Van Gogh's Lover: A Historical Mystery of Two Women Divided by Centuries but United by a Mysterious Painting. Based on the True Story of Van Gogh's Years in France

by Michael Hetzer

Jane Ward was sure of three things…
Her painting was a Van Gogh.
Only one man would believe her.
That man was a killer.
From the acclaimed author of The Forbidden Zone comes a soaring adventure of two women, separated by time, but united by a mysterious masterpiece and an appalling injustice that will shake the art world to the core. Meticulously researched and inspired by the true story of Vincent Van Gogh's years in France.

Twelve years have passed since a high school accident derailed Jane's once-promising future. When the owners of the powerful Firth Gallery invite Jane to bring her beloved family painting, The Lover, to Switzerland, it looks like a second chance. But on her first night in Geneva, the painting goes missing, and she suspects the Firths.

Determined to recover her painting, Jane is led to a dying village in the high Alps where an enigmatic man living in a château is waiting for her. Within the château’s walls, she uncovers a history of lies, murder, and, at its heart, an appalling injustice that will shake the art world to its core.

But not everyone wants these facts brought to light. Jane will need to find the strength she lost in her accident and face the shocking truth about her past, her painting, and, finally, an epic love affair between a destitute painter named Vincent Van Gogh and a mysterious woman who inspired a portrait that may be his greatest work.


Praise for Michael Hetzer's The Forbidden Zone“… unforgettable story of love, deceit, and redemption… extraordinary.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“Intriguing and entertaining… compulsively readable.” —Daniel Silva, author of The Unlikely Spy

“… a first-rate thriller. This book caught my imagination from the first page to the very last.” —Robert Strauss, last U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union, first Ambassador to the Russian Federation

"Well-paced and exciting, with crisp dialogue, believable setups, and first-rate atmosphere.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Well-written, attentive… full of compassion for the Russian people, and of pleasure of American readers." —Publisher’s Weekly

“This is what every reviewer hopes for when opening a book by a new author. A fine debut.” —The Boston Globe

“Fantastic… a major success as a new star, to the joy of readers, has entered the sub-genre with a strong winner.” —Harriet Klausner, Under the Covers

“It is a joy to read a thriller that is totally plausible… it is excellent.” —The Roanoke Times

“Suspenseful… a lively and readable tale told with extraordinary clarity.” —Naples (FL) Daily News

“Keeps the reader turning pages late into the night… A thriller with solid meat on some very strong bones.” —American Way magazine

“… does for the Soviet Union what Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park did for dinosaurs—brings the remote past back to life in all its blood and terror.” —Anthony Olcott, author of Murder at the Red October

“… impressive realism… [with] a compelling storyline and a satisfying conclusion. I recommend it.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

Michael Hetzer is a former foreign correspondent and founding editor of "The Moscow Times," "The Moscow Guardian," and served as English-language editor of "Commersant." His novel, "The Forbidden Zone," was featured in "The New York Times" and was named one of the top five debut thriller novels of the year by "The Boston Globe." A lifelong “Goghpie,” he hosts a Van Gogh fan site online.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was lovely to revisit one of my favourite cities in Southern France and read about an artist who fascinates me. This was one of the better Van Gogh stories I’ve read because the plot was so unique! I was pulled in by the mystery, given a chance to be an armchair detective, and was enlightened about all things Van Gogh. I’ll be recommending this to my fellow Van Gogh enthusiasts and telling them that Hetzer breathes life and colour into this painter’s life. 


I was gifted this copy by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and was under no obligation to provide a review. 

[Sara Jesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not art expert, but I am huge admire of real artists. I think that painters, poets and musicians see the world in a differnt way. They can see things that can escape to the "normal" eyes. Van Gogh was one of these artists. He observe the world with bright colores, that we start to see things more beauthing because of this wonderful painters. Her letters for his brother made me full in love with his mind.

This book was so special for me. I love books about lost paintings, that we learn more about the personal life of the painters and we can find connection with their struggles. I did enjoy the jouney of the two woman (and in books with different timelines, I rarely like the plot in the modern world). Jane was such a strong woman, that did not give up her search even with her blindess color. I did love Sophia wild spirit, and how her love for Vincent made her more capable for fight.

It is a book about the power of love in the art, the broken artists that are neglected in life but celebrated in death and the journey to find our true inheritance.

[Lorelei Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book was very interesting. It was about a librarian who investigates the story behind a painting that her grandmother has. The book includes some crime, personal relationships through different eras, and the history behind a painting.

I found that the story was very entertaining and kept my interest. The author did an excellent job of developing the characters and their relationships, describing the surroundings, and building the reader's engagement. If you like historical dramas, you will likely enjoy reading this book.

I received a free advance review copy of the book. The opinion that I express here is my own.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this brilliant multiple-timeline and multiple perspective novel, readers will love discovering a mysterious painting, the secrets and injustices it hides, and the two women it connects to the incredible Vincent Van Gogh. After a high school accident derailed her future, Jane seizes the chance to bring her family’s painting, The Lover, to Switzerland and the Firth Gallery for appraisal, but the painting goes missing on her first day in Switzerland. As she tries to track down the painting, Jane discovers a beautiful village in the high Alps where a man in a chateau has been waiting for her and might be able to provide answers to her questions. Forced to find her strength and defy the people who are trying to silence her and keep the secret of the woman Van Gogh loved buried. Packed with incredible details and totally immersive, the characters and timelines are so well-written and vibrant, and readers will love the depth of information and world-building that Michael Hetzer has brought to life. The characters are the absolute stars of the book, and the characters and timelines balance out perfectly so no one storyline overpowers the others in this brilliant new historical fiction and thriller novel.

Thanks to NetGalley, ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Pilgrim Trout Books for the advance copy.

[Leysan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot moves between present day and Van Gogh’s time, centered around a mysterious painting that may or may not be his. I loved the historical angle. And Jane, the main character, has a rare condition that makes her see the world differently, literally.

What I liked most about the book:
- The love story in the historical timeline is so beautifully written: tender, tragic and totally believable. It made the mystery feel even more human.
- The dual timeline is done really well. Both stories kept me hooked and the way they connect is satisfying without being too neat.
- The book also offers such rich, immersive detail, especially for anyone who loves art or historical fiction. It never feels like info-dumping, it feels like walking through a memory.

If you love art, hidden histories, or quiet but powerful storytelling, I’d absolutely recommend it. It made me want to learn more about Van Gogh and reminded me that love, even when it’s brief or lost to time, always leaves a mark.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a treat - a literate, well-written, and tightly plotted mystery involving a favorite artist of mine and a secret hidden for more than a century. As a longtime librarian, I was immediately drawn to Jane and fascinated by her personal tragedy and how the author fit that into the story. I love a story where the somewhat naive protagonist is wronged, but they find the inner strength to fight back and ultimately triumph. Here, Jane is robbed of a rare and valuable painting while in an unfamiliar city far from home. She embarks on the journey of a lifetime, resulting in a tremendous revelation regarding the titular artist and the woman he loved.

This is what I call a “grown-up mystery.” The writing is exquisite, the characterizations beautifully drawn, and the descriptive narrative lovely. All of that is wrapped up into a book that I have already started recommending to friends. Well done.

[Catie Monks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since many people are Van Gogh aficionados, or Gophies, as the book calls them, I cannot begin to question the history or the research behind this massive undertaking. Instead, I sat back and took it all in. It’s based on true events surrounding the discovery of mysterious paintings hidden in vaults in an estate in Switzerland but I was overwhelmed by the detail and number of characters involved. The back and forth between Sophie and Vincent’s lives and the present helped some. The author is clearly knowledgeable about Van Gogh and his letters and this was a work of love. Any novel that helps bring art into the world is worthwhile, or as Van Gogh has written, “there is nothing truly more artistic than to love people”

[Denise Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Van Gogh’s Lover

Interesting story. this book is generational. Part takes place in the 1880’s when Van Gogh was painting and mentally ill and painting constantly and then you are brought back to present time when Jane is fixated on her grandmother’s “little” painting. Jane travels to Europe to get the painting authenticated and doesn’t the painting get stolen! She knows who stole it but does not have concrete proof. The rest of the current day storyline is Jane’s quest to find the painting.
I found that I was more engaged when reading about Van Gogh. Present day story line was a little disjointed. Over all it was a good book and a solid 4 stars

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book and the story that unfolded. It also just happens that the day I started this was the same day that I visited a gallery showing the French Impression exhibition from Boston. It blew me away that the author has incorporated much of Van Goghs life and wove it around a love story with Sophie, as well as taking us along a journey with Jane to uncover the truth. Superbly written, researched and brimming with life.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carol Stefanik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really quite good. There is a lot of research backing up the fictional aspects of the book, making the twist at the ending surprising but not completely unexpected. Having the main character writing a book of the same name was a clever ploy. The plot line will appeal to anyone who has read an artists signature on a flea market find in the hopes of finding a lost treasure.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diane Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, with enough facts mixed with the author’s fantasy, to make this a credible read. The characters are well developed, the storyline flows well, and it truly is a love story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Ainslie Wemyss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!

[Ray Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Everyone should read this at least once.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story about a Van Gogh painting, Van Gogh’s lover and a woman uncovering the mystery behind her grandmother’s painting

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books you read for light entertainment. Others reach inside, hold onto your heart, and stay with you long after you finish. Van Gogh’s Lover is one of those books.

I was pulled in from the very first lines. The author’s knowledge of Van Gogh and the art world is woven into a mystery that spans multiple timelines and points of view—without ever becoming confusing. The plot is layered, full of surprises, and the characters are just as lovable for their shadows as they are for their light.

What I loved most wasn’t just the mystery or the art details—it was the hope in these pages. The story shows people living with mental or physical illness as more than their diagnoses, highlighting the beauty in the way they experience the world. It’s a book about resilience, love in many forms, and the courage it takes to keep going.

The modern-day romance felt a bit clunky to me in the middle, but I trusted the author's judgement, and the reflective ending gave it a glow that made it worth the journey. And the way the different storylines wrapped up—each feeding into the next—was just beautiful.

⭐ 5 stars (and I’d give more if I could). If you love art, layered mysteries, second chances, or love stories that heal and transform, you should read this book.

I received a free copy from BookSirens and this is my honest review.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book that consumes me. Van Gogh’s Lover is that book. The story intertwined 2 intriguing timelines that captivated me from the start. The ending was a total surprise and a delight.
This was a great bookclub choice as our meeting was brimming with enthusiasm. I look forward to reading Michael Hetzer’s next book.

[Stephanie Hetzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful mystery full of light and love. This was such a cozy and delightful read.

[Linda Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a former librarian, and I had some difficulty at the beginning with Jane’s training. Most people will read it without seeing a problem, and I hope this won’t prevent someone from continuing to read an absorbing book. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the ability to enter into an interesting twist to the story of a much beloved and tortured artist and the modern art world.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." -Vincent Van Gogh

When I requested this ARC there were no reviews for it anywhere and I wasn't familiar with the author. Still sometimes novels whisper, "Read me." even when I already have stacks to get to. I was an art teacher for a few years and in my classroom the walls were covered in poster sized prints of famous works. The artists' names weren't visible, and students of all ages visited my room. Without fail Van Gogh's pieces were the biggest draw regardless of student age. I will do my best to explain the rather intricate premise and a bit of character study, sans spoilers of course.

This novel gave me a book hangover because there was so much to take in. I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading then I started noticing double meanings and imagery and I had to slow my pace because missing something wasn't an option. The layout is told through multiple POVs and a dual timeline the historic section takes place along the years 1888-1924. If you know your Van Gogh, you will note this will be when he was in France and that his suicide occurred during this stretch. While he is in France in the novel, this is historical fiction, and I can tell it is heavily researched. However, if you're looking for a play by play of Vincent's life look elsewhere perhaps to the collections of his letters. He is a supporting character in this novel. The modern timeline takes place in 2012 we meet Jane Ward a librarian who suffered an accident as a teen that left her color blind and face blind with a single exception. There is a mesmerizing painting displayed in her Granny Jo's home that she has adored since childhood, and she can see both color and the woman's face. Doctor's call it "phantom sight".

Jane's friend Ted shows her a portrait done by landscape artist Francis Firth of his wife Caroline. The woman in the portrait is the same woman in Granny Jo's painting and Jane can see the red poppy in this painting too. Jane is invited to the bring her painting to the Firth Gallery. However, her first night in Geneva ends with her drugged and the painting stolen. Her path to recover the beloved art leads to the Alps where more history and hard truths await to be unraveled.

Sophie the woman in the painting lives life out loud given half a chance. She goes skinny dipping, riding horses with the Shawnee, and spends time as a boat deck girl. She also struggles with her mental health and spent time in various asylums from childhood. Much like the character of Vincent the author took care to show her brilliance and vulnerability.

There was much to discover in these 422 pages never a lull. Both timelines were engaging and the author included other facts about those moments in history to further solidify the timeline. Certain characters were enigmatic I loved feverish moments when they seemed like more than words on a page. Reading this felt like an adventure to far flung corners across time and the globe. Traveling through mysteries, imagination, and thought feels electric. I stayed up last night because I couldn't stop thinking about this novel!

Due to the title and the fact that it contains a romantic thread I will mention that the spicy scenes are tasteful. There is nothing I considered overtly graphic or coarse language.

At its heart this is the story of two women separated by time, connected by a beloved painting. The intricate design of this novel and its fascinating characters held my hand across the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an Advance Reading Copy for review. All opinions are my own.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Pilgrim Trout Books for this eCopy to review

I picked up Van Gogh’s Lover expecting a historical mystery, but what I got was something far richer, a layered, emotionally resonant story that bridges centuries through art, trauma, and truth.

The novel follows Jane Ward, a woman whose life was derailed by a tragic high school accident. Twelve years later, she’s offered a second chance when the prestigious Firth Gallery invites her to bring her family’s prized painting: The Lover to Switzerland. Jane is convinced it’s a lost Van Gogh, and this could be her moment of redemption. But the painting vanishes on her first night in Geneva, and what begins as a recovery mission quickly spirals into a deeper mystery.

Jane’s journey takes her to a remote Alpine village and into the orbit of a reclusive man living in a château. There, she uncovers a hidden history of lies, betrayal, and a long-buried injustice tied to Vincent Van Gogh himself. The narrative weaves between Jane’s present and the painter’s past, revealing a haunting love affair that may have inspired one of Van Gogh’s greatest (and most secret) works.

What I loved most was how Hetzer blends fact and fiction so seamlessly. The historical detail feels authentic, and the emotional stakes are high without ever tipping into melodrama. Jane is a compelling character flawed, determined, and deeply human. Her personal growth mirrors the unravelling of the mystery, and by the end, I felt like I’d been on a journey with her.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a strong female lead, a touch of romance, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, Van Gogh’s Lover is well worth your time.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vincent is one of my MOST favorite creatives, so I was thrilled to have a chance to read this ARC, courtesy of Booksirens.com, and I am posting this honest review voluntarily.

I'm still chewing on the story, and have so far resisted the temptation to go back to page one and start again! Our protagonists, Sophie and Jane, are endearing and I was happy to root for them both. Their stories are skillfully interwoven in a dual timeline: Sophie knows and loves Vincent and Jane lives 100 years or so later. This story swirls like his starry night sky around themes of love, art, mental health, a desire to belong, the family we choose, greed, tradition...It's a LOT! But Hetzer has done his research, and I was drawn into the fiction-based-on-fact by page two.

There is a long cast of characters across both timelines, and some readers may get lost, but this is not a story you will want to race through, so go ahead and make a list if you need one. The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the painting that has meant so much to both Sophie and Jane is created layer upon layer, and trying to solve it with Jane is quite pleasurable. Having said that, I did have to go back and reread some scenes, but that's probably because I did read too quickly.

I don't remember stopping to savor any particularly poetic sentences; this was more like a huge Thanksgiving meal you've been anticipating for several days than a decadent entree at a Michelin star restaurant. The story is great fun, is built on characters you will root for, and has a satisfying (if slightly predictable) ending.

My thanks to BookSirens for the privilege!

[Rachael Alling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Van Gogh’s Lover by Michael Hetzer, and what a read! You don't need to know anything about art to enjoy as the book is beautifully written, full of stories and mystery.

The book weaves together the life of Vincent van Gogh with a modern-day mystery, and somehow the author makes it all feel seamless. The way he brings Van Gogh to life—not just the painter, but the person—is incredibly moving. You can feel the emotion, the chaos, and the beauty in every chapter.

What I loved most is how the story balances the historical with the contemporary. It doesn’t feel like a textbook or a dry art history lesson. Instead, it’s full of atmosphere, emotion, and suspense. The writing is gorgeous—vivid and as expressive as the characters.

The characters are complex and believable, and the plot has just enough twists to keep you turning pages without going over the top. There's a romance element too, but it’s handled with depth and maturity, adding another layer to the story without overshadowing the rest.

All in all, Van Gogh’s Lover is a thoughtful, beautifully told story that stays with you. Highly recommend!

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is dual time-line story. The modern-day plot involved a relatively sheltered young American librarian keen to learn more about the spirited woman in an old painting that is in her family. Her quest brings her to Switzerland where she battles with powerful criminals, befriends aristocrats and enjoys a little romance. Without giving away too much, the earlier story of the novel is set in France, where the unconventional woman in the painting has a relationship with painter Van Gogh.
I found this hard to get through as I prefer my fiction to be more realistic, and this was not. The dramatic lifestyle change of the main character, and her whole face-blindness aspect was particularly annoying, (notably as she is otherwise intact despite the apparent brain injury. And then to have the condition miraculously change after how many years?!) So I would only recommend this to those who are happy to suspend disbelief and don’t get annoyed by such things. And it was too long and detailed. This is my honest review, and I am posting it voluntarily. Thanks to the author & publisher for the give-away opportunity that enabled me to win this book.

[Douglas Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Van Gogh’s Lover by Michael Hetzer is an engrossing, easy read. There is mystery, romance, physical frailties, robbery, and even murder all presented with just enough historical accuracy to take the reader to that time and place. Two time periods and several places are presented in just the right balance of detail and factuality to make you feel as though you are right there with the characters.

We all know of Vincent van Gough as a renowned and beloved painter with a tragic life story but this novel presents a history we can all wish and hope really came to pass for him and his imagined muse. If only we could experience the magnificent painting described in these pages.

I am intentionally not giving away the story, but do commend this book to all. Hetzer does it again with a wonderfully captivating story. Five stars and two thumbs way up! Kudos to Hetzer!

[Shriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a piece of art, quite literally. I loved it. The genius combination of mystery, romance, and history work together perfectly to form an unforgettable book.

The characters were wonderfully crafted, each with their own quirks that shone. I admit that Sophie, despite her prominence in the book, was not my favorite. But I did enjoy Sydney's appearances.

The plot was amazing! There were so many things going on at once, but in a good way, not in a confusing one. And it all wrapped up nicely in the end.

All in all, this is one of the best books I've read this year. I've never even wondered about Van Gogh before this book, and it absolutely blew my mind. I won't include any spoilers, but I will say that you must read this.

(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

[Chris F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deeply engaging, often moving historical novel that kept me riveted throughout. The author masterfully crafted an engrossing mystery within a beautify love story. His prose is elegant and expressive, capturing the setting and mood perfectly. His dialogue flows naturally, never forced, making every interaction feel authentic. He captured the scenery of southern France with such clarity, it felt as if I were standing there myself! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, frequently highlighting passages that I found to be profound and moving.

[Tammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was probably one of my most painful reads in a long time. The only reason I finished it was because it was the only book I brought on vacation. Lesson learned! First, this is a dual timeline, with way too many characters, and I fount it difficult to keep track of who's who. I'm not sure if this was done on purpose or not, but it does lead me to my second annoyance with the book. The main character has face blindness. With so many characters you really get a sense of what this may feel like. However, I found this aspect of the storyline totally irrelevant. It could have been left out entirely and have no effect on the story. Which leads to my final point. Other rambling, irrelevant sideroads that did nothing for the storyline, but unfortunately left this reader feeling tired and confused from all the pointless running around. In particular, the authors need to lay out the storyline at the beginning of the book and the seeminly false climax.
This book had the potential to be a great story... it just needed a brutal edit.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging and beautifully paced story that masterfully blends mystery and romance. The plot kept me hooked from beginning to end and it was hard to put down!

I would highly recommend.

[Lisaprichard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I met Michael at a book signing at a local art gallery. I enjoyed the way he wove real life accounts of Van Goghs life into the story of these 2 women.

[Lavonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would rate this book 3.5 if I could. The story kept my interest but had too many characters so that got a bit confusing for me.