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The Engraver's Secret
Two women, a mysterious map and a family secret spanning hundreds of years - a stunning, moving and electrifying art history thriller for fans of Dominic Smith, Pip Williams and Lauren Chater set around the life, times, and feuds of the artist Peter Paul Rubens. What do you do when the weight of betrayal grows too heavy to bear?
Innocence and delight, guile and misapprehension, the hint of indifference, even disdain on her pretty features. Fickle, he called her, a mixture of surprise and confidence. She is all that and more, brought to life with the ink strokes of a genius.
Spanish Netherlands, 1620s : raised by her father Lucas to know her mind, Antonia Vorsterman sees everything that goes on in her world - all the rivalries and jealousies that course through the artists' studios and workshops of Antwerp. Drawn into the lively household of the artist Peter Paul Rubens, whose work her father engraves for a living, Antonia begins to see a life of colour and possibility for herself - until Lucas entrusts her with a terrible secret that will alter the course of their family's future.
Belgium, present haunted by the recent loss of her mother, art historian Charlotte Hubert moves to Antwerp to research her hero, the Baroque master Rubens, and to seek answers about the father she's never met. But a startling discovery hidden inside an ancient map folio turns Charlotte's quiet academic life into a dangerous hunt for long-lost treasures, missing for 400 years. In the shadowy cloisters of the university, where ambition, obsession and violence run deep, nothing is as it seems. Charlotte is certain of one thing - no one can be trusted. Centuries apart, Charlotte's and Antonia's lives intertwine as they unearth long-buried secrets about a master and his engraver where theft, betrayal and the fallout of family loyalty run rampant.
Innocence and delight, guile and misapprehension, the hint of indifference, even disdain on her pretty features. Fickle, he called her, a mixture of surprise and confidence. She is all that and more, brought to life with the ink strokes of a genius.
Spanish Netherlands, 1620s : raised by her father Lucas to know her mind, Antonia Vorsterman sees everything that goes on in her world - all the rivalries and jealousies that course through the artists' studios and workshops of Antwerp. Drawn into the lively household of the artist Peter Paul Rubens, whose work her father engraves for a living, Antonia begins to see a life of colour and possibility for herself - until Lucas entrusts her with a terrible secret that will alter the course of their family's future.
Belgium, present haunted by the recent loss of her mother, art historian Charlotte Hubert moves to Antwerp to research her hero, the Baroque master Rubens, and to seek answers about the father she's never met. But a startling discovery hidden inside an ancient map folio turns Charlotte's quiet academic life into a dangerous hunt for long-lost treasures, missing for 400 years. In the shadowy cloisters of the university, where ambition, obsession and violence run deep, nothing is as it seems. Charlotte is certain of one thing - no one can be trusted. Centuries apart, Charlotte's and Antonia's lives intertwine as they unearth long-buried secrets about a master and his engraver where theft, betrayal and the fallout of family loyalty run rampant.
432 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2025
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4529 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 1, 2024
Lush and lyrical, mysterious and mesmerising, The Engraver’s Secret took hold of me with its intriguing journey from the past to the present. Filled with secrets and suspicion, danger and division, betrayal and prejudice, I was kept me on the edge of my seat as this tale unravelled. But there are also glorious elements of wonder and wisdom, mystery and magic, discovery and fulfilment spread across these pages to give it the right balance.
Ultimately this is about father-daughter relationships, customs and expectations, trust and forgiveness. There are many parallels in the two threads and unique surprises. Each strand is told separately yet are hinged on each other. And when the blending of two stories of father’s and daughters come together in the end, it is an exciting feast of history and imagination.
One thread is set in the 1620s in Antwerp (known as part of the Spanish Netherlands at that time). Its lead character Antonia, is a curious girl with a desire to be independent. She aspires to be a female cartographer but this is not an age when women with certain professional ambitions are accepted. Yet, her father, Lucas, an engraver for Reubens, has raised her to value and know her mind. Because she is observant and intelligent, she notices all that goes on around her: the battles, the jealousies and the vengeful acts of pride that prevail in this male dominated world. Although her father provides her with a good education and praises her intelligence-- even stating she is ‘bright as any boy,’ everything changes once her mother passes away during childbirth. And when she learns of a terrible secret, she is faced with new challenges —including her father’s new ambitions for her. This causes quite a conflict.
But Antonia takes comfort in her friendship with artist Peter Rubens’s daughter, Clara. But once Lucas has a serious rift with him, the girls’ friendship is threatened. Antonia’s father abruptly announces they are going to move far from the home she loves and knows. This raises feelings of despair and frustration for Antonia. She feels he has ‘discarded’ her ‘future in Antwerpen’, her ‘friendship with Clara’ and her ‘happiness’ as easily as the worn mattress stuffing in the courtyard.’ She has no choice in the matter and must comply to his wishes for that is what is expected of her. Everything about her previous life is suddenly forbidden: including entering her father’s workroom which she frequently visited, seeing her dear friend Clara, freedom to speak against the move. She likens herself and her powerlessness to a ‘linen press or a crate of goblets…to be bundled up and shipped to a new destination..’ Her cries are ignored and as she says: ‘I was a chattel, to be stuffed in a create and muffled with wood shavings.’ On top of this, her father wants her to marry a man she abhors while her heart is set on another. Antonia is caught in a dilemma of how to be loyal to her family and still be true to herself.
The current timeline is mostly set in Belgium. We follow Charlotte who heads to Antwerp on an art historical mission to research the Baroque master Rubens. Charlotte is suffering from the loss of her mother but also shock with the news about her father: a man she never knew and thought was dead. So, moving to Antwerp carries a two-fold purpose: important art research and answers about her father who lives there. But what she finds on this journey is far more than could ever expect. Students attacked on campus, break-ins and a startling discovery hidden inside an ancient map folio. This leads her on a dangerous hunt for treasures that have been missing for four hundred years. There’s a lot of weird stuff going on in the university and she does not know who to trust. There are some obsessed ambitious individuals who will not stop at anything to get the sacred items they seek for recognition.
As for the father-daughter aspects of these two stories, in the ancient timeline Peter Reubans’ and Luca Vorsterman’s rift affect both families. Friends Antonia and Clara are forbidden from seeing each other. Grief from separation takes hold. But the girls find a way through secret letters. Through them we learn what is happening in the two households. Antonia’s life is marred by her father’s pride just as Charlotte’s life (in the modern timeline) is affected by her mother’s dislike for her father. She has grown up with this prejudice but when she meets him, she wonders how true her mother’s assessment is? Her confusion is understandable and it will take a series of events before she sorts out her own feelings towards him.
But at least Charlotte also has a friend in Miles, a co-worker who helps her on the mission to solve the Great Reubens Mystery. He also helps her reconsider getting to know her father.
Although she comes up against some frightening forces, There are some wonderful surprises in store for Charlotte: including family connections that make her question how much genetics plays a part in not only physical characteristics but also in a person’s talents, interests, behaviour, mannerisms, etc.
This is a fascinating story that is both captivating and enlightening. I highly recommend The Engraver’s Secret for those who enjoy a great blend of adventure and art history. It moves along at a comfortable pace with plenty of roadblocks, clues and excitement that kept me turning the pages to see how things would resolve. There were some wicked twists, too, with the two timelines coming together in a seamless finale! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HarperCollins Australia for my review copy.
Ultimately this is about father-daughter relationships, customs and expectations, trust and forgiveness. There are many parallels in the two threads and unique surprises. Each strand is told separately yet are hinged on each other. And when the blending of two stories of father’s and daughters come together in the end, it is an exciting feast of history and imagination.
One thread is set in the 1620s in Antwerp (known as part of the Spanish Netherlands at that time). Its lead character Antonia, is a curious girl with a desire to be independent. She aspires to be a female cartographer but this is not an age when women with certain professional ambitions are accepted. Yet, her father, Lucas, an engraver for Reubens, has raised her to value and know her mind. Because she is observant and intelligent, she notices all that goes on around her: the battles, the jealousies and the vengeful acts of pride that prevail in this male dominated world. Although her father provides her with a good education and praises her intelligence-- even stating she is ‘bright as any boy,’ everything changes once her mother passes away during childbirth. And when she learns of a terrible secret, she is faced with new challenges —including her father’s new ambitions for her. This causes quite a conflict.
But Antonia takes comfort in her friendship with artist Peter Rubens’s daughter, Clara. But once Lucas has a serious rift with him, the girls’ friendship is threatened. Antonia’s father abruptly announces they are going to move far from the home she loves and knows. This raises feelings of despair and frustration for Antonia. She feels he has ‘discarded’ her ‘future in Antwerpen’, her ‘friendship with Clara’ and her ‘happiness’ as easily as the worn mattress stuffing in the courtyard.’ She has no choice in the matter and must comply to his wishes for that is what is expected of her. Everything about her previous life is suddenly forbidden: including entering her father’s workroom which she frequently visited, seeing her dear friend Clara, freedom to speak against the move. She likens herself and her powerlessness to a ‘linen press or a crate of goblets…to be bundled up and shipped to a new destination..’ Her cries are ignored and as she says: ‘I was a chattel, to be stuffed in a create and muffled with wood shavings.’ On top of this, her father wants her to marry a man she abhors while her heart is set on another. Antonia is caught in a dilemma of how to be loyal to her family and still be true to herself.
The current timeline is mostly set in Belgium. We follow Charlotte who heads to Antwerp on an art historical mission to research the Baroque master Rubens. Charlotte is suffering from the loss of her mother but also shock with the news about her father: a man she never knew and thought was dead. So, moving to Antwerp carries a two-fold purpose: important art research and answers about her father who lives there. But what she finds on this journey is far more than could ever expect. Students attacked on campus, break-ins and a startling discovery hidden inside an ancient map folio. This leads her on a dangerous hunt for treasures that have been missing for four hundred years. There’s a lot of weird stuff going on in the university and she does not know who to trust. There are some obsessed ambitious individuals who will not stop at anything to get the sacred items they seek for recognition.
As for the father-daughter aspects of these two stories, in the ancient timeline Peter Reubans’ and Luca Vorsterman’s rift affect both families. Friends Antonia and Clara are forbidden from seeing each other. Grief from separation takes hold. But the girls find a way through secret letters. Through them we learn what is happening in the two households. Antonia’s life is marred by her father’s pride just as Charlotte’s life (in the modern timeline) is affected by her mother’s dislike for her father. She has grown up with this prejudice but when she meets him, she wonders how true her mother’s assessment is? Her confusion is understandable and it will take a series of events before she sorts out her own feelings towards him.
But at least Charlotte also has a friend in Miles, a co-worker who helps her on the mission to solve the Great Reubens Mystery. He also helps her reconsider getting to know her father.
Although she comes up against some frightening forces, There are some wonderful surprises in store for Charlotte: including family connections that make her question how much genetics plays a part in not only physical characteristics but also in a person’s talents, interests, behaviour, mannerisms, etc.
This is a fascinating story that is both captivating and enlightening. I highly recommend The Engraver’s Secret for those who enjoy a great blend of adventure and art history. It moves along at a comfortable pace with plenty of roadblocks, clues and excitement that kept me turning the pages to see how things would resolve. There were some wicked twists, too, with the two timelines coming together in a seamless finale! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HarperCollins Australia for my review copy.
March 31, 2024
I firstly want to thank Harper Collins for sending me an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
This one started off pretty ok. I was very interested but unfortunately it just went downhill. It got very boring very quickly. The book could have been halved and still gotten the points across. There was so much boring filler.
If I’m being honest, for me, Charlotte’s chapters were the Desmond’s of the book (if you’ve played the Assassin’s Creed games you’ll know what I’m talking about). I actually would have preferred the entire book to just be Antonia. Her chapters were really interesting.
I was also very underwhelmed when we found out who was doing all the break ins. It just didn’t have any shock factor.
I do think the story was interesting and had the potential to be a really good read. Again, if it was just Antonia’s POV and none of the future storyline with Charlotte happened I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
This one started off pretty ok. I was very interested but unfortunately it just went downhill. It got very boring very quickly. The book could have been halved and still gotten the points across. There was so much boring filler.
If I’m being honest, for me, Charlotte’s chapters were the Desmond’s of the book (if you’ve played the Assassin’s Creed games you’ll know what I’m talking about). I actually would have preferred the entire book to just be Antonia. Her chapters were really interesting.
I was also very underwhelmed when we found out who was doing all the break ins. It just didn’t have any shock factor.
I do think the story was interesting and had the potential to be a really good read. Again, if it was just Antonia’s POV and none of the future storyline with Charlotte happened I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
July 19, 2024
The author's passion for art & history is most evident.
An engaging story but for me I failed to understand why it needed to be nearly 500p...it is becoming ALL to common for debut novels to be TOO long :: where are the editors ????
An engaging story but for me I failed to understand why it needed to be nearly 500p...it is becoming ALL to common for debut novels to be TOO long :: where are the editors ????
April 26, 2024
I’m calling this a more authentic Da Vinci Code. A maybe lost Rubens masterpiece with a map to find it? I am there!!!! I loved the set up. I really appreciated the university environment; the fear of intellectual thief, the constant battle to succeed..I loved the Antwerp setting; beautiful and as gorgeous as the cover! I loved the 1620s timeline just as much as the present day. I loved the mystery of it and the hunt! Scrumptious is the right word for this novel, I loved it
April 10, 2025
The Engraver’s Secret is an exciting debut historical novel with a seamless dualtime line and the prettiest cover ever!!
It is so enjoyable to read a very well researched book, with a panoplia of captivating art information and historical accuracy.
The mystery component in the story is very well set, and the author's writing is clear and rich, providing a great reading experience.
There are common factors in both stories, like trust issues and also the connection the protagonists have with their fathers.
I really enjoyed both timelines, especially the clever mention of intellectual appropriation around university work.
Antonia has professional aspirations way ahead of her time, but she is raised by her father to value intelligence and knowledge. With the years, this will bring her great despair, as Antonia is faced with marriage and social expectations against her own desires and wishes.On his death bed, he reveals a terrible secret that will shake her world.
Present day, Charlotte has a map folio to research, break-ins, and students being attacked at campus to deal with, so she knows that she can not trust anyone until they prove they can be trusted.
Overall, this is a very informative and compelling book, ideal for lovers of mysteries and art, enriched by history.
It is so enjoyable to read a very well researched book, with a panoplia of captivating art information and historical accuracy.
The mystery component in the story is very well set, and the author's writing is clear and rich, providing a great reading experience.
There are common factors in both stories, like trust issues and also the connection the protagonists have with their fathers.
I really enjoyed both timelines, especially the clever mention of intellectual appropriation around university work.
Antonia has professional aspirations way ahead of her time, but she is raised by her father to value intelligence and knowledge. With the years, this will bring her great despair, as Antonia is faced with marriage and social expectations against her own desires and wishes.On his death bed, he reveals a terrible secret that will shake her world.
Present day, Charlotte has a map folio to research, break-ins, and students being attacked at campus to deal with, so she knows that she can not trust anyone until they prove they can be trusted.
Overall, this is a very informative and compelling book, ideal for lovers of mysteries and art, enriched by history.
October 19, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars
Thank you @harpercollins360 for the free copy 💖.
The Engraver’s Secret is Lisa Medved’s debut novel about two women and a family secret that spans hundreds of years.
Antonia Vorsterman grows up surrounded by artists, ambition, and secrets, in 17th-century Antwerp. Her father works closely with the legendary painter Rubens, and just as Antonia begins to imagine a bigger life for herself, he reveals something that changes everything.
In the present day, Charlotte Hubert, an art historian still reeling from her mother’s death, moves to Antwerp in search of answers about her past. She’s there to study Rubens, but when she discovers a strange clue tucked inside an old map, her quiet research turns into a dangerous journey through deception and long buried secrets.
Told through a dual timeline, The Engraver’s Secret reveals how Antonia’s and Charlotte’s lives connect across centuries. As their stories unfold, long-hidden truths come to light, about stolen treasures, betrayal, and the price of loyalty and love.
The novel is well written, but it felt a little too long for me. Some parts dragged a little, and a few sections moved so slowly that I struggled to stay engaged. That said, I loved the short chapters and really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the 17th-century setting as well as the intriguing characters. However, I wasn’t as excited by the central mystery/hunt as I expected to be, based on the book’s premise.
You can tell it is well researched, and the author’s love of art really shines through. The cover is also stunning 😍. While it wasn’t my favorite historical fiction, I still think it’s worth a try, especially if you like:
✨Art
✨Historical fiction + suspense
✨Dual timelines
✨Secrets (and what they unleash)
✨Father daughter relationships
✨Academic novels
✨Multiple POVs
Thank you @harpercollins360 for the free copy 💖.
The Engraver’s Secret is Lisa Medved’s debut novel about two women and a family secret that spans hundreds of years.
Antonia Vorsterman grows up surrounded by artists, ambition, and secrets, in 17th-century Antwerp. Her father works closely with the legendary painter Rubens, and just as Antonia begins to imagine a bigger life for herself, he reveals something that changes everything.
In the present day, Charlotte Hubert, an art historian still reeling from her mother’s death, moves to Antwerp in search of answers about her past. She’s there to study Rubens, but when she discovers a strange clue tucked inside an old map, her quiet research turns into a dangerous journey through deception and long buried secrets.
Told through a dual timeline, The Engraver’s Secret reveals how Antonia’s and Charlotte’s lives connect across centuries. As their stories unfold, long-hidden truths come to light, about stolen treasures, betrayal, and the price of loyalty and love.
The novel is well written, but it felt a little too long for me. Some parts dragged a little, and a few sections moved so slowly that I struggled to stay engaged. That said, I loved the short chapters and really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the 17th-century setting as well as the intriguing characters. However, I wasn’t as excited by the central mystery/hunt as I expected to be, based on the book’s premise.
You can tell it is well researched, and the author’s love of art really shines through. The cover is also stunning 😍. While it wasn’t my favorite historical fiction, I still think it’s worth a try, especially if you like:
✨Art
✨Historical fiction + suspense
✨Dual timelines
✨Secrets (and what they unleash)
✨Father daughter relationships
✨Academic novels
✨Multiple POVs
September 18, 2025
Thanks to Harper Collins and StoryGraph for giving an advanced Reader's copy of this book. I was not paid for my review
Man, I wanted to like this book way more. To be honest, it's more like 2.8 stars. The mystery in the present day is the best part of the book. It's set at a good pace and does make you keep guessing. However, there were several things that I just could not get past to rate it higher.
First, not translating foreign words. ESPECIALLY in an already translated book, which this apparently is. This is the most egregious thing in the book. It would have been MUCH better to put a note at the beginning of this version of the book that it was translated.
Secondly, using uncommon words. It makes it sound pretentious and it's just bad writing for a fiction book.
Lastly, and while she does redeem herself at the end, Charlotte needs therapy. Desperately. Lordy, I wanted to smack her through two-thirds of the book.
Man, I wanted to like this book way more. To be honest, it's more like 2.8 stars. The mystery in the present day is the best part of the book. It's set at a good pace and does make you keep guessing. However, there were several things that I just could not get past to rate it higher.
First, not translating foreign words. ESPECIALLY in an already translated book, which this apparently is. This is the most egregious thing in the book. It would have been MUCH better to put a note at the beginning of this version of the book that it was translated.
Secondly, using uncommon words. It makes it sound pretentious and it's just bad writing for a fiction book.
Lastly, and while she does redeem herself at the end, Charlotte needs therapy. Desperately. Lordy, I wanted to smack her through two-thirds of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2025
Could have been a much better story than it was. Had loads of potential- just too long
April 10, 2025
The Engraver’s Secret is the debut novel from Lisa Medved. With a split timeline this is the story of two women, four hundred years apart but not that different. In 1620’s Netherlands Antonia is a young women who idolises her father, an engraver for the great Peter Paul Ruben’s. She is given the opportunity of an education, not normally an option for young women, that shows her a different life. Present day Charlotte arrives in Antwerp, the home of her hero Rubens, and home to the father she never knew. A bequeathed map with hidden secrets and a letter by Antonia sends Charlotte on a voyage of discovery and danger with the hope of a hidden treasure.
I adore a good art history mystery, the chance of finding lost or unknown works, the hidden clues and of course a bit of danger thrown in for good measure. The Engraver’s Secret has all this in abundance and more. Rubens is one of the Old Masters of art history, well known for his portrayal of women that coined the phrase ‘Rubenesque’ and of classical history. Lisa Medved opens up his studio and home to the reader through the eyes of Antonia Vorsterman, the daughter of his engraver. I loved that the Lisa Medved captured the hustle and bustle of the studio, that it took a group of people who helped run the studio; the paint mixers, the students learning from the great master himself and the glorious paintings left lying around to be finished, or captured by the engraver.
It was this part of the book, Antonia’s story, that I enjoyed the most. The historical detail is wonderful, the insight into the day to day life of living in Antwerp in the early seventeenth century, the sights and smells of the market, the details of running a house and the political and cultural climate in Antwerp. There is a focus on the role of women, not normally given an education like Antonia, but destined to be wife and mother, something Antonia fights against. It was interesting to see the difference in culture when Antonia and her family moved to London, especially in relation to the Catholic Religion which was banned in England.
Whilst there is four hundred years between Antonia and Charlotte, they both find themselves hearing the deathbed confessions of a parent that changes how they perceive them; for Antonia that her father stole from Rubens, and for Charlotte that her father wasn’t dead. Both feel betrayed by this confession, and makes them question all that they knew about their parent. In the present Charlotte finds her father is her supervisor in her new job at the university. Her thoughts and feelings clouded by her mother’s distrust of her father which causes Charlotte to distrust him, seeing everything he does as suspicious. For the story this adds an element of suspicion about someone trying to steal her work on the missing treasure.
I became immersed in the clues and puzzles to find the missing pieces of art. The writing of the clues was intelligent, and I have to admit a bit beyond me at times, but still I tried to work them out. The plotting kept me intrigued with the many twists and turns, and as to where those paintings could be hidden, and the added danger kept me on the edge of my seat so to speak.
The Engraver’s Secret is an impressive debut novel from Lisa Medved. It had everything I wanted from the historical side, the art side and the treasure hunt. The book is well researched with plenty of historical detail of life in the seventeenth century both in Antwerp and London. Lisa Medved creates wonderful and fascinating characters that shed their layers as the story unfolds, showing both us and themselves new versions and resilience of their characters; I enjoyed watching them grow. If you are a fan of historical fiction then I highly recommend reading this book. Engaging, entertaining and enthralling, this is a fabulous read.
I adore a good art history mystery, the chance of finding lost or unknown works, the hidden clues and of course a bit of danger thrown in for good measure. The Engraver’s Secret has all this in abundance and more. Rubens is one of the Old Masters of art history, well known for his portrayal of women that coined the phrase ‘Rubenesque’ and of classical history. Lisa Medved opens up his studio and home to the reader through the eyes of Antonia Vorsterman, the daughter of his engraver. I loved that the Lisa Medved captured the hustle and bustle of the studio, that it took a group of people who helped run the studio; the paint mixers, the students learning from the great master himself and the glorious paintings left lying around to be finished, or captured by the engraver.
It was this part of the book, Antonia’s story, that I enjoyed the most. The historical detail is wonderful, the insight into the day to day life of living in Antwerp in the early seventeenth century, the sights and smells of the market, the details of running a house and the political and cultural climate in Antwerp. There is a focus on the role of women, not normally given an education like Antonia, but destined to be wife and mother, something Antonia fights against. It was interesting to see the difference in culture when Antonia and her family moved to London, especially in relation to the Catholic Religion which was banned in England.
Whilst there is four hundred years between Antonia and Charlotte, they both find themselves hearing the deathbed confessions of a parent that changes how they perceive them; for Antonia that her father stole from Rubens, and for Charlotte that her father wasn’t dead. Both feel betrayed by this confession, and makes them question all that they knew about their parent. In the present Charlotte finds her father is her supervisor in her new job at the university. Her thoughts and feelings clouded by her mother’s distrust of her father which causes Charlotte to distrust him, seeing everything he does as suspicious. For the story this adds an element of suspicion about someone trying to steal her work on the missing treasure.
I became immersed in the clues and puzzles to find the missing pieces of art. The writing of the clues was intelligent, and I have to admit a bit beyond me at times, but still I tried to work them out. The plotting kept me intrigued with the many twists and turns, and as to where those paintings could be hidden, and the added danger kept me on the edge of my seat so to speak.
The Engraver’s Secret is an impressive debut novel from Lisa Medved. It had everything I wanted from the historical side, the art side and the treasure hunt. The book is well researched with plenty of historical detail of life in the seventeenth century both in Antwerp and London. Lisa Medved creates wonderful and fascinating characters that shed their layers as the story unfolds, showing both us and themselves new versions and resilience of their characters; I enjoyed watching them grow. If you are a fan of historical fiction then I highly recommend reading this book. Engaging, entertaining and enthralling, this is a fabulous read.
January 29, 2025
Lisa Medved’s stunning debut historical novel is a dual timeline art thriller, set in the Spanish Netherlands 1620s and present day Belgium, and is inspired by the real life character of Antonia Vorsterman, whose father - the engraver Lucas Vorsterman - became embroiled in a dangerous battle of art and ego with celebrated Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens.
Four hundred years later, art historian Charlotte Hubert, who is grieving the recent loss of her mother, moves to Antwerp to research her hero, the Baroque master Rubens, and to seek answers about the father she’s never met. Soon after her arrival, the unexpected discovery of an ancient map folio presents Charlotte with the opportunity for a career-changing academic coup but quickly snowballs into a high stakes quest.
Alternating between the contrasting worlds and perspectives of Charlotte and Antonia, The Engraver’s Secret was an absolute joy to read with its sumptuously rendered descriptions, well-rounded characters and page-turning action, all of which have earned this novel the praise of some of my most admired literary heroes including Melissa Ashley and Dominic Smith.
Lisa Medved has a Bachelor of Arts in history and fine art, much like her protagonist Charlotte, and has a professional background in public relations, event management, and corporate and freelance writing. A self-confessed global nomad, Lisa has recently returned to her hometown of Melbourne after living in The Hague with her family since 2008, a setting which afforded her privileged access to the artistic world of Peter Paul Rubens and his chief engraver Lucas Vorsterman, and gave rise to her magnificent novel.
Intriguingly, while The Engraver’s Secret was first published in English by Harper Collins in Australia in 2024 (as well as in the United Kingdom and other territories), the Dutch translation of this novel, titled De Graveur, was published two years earlier in the Netherlands and Belgium.
According to her website, Lisa is already working on another novel, set in fin-de-siècle Vienna and post-WWI London, focusing on the art of Gustav Klimt and two women searching for where they belong in the world, and I for one can’t wait!
Four hundred years later, art historian Charlotte Hubert, who is grieving the recent loss of her mother, moves to Antwerp to research her hero, the Baroque master Rubens, and to seek answers about the father she’s never met. Soon after her arrival, the unexpected discovery of an ancient map folio presents Charlotte with the opportunity for a career-changing academic coup but quickly snowballs into a high stakes quest.
Alternating between the contrasting worlds and perspectives of Charlotte and Antonia, The Engraver’s Secret was an absolute joy to read with its sumptuously rendered descriptions, well-rounded characters and page-turning action, all of which have earned this novel the praise of some of my most admired literary heroes including Melissa Ashley and Dominic Smith.
Lisa Medved has a Bachelor of Arts in history and fine art, much like her protagonist Charlotte, and has a professional background in public relations, event management, and corporate and freelance writing. A self-confessed global nomad, Lisa has recently returned to her hometown of Melbourne after living in The Hague with her family since 2008, a setting which afforded her privileged access to the artistic world of Peter Paul Rubens and his chief engraver Lucas Vorsterman, and gave rise to her magnificent novel.
Intriguingly, while The Engraver’s Secret was first published in English by Harper Collins in Australia in 2024 (as well as in the United Kingdom and other territories), the Dutch translation of this novel, titled De Graveur, was published two years earlier in the Netherlands and Belgium.
According to her website, Lisa is already working on another novel, set in fin-de-siècle Vienna and post-WWI London, focusing on the art of Gustav Klimt and two women searching for where they belong in the world, and I for one can’t wait!
April 14, 2025
The writing was descriptive, adding in lots of little details that added texture and artistry to a story based on creatives. I enjoyed these details and got swept up in the story at each reading session.
The story was made up of two timelines, each individual, yet coming together at certain points to make the story. This technique gave the story a well rounded feel.
What I particularly enjoyed was the change in narration of each timeline. The 1600s timeline was told in the first person, whilst the present day timeline was told in the third person. This made each timeline feel different and again added another layer to the overall story.
Both storylines were strong and I looked forward to reading each one. I enjoyed the secrets that gradually unfolded throughout the story.
The chapters were generally short, which gave the story a good pace. Whilst there were lots of little additional details, the length of the chapters meant that you moved through the story well. The chapters alternated between past and present and were clearly labelled with dates and places so you always knew when and where you were reading.
There was a good flow to the book and despite going from one timeline to the next, it all came together well and I was able to build up the story without getting lost.
During the story a couple of the chapters were letters written by the main character to a friend which was interesting.
The characters in both timelines were excellent. They all had secrets. It was particularly interesting to see how society has changed from the 1600s to today and what still remains. Both main characters were strong females who struggled against their own society pressures to get to where they wanted to be.
I enjoyed the secrets unfurling throughout the story. I was quite suspicious of some of the characters, and was actually quite surprised at how it all turned out. There was a level of suspense and tension built through the suspicious characters in the present day timeline with the competition to be the first to solve the mystery. In the 1600 timeline the suspense came from the secrets kept from the main character.
Lastly the settings. There were lots of little details which grounded the story well. I enjoyed travelling to different times and places. Whilst it was mainly a character focused story, the settings were well described and balanced well with what the characters were doing.
Overall a fascinating read, successfully weaving fact and fiction together to create this textured story. I recommend.
The story was made up of two timelines, each individual, yet coming together at certain points to make the story. This technique gave the story a well rounded feel.
What I particularly enjoyed was the change in narration of each timeline. The 1600s timeline was told in the first person, whilst the present day timeline was told in the third person. This made each timeline feel different and again added another layer to the overall story.
Both storylines were strong and I looked forward to reading each one. I enjoyed the secrets that gradually unfolded throughout the story.
The chapters were generally short, which gave the story a good pace. Whilst there were lots of little additional details, the length of the chapters meant that you moved through the story well. The chapters alternated between past and present and were clearly labelled with dates and places so you always knew when and where you were reading.
There was a good flow to the book and despite going from one timeline to the next, it all came together well and I was able to build up the story without getting lost.
During the story a couple of the chapters were letters written by the main character to a friend which was interesting.
The characters in both timelines were excellent. They all had secrets. It was particularly interesting to see how society has changed from the 1600s to today and what still remains. Both main characters were strong females who struggled against their own society pressures to get to where they wanted to be.
I enjoyed the secrets unfurling throughout the story. I was quite suspicious of some of the characters, and was actually quite surprised at how it all turned out. There was a level of suspense and tension built through the suspicious characters in the present day timeline with the competition to be the first to solve the mystery. In the 1600 timeline the suspense came from the secrets kept from the main character.
Lastly the settings. There were lots of little details which grounded the story well. I enjoyed travelling to different times and places. Whilst it was mainly a character focused story, the settings were well described and balanced well with what the characters were doing.
Overall a fascinating read, successfully weaving fact and fiction together to create this textured story. I recommend.
July 27, 2024
He implored for understanding and forgiveness, and whispered his insistence that I preserve his secret.’
The novel opens with the burial of Lucas Vorsterman in Antwerpen, Spanish Hapsburg Empire, on 22 July 1675. His daughter Antonia, one of two protagonists in this dual plot and dual timeline novel, feels burdened by the secret he shared with her on his deathbed.
In the next chapter, in modern day Antwerp, Belgium, we meet Dr Charlotte Hubert, as she starts her work for the next two terms as the Rubens specialist in the art history department. A phone call from Willem in Acquisitions about a map folio donated to the university:
‘There’s something unusual about it, related to Rubens, which you may find interesting’
signals the beginning of Charlotte’s search for treasures that have been missing for four hundred years. An intriguing search which becomes dangerous.
The story shifts between Charlotte and Antonia, between past and present. This is a complex story, and some aspects worked better than others for me. I’ll confess that I was much more interested in the 17th century than in the contemporary story. While Lucas Vosterman’s secret reverberated through the story and provided an intriguing mystery, the present-day machinations and final resolution did not work as well for me as they might for other readers.
I enjoyed reading about the challenges both Antonia and Charlotte faced, about their relationships with family members and the dilemma each faced as to who they could trust. This is Ms Medved’s first novel, and her background in both art and history makes the historical aspects of this novel really come to life.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
The novel opens with the burial of Lucas Vorsterman in Antwerpen, Spanish Hapsburg Empire, on 22 July 1675. His daughter Antonia, one of two protagonists in this dual plot and dual timeline novel, feels burdened by the secret he shared with her on his deathbed.
In the next chapter, in modern day Antwerp, Belgium, we meet Dr Charlotte Hubert, as she starts her work for the next two terms as the Rubens specialist in the art history department. A phone call from Willem in Acquisitions about a map folio donated to the university:
‘There’s something unusual about it, related to Rubens, which you may find interesting’
signals the beginning of Charlotte’s search for treasures that have been missing for four hundred years. An intriguing search which becomes dangerous.
The story shifts between Charlotte and Antonia, between past and present. This is a complex story, and some aspects worked better than others for me. I’ll confess that I was much more interested in the 17th century than in the contemporary story. While Lucas Vosterman’s secret reverberated through the story and provided an intriguing mystery, the present-day machinations and final resolution did not work as well for me as they might for other readers.
I enjoyed reading about the challenges both Antonia and Charlotte faced, about their relationships with family members and the dilemma each faced as to who they could trust. This is Ms Medved’s first novel, and her background in both art and history makes the historical aspects of this novel really come to life.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 1, 2025
This debut historical novel is a dual timeline art thriller set mainly in Antwerp and centred around the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. The historical thread is set in the 1620’s and told from the perspective of Antonia Vorsterman, the daughter of engraver Lucas Vorsterman and in the present from the perspective of art historian Charlotte Hubert. Well written and clearly well researched this had me reaching for Google to learn more about the historical characters.
Briefly, after the death of her mother Charlotte travels to Antwerp on a dual mission, to research her hero the artist Rubens and to look for her father who she had previously believed to be dead. However, the discovery of an ancient map folio sends Charlotte searching for long lost art treasures and into great danger. 400 years earlier Antonia is encouraged to follow her dreams by her father who works with Rubens. She is educated and wants to be a cartographer. Her best friend is Clara, Rubens daughter, however a falling out between Lucas Vorsterman and Rubens results in the two girls being banned from being friends.
Both Charlotte and Antonia are strong women whose lives are heavily impacted by their parents wishes, demands and lies! A fascinating story and both threads were good although personally I was more invested in Antonia’s story. Some good twists and turns kept the suspense going and I was totally hooked by the story. A captivating historical novel full of secrets, betrayal, love and loss and at the heart of it all, family. An enjoyable read.
Briefly, after the death of her mother Charlotte travels to Antwerp on a dual mission, to research her hero the artist Rubens and to look for her father who she had previously believed to be dead. However, the discovery of an ancient map folio sends Charlotte searching for long lost art treasures and into great danger. 400 years earlier Antonia is encouraged to follow her dreams by her father who works with Rubens. She is educated and wants to be a cartographer. Her best friend is Clara, Rubens daughter, however a falling out between Lucas Vorsterman and Rubens results in the two girls being banned from being friends.
Both Charlotte and Antonia are strong women whose lives are heavily impacted by their parents wishes, demands and lies! A fascinating story and both threads were good although personally I was more invested in Antonia’s story. Some good twists and turns kept the suspense going and I was totally hooked by the story. A captivating historical novel full of secrets, betrayal, love and loss and at the heart of it all, family. An enjoyable read.
August 21, 2025
Two women, one in 1620s Antwerp, one in modern-day Belgium are bound by a mysterious map, a family legacy, and the shadow of Peter Paul Rubens. In the past, Antonia Vorsterman grows up among the ink, copper plates, and whispered rivalries of her father’s engraving workshop, her life intertwined with Rubens’ bustling household. But when she’s entrusted with a dangerous secret, the cost of loyalty might be more than she can bear.
In the present, art historian Charlotte Hubert arrives in Antwerp chasing two things: answers about her absent father and the truth about Rubens. A hidden clue in an ancient folio propels her into a dangerous treasure hunt, one that blurs the lines between scholarship, obsession, and survival.
Medved’s prose is as rich as the paintings she describes, full of detail and human vulnerability. The alternating timelines fit together like puzzle pieces, each reveal tightening the tension until history and present collide. It’s a story of betrayal, ambition, and the weight of family secrets and it will make you want to book a one-way ticket to Antwerp, just to walk the same cobbled streets!
If you love your historical fiction with equal parts intrigue, art history, and emotional punch then you should give this book a try!
⚡️Thank you HarperCollins and Lisa Medved for sharing this book with me!
In the present, art historian Charlotte Hubert arrives in Antwerp chasing two things: answers about her absent father and the truth about Rubens. A hidden clue in an ancient folio propels her into a dangerous treasure hunt, one that blurs the lines between scholarship, obsession, and survival.
Medved’s prose is as rich as the paintings she describes, full of detail and human vulnerability. The alternating timelines fit together like puzzle pieces, each reveal tightening the tension until history and present collide. It’s a story of betrayal, ambition, and the weight of family secrets and it will make you want to book a one-way ticket to Antwerp, just to walk the same cobbled streets!
If you love your historical fiction with equal parts intrigue, art history, and emotional punch then you should give this book a try!
⚡️Thank you HarperCollins and Lisa Medved for sharing this book with me!
April 25, 2025
When I first saw this reviewed in The Historical Novel Society’s magazine, I knew it was one I wanted to read. First for the setting. I visited Ghent with my friend a few years ago, and fell in love with its history and aesthetic. I don’t know much about Belgian history, but the more I learn, the more intrigued I become.
Second, the art world. I’ve recently become drawn to books about art. Alongside ramping up my visits to art galleries and appreciation of paintings and the stories they tell, the more I want to learn about the stories of the painters and muses behind the frames. Reubens is a name I’ve heard of, not so much Vorsterman, and I was really intrigued to learn more about these 17th century figures. So, I was delighted to have the opportunity to take part in this blog tour.
I love books that play with the past and present, and weave them together. For me, these two elements have to connect, and it’s a difficult thing to get right. In The Engraver’s Secret, Medved pulls together the stories of multiple characters across centuries skilfully. Taking the hook of a lost treasure, she creates a twisty, multi-faceted and layered story. It builds into a crescendo, in both Antonia’s 17th century world, and Charlotte’s 21st century one. Each woman has their own backstory, with themes of fathers and daughters, the search for recognition and having their voices heard. And it ties together beautifully. The result is a rich and complex novel.
Medved also enhances the thriller aspect of this read by creating a story where not all is at it seems. Seeds are dropped that later become saplings, and with each chapter there is a twist of a question of who should we trust? As a reader, we slowly become part of Charlotte’s claustrophobic, frantic and suspicious journey, experience her emotions with her. We are pulled into the narrative feel like we are solving the mystery with her (but in a bit more relative safety).
The novel takes place in the world of art and academia, both of which are very compelling in themselves. Both host secrets, contests for power and the still very relevant theme of copyright, or ‘operating privelige’, as Medved points out in her afterword. Medved brings them together in an original and highly readable plot, easily accessed by those who don’t know much about the academic or art world.
The only slight disappointment was I would have loved to hear more of Antonia as it felt her story featured a little less than Charlotte’s. It didn’t detract from the novel, and we stil gained a strong sense of her character and connection to the modern day events.
Overall, this was one of most anticipated novels of the year, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a complex, exciting and suspenseful story that integrates a clever dual storyline, and takes a fascinating setting in which to tell it.
Second, the art world. I’ve recently become drawn to books about art. Alongside ramping up my visits to art galleries and appreciation of paintings and the stories they tell, the more I want to learn about the stories of the painters and muses behind the frames. Reubens is a name I’ve heard of, not so much Vorsterman, and I was really intrigued to learn more about these 17th century figures. So, I was delighted to have the opportunity to take part in this blog tour.
I love books that play with the past and present, and weave them together. For me, these two elements have to connect, and it’s a difficult thing to get right. In The Engraver’s Secret, Medved pulls together the stories of multiple characters across centuries skilfully. Taking the hook of a lost treasure, she creates a twisty, multi-faceted and layered story. It builds into a crescendo, in both Antonia’s 17th century world, and Charlotte’s 21st century one. Each woman has their own backstory, with themes of fathers and daughters, the search for recognition and having their voices heard. And it ties together beautifully. The result is a rich and complex novel.
Medved also enhances the thriller aspect of this read by creating a story where not all is at it seems. Seeds are dropped that later become saplings, and with each chapter there is a twist of a question of who should we trust? As a reader, we slowly become part of Charlotte’s claustrophobic, frantic and suspicious journey, experience her emotions with her. We are pulled into the narrative feel like we are solving the mystery with her (but in a bit more relative safety).
The novel takes place in the world of art and academia, both of which are very compelling in themselves. Both host secrets, contests for power and the still very relevant theme of copyright, or ‘operating privelige’, as Medved points out in her afterword. Medved brings them together in an original and highly readable plot, easily accessed by those who don’t know much about the academic or art world.
The only slight disappointment was I would have loved to hear more of Antonia as it felt her story featured a little less than Charlotte’s. It didn’t detract from the novel, and we stil gained a strong sense of her character and connection to the modern day events.
Overall, this was one of most anticipated novels of the year, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a complex, exciting and suspenseful story that integrates a clever dual storyline, and takes a fascinating setting in which to tell it.
September 26, 2025
I’m a sucker for art history, and I haven’t read many (if any) books set in this time period and setting. How could I not pick up this book?!
Following a past and present timeline, we get glimpses of the Netherlands in the 1600s. Antonia’s father, Lucas, works closely with Peter Paul Rubens. At the end of Lucas’ life, he leaves Anotnia with a secret that disrupts her life and her family’s legacy. In present-day Belgium, Charlotte moves to Antwerp after the death of her mother, intent on studying Rubens. However, her studies take an unexpected turn. Nothing is as it seems.
I loved the writing in this book and found the first two pages especially gripping. Although I was more into the historical plot, I felt it wove into the modern plot fantastically. However, I admit that by the end of the book, I was let down by Lucas' secret. It played out well, and I guess for me, it didn’t feel all that it was built up to be.
What I enjoyed the most was the way the author captured the historical atmosphere. I liked learning tidbits of history that I’m not too familiar with, and of course, I loved the element of art.
A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free ARC of the book!
Following a past and present timeline, we get glimpses of the Netherlands in the 1600s. Antonia’s father, Lucas, works closely with Peter Paul Rubens. At the end of Lucas’ life, he leaves Anotnia with a secret that disrupts her life and her family’s legacy. In present-day Belgium, Charlotte moves to Antwerp after the death of her mother, intent on studying Rubens. However, her studies take an unexpected turn. Nothing is as it seems.
I loved the writing in this book and found the first two pages especially gripping. Although I was more into the historical plot, I felt it wove into the modern plot fantastically. However, I admit that by the end of the book, I was let down by Lucas' secret. It played out well, and I guess for me, it didn’t feel all that it was built up to be.
What I enjoyed the most was the way the author captured the historical atmosphere. I liked learning tidbits of history that I’m not too familiar with, and of course, I loved the element of art.
A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free ARC of the book!
July 20, 2024
3.75 stars
I was drawn to reading this novel because of the premise of the plot and the beautiful cover. Ultimately, this is a book about art, history and the relationship between fathers and daughters. It also has a mystery/mild suspense element as well.
Initially, this felt like a 3 star read but by the end of the book I had to reconsider. I do felt it was drawn out too much in the first half of the novel and there was a lot of “telling” of the story. In the first half, I didn’t feel a strong sense of place either even though the bulk of the book was set in Antwerp (I may have expected a little too much here having just finished a Tracey Chevalier novel who is exceptional with her time and place). As the story progressed, I was drawn deeper into the art world and the possibility of missing art work and the pace picked up and I became more immersed in the setting, finding it more credible. In the end I really quite enjoyed the novel and would certainly read another book by this author. As this was Lisa Medved’s first novel, I look for to seeing her hone her writing skills further.
I was drawn to reading this novel because of the premise of the plot and the beautiful cover. Ultimately, this is a book about art, history and the relationship between fathers and daughters. It also has a mystery/mild suspense element as well.
Initially, this felt like a 3 star read but by the end of the book I had to reconsider. I do felt it was drawn out too much in the first half of the novel and there was a lot of “telling” of the story. In the first half, I didn’t feel a strong sense of place either even though the bulk of the book was set in Antwerp (I may have expected a little too much here having just finished a Tracey Chevalier novel who is exceptional with her time and place). As the story progressed, I was drawn deeper into the art world and the possibility of missing art work and the pace picked up and I became more immersed in the setting, finding it more credible. In the end I really quite enjoyed the novel and would certainly read another book by this author. As this was Lisa Medved’s first novel, I look for to seeing her hone her writing skills further.
May 5, 2024
https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=5493
This first novel by Australian author Lisa Medved shines with historical detail and the beauty of the artworks which are the main subject of the plotlines – two plotlines, as it is a dual timeline novel.
Underlying both stories is the relationship between the two protagonists and their fathers, and the constraints imposed by the times and places in which they live.
I loved the mysteries at the heart of the novel; the wonderful detail provided of seventeenth century life and culture in (what was then) the Spanish Hapsburg Empire; the descriptions of the beautiful artworks and their creators. The author has a background in both art and history and her knowledge and love of these subjects inform the book in a natural and accessible way. As always I enjoyed reading about places and historical periods that I know relatively little about; it always makes me want to know more.
But most of all I enjoyed the very human dilemmas of the two women and the relationships at the heart of their stories.
This first novel by Australian author Lisa Medved shines with historical detail and the beauty of the artworks which are the main subject of the plotlines – two plotlines, as it is a dual timeline novel.
Underlying both stories is the relationship between the two protagonists and their fathers, and the constraints imposed by the times and places in which they live.
I loved the mysteries at the heart of the novel; the wonderful detail provided of seventeenth century life and culture in (what was then) the Spanish Hapsburg Empire; the descriptions of the beautiful artworks and their creators. The author has a background in both art and history and her knowledge and love of these subjects inform the book in a natural and accessible way. As always I enjoyed reading about places and historical periods that I know relatively little about; it always makes me want to know more.
But most of all I enjoyed the very human dilemmas of the two women and the relationships at the heart of their stories.
August 9, 2024
In 17th century Antwerp, an engraver is on his death bed when he reveals to his daughter, Antonia, a terrible secret. Something he did when he worked in the studio of artist Peter Paul Rubens will have dangerous repercussions for his family for generations to come.
Meanwhile, in the present day, Rubens aficionado Charlotte secures a short-term position as a university lecturer in Antwerp. She has a secret of her own, which may be affecting her judgement when she makes a major discovery.
In a dual timeline, handled deftly by the author. Antonia’s and Charlotte’s stories intertwine, building layers of intrigue to reach a thrilling conclusion. Along the way, we get to know the two women, the times in which they live, the prejudices they face and the towns and workplaces they inhabit.
The Engraver’s Secret is that rare thing – solid, well researched and fascinating historical fiction combined with a fast-paced thriller, all wrapped up in terrific writing which flows off the page. The novel is a real page turner, and I couldn’t put it down. A Dan Brown for discerning readers of art history fiction.
Meanwhile, in the present day, Rubens aficionado Charlotte secures a short-term position as a university lecturer in Antwerp. She has a secret of her own, which may be affecting her judgement when she makes a major discovery.
In a dual timeline, handled deftly by the author. Antonia’s and Charlotte’s stories intertwine, building layers of intrigue to reach a thrilling conclusion. Along the way, we get to know the two women, the times in which they live, the prejudices they face and the towns and workplaces they inhabit.
The Engraver’s Secret is that rare thing – solid, well researched and fascinating historical fiction combined with a fast-paced thriller, all wrapped up in terrific writing which flows off the page. The novel is a real page turner, and I couldn’t put it down. A Dan Brown for discerning readers of art history fiction.
April 10, 2025
💜 Blurb -
Two women, a mysterious map and a family secret spanning hundreds of years - a stunning, moving and electrifying art history thriller for fans of Dominic Smith, Pip Williams and Lauren Chater set around the life, times, and feuds of the artist Peter Paul Rubens. What do you do when the weight of betrayal grows too heavy to bear?
Innocence and delight, guile and misapprehension, the hint of indifference, even disdain on her pretty features. Fickle, he called her, a mixture of surprise and confidence. She is all that and more, brought to life with the ink strokes of a genius.
Spanish Netherlands, 1620s : raised by her father Lucas to know her mind, Antonia Vorsterman sees everything that goes on in her world - all the rivalries and jealousies that course through the artists' studios and workshops of Antwerp. Drawn into the lively household of the artist Peter Paul Rubens, whose work her father engraves for a living, Antonia begins to see a life of colour and possibility for herself - until Lucas entrusts her with a terrible secret that will alter the course of their family's future. Belgium, present haunted by the recent loss of her mother, art historian Charlotte Hubert moves to Antwerp to research her hero, the Baroque master Rubens, and to seek answers about the father she's never met. But a startling discovery hidden inside an ancient map folio turns Charlotte's quiet academic life into a dangerous hunt for long-lost treasures, missing for 400 years. In the shadowy cloisters of the university, where ambition, obsession and violence run deep, nothing is as it seems. Charlotte is certain of one thing - no one can be trusted. Centuries apart, Charlotte's and Antonia's lives intertwine as they unearth long-buried secrets about a master and his engraver where theft, betrayal and the fallout of family loyalty run rampant.
❤️ Review -
I found this book interesting. The author has obviously done her research for the book as the attention to detail was spot on. I loved the story and the great mix of characters and the pacing was just right. Also, the cover is gorgeous. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other people.
💝 Thank you to Random Things Tours, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Two women, a mysterious map and a family secret spanning hundreds of years - a stunning, moving and electrifying art history thriller for fans of Dominic Smith, Pip Williams and Lauren Chater set around the life, times, and feuds of the artist Peter Paul Rubens. What do you do when the weight of betrayal grows too heavy to bear?
Innocence and delight, guile and misapprehension, the hint of indifference, even disdain on her pretty features. Fickle, he called her, a mixture of surprise and confidence. She is all that and more, brought to life with the ink strokes of a genius.
Spanish Netherlands, 1620s : raised by her father Lucas to know her mind, Antonia Vorsterman sees everything that goes on in her world - all the rivalries and jealousies that course through the artists' studios and workshops of Antwerp. Drawn into the lively household of the artist Peter Paul Rubens, whose work her father engraves for a living, Antonia begins to see a life of colour and possibility for herself - until Lucas entrusts her with a terrible secret that will alter the course of their family's future. Belgium, present haunted by the recent loss of her mother, art historian Charlotte Hubert moves to Antwerp to research her hero, the Baroque master Rubens, and to seek answers about the father she's never met. But a startling discovery hidden inside an ancient map folio turns Charlotte's quiet academic life into a dangerous hunt for long-lost treasures, missing for 400 years. In the shadowy cloisters of the university, where ambition, obsession and violence run deep, nothing is as it seems. Charlotte is certain of one thing - no one can be trusted. Centuries apart, Charlotte's and Antonia's lives intertwine as they unearth long-buried secrets about a master and his engraver where theft, betrayal and the fallout of family loyalty run rampant.
❤️ Review -
I found this book interesting. The author has obviously done her research for the book as the attention to detail was spot on. I loved the story and the great mix of characters and the pacing was just right. Also, the cover is gorgeous. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other people.
💝 Thank you to Random Things Tours, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2025
The Engraver's Secret is a wonderful, intricate historical crime, mystery thriller, with an intriguing duel timeline, and great attention to detail throughout.
I must say, the cover is absolutely stunning and certainly grabs your attention. I'm sure it'll stand out on any bookshelf.
Without giving too much away, we follow two women over storylines, one modern and one 17th century, both stories linking across the centuries and centred around a mysterious map, family secrets, feuds and betrayal.
It's real, quality historical novel writing at it's very best.
The story is intricate and moving, and the characters are deep and well developed.
The sense of time and place is absolutely spot on and the details on art are incredibly interesting. It's definitely a throughly researched work.
A big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
I must say, the cover is absolutely stunning and certainly grabs your attention. I'm sure it'll stand out on any bookshelf.
Without giving too much away, we follow two women over storylines, one modern and one 17th century, both stories linking across the centuries and centred around a mysterious map, family secrets, feuds and betrayal.
It's real, quality historical novel writing at it's very best.
The story is intricate and moving, and the characters are deep and well developed.
The sense of time and place is absolutely spot on and the details on art are incredibly interesting. It's definitely a throughly researched work.
A big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
June 3, 2025
Lisa Medved has created a concerto for words. Reading The Engraver's Secret is akin to closing your eyes and listening to a beautifully composed piece of music. In the background sits an orchestral melody evoking the streets and characters of seventeenth century Antwerp, whilst juxtaposed, and up front, is modern-day Charlotte; a crystal clear soloist trying to unravel the secrets of the past. If Charlotte's mind were an instrument it would be a lute, finely tuned but with strings that slacken, and frets that fret, and pegs that twist and turn until the fingerboard almost snaps. The tempo varies too, from fast to slow and back again, as the reader is lured in, swept along and sometimes dumped by Charlotte's disappointment and distrust. Who can she lean on? Who can she trust? I thoroughly recommend this debut novel as a wonderful read and a celebration of resilience and hope.
September 17, 2025
#Giveaway
I usually don’t reach for historical thrillers, but in this case I’m glad I did. This book reminded me of National Treasure with the mystery and dangerous adventure. I enjoyed the uncertainty of who did it and potential danger around dark corners. The missing art was a fun mystery especially with the two different views/timelines. The author definitely did her research on art and history. I will say towards the middle, the story dragged, but towards the end, it picked up and made me unable to put the book down.
Content warnings
Spice 0/5 (1 kiss)
Cursing: 1/5 (G*d (8), h*ll (4), bl**dy (3), d*mn (11), sh*t (1), b*tch (1)
I usually don’t reach for historical thrillers, but in this case I’m glad I did. This book reminded me of National Treasure with the mystery and dangerous adventure. I enjoyed the uncertainty of who did it and potential danger around dark corners. The missing art was a fun mystery especially with the two different views/timelines. The author definitely did her research on art and history. I will say towards the middle, the story dragged, but towards the end, it picked up and made me unable to put the book down.
Content warnings
Spice 0/5 (1 kiss)
Cursing: 1/5 (G*d (8), h*ll (4), bl**dy (3), d*mn (11), sh*t (1), b*tch (1)
September 30, 2025
Heck yeah for that cover—it’s stunning! I’m always a sucker for dual timelines, and this debut author nailed it. The shift between past and present felt smooth, even with the mix of first- and third-person. While Charlotte’s POV wasn’t my fave, Antonia’s story had me hooked. The descriptive writing pulled me right in, with secrets sprinkled throughout like little breadcrumbs. I loved the short chapters and the addition of letters—they kept the pace lively. The suspense in the present timeline didn’t quite land as strongly as I hoped, but the earlier secrets totally made up for it. All in all, a solid blend of fact and fiction with plenty of intrigue!
November 11, 2024
This was really gripping, though at times it felt like a much longer novel than it actually is. The story gives mild Da Vinci Code vibes, where an uncovered historic document reveals secrets and puzzles that the characters must follow.
The characters are flawed and relatable which I can always get behind. I would have liked to see more of Charlotte's coming to terms with her mother's betrayal as I felt that wasn't fully explored or resolved by the end of the novel.
I loved how deeply researched it was, it made it feel much more real.
The characters are flawed and relatable which I can always get behind. I would have liked to see more of Charlotte's coming to terms with her mother's betrayal as I felt that wasn't fully explored or resolved by the end of the novel.
I loved how deeply researched it was, it made it feel much more real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
In 1620s Antwerp, Antonia's father is an engraver working for the artist Rubens. When the two men fall out Antonia's family life is upturned.
In the present day, art historian Charlotte, grieving for her mother, goes to Antwerp to further her research into Rubens. She discovers an old map folio and a search begins for potentially missing drawings. But who can she trust?
Both women face many challenges and there are lots of characters in both eras, which I did find a tad confusing at times. However, it was a good read and an interesting debut novel.
In the present day, art historian Charlotte, grieving for her mother, goes to Antwerp to further her research into Rubens. She discovers an old map folio and a search begins for potentially missing drawings. But who can she trust?
Both women face many challenges and there are lots of characters in both eras, which I did find a tad confusing at times. However, it was a good read and an interesting debut novel.
May 20, 2024
A dual timeline story that gripped me although life got in the way of the reading. An art historian takes up a post at Antwerp to teach students. She has chosen to go there to further research a female map maker whose father had been an engraver for some time in Ruben’s studio (my name).
From the start of the story I was gripped. I learned so much about things I had not known about Antwerp in the 17th century and in the Academic world with regards competition for positions.
From the start of the story I was gripped. I learned so much about things I had not known about Antwerp in the 17th century and in the Academic world with regards competition for positions.
May 25, 2024
I will read all future releases from Lisa as this book captivated me.
Art and antiquities theft has always been a fascination to me having a passion for Cambodian history.
Factor in an interest in the history of women throughout the ages and this was bound to catch my attention.
Lisa has written it not just with being knowledgeable about art, she truly has a gift with words and grabs you from the very first page.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
Art and antiquities theft has always been a fascination to me having a passion for Cambodian history.
Factor in an interest in the history of women throughout the ages and this was bound to catch my attention.
Lisa has written it not just with being knowledgeable about art, she truly has a gift with words and grabs you from the very first page.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
September 4, 2024
Adult
Historical Fiction with elements of thriller and mystery.
3 Stars
You are reading form two different POV, one being being present day, and one being from the 1620s. The story mainly follows the present day, Charlotte, who is an academic expert on the baroque master Ruben, travels to Antwerp to further research her hero. While here Charlotte stumbles upon a hidden map that uncovers secrets left hidden for 400 years. In her plight to keep her discovery a secreta and unravel the mystery, students are being attacked at the university and Charlotte starts to believe the attacker/s are after her and her secret.
Overall I enjoyed this story, with an academic setting and the historical/thriller/mystery aspect. I felt the plot itself didn't offer enough to completely enthrall me into the story. The story and writing style was easy to follow.
Historical Fiction with elements of thriller and mystery.
3 Stars
You are reading form two different POV, one being being present day, and one being from the 1620s. The story mainly follows the present day, Charlotte, who is an academic expert on the baroque master Ruben, travels to Antwerp to further research her hero. While here Charlotte stumbles upon a hidden map that uncovers secrets left hidden for 400 years. In her plight to keep her discovery a secreta and unravel the mystery, students are being attacked at the university and Charlotte starts to believe the attacker/s are after her and her secret.
Overall I enjoyed this story, with an academic setting and the historical/thriller/mystery aspect. I felt the plot itself didn't offer enough to completely enthrall me into the story. The story and writing style was easy to follow.
Read
March 8, 2025Quite an interesting read, following on the mystery and discoveries of Charlotte and Antonia on history. Revealing concerns of mistrust, romance, politics, friendship, and creative/ alternative roles women have expressed in pursuing their interests in academics, art, and languages and encouraged over the centuries.
Bearing in mind, this is a historical fiction work.
Discussion questions are also attached.
Bearing in mind, this is a historical fiction work.
Discussion questions are also attached.
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