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A Crime Through Time
A tale of intrigue, honor, and deceit, where truths are lies, fact is fiction, and nothing is ever quite as it seems.
Paris, 1874: an artist’s model is murdered, and a wealthy socialite posing for her portrait is stalked by an unknown assailant.
Normandy, 1956: a young widow inherits a house and finds eight old paintings and a mysterious note that claims they’re clues to a crime. But how did they get there?
Mysteries from different ages, the clues connected yet riddles remain. The cast of characters span a century—from a pompous detective, romantic artist, wealthy socialite, and famous racehorse, to a Nazi colonel, young widow, ambitious jockey, and retired policeman. A Crime Through Time is a puzzle with pieces that don’t quite fit.
Paris, 1874: an artist’s model is murdered, and a wealthy socialite posing for her portrait is stalked by an unknown assailant.
Normandy, 1956: a young widow inherits a house and finds eight old paintings and a mysterious note that claims they’re clues to a crime. But how did they get there?
Mysteries from different ages, the clues connected yet riddles remain. The cast of characters span a century—from a pompous detective, romantic artist, wealthy socialite, and famous racehorse, to a Nazi colonel, young widow, ambitious jockey, and retired policeman. A Crime Through Time is a puzzle with pieces that don’t quite fit.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2022
51 people are currently reading
2479 people want to read
About the author
John Anthony Miller
19 books344 followersJohn Anthony Miller writes all things historical—thrillers, mysteries, and romance. He sets his novels in exotic locations spanning all eras of space and time, with complex characters forced to face inner conflicts—fighting demons both real and imagined. Each of his novels is unique: a Medieval epic, five historical mysteries, two Cold-War thrillers, two 1970’s cozy mysteries, a Revolutionary War spy novel, seven WWII thrillers, and The Castle on the Cliff. He lives in southern New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 3, 2022
A very good cozy mystery, with two different timelines, set in France.
In the first timeline, a prostitute got murdered in 1874 Paris near the study of a painter and later a woman named Elise, who was modelling for the same painter is attacked by someone.
In the second timeline we're in Deauville, a French village in 1956 and a woman called Zelie finds some paintings in her attic linked to the events narrated in the first timeline and try to solve the mystery with the help of a couple of friends.
It was supercozy and compelling, brilliantly written. I love books in which people drink coffee and they were always doing it!
When I arrived at the epilogue I was clueless as at the beginning. Well plotted.
In the first timeline, a prostitute got murdered in 1874 Paris near the study of a painter and later a woman named Elise, who was modelling for the same painter is attacked by someone.
In the second timeline we're in Deauville, a French village in 1956 and a woman called Zelie finds some paintings in her attic linked to the events narrated in the first timeline and try to solve the mystery with the help of a couple of friends.
It was supercozy and compelling, brilliantly written. I love books in which people drink coffee and they were always doing it!
When I arrived at the epilogue I was clueless as at the beginning. Well plotted.
August 31, 2022
A young model's murder on the streets of Paris in 1874 sets the scene for a crime solving journey through time in Author Miller's chilling tale, 'A Crime Through Time'. An heiress, Elise Lyon, has her portrait painted by the artist who last was with the murdered model, will her life be put into danger too? Fast forward to 1956. A widow, Zelie Girard, inherits her mother-in-law's home in Normandy, where she stumbles upon mysterious items in the attic. Was her mother-in-law keeping dark secrets from her family?
Back in time when Elise is attacked, the police leave no stone unturned. Will they link her attack to the killer on the loose, or are there more nefarious acts in play? In 1956, as Zelie learns more details about the items in the attic, her friends are convinced they hold clues to the murderous crimes years ago in Paris and the betrayals in the local community during WWII. Will their sleuthing bring about final justice?
Author Miller weaves a gripping tale that will keep you turning the pages. I couldn't stop reading this one-- and the ending will surprise and shock you! A highly recommended read for mystery fans!
Back in time when Elise is attacked, the police leave no stone unturned. Will they link her attack to the killer on the loose, or are there more nefarious acts in play? In 1956, as Zelie learns more details about the items in the attic, her friends are convinced they hold clues to the murderous crimes years ago in Paris and the betrayals in the local community during WWII. Will their sleuthing bring about final justice?
Author Miller weaves a gripping tale that will keep you turning the pages. I couldn't stop reading this one-- and the ending will surprise and shock you! A highly recommended read for mystery fans!
September 8, 2022
Title: A Crime Through Time
Author: John Anthony Miller
Synopsis: Paris, 1874: an artist’s model is murdered and a wealthy socialite posing for her portrait is stalked by an unknown assailant.
Normandy, 1956: a young widow inherits a house and finds eight old paintings with a mysterious note that claims they’re clues to a crime. But how did they get there?
Two mysteries from different ages, the clues connected yet riddles remain. The cast of characters span a century—from a pompous detective, romantic artist, wealthy socialite, and famous racehorse, to a Nazi colonel, young widow, ambitious jockey, and retired policeman. A Crime Through Time is a puzzle with pieces that don’t quite fit, a tale of intrigue, honor, and deceit, where lies are truths, fact is fiction, and nothing is ever quite as it seems.
Review: the mystery in this book kept me intrigued! I truly enjoyed the back and forth of the two timelines. They were two different stories that interconnect despite being in two different time eras! When I got to the ending I was surprised when the mystery was unveiled only for someone else say it wasn’t and it made the entire mystery so well thought out! Sometimes I do noticed when I read from one character and love them but I don’t care for another character so I try to skin read it! This wasn’t the case I was excited to read the different character perspectives! This is by far my favorite book from John Anthony Miller! If you want an entertaining cozy mystery this is the book for you!
Thank you to bythebook for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
Author: John Anthony Miller
Synopsis: Paris, 1874: an artist’s model is murdered and a wealthy socialite posing for her portrait is stalked by an unknown assailant.
Normandy, 1956: a young widow inherits a house and finds eight old paintings with a mysterious note that claims they’re clues to a crime. But how did they get there?
Two mysteries from different ages, the clues connected yet riddles remain. The cast of characters span a century—from a pompous detective, romantic artist, wealthy socialite, and famous racehorse, to a Nazi colonel, young widow, ambitious jockey, and retired policeman. A Crime Through Time is a puzzle with pieces that don’t quite fit, a tale of intrigue, honor, and deceit, where lies are truths, fact is fiction, and nothing is ever quite as it seems.
Review: the mystery in this book kept me intrigued! I truly enjoyed the back and forth of the two timelines. They were two different stories that interconnect despite being in two different time eras! When I got to the ending I was surprised when the mystery was unveiled only for someone else say it wasn’t and it made the entire mystery so well thought out! Sometimes I do noticed when I read from one character and love them but I don’t care for another character so I try to skin read it! This wasn’t the case I was excited to read the different character perspectives! This is by far my favorite book from John Anthony Miller! If you want an entertaining cozy mystery this is the book for you!
Thank you to bythebook for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
September 8, 2022
I’m not a normal reader of cozy mysteries (I keep meaning to read some) but A Crime Through Time by John Anthony Miller is everything I think I want from a cozy mystery. 🤷♀️
You get two POVs here - with basically the same mystery in play. In Normandy 1956, Zelie a young widow inherits her mother-in-law’s cottage and finds eight old paintings with a hidden note that claims they are the clues to solving a crime that took place in Paris, 1874. Whose are they and how did they get there?
What crime needs to be solved?
The reader gets to travel back and forth through time and solve the mystery also and this was just pure fun. I adored this story and always enjoy Miller’s writing. If you haven’t picked up this author yet, you need to.
Light hearted yet filled with great historical nuggets, A Crime Through Time is an original and easy read that covers some tough topics in a lighthearted way.
Thanks John for once again choosing VBP to promote one of your books. I am loving your versatility - I’m ready for more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
You get two POVs here - with basically the same mystery in play. In Normandy 1956, Zelie a young widow inherits her mother-in-law’s cottage and finds eight old paintings with a hidden note that claims they are the clues to solving a crime that took place in Paris, 1874. Whose are they and how did they get there?
What crime needs to be solved?
The reader gets to travel back and forth through time and solve the mystery also and this was just pure fun. I adored this story and always enjoy Miller’s writing. If you haven’t picked up this author yet, you need to.
Light hearted yet filled with great historical nuggets, A Crime Through Time is an original and easy read that covers some tough topics in a lighthearted way.
Thanks John for once again choosing VBP to promote one of your books. I am loving your versatility - I’m ready for more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
June 23, 2022
Quite a page-turner. I loved the idea of two time periods tied together with mysteries. Great characters, and I couldn’t wait to discover how it all connected with the ‘surprises’ that popped up throughout the chapters.
June 23, 2022
Quite a page-turner. I loved the idea of two time periods tied together with mysteries. Great characters, and I couldn’t wait to discover how it all connected with the ‘surprises’ that popped up throughout the chapters.
July 11, 2022
It is a super thrilling read and it promises to be as riveting a page-turner as some of the best crime fiction you may have come across. Blended with loads of suspense and oodles of thrills, this one should definitely be in your reading bucket list.
It is an excellent Parisian murder mystery that involves two mysteries from different time period- 1874 and 1956 and you will feel like your are reading two different books.
Back to the year 1874, in Paris, an artist's model has been murdered and a socialite posing for the artist is being stalked. Fast forward to the year 1956, in Normandy, a young widow named Zelie inherits a house and eight old paintings with a mysterious note that are apparently clues to a crime.
The story is written with an impressive writing style. The cover of the book is captivating. The title of the book is intriguing. The character development is top notch and the plot is well thought out. The language is lucid.
The narration is superb....The author has narrated all the scenes wonderfully with a gripping pace.
I completely visualized the story. It felt like I was watching a movie. In hindsight it makes perfect sense, as the book plays out like a great thriller movie, allowing you to visualize the characters and events vividly and keeping you "glued to the screen", so to speak.
A great book allows you to go back over the details within and see all the threads that were right in front of you and understand how they were woven together to make the final piece. The author is a very good craftsman, and I'm looking forward to read more of his work.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
It is an excellent Parisian murder mystery that involves two mysteries from different time period- 1874 and 1956 and you will feel like your are reading two different books.
Back to the year 1874, in Paris, an artist's model has been murdered and a socialite posing for the artist is being stalked. Fast forward to the year 1956, in Normandy, a young widow named Zelie inherits a house and eight old paintings with a mysterious note that are apparently clues to a crime.
The story is written with an impressive writing style. The cover of the book is captivating. The title of the book is intriguing. The character development is top notch and the plot is well thought out. The language is lucid.
The narration is superb....The author has narrated all the scenes wonderfully with a gripping pace.
I completely visualized the story. It felt like I was watching a movie. In hindsight it makes perfect sense, as the book plays out like a great thriller movie, allowing you to visualize the characters and events vividly and keeping you "glued to the screen", so to speak.
A great book allows you to go back over the details within and see all the threads that were right in front of you and understand how they were woven together to make the final piece. The author is a very good craftsman, and I'm looking forward to read more of his work.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
September 7, 2022
Paris, 1874: an artist’s model is murdered and a wealthy socialite posing for her portrait is stalked by an unknown assailant.
Normandy, 1956: a young widow inherits a house and finds eight old paintings with a mysterious note that claims they’re clues to a crime. But how did they get there?
Told through alternating timelines, this murder mystery unravels quickly through short chapters. Y'all know I love me some short chapters, and these just fly by.
I loved the characters, especially those in the 1956 timeline. They were endearing and earnest & I enjoyed getting to know them. The characters in the 1874 timeline left a little to be desired, but I believe that was the point.
While I did feel this was slightly repetitive at times, overall, I enjoyed figuring out this mystery whooping with the characters & I was satisfied with the ending!
If you like cozy mysteries, add this to your list!
Thank you to the author for choosing VBP to promote your work. I'm enjoying seeing all the different facets of your writing.
Normandy, 1956: a young widow inherits a house and finds eight old paintings with a mysterious note that claims they’re clues to a crime. But how did they get there?
Told through alternating timelines, this murder mystery unravels quickly through short chapters. Y'all know I love me some short chapters, and these just fly by.
I loved the characters, especially those in the 1956 timeline. They were endearing and earnest & I enjoyed getting to know them. The characters in the 1874 timeline left a little to be desired, but I believe that was the point.
While I did feel this was slightly repetitive at times, overall, I enjoyed figuring out this mystery whooping with the characters & I was satisfied with the ending!
If you like cozy mysteries, add this to your list!
Thank you to the author for choosing VBP to promote your work. I'm enjoying seeing all the different facets of your writing.
June 6, 2022
This mystery takes place in two time periods. 1876, Paris, France: a murder of a young woman and attempts of a similar murder of a socialite in the same location as each headed for home after posing for an artist painting their portraits. There are several suspects for these crimes.
1956, Normandy, France: A young widow, Zelie, and her son inherit a furnished home with an attic filled with antique items, including 7 paintings. These paintings are dated 1876 without any explanation of what they are. In researching, it’s discovered that these are a series of paintings and the subjects of some of the canvas’s are portraits of two different women. Zelie wants to know their story and delves into solving the puzzle of what happened and why the paintings are in the attic of her new acquired property.
This mystery has a interesting group of characters and solving the puzzle was a challenge.
1956, Normandy, France: A young widow, Zelie, and her son inherit a furnished home with an attic filled with antique items, including 7 paintings. These paintings are dated 1876 without any explanation of what they are. In researching, it’s discovered that these are a series of paintings and the subjects of some of the canvas’s are portraits of two different women. Zelie wants to know their story and delves into solving the puzzle of what happened and why the paintings are in the attic of her new acquired property.
This mystery has a interesting group of characters and solving the puzzle was a challenge.
Read
September 5, 2022Thank you to By The Book VBP and the author for the gifted copy of A CRIME THROUGH TIME! All opinions in this review are my own.
What I liked about this mystery:
⏳️ short chapters helped to really draw me into the book
⏳️ multiple suspects that kept me guessing until the end
⏳️ no spoilers but I really liked how the ending came together!
What I liked about this mystery:
⏳️ short chapters helped to really draw me into the book
⏳️ multiple suspects that kept me guessing until the end
⏳️ no spoilers but I really liked how the ending came together!
September 23, 2022
A Crime Through Time reads like a cold case murder mystery. The story line bounces between the mid-19th century and the 1950s in Normandy. If not for the setting, this plot could have been something straight out of the crime drama 48 Hours. A totally engrossing read.
In the past, an artist’s model was murdered not far from the studio of Jean-Pierre, a French painter known for his use of light. Then an attempt is made on the life of Elsie Lyon, the wife of a wealthy and ruthless Paris businessman, while she was leaving the same studio after a portrait sitting with the artist.
In the present (1956 Normandy, France) Zelie Girard has just inherited a house with 3 cottages, two of which are rented, from her mother-in-law, along with a mountain of debt. Not sure what she is going to do, Zelie starts to go through her late mother-in-law’s things. In the attic she finds a series of paintings that could be valuable. Her interest is peaked and she sets out to discover more about the paintings and the artist. What she uncovers is much more than she bargained for.
This book is highly atmospheric because the author did an outstanding job with the descriptive prose. The attention to the details of the settings made it easy for me visualize each scene. It is one of the reasons I was deeply invested with the outcome.
Another aspect of this book that had me captivated were the great characters. Some of them I loved and some I loved hating. The characters were definitely fully developed and I had no problem understanding their actions and motivations from the prickly and arrogant detective to the young postwar widow. In addition, the cast was varied and this added a richness to the story.
The pacing was good and the clues where doled out slowly as the story unfolds. Despite the clues, I never figured out who the murderer was. I thought I was paying attention. However, I was totally surprised in the end. The ending was not as all what I expected and yet it felt right.
A Crime Through Time is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and lovers of historical fiction. It would also make a great book club selection. Highly recommend that you put this on your TBR list.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, visit my book blog at www.thespineview.com.
In the past, an artist’s model was murdered not far from the studio of Jean-Pierre, a French painter known for his use of light. Then an attempt is made on the life of Elsie Lyon, the wife of a wealthy and ruthless Paris businessman, while she was leaving the same studio after a portrait sitting with the artist.
In the present (1956 Normandy, France) Zelie Girard has just inherited a house with 3 cottages, two of which are rented, from her mother-in-law, along with a mountain of debt. Not sure what she is going to do, Zelie starts to go through her late mother-in-law’s things. In the attic she finds a series of paintings that could be valuable. Her interest is peaked and she sets out to discover more about the paintings and the artist. What she uncovers is much more than she bargained for.
This book is highly atmospheric because the author did an outstanding job with the descriptive prose. The attention to the details of the settings made it easy for me visualize each scene. It is one of the reasons I was deeply invested with the outcome.
Another aspect of this book that had me captivated were the great characters. Some of them I loved and some I loved hating. The characters were definitely fully developed and I had no problem understanding their actions and motivations from the prickly and arrogant detective to the young postwar widow. In addition, the cast was varied and this added a richness to the story.
The pacing was good and the clues where doled out slowly as the story unfolds. Despite the clues, I never figured out who the murderer was. I thought I was paying attention. However, I was totally surprised in the end. The ending was not as all what I expected and yet it felt right.
A Crime Through Time is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and lovers of historical fiction. It would also make a great book club selection. Highly recommend that you put this on your TBR list.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, visit my book blog at www.thespineview.com.
June 11, 2022
Digging up the past and making the right choices moving forward. Definitely not easy, but it's filled with clues, lies, facts and suspense as you sort it all out. Several surprises along the way when one is revealed you'll be carefully reading thru till the end!
July 4, 2022
I won this book from Goodreads and was quite surprised when I opened it and found that John Anthony Miller signed it !!! Thank you so much! I usually don't read mysteries....but now Mr. Miller has a new fan. This book had me in it's clutches at the Prologue. Even with it's twists and turns the book keeps you guessing but flows nicely. I highly recommend.
October 16, 2022
A Crime Through Time
I enjoyed this book. It had me guessing the solution to the mystery until the end. I highly recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book. It had me guessing the solution to the mystery until the end. I highly recommend this book.
September 12, 2022
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries and historical fiction this just might be right up your alley. I have had the pleasure to read a few other books by John Anthony Miller and was never disappointed. You get short chapters (which I love, makes me feel like I am speed reading), dual timelines, loveable characters and an ending that wraps up nicely.
There are two timelines to follow, one where and artists model was murder in Paris 1874 and Normady 1956 where a widow finds paintings with clues to a crime. You do jump from timeline to timeline but it is done wonderfully that you are able to keep up with the story. There are some twist and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
Thank you to the author @authorjamiller and @bythebookvbp for a chance to read and review this book. This review is my opinion and mine alone.
There are two timelines to follow, one where and artists model was murder in Paris 1874 and Normady 1956 where a widow finds paintings with clues to a crime. You do jump from timeline to timeline but it is done wonderfully that you are able to keep up with the story. There are some twist and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
Thank you to the author @authorjamiller and @bythebookvbp for a chance to read and review this book. This review is my opinion and mine alone.
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September 15, 2022Thank you so much for my copy John Anthony Miller and to the awesome ladies at By The Book VBP!
Paris, 1874: an artist’s model is murdered and a wealthy socialite posing for her portrait is stalked by an unknown assailant.
Normandy, 1956: a young widow inherits a house and finds eight old paintings with a mysterious note that claims they’re clues to a crime. But how did they get there?
🕰 Read if you like:
-Short chapters
-Lots of mystery
-Horse racing
-Lots of historical facts
-Alternating timelines
-Multiple POV
-Satisfying endings
It’s always fun to help @bythebookvbp highlight indie authors and books. This was a quick read and I enjoyed it!
Paris, 1874: an artist’s model is murdered and a wealthy socialite posing for her portrait is stalked by an unknown assailant.
Normandy, 1956: a young widow inherits a house and finds eight old paintings with a mysterious note that claims they’re clues to a crime. But how did they get there?
🕰 Read if you like:
-Short chapters
-Lots of mystery
-Horse racing
-Lots of historical facts
-Alternating timelines
-Multiple POV
-Satisfying endings
It’s always fun to help @bythebookvbp highlight indie authors and books. This was a quick read and I enjoyed it!
September 8, 2022
4.5 Rounded to 5
This is everything I love in a historical fiction and mystery.
✔️ Short Chapters
✔️ Dual Timelines
✔️ Multiple POVs
✔️Loveable Characters
✔️Great Writing & Easy Flow
✔️ Interesting Story & Mystery
✔️ Nicely Wrapped Up Ending
Need I say more?
This author is a newfound favorite of mine. I have a read a few of his books and loved every single one. I have a list of his backlist and will be working my way through those. Grab this one and give it a go. It's worth it!
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and By the Book VBP for providing a review copy. All opinions are my own.
This is everything I love in a historical fiction and mystery.
✔️ Short Chapters
✔️ Dual Timelines
✔️ Multiple POVs
✔️Loveable Characters
✔️Great Writing & Easy Flow
✔️ Interesting Story & Mystery
✔️ Nicely Wrapped Up Ending
Need I say more?
This author is a newfound favorite of mine. I have a read a few of his books and loved every single one. I have a list of his backlist and will be working my way through those. Grab this one and give it a go. It's worth it!
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and By the Book VBP for providing a review copy. All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2022
The chapters alternate between 1874 and 1956. Sometimes this can be challenging, but I feel like it was executed well with short chapters, so I never forgot what was happening in either timeline. The characters were easy to connect with. There were some small twists that kept me intrigued.
Overall, this was a good and quick read. I recommend it to historical mystery and historical fiction fans.
Overall, this was a good and quick read. I recommend it to historical mystery and historical fiction fans.
June 22, 2022
Book: John Anthony Miller
Author: A Crime Through Time
Review: With this book, I'd like all of you to step into your time machines. We are going back in time. Back to the year 1874. Paris was beautiful as ever, even amidst a very tragic crime. An artist's model is murder and a socialite posing for the artist is being stalked. Fast forward to the year 1956, where a young widow in Normandy inherits a house and 8 paintings, with mysterious and cryptic notes that are apparently clues to a crime. The situation call for a detective, and we have one. A rather pompous and proud one.
The story has two different mysteries scattered in two different times, with clues and hints all over the pages of the book. This is a chance for readers to play detective and solve this strange crime.
I love a good mystery and this story gave me it. Mystery being one of my most favourite genre. This mystery is folds and unfolds on several different levels. I am very excited for my fellow readers to read and enjoy this very exciting and engaging story.
Author: A Crime Through Time
Review: With this book, I'd like all of you to step into your time machines. We are going back in time. Back to the year 1874. Paris was beautiful as ever, even amidst a very tragic crime. An artist's model is murder and a socialite posing for the artist is being stalked. Fast forward to the year 1956, where a young widow in Normandy inherits a house and 8 paintings, with mysterious and cryptic notes that are apparently clues to a crime. The situation call for a detective, and we have one. A rather pompous and proud one.
The story has two different mysteries scattered in two different times, with clues and hints all over the pages of the book. This is a chance for readers to play detective and solve this strange crime.
I love a good mystery and this story gave me it. Mystery being one of my most favourite genre. This mystery is folds and unfolds on several different levels. I am very excited for my fellow readers to read and enjoy this very exciting and engaging story.
November 1, 2023
What a delightful and fun read! I love historical mysteries as well as locked room mysteries and we have both in this wonderful cozy mystery A Crime Through Time by John Anthony Miller.
This had two timelines (another favorite of mine!) - one was Paris (France) in 1874 and the other was 1956 in a town called Deauville (also in France).
In 1874, there is a murder of an artist's model near the artist's studio in Montmartre. Soon after that, a wealthy woman named Elise, having her portrait painted by the same artist, is attacked near the same spot. She is attacked twice! Who is attacking her and why? Is it coincidence that it is near the same spot as the murder?
In 1956, a young woman named Zelie, inherits a home in Deauville, and upstairs in the attic are several paintings - with a note that says they are the clues to a crime!!! One is of a beautiful and seemingly wealthy woman and the others depict various scenes, including an artist's studio in Montmartre. We find as we read the 1874 timeline, that the portraits found in 1956 depict that storyline!
The mystery unfolding in 1874 is then being solved by Zelie and her friends in 1956.
Such a fun read - such a cast of characters! We have arrogant and browbeaten detectives, wealthy business magnates, an artist, a nosy neighbor and well - you get the picture! Well -written and so enjoyable!!! I did not guess the ending - which is always a plus!
I highly recommend this if you are looking for a fun read that will keep you guessing until the end!
Thank you @authorjamiller @bythebookvbp for the opportunity to read this book - it published May 13, 2002!
#acrimethroughtime #mystery #cozymystery #histfic #bythebookvbp
This had two timelines (another favorite of mine!) - one was Paris (France) in 1874 and the other was 1956 in a town called Deauville (also in France).
In 1874, there is a murder of an artist's model near the artist's studio in Montmartre. Soon after that, a wealthy woman named Elise, having her portrait painted by the same artist, is attacked near the same spot. She is attacked twice! Who is attacking her and why? Is it coincidence that it is near the same spot as the murder?
In 1956, a young woman named Zelie, inherits a home in Deauville, and upstairs in the attic are several paintings - with a note that says they are the clues to a crime!!! One is of a beautiful and seemingly wealthy woman and the others depict various scenes, including an artist's studio in Montmartre. We find as we read the 1874 timeline, that the portraits found in 1956 depict that storyline!
The mystery unfolding in 1874 is then being solved by Zelie and her friends in 1956.
Such a fun read - such a cast of characters! We have arrogant and browbeaten detectives, wealthy business magnates, an artist, a nosy neighbor and well - you get the picture! Well -written and so enjoyable!!! I did not guess the ending - which is always a plus!
I highly recommend this if you are looking for a fun read that will keep you guessing until the end!
Thank you @authorjamiller @bythebookvbp for the opportunity to read this book - it published May 13, 2002!
#acrimethroughtime #mystery #cozymystery #histfic #bythebookvbp
November 7, 2022
Needs longer chapters
This book is 389 pages. There are ninety chapters, making each chapter approximately 4 pages. I don’t hate dual time-line plots, but when every few pages you’re being flung back to a totally separate time and story, it’s distracting. Some chapters are 2 pages long (nb: I’m reading on the kindle iPad app) and they almost always end on “dramatic cliffhangers”. It’s just way too much and could be easily halved. Four pages isn’t much time to re-immerse yourself.
Besides the above, the book was ok. Entertaining. Characters are one-dimensional tropes I anticipated to flesh out, but that didn’t happen. I don’t regret reading this and I enjoyed it well enough, but it left me wanting more substance, less distraction, and with a handful of perturbing loose ends left untied.
This book is 389 pages. There are ninety chapters, making each chapter approximately 4 pages. I don’t hate dual time-line plots, but when every few pages you’re being flung back to a totally separate time and story, it’s distracting. Some chapters are 2 pages long (nb: I’m reading on the kindle iPad app) and they almost always end on “dramatic cliffhangers”. It’s just way too much and could be easily halved. Four pages isn’t much time to re-immerse yourself.
Besides the above, the book was ok. Entertaining. Characters are one-dimensional tropes I anticipated to flesh out, but that didn’t happen. I don’t regret reading this and I enjoyed it well enough, but it left me wanting more substance, less distraction, and with a handful of perturbing loose ends left untied.
August 18, 2023
Two separate plot threads weave together brilliantly and seamlessly in this compelling mystery of an unsolved murder that occurred in the Montmartre district of Paris in 1874.
Eighty years later, a young woman inherits a series of paintings and mysterious artifacts from WW2 in Deauville, Normandy. As she researches the value of the masterpieces and the details surrounding her inheritance, she uncovers the astonishing truth of the unsolved crime through time.
A gripping thriller, filled with surprising plot twists and fabulous French flavor!
Eighty years later, a young woman inherits a series of paintings and mysterious artifacts from WW2 in Deauville, Normandy. As she researches the value of the masterpieces and the details surrounding her inheritance, she uncovers the astonishing truth of the unsolved crime through time.
A gripping thriller, filled with surprising plot twists and fabulous French flavor!
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