 4 books later, I feel justified. The stories have gotten even better. The attention to detail is pleasing, especially to those of us who have been to some of the places visited by the characters in the book, and have tasted some of the cuisine devoured by them as well.
In his author notes at the end of the book, Bartell mentioned that some readers of book 6, Genesis Plague, complained that the story was more medico-technical and less archeological. I can’t say they are wrong, but I take issue with their complaint. I feel that the story and series was in no way less enjoyable because of the change in emphasis. Ya just can’t please ‘em all.
Disregard the nay-sayers about book 6. This series is a winner.
This is book 7 (so far) of the Darwin Lacroix series. I reviewed this series after the 3rd book, recommending the series to others as a worthwhile pursuit.
Now, 4 books later, I feel justified. The stories have gotten even better. The attention to detail is pleasing, especially to those of us who have been to some of the places visited by the characters in the book, and have tasted some of the cuisine devoured by them as well.
In his author notes at the end of the book, Bartell mentioned that some readers of book 6, Genesis Plague, complained that the story was more medico-technical and less archeological. I can’t say they are wrong, but I take issue with their complaint. I feel that the story and series was in no way less enjoyable because of the change in emphasis. Ya just can’t please ‘em all.
Disregard the nay-sayers about book 6. This series is a winner.
February 14, 2025
Darwin takes a temporary teaching position at the Louvre and Eyrun gets them an apartment above the ACA nearby.
A fellow employee, Christian Roche was passed over for the same position. He recently inherited the Paris family home and finds a hidden room in the basement full of his grandfather’s research on stolen/missing Nazi art. There’s also a wall safe with a mysterious key.
The 4 different threads (2 for Darwin, 1 for Christian, 1 for a bad guy) confused me a bit, keeping track of who was doing what and at what stage it was. But they came together in the end.
I read a lot of different archeological thriller series and Darwin Lacroix is one of the best
Fave scenes: the Geneva Freeport storage unit, water rising in sewer, Eyrun & Aya escaping the basement and finding the crater.
A fellow employee, Christian Roche was passed over for the same position. He recently inherited the Paris family home and finds a hidden room in the basement full of his grandfather’s research on stolen/missing Nazi art. There’s also a wall safe with a mysterious key.
The 4 different threads (2 for Darwin, 1 for Christian, 1 for a bad guy) confused me a bit, keeping track of who was doing what and at what stage it was. But they came together in the end.
I read a lot of different archeological thriller series and Darwin Lacroix is one of the best
Fave scenes: the Geneva Freeport storage unit, water rising in sewer, Eyrun & Aya escaping the basement and finding the crater.
January 21, 2025
A well written book It also serves as a beacon to all the Europeans who decry the USA. With the exception of Italy, 85% of all Jews were turned into the Nazis and went to the camps. (In Italy it was the opposite) Since the end of the war, many Europeans have used the Freeports and the Provenance laws biding their time so they can claim ownership of are looted by the Nazis from many Europeans ===a significant number being jews. Before anyone from ANY European country puts down the US, they need to take a look at the blood on their hands from WWII and in their own art world. I don't think this was Dave Bartell's intention, but it does come across that for all their pretension, Europe and all the countries in the continent their are very base beings.
July 26, 2024
Another Darwin adventure
Storyline not as exciting as previous chapters, but definitely worth writing about. Not many people left who remember the Nazionale looting & Vichy government in France. Restoration efforts are always worth talking about.
Let's see what the next book brings.
Storyline not as exciting as previous chapters, but definitely worth writing about. Not many people left who remember the Nazionale looting & Vichy government in France. Restoration efforts are always worth talking about.
Let's see what the next book brings.
September 2, 2024
Suspenseful and Exciting
Not only will you learn a lot about art and the Nazi's, you will be riveted to the story as it unfolds about stolen art.
Not only will you learn a lot about art and the Nazi's, you will be riveted to the story as it unfolds about stolen art.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews