What do you think?
Rate this book
The Seeker of Lost Paintings
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26Three love stories told across four centuries A search for a missing masterpiece . . . A scorching sunshine has been burning the streets of central London for days but apart from a handful of West End spots heaving with tourists, the city is empty. Just behind Piccadilly, the streets of St James are deserted. The grand, imposing Georgian facades sit in perfect stillness. Jude Montague prepares to close his art gallery at the end of another ordinary day but just as he is about to leave, a woman arrives. Bianca Fremont is beautiful and intriguing, and when Jude discovers Bianca owns a torn fragment of what could be a genuine Caravaggio, Jude is caught in a search that takes him across Europe. For Bianca, her quest for the missing painting is her chance to uncover the story of her parents' passionate love affair and a shocking secret that has stayed hidden for hundreds of years.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 10, 2026
21 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Freethy
3 books134 followersSARAH FREETHY worked as a writer, script consultant, producer and development editor in television before turning her hand to fiction. THE PORCELAIN MAKER is her first novel. She lives in England with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 19, 2025
In Naples in 1610, the artist Caravaggio paints a portrait of St John the Baptist, one of several the artist creates.
In 1997, art dealer Jude Adler visits the family home of Beatrice Fremont, whose dying mother Maddalena is about to leave Beatrice with huge debts. Her deceased father Luca’s photographic collection may help ease the situation but it’s a small painting that catches Jude‘s eye. Could it be a Caravaggio? Could her parents safety deposit box in Rome revealed the remaining portions of the painting? It seems that Maddalena has left a genuine mystery as well as unsound finances… Maybe the 1940s timeline where Maddalena meets Luca will supply the answers to the puzzle? Maddalena arrives from Sicily to be a cook at the Villa Velare, the home of wealthy Luca, Conte Montefalco just before Mussolini takes Italy into war.
How marvellous to return to the vitality of Rome with the author genuinely making me feel as if I’m there again because of the lively descriptions. I love the Caravaggio art mystery element which is interesting from the start but becomes increasingly so as the story develops. Wartime Rome is depicted extremely well with all the drama and danger of Il Duce and the Fascists. The threat of approaching war feels real and the reality of actual war is conveyed well. All this inevitably affects the Montefalco household in various ways especially with its connections to the Vatican.
All the central characters are very likeable but even the ones that are less easy to like, or in one case heartily dislike, are portrayed well. I want things to work out for Beatrice and for Jude to get back on his feet after a costly purchase which sadly for him proves to be a forgery. He is the seeker of lost works and he cannot fail Beatrice but his reticence is very understandable.
What Beatrice learns explains much about her parents and I enjoy how the story unfolds and its conclusion. Both timelines are good but the wartime one is probably the more interesting of the two.
Overall, this is a very well written, compelling and engaging read with a basis of fact which gives it an authentic feel. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Simon and Schuster for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
In 1997, art dealer Jude Adler visits the family home of Beatrice Fremont, whose dying mother Maddalena is about to leave Beatrice with huge debts. Her deceased father Luca’s photographic collection may help ease the situation but it’s a small painting that catches Jude‘s eye. Could it be a Caravaggio? Could her parents safety deposit box in Rome revealed the remaining portions of the painting? It seems that Maddalena has left a genuine mystery as well as unsound finances… Maybe the 1940s timeline where Maddalena meets Luca will supply the answers to the puzzle? Maddalena arrives from Sicily to be a cook at the Villa Velare, the home of wealthy Luca, Conte Montefalco just before Mussolini takes Italy into war.
How marvellous to return to the vitality of Rome with the author genuinely making me feel as if I’m there again because of the lively descriptions. I love the Caravaggio art mystery element which is interesting from the start but becomes increasingly so as the story develops. Wartime Rome is depicted extremely well with all the drama and danger of Il Duce and the Fascists. The threat of approaching war feels real and the reality of actual war is conveyed well. All this inevitably affects the Montefalco household in various ways especially with its connections to the Vatican.
All the central characters are very likeable but even the ones that are less easy to like, or in one case heartily dislike, are portrayed well. I want things to work out for Beatrice and for Jude to get back on his feet after a costly purchase which sadly for him proves to be a forgery. He is the seeker of lost works and he cannot fail Beatrice but his reticence is very understandable.
What Beatrice learns explains much about her parents and I enjoy how the story unfolds and its conclusion. Both timelines are good but the wartime one is probably the more interesting of the two.
Overall, this is a very well written, compelling and engaging read with a basis of fact which gives it an authentic feel. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Simon and Schuster for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Read
October 6, 2025A richly detailed and finely written story of art and passion, concealment and appearances, set (mostly) against a vividly imagined occupied Rome.
In the 1990s in London, Jude an art dealer meets Beatrice and her dying mother Maddalena, and sees a painting on the wall of their house that looks familiar. The search for the identity of the painting takes Jude and Beatrice to Rome, unearthing secrets along the way. Interspersed with these sections we meet the young Maddalena who has come to work in a grand household in Rome. Expect intrigue, art, and passion. Very enjoyable and satisfying.
In the 1990s in London, Jude an art dealer meets Beatrice and her dying mother Maddalena, and sees a painting on the wall of their house that looks familiar. The search for the identity of the painting takes Jude and Beatrice to Rome, unearthing secrets along the way. Interspersed with these sections we meet the young Maddalena who has come to work in a grand household in Rome. Expect intrigue, art, and passion. Very enjoyable and satisfying.
September 13, 2025
Freethy’s narrative takes readers on an art lesson across the ages as in present day, Bianca is on a quest to find the missing sections of a lost painting. Adhering to her mother’s final wishes, Bianca is determined to reunite the painting with its rightful owner, once and for all.
Not only that, the narrative presents the occupation of Rome during the Second World War. I found this particularly interesting because my knowledge of this element of the conflict is quite limited. Faced with threats not just from the Nazis, the people of Rome experienced just a tough a war as those caught in the Blitz. This part of the plot caught my attention the most because of the historical element and I was curious to see how the romance would also develop.
However, the book struggled to fully engage my interest and I think this was partly due to some of the names and also the fact that at times, the plot moved quite slowly. I wanted there to be more energy behind the mystery in present day – similar to how intense the story becomes during the war years. It left me feeling that something was missing from the narrative, although I find it tricky to be any more specific!
I enjoyed how Freethy brings all the elements together in the final chapters as painting pieces, characters and locations are connected. It made for a very satisfying conclusion, especially as Bianca appears quite lost at the start of the novel, fresh from losing her mother.
Overall, this was an interesting read and would appeal to those interested in this period of history, with a present day mystery adding a twist to the narrative.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster UK and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not only that, the narrative presents the occupation of Rome during the Second World War. I found this particularly interesting because my knowledge of this element of the conflict is quite limited. Faced with threats not just from the Nazis, the people of Rome experienced just a tough a war as those caught in the Blitz. This part of the plot caught my attention the most because of the historical element and I was curious to see how the romance would also develop.
However, the book struggled to fully engage my interest and I think this was partly due to some of the names and also the fact that at times, the plot moved quite slowly. I wanted there to be more energy behind the mystery in present day – similar to how intense the story becomes during the war years. It left me feeling that something was missing from the narrative, although I find it tricky to be any more specific!
I enjoyed how Freethy brings all the elements together in the final chapters as painting pieces, characters and locations are connected. It made for a very satisfying conclusion, especially as Bianca appears quite lost at the start of the novel, fresh from losing her mother.
Overall, this was an interesting read and would appeal to those interested in this period of history, with a present day mystery adding a twist to the narrative.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster UK and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2025
A wonderful dual timeline novel flitting between the late 1930's Rome, on the brink of war, and 1997.
Beatrice and her mother Maddelena have fallen on hard times and are in danger of losing their house. Beatrice calls art dealer Jude to look at some of her late father's artwork. He instantly recognises a piece of a painting believed to be a Caravaggio and with Beatrice embarks on a trip to Rome to find out more about it and to discover the whereabouts of the missing pieces.
This was a rich, entertaining read, I loved both sections of the timelines, I was more invested in Maddelena and Luca's story but mainly because I love historical fiction. The novel brings Rome to life and an insight to the dangers and struggles the Romans faced during the war. Very enjoyable read
Beatrice and her mother Maddelena have fallen on hard times and are in danger of losing their house. Beatrice calls art dealer Jude to look at some of her late father's artwork. He instantly recognises a piece of a painting believed to be a Caravaggio and with Beatrice embarks on a trip to Rome to find out more about it and to discover the whereabouts of the missing pieces.
This was a rich, entertaining read, I loved both sections of the timelines, I was more invested in Maddelena and Luca's story but mainly because I love historical fiction. The novel brings Rome to life and an insight to the dangers and struggles the Romans faced during the war. Very enjoyable read
July 21, 2025
The Seeker of Lost Paintings is a beautifully written novel. It tells the story of Beatrice, who is following her dying mother Maddelena's last request in organising the sale of her father's belongings. Chief among them are some photographs that he took in Italy when he was a younger man.
She enlists the help of Jude, an art dealer. During his visit to Beatrice and her mother, he notices a small portrait which catches his eye. Believing this to be a missing masterpiece, he requests a closer look.
Sadly, Maddelena soon passes away, leaving instructions for Beatrice to return the painting to its original owner.
Here begins the story of Maddelena's past. Together Beatrice and Jude follow the clues contained in a letter. It takes them to Rome, where they make a startling discovery, which shakes Beatrice's world.
Sometimes a dual time novel like this favours one period over the other. The reader can become more invested in the past story, than the present one - or vice versa.
However, this is not the case with this story. For me, both past and present were fabulous stories.
The past was heartbreakingly touching, with historical events adding to the dramatic backdrop. The present was engaging and appealing, also touching and very well presented.
Very deserving of this 5⭐️ review, I'd give it more if I could.
Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
She enlists the help of Jude, an art dealer. During his visit to Beatrice and her mother, he notices a small portrait which catches his eye. Believing this to be a missing masterpiece, he requests a closer look.
Sadly, Maddelena soon passes away, leaving instructions for Beatrice to return the painting to its original owner.
Here begins the story of Maddelena's past. Together Beatrice and Jude follow the clues contained in a letter. It takes them to Rome, where they make a startling discovery, which shakes Beatrice's world.
Sometimes a dual time novel like this favours one period over the other. The reader can become more invested in the past story, than the present one - or vice versa.
However, this is not the case with this story. For me, both past and present were fabulous stories.
The past was heartbreakingly touching, with historical events adding to the dramatic backdrop. The present was engaging and appealing, also touching and very well presented.
Very deserving of this 5⭐️ review, I'd give it more if I could.
Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
September 15, 2025
Jude Montague prepares to close his art gallery at the end of another ordinary day but just as he is about to leave, a woman arrives. Bianca Fremont is beautiful and intriguing, and when Jude discovers Bianca owns a torn fragment of what could be a genuine Caravaggio, Jude is caught in a search that takes him across Europe. For Beatrice, her quest for the missing painting is her chance to uncover the story of her parents' passionate love affair and a shocking secret that has stayed hidden for hundreds of years.
The first book I’ve read by the author & it won’t be the last. A very well written book, the characters were well portrayed & had depth. I loved both Jude & Beatrice & loved their search which took them to Rome. There’s also the story of Beatrice’s mother Maddalena who travelled from Sicily to Rome in the early 1940’s & became the cook at the Villa Velare. A very enjoyable book with secrets, intrigue & the dual time line added to my enjoyment. It was well researched & held my interest all the way through
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The first book I’ve read by the author & it won’t be the last. A very well written book, the characters were well portrayed & had depth. I loved both Jude & Beatrice & loved their search which took them to Rome. There’s also the story of Beatrice’s mother Maddalena who travelled from Sicily to Rome in the early 1940’s & became the cook at the Villa Velare. A very enjoyable book with secrets, intrigue & the dual time line added to my enjoyment. It was well researched & held my interest all the way through
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
May 15, 2025
A 2,5* review rounded to 3*.
I did not enjoy this novel. I did like the part dealing with (explanations about styles of paintings, of paintings themselves). However, the characterisation felt poor to me. Cliché personalities, sometimes unrealistic. When it came to expressing feelings, it felt flat and very clumsy. This made the characters unconvincing. The modern timeline was particularly uninteresting because of the characters and because it was ever so predictable in its outcome! The historical timeline was better but not really suspenseful as the reader quickly guesses where the storyline goes. This is however only my opinion. A quick and very easy read.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I did not enjoy this novel. I did like the part dealing with (explanations about styles of paintings, of paintings themselves). However, the characterisation felt poor to me. Cliché personalities, sometimes unrealistic. When it came to expressing feelings, it felt flat and very clumsy. This made the characters unconvincing. The modern timeline was particularly uninteresting because of the characters and because it was ever so predictable in its outcome! The historical timeline was better but not really suspenseful as the reader quickly guesses where the storyline goes. This is however only my opinion. A quick and very easy read.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
October 19, 2025
A Masterpiece of Mystery and History: Review of The Seeker of Lost Paintings by Sarah Freethy
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah Freethy’s The Seeker of Lost Paintings is a triumph of historical fiction, a novel that meticulously blends the allure of the art world with a pulse-pounding, decades-spanning mystery. This is a book that doesn't just tell a story; it transports you—first, to the opulent, shadowed galleries of Europe where masterpieces vanished during wartime, and second, into the determined heart of a woman driven by a secret legacy.
The narrative centers on the recently bereaved Beatrice and Jude, an art restorer with a troubled past, whose lives are upended by the discovery of a seemingly worthless canvas. This discovery launches them into a global search for a legendary painting, rumored to have been lost or destroyed during World War II, a painting tied irrevocably to her own family’s shadowed history.
Freethy excels in crafting a dual-timeline structure. The past timeline, rich with danger and dramatic stakes, details the desperate efforts of those who risked everything to hide artistic treasures from ruin. The present timeline crackles with the suspense of the chase as the central characters encounter shadowy collectors, cryptic clues, and the looming threat of those who would stop at nothing to claim the lost masterpiece.
What truly elevates this novel is Freethy's beautiful, evocative prose and her palpable passion for art history. The settings—from sun-drenched Italian villas to dusty Parisian archives—feel fully realised and immersive. The characters are compelling, flawed, and deeply human.
The Seeker of Lost Paintings is a must-read for fans of atmospheric mysteries and meticulously researched historical narratives. It is a story that reminds us of the power of art, the burdens of history, and the resilience of those who fight to protect beauty. Be prepared to lose yourself in this exquisite, thrilling journey; you won't want to put it down.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah Freethy’s The Seeker of Lost Paintings is a triumph of historical fiction, a novel that meticulously blends the allure of the art world with a pulse-pounding, decades-spanning mystery. This is a book that doesn't just tell a story; it transports you—first, to the opulent, shadowed galleries of Europe where masterpieces vanished during wartime, and second, into the determined heart of a woman driven by a secret legacy.
The narrative centers on the recently bereaved Beatrice and Jude, an art restorer with a troubled past, whose lives are upended by the discovery of a seemingly worthless canvas. This discovery launches them into a global search for a legendary painting, rumored to have been lost or destroyed during World War II, a painting tied irrevocably to her own family’s shadowed history.
Freethy excels in crafting a dual-timeline structure. The past timeline, rich with danger and dramatic stakes, details the desperate efforts of those who risked everything to hide artistic treasures from ruin. The present timeline crackles with the suspense of the chase as the central characters encounter shadowy collectors, cryptic clues, and the looming threat of those who would stop at nothing to claim the lost masterpiece.
What truly elevates this novel is Freethy's beautiful, evocative prose and her palpable passion for art history. The settings—from sun-drenched Italian villas to dusty Parisian archives—feel fully realised and immersive. The characters are compelling, flawed, and deeply human.
The Seeker of Lost Paintings is a must-read for fans of atmospheric mysteries and meticulously researched historical narratives. It is a story that reminds us of the power of art, the burdens of history, and the resilience of those who fight to protect beauty. Be prepared to lose yourself in this exquisite, thrilling journey; you won't want to put it down.
November 16, 2025
The Seeker of Lost Paintings by Sarah Freethy
This book is set in 1997 and revolves around Jude Adler who is an art dealer who is recovering from a severe setback after investing huge sums to purchase what later turned out to be a fake painting. He visits a young woman, Beatrice, whose elderly mother has some photographs for him to try and sell. The family are in dire financial straits and any money could help to pay off some of their debts. While he is there a small painting attracts him, it looks as if it could be a Caravaggio. Worried about being made a fool of again he asks friends to verify his ideas and then decides to help Beatrice discover more about this fascinating painting.
We then go back to Beatrice’s mother and her life in Italy in the early 1940’s. Travelling from Sicily she comes to work at the home of Conte Montefalco. Italy is at war and we gradually find out what happened to Beatrice’s mother and the photographs which Jude is now trying to sell.
We move backwards and forwards in time and life in wartime Rome is depicted in detail and the threat which the fascists posed is powerfully evoked as is the power of the church at the time. The links to the Vatican are interestingly revealed. A book to interest art lovers and the dual timeline works effectively. I will be recommending the book at my various book groups.
This book is set in 1997 and revolves around Jude Adler who is an art dealer who is recovering from a severe setback after investing huge sums to purchase what later turned out to be a fake painting. He visits a young woman, Beatrice, whose elderly mother has some photographs for him to try and sell. The family are in dire financial straits and any money could help to pay off some of their debts. While he is there a small painting attracts him, it looks as if it could be a Caravaggio. Worried about being made a fool of again he asks friends to verify his ideas and then decides to help Beatrice discover more about this fascinating painting.
We then go back to Beatrice’s mother and her life in Italy in the early 1940’s. Travelling from Sicily she comes to work at the home of Conte Montefalco. Italy is at war and we gradually find out what happened to Beatrice’s mother and the photographs which Jude is now trying to sell.
We move backwards and forwards in time and life in wartime Rome is depicted in detail and the threat which the fascists posed is powerfully evoked as is the power of the church at the time. The links to the Vatican are interestingly revealed. A book to interest art lovers and the dual timeline works effectively. I will be recommending the book at my various book groups.
October 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this beautifully written book.
As Beatrice and Jude look for the past of Magdalena following her death, in search for a painting, we switch between the two périodes of the story. In the present, Beatrice has to come to terms with her mum’s passing and Jude takes on the challenge to help her with the painting, overcoming the professional turmoil a previous painting put him in. In the past, we uncover the way Magdalena and her husband met during WWII Italy and how the painting came to England with them.
The switch between the two periods is well done and the plot is interesting. I loved the characters and thought they all had depth and presence. I was not familiar with the WWII events inside Italy and I thought the author brought this into the plot in a vivid way which made me curious to find out a bit more. The author notes were interesting and useful in this respect.
I read the first half very quickly as I could not stop myself, and then I slowed down as I did not want to leave the story. It was one of my favourites this year. I have now Sarah Freethy’s first book and looking forward to reading it too.
I am grateful to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
As Beatrice and Jude look for the past of Magdalena following her death, in search for a painting, we switch between the two périodes of the story. In the present, Beatrice has to come to terms with her mum’s passing and Jude takes on the challenge to help her with the painting, overcoming the professional turmoil a previous painting put him in. In the past, we uncover the way Magdalena and her husband met during WWII Italy and how the painting came to England with them.
The switch between the two periods is well done and the plot is interesting. I loved the characters and thought they all had depth and presence. I was not familiar with the WWII events inside Italy and I thought the author brought this into the plot in a vivid way which made me curious to find out a bit more. The author notes were interesting and useful in this respect.
I read the first half very quickly as I could not stop myself, and then I slowed down as I did not want to leave the story. It was one of my favourites this year. I have now Sarah Freethy’s first book and looking forward to reading it too.
I am grateful to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
September 18, 2025
A Scottish sunshine has been burning the streets of central London for days apart from a handful of West End spots heaving with tourists, the city is empty. Just behind Piccadilly, the streets of St. James is deserted. The grand imposing Georgian facades sit in perfect stillness. Jude Montague proposes to close his art gallery at the end of another ordinary day but just as he's about to leave, a woman arrives. Bianca Fremont is beautiful and intriguing, and when Jude discovers Bianca owns a torn fragment of what could be a genuine Caravaggio, Jude is caught in a search that takes him across Europe.
1990s London: Jude is an art dealer. He meets Bianca and her mother Maddalena and notices a painting that looks familiar. The search for the identity of the painting takes him to Rome.
This story has a dual timeline - the past is set in the 1930s and the present day is 1997. Times are hard for Bianca and her mother. This is an entertaining read. It's well-written and the characters are well-developed.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Simon&Schuster and the author #SarahFreethy for my ARC of #TheSeekerOfTheLostPaintings in exchange for an honest review.
1990s London: Jude is an art dealer. He meets Bianca and her mother Maddalena and notices a painting that looks familiar. The search for the identity of the painting takes him to Rome.
This story has a dual timeline - the past is set in the 1930s and the present day is 1997. Times are hard for Bianca and her mother. This is an entertaining read. It's well-written and the characters are well-developed.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Simon&Schuster and the author #SarahFreethy for my ARC of #TheSeekerOfTheLostPaintings in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2025
The Seeker of Lost Paintings by Sarah Freethy is a historical mystery with a beautifully woven dual timeline, 1939 and 1997. I love a dual timeline (and anything to do with art!), so I couldn’t resist picking this one up.
Right from the start, the story bursts with colour and vivid descriptions that truly bring each scene to life. The pace is steady, with rising tension and emotion as the two eras begin to intertwine. I especially enjoyed how one timeline informed the other, each thread adding depth and meaning to the whole picture.
At its heart, this is a story about love, secrets, bravery, and family, and about doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy. It stirred up a whole mixture of emotions and really showed how the choices of the past can ripple through generations. I also loved how it honoured the courage and endurance of those who came before us.
A book I thoroughly enjoyed, full of beautiful writing, tension-filled twists, and a satisfying journey all bound up in 383 pages. If you love a dual timeline or a story about lost art, this is definitely one to add to your list. You won’t be disappointed!
Right from the start, the story bursts with colour and vivid descriptions that truly bring each scene to life. The pace is steady, with rising tension and emotion as the two eras begin to intertwine. I especially enjoyed how one timeline informed the other, each thread adding depth and meaning to the whole picture.
At its heart, this is a story about love, secrets, bravery, and family, and about doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy. It stirred up a whole mixture of emotions and really showed how the choices of the past can ripple through generations. I also loved how it honoured the courage and endurance of those who came before us.
A book I thoroughly enjoyed, full of beautiful writing, tension-filled twists, and a satisfying journey all bound up in 383 pages. If you love a dual timeline or a story about lost art, this is definitely one to add to your list. You won’t be disappointed!
December 21, 2025
The Seeker of Lost Paintings by Sarah Freethy combines art history and historical fiction to create a spellbinding story centered around a potential Caravaggio painting, a story that takes the reader from 1939 Rome to 1997 London and involves the Vatican, Nazis and an illicit love affair.
This is a well researched and even better written story that really managed to keep me turning pages as I eagerly sought the resolution to the mystery at the heart of the tale, was the painting real and if so how did it happen to be separated from the rest of the canvas and did the remaining pieces survive. The dual timeline was used to great effect, and while I am usually more drawn to one of the timelines over the other, in this case I was equally invested in Maddelana's story in Rome and Beatrice's attempts to solve the mystery in the modern timeline. With excellent characters, a vividly described setting and an intricately crafted mystery this book has a lot to recommend it and I certainly will be keeping an eye out for more from this author.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the author, all opinions are my own.
This is a well researched and even better written story that really managed to keep me turning pages as I eagerly sought the resolution to the mystery at the heart of the tale, was the painting real and if so how did it happen to be separated from the rest of the canvas and did the remaining pieces survive. The dual timeline was used to great effect, and while I am usually more drawn to one of the timelines over the other, in this case I was equally invested in Maddelana's story in Rome and Beatrice's attempts to solve the mystery in the modern timeline. With excellent characters, a vividly described setting and an intricately crafted mystery this book has a lot to recommend it and I certainly will be keeping an eye out for more from this author.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the author, all opinions are my own.
September 15, 2025
This was a sweeping tale that took you from the time of Caravaggio to the start of the internet revolution. It was a dual timeline where in the late 90’s, Beatrice is struggling to care for her ailing mother and to come to terms with her mother’s debts. As a source of income, Beatrice can call on her mother’s collection of vintage photos. When she asks a gallery owner, Jude, to value the collection he sees what may be a valuable reproduction of a Caravaggio. Interwoven with these actions, we see the wartime story of her mother, Maddalena who was a cook in a rich Italian home. There are plenty of twists and turns as the story unfolds, not least that the reproduction turns out to be a fragment of a shocking original. Both Beatrice and Jude find themselves and each other and they realise that WW2 fractured Roman society pitting members of the same family against each other. But the painting, do they sell it or give it back to its original owners who would keep it hidden? This was a thoroughly enjoyable romantic mystery with a realistic, but not sugar coated ending.
October 20, 2025
This author hooked me in on the first chapter. The seeker of lost paintings is a well written book that focuses on the story of an ailing mother Maddelena and her daughter Beatrice, who risk losing their beloved home when they fall on hard times.
Beatrice meets Jude, a dealer in art and asks him to value her father's art collection to meet some of the costs.Jude is really interested in a painting , but is told it is not for sale. This starts an exciting journey to Rome, where Beatrice starts to unravel her parent's story during occupied Rome and Jude starts to unravel the painting's history.There were many secrets to unravel, which made the book a real page-turner.
I loved the author's ability to move across time, focusing on the past and present with skill and dexterity, driving the reader on an exciting Journey With a race to the conclusion of the story.
I couldn't put this book down and found it to be a beautiful , well written compassionate book telling the story of each of the Characters with humility.
Beatrice meets Jude, a dealer in art and asks him to value her father's art collection to meet some of the costs.Jude is really interested in a painting , but is told it is not for sale. This starts an exciting journey to Rome, where Beatrice starts to unravel her parent's story during occupied Rome and Jude starts to unravel the painting's history.There were many secrets to unravel, which made the book a real page-turner.
I loved the author's ability to move across time, focusing on the past and present with skill and dexterity, driving the reader on an exciting Journey With a race to the conclusion of the story.
I couldn't put this book down and found it to be a beautiful , well written compassionate book telling the story of each of the Characters with humility.
October 23, 2025
The first few pages are definitely a red herring, and once you persevere and get past them, you'll understand why the prologue is the way it is, and I went back and read it a couple of times as the story moved on. I enjoyed all the characters, I thought they were well-fleshed out. Madalena Luca's story was obviously much more interesting in the timeline, as they were fleeing the Nazis and the fascist regime in Rome at the time, but the pull from the past to the present didn't make me feel like I was being dragged between timelines, as I found them both interesting enough to read about those characters. Jude and Beatrice's journey as they're discovering, along with us the reader, what happened and why they kept the secrets. The ending was a little bit of a disappointment, and it was wrapped up very nicely, but overall it was an enjoyable read, and set in a wonderful landscape in both timelines, and you could feel the tension, and you could feel war being pressed upon for the Montefalco family. And yeah, it was very high intense storytelling, especially towards the end.
November 10, 2025
What a wonderful read. In London 1997 Beatrice Fremont is organising the sale of her father’s belongings and asks art dealer Jude Adler to help her and they find a small painting which he believes is something special. Shortly afterwards her mother dies and leaves a request for Beatrice to return the painting to its rightful owner. I really enjoyed this authors last book and this one was just as good.
Briefly, in 1939, during World War 2, Maddalena is a cook at the Villa Velare working for the Montefalco family. Here she meets her husband to be and with Mussolini bringing Italy into WWII alongside the Germans we see Maddalena fleeing from the Nazis and the fascist regime. Back in 1997 Beatrice and Jude travel to Rome where they eventually uncover a scandalous secret.
I’m quite a big fan of a dual timeline history novel and this one was very good. Both stories kept my attention and the meeting of the storylines was perfect. I loved the art mystery and its denouement and all the historical art detail was fascinating. A very enjoyable and entertaining read.
Briefly, in 1939, during World War 2, Maddalena is a cook at the Villa Velare working for the Montefalco family. Here she meets her husband to be and with Mussolini bringing Italy into WWII alongside the Germans we see Maddalena fleeing from the Nazis and the fascist regime. Back in 1997 Beatrice and Jude travel to Rome where they eventually uncover a scandalous secret.
I’m quite a big fan of a dual timeline history novel and this one was very good. Both stories kept my attention and the meeting of the storylines was perfect. I loved the art mystery and its denouement and all the historical art detail was fascinating. A very enjoyable and entertaining read.
June 21, 2025
This story, moving between 1940s wartime Rome and 1997 London and Rome really captured my imagination.
It is a light read, true, but I think much research has gone into the background of the novel.
I knew Caravaggio's works and a little about his somewhat turbulent life so the thread of the story was intr from thaf point of view. I knew very little, however, about the effects of war on Italians, in particular in Rome and found that part of the book very interesting.
The ending, I have to say felt a little too rushed with all loose ends perhaps too easily tied up, but overall I found the book to be a very good read and would lead me to want to read Sarah Freethy's previous book. That in itself is a good review, I always thin.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for an earc in return for my honest opinion of the book.
It is a light read, true, but I think much research has gone into the background of the novel.
I knew Caravaggio's works and a little about his somewhat turbulent life so the thread of the story was intr from thaf point of view. I knew very little, however, about the effects of war on Italians, in particular in Rome and found that part of the book very interesting.
The ending, I have to say felt a little too rushed with all loose ends perhaps too easily tied up, but overall I found the book to be a very good read and would lead me to want to read Sarah Freethy's previous book. That in itself is a good review, I always thin.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for an earc in return for my honest opinion of the book.
August 11, 2025
The Seeker of Lost Paintings is a dual narrative following the stories of Beatrice and Maddalena, her mother, 50 years apart.
When Beatrice loses her mother she can’t risk losing her family home as well, except it’s up to its eyeballs in debt from some poor financial decisions. Desperate, she calls on Jude Adler, a recently disgraced art valued to help and see if her late father’s photographs can bring anything to help the poor state of her affairs.
This takes them back on a journey to Rome, the Vatican and the Tyrol and the exciting discovery of a part of a lost Caravaggio. There’s a budding attraction, family secrets and forbidden love all wrapped up in a a heartfelt story.
I enjoyed the story and its pace. Would recommend this author. Many thanks to the author, the publisher and netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Beatrice loses her mother she can’t risk losing her family home as well, except it’s up to its eyeballs in debt from some poor financial decisions. Desperate, she calls on Jude Adler, a recently disgraced art valued to help and see if her late father’s photographs can bring anything to help the poor state of her affairs.
This takes them back on a journey to Rome, the Vatican and the Tyrol and the exciting discovery of a part of a lost Caravaggio. There’s a budding attraction, family secrets and forbidden love all wrapped up in a a heartfelt story.
I enjoyed the story and its pace. Would recommend this author. Many thanks to the author, the publisher and netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2025
I do enjoy a historical book and a dual time line so I was attracted to this book from the outset. The switches between the main settings of London in the 1990’s and Rome during the Second World War were well balanced and I was engaged immediately by Beatrice Fremont and her family’s story. I felt for Maddalena, young, vulnerable, alone and afraid working in Villa Velare away from her family. She experienced such a period of danger and courage, secrets and betrayal in the backdrop of Italian wartime, as well as love and loss. This book kept my attention to the last page and it has made me want to read Sarah Freethy’s first book The Porcelain Maker. I really enjoyed her story telling, writing style and detailed historical research. I loved the design of the cover too.
May 27, 2025
This book, with its two time lines, tells us a story which unfolds gradually as the past is revealed. I love this style and find myself torn when we leave wartime and come back to more recent days, and vice versa as we return to the past. I enjoyed the artistic references, as well as reading of wartime Italy and the privations of the local people.
The tale centres on a lost painting, as Jude, the art dealer, having lost his nerve as well as his money after buying a clever fake, is reluctantly helping Beatrice to trace the painting. She finds more about her family's history as a result. I found it fascinating, gripping and satisfying.
The tale centres on a lost painting, as Jude, the art dealer, having lost his nerve as well as his money after buying a clever fake, is reluctantly helping Beatrice to trace the painting. She finds more about her family's history as a result. I found it fascinating, gripping and satisfying.
May 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this historical mystery set in two timelines - Rome during World War Two and the present day.
Jude is reluctantly drawn into the search for a missing portrait left to Beatrice by her mother. The search takes them to a safety deposit box in Rome, her estranged family and an exploration of her parents’ past and their love story.
The chapters dealing with the reality of life under Mussolini and then German occupation were hard to read and I was surprised by the lengths the Vatican went to protect its reputation.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Beatrice’s parents which was mirrored by her own with Jude.
Interesting and absorbing.
One to be recommended.
Jude is reluctantly drawn into the search for a missing portrait left to Beatrice by her mother. The search takes them to a safety deposit box in Rome, her estranged family and an exploration of her parents’ past and their love story.
The chapters dealing with the reality of life under Mussolini and then German occupation were hard to read and I was surprised by the lengths the Vatican went to protect its reputation.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Beatrice’s parents which was mirrored by her own with Jude.
Interesting and absorbing.
One to be recommended.
September 12, 2025
A very enjoyable well researched historical novel from Sarah Freethy. Set in war time Rome and turn of the 20th century London. The Seeker of Lost Paintings tells it's story from the POV of mother and daughter and the hiding and ultimate discovery of precious Vatican Art during WW2. I liked the way the author used alternating voices for the chapters. This really moved the narrative on and kept the link alive. The characters were well written. Some felt stronger than others but not unnecessarily so. A very different WW2 novel that held my interest right to the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2025
When I first started this book I thought I am not going to like it but it certainly surprised me and I enjoyed the whole book.
This spans the War years and also to the present time in the book. It tells the story of a picture and what has happened to it. It was a wonderful story and certainly kept you wondering what would happen. There was a connection between the main characters but would they end up together or not. This was your typical romance but was a nice change from the usual.
It was interesting to read how the Vatican decided to hide valuable paintings and artefacts from the Nazi’s. It was well researched the book.
Well written and would recommend this book.
This spans the War years and also to the present time in the book. It tells the story of a picture and what has happened to it. It was a wonderful story and certainly kept you wondering what would happen. There was a connection between the main characters but would they end up together or not. This was your typical romance but was a nice change from the usual.
It was interesting to read how the Vatican decided to hide valuable paintings and artefacts from the Nazi’s. It was well researched the book.
Well written and would recommend this book.
November 29, 2025
A duel time story. When Beatrice is trying to realise some money to pay for her mum's care, she contacts Jules to appraise her father's photos with a view to selling them. While he is there, he is attracted to a painting on the wall which he offers to find out more.
The 2nd time line is in 1943 Rome, just before the Germans took control. Maddelena (Beatrice's mum) is a cook for a rich Italian family. So how does the two tie together?
This was so informative about Italy and the Vatican in WW2. The characters are believable and I cared about what happened to them and how the two stories came together.
The 2nd time line is in 1943 Rome, just before the Germans took control. Maddelena (Beatrice's mum) is a cook for a rich Italian family. So how does the two tie together?
This was so informative about Italy and the Vatican in WW2. The characters are believable and I cared about what happened to them and how the two stories came together.
July 22, 2025
A book of love and betrayal, set in two timelines... WWII and 1997.
Maddelena, leaves Sicily to work for the Montefalco family in Rome...
When Maddelena dies, her daughter Beatrice finds a fragment of a piece of a very old painting, when asking Jude Adler an art expert to view the house to see if there is anything worth selling to pay the bills her mother leaves her. Old photos are found, and the painting.
Beatrice and Jude travel to Rome and uncover secrets of the past which have been kept for her.
A great story.
Maddelena, leaves Sicily to work for the Montefalco family in Rome...
When Maddelena dies, her daughter Beatrice finds a fragment of a piece of a very old painting, when asking Jude Adler an art expert to view the house to see if there is anything worth selling to pay the bills her mother leaves her. Old photos are found, and the painting.
Beatrice and Jude travel to Rome and uncover secrets of the past which have been kept for her.
A great story.
August 5, 2025
Although I am a bit fed up with the 'somebody dies leaving a clue to something that happened in the past' trope I did enjoy this book.
The writing is very good and the story moved along well. The plot was interesting and the wartime troubles and trials of Italy dealt with well. I particularly liked that there was no real romantic thread in the 1990s parts of the book. So refreshing these days. A good ending and one that left me thinking about what happened next. A solid five stars for writing and plot. With thanks for the e-ARC to read and review.
The writing is very good and the story moved along well. The plot was interesting and the wartime troubles and trials of Italy dealt with well. I particularly liked that there was no real romantic thread in the 1990s parts of the book. So refreshing these days. A good ending and one that left me thinking about what happened next. A solid five stars for writing and plot. With thanks for the e-ARC to read and review.
September 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It is set mainly in two eras, London in 1997 and Rome during late 1930s-1944. There is also a reference to the artist, Caravaggio in Naples in 1610. Jude Adler and Beatrice Fremont are the main characters in 1997. Beatrice is caring for her mother, Maddalena, and comes into contact with Jude because she needs to raise money from artworks in her home. There is a mystery about one painting, how it came to be in her family. The period set in Rome follows Maddalena’s life working in a wealthy aristocrats home. It also portrays what life was like for ordinary people during the war years. This was a very engaging read and I enjoyed the way the two stories were linked together. There is romance but solving the mystery is the main part. The characters are very likeable and it had a very satisfying ending. I received a copy and voluntarily reviewed it. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
September 9, 2025
The Seeker of the Lost Paintings is a well written and I’m sure well researched book. As the Nazis spreading into Rome and the political system changes expensive art and painting are removed and hidden. In 1997 Beatrice discovers that her parents had escaped from Italy to England and once her Mother dies decides to find out more about her family and a piece of art. An easy to read book with great characters and although over two different time spans it’s easy to follow. Thanks to Sarah and her publisher.
September 14, 2025
Set in war-torn Italy and late twentieth-century London, this story explores the search for the provenance of a lost artwork by an art dealer and its current owner. It evokes World War II Rome with lots of compelling historical details. The 1997 timeline offers an immersive exploration of the art world. I appreciated the complex and relatable characters, the mystery and the touches of poignancy and romance. It's an entertaining historical literary fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews