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The Parisian Heist
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26From the bestselling author of
The Sicilian Inheritance
and
Everyone Is Lying to You
comes a propulsive dual-timeline mystery drenched in art-world intrigue and brimming with family secrets, betrayal, and the intoxicating lure of power.
Emma, a struggling American artist in Paris, thought she had left her dreams behind when she took a job cleaning for the city’s wealthy elite. Then she meets Stella Swanson, the widow of one of the most notorious art dealers in the business. The Swansons move in a world where billionaires, oligarchs, and heads of state pay fortunes for masterpieces. Drawn in by their dazzling wealth and the pull of a dangerously charming grandson, Emma becomes both a player and a pawn in a family battle to protect their empire and conceal its crimes.
In the late 1800s, the young widow Jo van Gogh inherits hundreds of paintings from her brother-in-law Vincent that the art world deems worthless. Determined to prove their genius, and to secure a future for herself and her young son, she becomes consumed by Vincent’s legacy. As her devotion deepens, a vanished painting and a thwarted love affair leave her unsure who she can trust and how much of herself she’s willing to lose in the process.
From glittering auction houses to the idyllic canals of Amsterdam and the grand museums of Paris, the lives of these two women converge as Emma uncovers the Swanson family’s darkest secrets and agrees to mastermind a daring heist inside the Musée d’Orsay. The stakes have never been higher, and these women refuse to be written out of history, no matter the cost.
Emma, a struggling American artist in Paris, thought she had left her dreams behind when she took a job cleaning for the city’s wealthy elite. Then she meets Stella Swanson, the widow of one of the most notorious art dealers in the business. The Swansons move in a world where billionaires, oligarchs, and heads of state pay fortunes for masterpieces. Drawn in by their dazzling wealth and the pull of a dangerously charming grandson, Emma becomes both a player and a pawn in a family battle to protect their empire and conceal its crimes.
In the late 1800s, the young widow Jo van Gogh inherits hundreds of paintings from her brother-in-law Vincent that the art world deems worthless. Determined to prove their genius, and to secure a future for herself and her young son, she becomes consumed by Vincent’s legacy. As her devotion deepens, a vanished painting and a thwarted love affair leave her unsure who she can trust and how much of herself she’s willing to lose in the process.
From glittering auction houses to the idyllic canals of Amsterdam and the grand museums of Paris, the lives of these two women converge as Emma uncovers the Swanson family’s darkest secrets and agrees to mastermind a daring heist inside the Musée d’Orsay. The stakes have never been higher, and these women refuse to be written out of history, no matter the cost.
416 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 14, 2026
About the author
Jo Piazza
13 books1,804 followersI write books about strong women defying the odds. I love an adventure and a book that both sweeps you away and starts a conversation with your friends.
Book club visits are one of my favorite things to do and I zoomed into hundreds of them for my Good Morning America Book Club pick You Were Always Mine. I'm a former travel editor who has gotten to visit 47 countries and I met my husband Nick in the Galapagos islands on a reporting trip. After living in NYC and San Francisco I have settled into Philadelphia (the greatest city on Earth) to raise my three feral children.)
Book club visits are one of my favorite things to do and I zoomed into hundreds of them for my Good Morning America Book Club pick You Were Always Mine. I'm a former travel editor who has gotten to visit 47 countries and I met my husband Nick in the Galapagos islands on a reporting trip. After living in NYC and San Francisco I have settled into Philadelphia (the greatest city on Earth) to raise my three feral children.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
May 26, 2026
Oh my god! Loved, loved, LOVED! Jo Piazza is one of my favorite authors and this novel only serves to further cement it. I loved the story. Claire and Emma as main characters were so compelling. I loved going along the journey of succeeding in a world built to be against them. Stella's cunning knew no bounds! I think that sharing the history of Jo and Claire really helped to invest my interest in van Gogh's art. I felt like there was an underlying theme of the power of female friendships and what women can achieve when they work together to remove boundaries and those are always some of my favorites. Hats off, Jo! I will be recommending this to EVERYONE!
June 5, 2026
Giveaway winner! Fantastic book and will probably listen on audio book when it comes out to listen to the proper pronunciation and French accents.
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June 11, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Parisian Heist is a dual-timeline novel that combines art history, mystery, friendship, and a little bit of adventure. As someone who enjoys stories centered around strong women and historical connections, there was a lot here for me to appreciate. The novel alternates between two timelines. In the late 1800s, we follow Jo van Gogh and Claire as they work to bring recognition to Vincent van Gogh's art at a time when women had very little influence in the art world. In the 1990s, Emma arrives in Paris to study art and becomes entangled with a fascinating family of art dealers, secrets, and questions surrounding valuable artwork.
Of the two timelines, I found myself much more invested in the historical storyline. Learning about Jo van Gogh's efforts to preserve and promote Vincent's legacy was fascinating, and I loved seeing the challenges these women faced in a male-dominated world. The historical details and art history elements were easily my favorite parts of the book. The Paris setting was another highlight. The museums, markets, streets, and art scene were vividly described and really transported me there. If you love Paris or enjoy books centered around art and culture, this novel definitely delivers that atmosphere.
That said, this was a slower read than I expected. While the story is well written and the plot is interesting, I found myself wishing for a bit more momentum and intrigue, particularly in the contemporary storyline. Emma never fully clicked with me as a protagonist, and I wasn't quite as invested in her journey as I was in Jo and Claire's. What kept me reading was the focus on strong female characters, friendship, resilience, and the often-overlooked role women have played throughout history. There are twists, family secrets, romance, and even a bit of heist energy mixed in, making for an entertaining read overall.
While this wasn't quite the art-world drama I expected, I still enjoyed the journey and appreciated the research and care that clearly went into telling these stories. If you enjoy historical fiction, art history, dual timelines, and stories about women finding their place in the world, this is worth picking up.
The Parisian Heist is a dual-timeline novel that combines art history, mystery, friendship, and a little bit of adventure. As someone who enjoys stories centered around strong women and historical connections, there was a lot here for me to appreciate. The novel alternates between two timelines. In the late 1800s, we follow Jo van Gogh and Claire as they work to bring recognition to Vincent van Gogh's art at a time when women had very little influence in the art world. In the 1990s, Emma arrives in Paris to study art and becomes entangled with a fascinating family of art dealers, secrets, and questions surrounding valuable artwork.
Of the two timelines, I found myself much more invested in the historical storyline. Learning about Jo van Gogh's efforts to preserve and promote Vincent's legacy was fascinating, and I loved seeing the challenges these women faced in a male-dominated world. The historical details and art history elements were easily my favorite parts of the book. The Paris setting was another highlight. The museums, markets, streets, and art scene were vividly described and really transported me there. If you love Paris or enjoy books centered around art and culture, this novel definitely delivers that atmosphere.
That said, this was a slower read than I expected. While the story is well written and the plot is interesting, I found myself wishing for a bit more momentum and intrigue, particularly in the contemporary storyline. Emma never fully clicked with me as a protagonist, and I wasn't quite as invested in her journey as I was in Jo and Claire's. What kept me reading was the focus on strong female characters, friendship, resilience, and the often-overlooked role women have played throughout history. There are twists, family secrets, romance, and even a bit of heist energy mixed in, making for an entertaining read overall.
While this wasn't quite the art-world drama I expected, I still enjoyed the journey and appreciated the research and care that clearly went into telling these stories. If you enjoy historical fiction, art history, dual timelines, and stories about women finding their place in the world, this is worth picking up.
July 6, 2026
The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza is a dual timeline story of “the art world, family secrets, betrayal, power, and the legacy of art”. In the 1800’s, Jo Van Gogh, the sister-in-law of Vincent Van Gogh, tells the fascinating forgotten story of her work to cement his legacy after his death. And in 1996, Emma is a struggling American art student who takes a job cleaning the house of a billionaire art-dealing family with dark secrets connected to the Van Gogh family.
I really like the concept of this novel. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially books that highlight forgotten women in history who attempt to make it in a man’s world. I enjoyed reading about the incredible efforts of Jo Van Gogh in securing Vincent Van Gogh’s legacy. I also enjoy a clever art heist story. However I felt that the novel was too ambitious in trying to weave those two storylines together. I thought the author relied on too many improbable twists of fate to connect the past and present storylines. Overall the novel itself may not have resonated with me, but I really enjoyed reading the author’s note, especially the extensive research she did on Jo Van Gogh, and the fantastic travel in support of her story 2.75/5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really like the concept of this novel. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially books that highlight forgotten women in history who attempt to make it in a man’s world. I enjoyed reading about the incredible efforts of Jo Van Gogh in securing Vincent Van Gogh’s legacy. I also enjoy a clever art heist story. However I felt that the novel was too ambitious in trying to weave those two storylines together. I thought the author relied on too many improbable twists of fate to connect the past and present storylines. Overall the novel itself may not have resonated with me, but I really enjoyed reading the author’s note, especially the extensive research she did on Jo Van Gogh, and the fantastic travel in support of her story 2.75/5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 4, 2026
The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza is an art lovers dream. The extravagance around the world’s most famous paintings is fascinating. Those who wheel , deal and take part in everything from finding lost works, bidding for them like jousting matches and enjoying all the celebrity that comes with winning are both intriguing and at the top of the food chain. Can they be taken down? Stella Swanson seems to think so. This book flashes back and forth to friendship past and present day. I loved the mystery baked inside as well as the history sprinkled about.
I loved Piazza’s work and always recommend when looking for a read that pulls you in.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
I loved Piazza’s work and always recommend when looking for a read that pulls you in.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2026
The Parisian Heist was my first introduction to Jo Piazza’s writing. Going into it, I was incredibly hyped—especially with it coming right on the heels of the real-life Louvre heist. While it didn't completely wow me, it certainly had its moments and could be the right fit for a different type of reader.
As a huge fan of Impressionism and Van Gogh, I loved the focus on art. It was genuinely interesting to hear the stories behind his work (even if I was wondering how much was actually true). There is also a really great twist later in the book that temporarily saved me from my boredom.
Unfortunately, for a high-stakes heist novel, both the plot and the character development felt very surface-level. I never quite felt fully invested in the characters' fates or the deeper mechanics of the crime.
Who would like this? If you are an art lover looking for a breezy, plot-driven caper and you don't mind sacrificing deep character development for a good twist, you'll likely enjoy this one.
As a huge fan of Impressionism and Van Gogh, I loved the focus on art. It was genuinely interesting to hear the stories behind his work (even if I was wondering how much was actually true). There is also a really great twist later in the book that temporarily saved me from my boredom.
Unfortunately, for a high-stakes heist novel, both the plot and the character development felt very surface-level. I never quite felt fully invested in the characters' fates or the deeper mechanics of the crime.
Who would like this? If you are an art lover looking for a breezy, plot-driven caper and you don't mind sacrificing deep character development for a good twist, you'll likely enjoy this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy for review.
The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza is a dual-timeline mystery about art, legacy, and the women history tries to keep out of the frame.
In 1990s Paris, Emma is a struggling American artist working as a cleaner when she meets Stella Swanson, the widow of a notorious art dealer. Emma is pulled into Stella’s world of wealth, fraud, family secrets, and eventually, a very high-stakes art heist. In the late 1800s, Jo van Gogh is left with hundreds of paintings by her brother-in-law Vincent after the deaths of both Vincent and her husband, Theo. At the time, Vincent’s work is considered basically worthless, but Jo makes it her life’s mission to secure his legacy and prove what Theo always believed: that Vincent’s art deserved to be seen.
I knew almost nothing about Jo van Gogh before reading this, which made her sections especially fascinating. I always say historical fiction isn’t usually my thing, and then books like this have the nerve to make me care deeply about 19th-century art-world logistics. Jo’s story was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. As someone who has always loved Van Gogh, I found it genuinely moving to learn how much of his legacy exists because of her devotion.
The 1990s timeline is also very compelling. Emma’s story has family drama, art-world corruption, impossible wealth, a little bit of romance, and, of course, a full-on art heist. The book may be a little long, but I was never bored. Every time I put it down, I wanted to pick it back up again.
Piazza makes Paris feel incredibly vivid. The light, the museums, the food, the wine, the beauty, the money, and the sense that art and power are everywhere. The city feels sensual in the most literal way, and I felt transported while I was reading.
At the center of this story, though, is female friendship and what overlooked and underappreciated women can do when they team up, set their minds to a goal, and fight against the systems built to make them invisible. That’s what really made this book work for me. The heist is fun, the art history is interesting, and the setting is gorgeous, but the relationship between these women is what gives the story its weight.
Read more book reviews on my Substack
Follow me @shellywritesstuff
The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza is a dual-timeline mystery about art, legacy, and the women history tries to keep out of the frame.
In 1990s Paris, Emma is a struggling American artist working as a cleaner when she meets Stella Swanson, the widow of a notorious art dealer. Emma is pulled into Stella’s world of wealth, fraud, family secrets, and eventually, a very high-stakes art heist. In the late 1800s, Jo van Gogh is left with hundreds of paintings by her brother-in-law Vincent after the deaths of both Vincent and her husband, Theo. At the time, Vincent’s work is considered basically worthless, but Jo makes it her life’s mission to secure his legacy and prove what Theo always believed: that Vincent’s art deserved to be seen.
I knew almost nothing about Jo van Gogh before reading this, which made her sections especially fascinating. I always say historical fiction isn’t usually my thing, and then books like this have the nerve to make me care deeply about 19th-century art-world logistics. Jo’s story was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. As someone who has always loved Van Gogh, I found it genuinely moving to learn how much of his legacy exists because of her devotion.
The 1990s timeline is also very compelling. Emma’s story has family drama, art-world corruption, impossible wealth, a little bit of romance, and, of course, a full-on art heist. The book may be a little long, but I was never bored. Every time I put it down, I wanted to pick it back up again.
Piazza makes Paris feel incredibly vivid. The light, the museums, the food, the wine, the beauty, the money, and the sense that art and power are everywhere. The city feels sensual in the most literal way, and I felt transported while I was reading.
At the center of this story, though, is female friendship and what overlooked and underappreciated women can do when they team up, set their minds to a goal, and fight against the systems built to make them invisible. That’s what really made this book work for me. The heist is fun, the art history is interesting, and the setting is gorgeous, but the relationship between these women is what gives the story its weight.
Read more book reviews on my Substack
Follow me @shellywritesstuff
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*4.5 stars rounded up!
This a dual-timeline story set in the art world and is mainly about the artwork Vincent Van Gogh, one of my favorite Impressionists.
One storyline is set in 1996, where we meet Emma who received a three-year scholarship to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, along with two other young women who become her roommates and friends. But after only two years, those scholarships have ended without any explanation. Emma has been cleaning apartments to earn money to carry on and one of her clients is Stella Claire Swanson, widow of the head of one of the largest art dealer businesses in the world. But her husband's family is trying to cut her out of any inheritance and she enlists Emma's help in a scheme.
The second timeline is also set in Paris, but in 1891. There we meet Claire Donadieu, a young prostitute. One night she happens to save the life of a woman out alone in the wee hours, one Jo Van Gogh, the young widow of Theo Van Gogh. In gratitude, Jo takes on Claire to help her keep house and look after her young son, while she carries on with her important work--promoting the paintings of her late brother-in-law, Vincent Van Gogh. Before he died, Theo made Jo promise to carry on that work and Jo is deeply committed to it.
What ties these two storylines together is that Claire is Stella's grandmother and from her, she inherited a Van Gogh painting, which she's kept in secret as security.
I learned so much about Vincent Van Gogh and his family and the workings of the art world. What I liked most though about both these timelines are the strong female characters, trying to carve lives for themselves in a male-dominated world. Women helping other women--very strong feminist overtones, which I applaud.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. Highly recommended reading for light summer entertainment. I also enjoyed discovering a new-to-me author and I believe I would enjoy reading more of her books.
This a dual-timeline story set in the art world and is mainly about the artwork Vincent Van Gogh, one of my favorite Impressionists.
One storyline is set in 1996, where we meet Emma who received a three-year scholarship to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, along with two other young women who become her roommates and friends. But after only two years, those scholarships have ended without any explanation. Emma has been cleaning apartments to earn money to carry on and one of her clients is Stella Claire Swanson, widow of the head of one of the largest art dealer businesses in the world. But her husband's family is trying to cut her out of any inheritance and she enlists Emma's help in a scheme.
The second timeline is also set in Paris, but in 1891. There we meet Claire Donadieu, a young prostitute. One night she happens to save the life of a woman out alone in the wee hours, one Jo Van Gogh, the young widow of Theo Van Gogh. In gratitude, Jo takes on Claire to help her keep house and look after her young son, while she carries on with her important work--promoting the paintings of her late brother-in-law, Vincent Van Gogh. Before he died, Theo made Jo promise to carry on that work and Jo is deeply committed to it.
What ties these two storylines together is that Claire is Stella's grandmother and from her, she inherited a Van Gogh painting, which she's kept in secret as security.
I learned so much about Vincent Van Gogh and his family and the workings of the art world. What I liked most though about both these timelines are the strong female characters, trying to carve lives for themselves in a male-dominated world. Women helping other women--very strong feminist overtones, which I applaud.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. Highly recommended reading for light summer entertainment. I also enjoyed discovering a new-to-me author and I believe I would enjoy reading more of her books.
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July 7, 2026Clearly, other readers are enjoying this and I love that for them. But if you read this and felt "eh," you're not alone: his book was just not for me.
I read Everyone is Lying to You and liked it well enough. As for this book, I have been feeling recently that suspense books are getting WAY too complicated, with dual timelines and ten POVs and four subplots. I did not ask for this and it's making me tired.
This book read like a mash-up of book club historical fiction with a heist plot set in the 1990s.
Because I recently visited Amsterdam, I knew a medium amount about Vincent Van Gogh, his very sad life, and his weirdly close relationship with his brother, Theo. This book fictionalizes some of that, giving Theo his real wife, Johanna, and son Vincent, but also a prostitute. (Since I remembered that Theo died of complications of syphilis, I kept expecting that to come up, what with the two women and the sex work, and the lack of antibiotics back then. It did not.)
In the 1990s timeline, there's a girl gang art heist plot, elicit sex (not that explicit, but elicit), art forgery, black market art dealing, rich family drama.
Like most readers who've reviewed so far, I strongly preferred the 19th century timeline, with Jo van Gogh and Claire, the sex worker keeping a secret. A lot of that timeline covered Jo's valiant effort to create a legacy for her brother-in-law (partly because she'd inherited all his remaining works).
I went to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and there are very few of Van Gogh's notable works there. It's more about his life. As his work was out of favor during his lifetime, he bartered many his paintings for rent and such, and most of his work is in museums outside of the Netherlands.
If you enjoyed this (or want to try something similar) check out The Villa by Rachel Hawkins or By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
I read Everyone is Lying to You and liked it well enough. As for this book, I have been feeling recently that suspense books are getting WAY too complicated, with dual timelines and ten POVs and four subplots. I did not ask for this and it's making me tired.
This book read like a mash-up of book club historical fiction with a heist plot set in the 1990s.
Because I recently visited Amsterdam, I knew a medium amount about Vincent Van Gogh, his very sad life, and his weirdly close relationship with his brother, Theo. This book fictionalizes some of that, giving Theo his real wife, Johanna, and son Vincent, but also a prostitute. (Since I remembered that Theo died of complications of syphilis, I kept expecting that to come up, what with the two women and the sex work, and the lack of antibiotics back then. It did not.)
In the 1990s timeline, there's a girl gang art heist plot, elicit sex (not that explicit, but elicit), art forgery, black market art dealing, rich family drama.
Like most readers who've reviewed so far, I strongly preferred the 19th century timeline, with Jo van Gogh and Claire, the sex worker keeping a secret. A lot of that timeline covered Jo's valiant effort to create a legacy for her brother-in-law (partly because she'd inherited all his remaining works).
I went to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and there are very few of Van Gogh's notable works there. It's more about his life. As his work was out of favor during his lifetime, he bartered many his paintings for rent and such, and most of his work is in museums outside of the Netherlands.
If you enjoyed this (or want to try something similar) check out The Villa by Rachel Hawkins or By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Parisian Heist is a dual timeline story that centers around the art world. In the past is the story of Jo Van Gogh, the widowed sister-in- law to Vincent who inherited all of his paintings which were completely worthless at the time. Jo takes it upon herself to make Vincent a star in the art world. She talks up his paintings--entering a male dominated world and using her wits to make sure that Vincent's art is a hot commodity. She is helped on her journey by Claire Donadieu, a strong, savvy woman who helps Jo with her campaign to elevate Vincent.
In the alternate timeline, we are in 1996 with Emma, a former art student in Paris who is now working as a housekeeper since the funding for her scholarship was pulled. She works for the fabulous Stella Swanson, the widow of the head of the largest art dealing company. Stella was promised she would head the company when her husband passed but instead she has been completely cut out of the business and the family. Emma quickly becomes fond of Stella and Stella brings her and her two roommates into her confidence and ultimately the three young women agree to stage an art heist to bring down the Swanson family's business.
Piazza has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I am excited to add The Parisian Heist to her list of outstanding books. One of the strongest underlying currents in the story is the treatment (or mistreatments of women, the importance (and often erasure) of women's labor, and of them taking back their power--pushing back at the patriarchy to better their lives. As a side note: if you aren't following Piazza on instagram, you should be.
The Parisian Heist is a completely unputdownable story and one of my favorite new reads of the year. 4.5 stars.
I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In the alternate timeline, we are in 1996 with Emma, a former art student in Paris who is now working as a housekeeper since the funding for her scholarship was pulled. She works for the fabulous Stella Swanson, the widow of the head of the largest art dealing company. Stella was promised she would head the company when her husband passed but instead she has been completely cut out of the business and the family. Emma quickly becomes fond of Stella and Stella brings her and her two roommates into her confidence and ultimately the three young women agree to stage an art heist to bring down the Swanson family's business.
Piazza has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I am excited to add The Parisian Heist to her list of outstanding books. One of the strongest underlying currents in the story is the treatment (or mistreatments of women, the importance (and often erasure) of women's labor, and of them taking back their power--pushing back at the patriarchy to better their lives. As a side note: if you aren't following Piazza on instagram, you should be.
The Parisian Heist is a completely unputdownable story and one of my favorite new reads of the year. 4.5 stars.
I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book. I have been a Van Gogh fan for many years; I have been to Arles, France, the inspiration for many of his most famous paintings; have been to the Musee d'Orsay in Paris and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam - so I definitely am the prime customer for this story! I knew that Van Gogh did not become famous until after his death, but I did not know the entire story of how his sister-in-law, Jo Van Gogh, inherited some 300 pieces of his work and made it her life's mission to make his masterpieces well-known. Set in the late 1800s, Jo is assisted by her colleague and friend, Claire, who has her own mission in life, but to describe it here would spoil too much. I'll just say I loved these characters and was so invested in their stories.
The other story in this book takes place in the 1990s, and is set in the also extremely interesting world of art dealing and thievery. I've read several other books that deal with this world -- most of the buyers of stolen art are (of course) ultra-wealthy individuals, many in less-than-legitimate occupations. But where do you display stolen art? I suppose it is just an ego boost. Anyway, the main characters in this timeline are far from oligarchs or billionaires -- there's Emma, who goes to work as a housekeeper in Paris after her scholarship funding is stopped. One of her clients is Stella Swanson, whose late husband was the owner of a major art dealing business. Denied her right to take over the company, Stella, Emma, and her two roommates come up with a dangerous plan -- will it work?
This is another great read by Jo Piazza, an author I admire for her research and the ability to bring to life such well-thought-out characters. It's historical fiction at its best.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Dutton/Penguin Publishing Group for the eARC and the opportunity to read this novel. All opinions are my own.
The other story in this book takes place in the 1990s, and is set in the also extremely interesting world of art dealing and thievery. I've read several other books that deal with this world -- most of the buyers of stolen art are (of course) ultra-wealthy individuals, many in less-than-legitimate occupations. But where do you display stolen art? I suppose it is just an ego boost. Anyway, the main characters in this timeline are far from oligarchs or billionaires -- there's Emma, who goes to work as a housekeeper in Paris after her scholarship funding is stopped. One of her clients is Stella Swanson, whose late husband was the owner of a major art dealing business. Denied her right to take over the company, Stella, Emma, and her two roommates come up with a dangerous plan -- will it work?
This is another great read by Jo Piazza, an author I admire for her research and the ability to bring to life such well-thought-out characters. It's historical fiction at its best.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Dutton/Penguin Publishing Group for the eARC and the opportunity to read this novel. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
True to Jo Piazza’s brand, this is the story of several strong women who are shadow’s behind the men they love, yet end up making a name for themselves and shine in the highly competitive (and sometimes shady) art world.
I enjoyed both stories that slowly intertwined - the current day (ish) story of Stella, a recent widow who loses everything in a battle over inheritance and has to fight to earn her rightful spot at the family company, and the story of Jo and Claire from a century ago, who are striving to survive as they combine forces to bring van Gogh’s work the recognition it deserves.
There are several things I enjoyed about this book starting with the historical elements. Jo clearly did a lot of research in the art world, especially about Jo Van Gogh, to tell her story and it really is worth telling on its own, especially if you think about what was expected of women back in the 1800s.
I loved the parallels and commentary that comes through in both of the main plot lines - the strength of women to overcome their circumstances and fight for themselves, the importance of women relying and trusting their friends, and the tendency for history to forget women’s contributions unless they loudly advocate for their own stories.
While some of the twists and turns were a little over the top for my liking, I did for it all captivating and intriguing. Even when I didn’t always agree with or like the characters, I still couldn’t help but want to read on and learn more about what they were doing or see how it would play out.
All in all, 4.5 stars rounded up.
Thanks to Jo Piazza, Dutton, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed both stories that slowly intertwined - the current day (ish) story of Stella, a recent widow who loses everything in a battle over inheritance and has to fight to earn her rightful spot at the family company, and the story of Jo and Claire from a century ago, who are striving to survive as they combine forces to bring van Gogh’s work the recognition it deserves.
There are several things I enjoyed about this book starting with the historical elements. Jo clearly did a lot of research in the art world, especially about Jo Van Gogh, to tell her story and it really is worth telling on its own, especially if you think about what was expected of women back in the 1800s.
I loved the parallels and commentary that comes through in both of the main plot lines - the strength of women to overcome their circumstances and fight for themselves, the importance of women relying and trusting their friends, and the tendency for history to forget women’s contributions unless they loudly advocate for their own stories.
While some of the twists and turns were a little over the top for my liking, I did for it all captivating and intriguing. Even when I didn’t always agree with or like the characters, I still couldn’t help but want to read on and learn more about what they were doing or see how it would play out.
All in all, 4.5 stars rounded up.
Thanks to Jo Piazza, Dutton, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This novel is a blend of historical fiction and modern-day suspense, alternating between two perspectives and storylines. In the late 1800s, Jo Van Gogh, widow of Theo Van Gogh and sister-in-law to the late Vincent Van Gogh, struggles to make ends meet and to elevate the status of Vincent’s paintings in the male-dominated, shady dealings of the art world. Her devoted friend, Claire, supports her in this work and helps her run a boarding house. Together, they support themselves and work tirelessly to secure Van Gogh’s legacy.
In modern-day Paris, Emma cleans and cares for Stella Swanson, the widow of a wealthy art dealer. Emma befriends Stella, unwittingly being drawn into the swirl of schemes and intrigue in the Swanson family’s endless lust for power and wealth.
I really enjoyed reading the Van Gogh storyline in this novel. It was refreshing to look at the events from Jo and Claire’s perspective and appreciate their struggle to be heard and taken seriously at a time when men owned and ran absolutely everything. I also appreciated the portrayal of the strength and courage of the women in this story. While they are supposedly the “weaker sex”, it is the men who die young in this story, leaving the women to provide for themselves and others, securing the family legacy and providing for the next generation.
The modern storyline, told from Emma’s perspective, is set in a glittery world of art intrigue in Paris and Amsterdam. Stella Swanson presents as fragile and easily manipulated, and Emma feels compelled to protect her. This storyline reaches varying heights of drama with some unbelievable twists. The art heist itself was rather underwhelming and I had some difficulty taking the ending seriously, but it was a fun read overall.
In modern-day Paris, Emma cleans and cares for Stella Swanson, the widow of a wealthy art dealer. Emma befriends Stella, unwittingly being drawn into the swirl of schemes and intrigue in the Swanson family’s endless lust for power and wealth.
I really enjoyed reading the Van Gogh storyline in this novel. It was refreshing to look at the events from Jo and Claire’s perspective and appreciate their struggle to be heard and taken seriously at a time when men owned and ran absolutely everything. I also appreciated the portrayal of the strength and courage of the women in this story. While they are supposedly the “weaker sex”, it is the men who die young in this story, leaving the women to provide for themselves and others, securing the family legacy and providing for the next generation.
The modern storyline, told from Emma’s perspective, is set in a glittery world of art intrigue in Paris and Amsterdam. Stella Swanson presents as fragile and easily manipulated, and Emma feels compelled to protect her. This storyline reaches varying heights of drama with some unbelievable twists. The art heist itself was rather underwhelming and I had some difficulty taking the ending seriously, but it was a fun read overall.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advance copy of this book, Thank you.
This is my first Jo Piazza book, and it won't be my last. This story is told with two timelines ultimately being connected; both interesting, and giving the reader a glimpse into worlds that aren't well known.
In one story we meet Jo Van Gogh, the sister-in-law of Vincent Van Gogh and wife to Vincent's brother Theo. While alive, Vincent and Theo were very close, and while Vincent never achieved recognition for his art while alive, Theo was his main supporter, and his mission to was for Vincent to get the recognition he deserved. Sadly, he passed away before he could accomplish that. Jo, Theo's wife takes on his mission, and with the help of Claire, the two work ceaselessly. As the story unfolds, you follow the women, how their friendship forms, how they support each other, and how some conflict arises.
The second timeline follows 3 art students in Paris, Emma being the main character, and Stella, the widow of a wealth Art dealer. Emma and Stella come to know each other when Emma has run out of funding to continue her studies in Paris and has taken a job as a housekeeper for Stella. It doesn't take long for the two to connect through art, and Stella shares her fears that her family is determined to put her away and steal everything from her.
As the book unfolds, Jo Van Gogh, with the help of Claire, makes gains in a male dominated world, and accomplished feats that are remarkable given the time. Stella, while seemingly old and frail has been plotting her way back into the business her husband built, only to have it stolen at his death.
There is a lot of intrigue, planning, action and interesting background details. A really good read.
This is my first Jo Piazza book, and it won't be my last. This story is told with two timelines ultimately being connected; both interesting, and giving the reader a glimpse into worlds that aren't well known.
In one story we meet Jo Van Gogh, the sister-in-law of Vincent Van Gogh and wife to Vincent's brother Theo. While alive, Vincent and Theo were very close, and while Vincent never achieved recognition for his art while alive, Theo was his main supporter, and his mission to was for Vincent to get the recognition he deserved. Sadly, he passed away before he could accomplish that. Jo, Theo's wife takes on his mission, and with the help of Claire, the two work ceaselessly. As the story unfolds, you follow the women, how their friendship forms, how they support each other, and how some conflict arises.
The second timeline follows 3 art students in Paris, Emma being the main character, and Stella, the widow of a wealth Art dealer. Emma and Stella come to know each other when Emma has run out of funding to continue her studies in Paris and has taken a job as a housekeeper for Stella. It doesn't take long for the two to connect through art, and Stella shares her fears that her family is determined to put her away and steal everything from her.
As the book unfolds, Jo Van Gogh, with the help of Claire, makes gains in a male dominated world, and accomplished feats that are remarkable given the time. Stella, while seemingly old and frail has been plotting her way back into the business her husband built, only to have it stolen at his death.
There is a lot of intrigue, planning, action and interesting background details. A really good read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Dutton Books, and PRH Audio for the gifted advance copies. All opinions are my own.
THE PARISIAN HEIST is an ambitious novel spanning dual timelines set amid the art world. Jo Piazza is no stranger to sweeping historical suspense as evidenced by THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE which I loved.
In the late 1800s we have the story of Claire who has befriended Jo Van Gogh. Jo is working tirelessly to promote the work of her eccentric brother-in-law, Vincent. What Jo doesn’t know is that Claire is protecting a big secret.
In 1996, struggling art student Emma is employed as a cleaner for the matriarch through marriage of a wealthy and influential family. Stella Swanson has been denied access to the family’s fortune and devised a plot to get what she believes belongs to her. All she needs is for Emma to agree to an ambitious heist of priceless artwork.
There are MANY moving parts to this story. I’m both timelines, women are working hard to have their voices and opinions heard in a patriarchal environment. The most fascinating part of the story for me was watching these women outthink and outmaneuver the men who did not taken them seriously.
I had a few issues with this book; primarily with the pacing (there were long stretches of nothing happening) and the probability (I’m not used to suspending this much disbelief in historical fiction). While the research into the time periods and art world was detailed, I found myself struggling to connect all the dots.
The narration performed by Allyson Ryan and Brittany Presley was well done, there was not enough differentiation between the timelines for me to easily figure out where I was in the story. This is one where the physical read was a better choice for me.
Readers who enjoy stories about strong women succeeding in a man’s world and rich historical references will enjoy Piazza’s latest novel. The Paris setting is sublime in both timelines.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dutton Books, and PRH Audio for the gifted advance copies. All opinions are my own.
THE PARISIAN HEIST is an ambitious novel spanning dual timelines set amid the art world. Jo Piazza is no stranger to sweeping historical suspense as evidenced by THE SICILIAN INHERITANCE which I loved.
In the late 1800s we have the story of Claire who has befriended Jo Van Gogh. Jo is working tirelessly to promote the work of her eccentric brother-in-law, Vincent. What Jo doesn’t know is that Claire is protecting a big secret.
In 1996, struggling art student Emma is employed as a cleaner for the matriarch through marriage of a wealthy and influential family. Stella Swanson has been denied access to the family’s fortune and devised a plot to get what she believes belongs to her. All she needs is for Emma to agree to an ambitious heist of priceless artwork.
There are MANY moving parts to this story. I’m both timelines, women are working hard to have their voices and opinions heard in a patriarchal environment. The most fascinating part of the story for me was watching these women outthink and outmaneuver the men who did not taken them seriously.
I had a few issues with this book; primarily with the pacing (there were long stretches of nothing happening) and the probability (I’m not used to suspending this much disbelief in historical fiction). While the research into the time periods and art world was detailed, I found myself struggling to connect all the dots.
The narration performed by Allyson Ryan and Brittany Presley was well done, there was not enough differentiation between the timelines for me to easily figure out where I was in the story. This is one where the physical read was a better choice for me.
Readers who enjoy stories about strong women succeeding in a man’s world and rich historical references will enjoy Piazza’s latest novel. The Paris setting is sublime in both timelines.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Parisian Heist is one of those books that pulls you in with the setting first—and then keeps you there with the drama.
You get two timelines: one following Emma, a struggling artist in present-day Paris who gets pulled into this very elite, very shady art world… and the other following Jo van Gogh in the late 1800s, trying to prove Vincent’s work actually matters (which we obviously know it does, but watching her fight for that recognition is so interesting).
Emma’s storyline is definitely the more fast-paced, almost addictive one. There’s wealth, power, manipulation, and just enough tension to make you feel like something is always about to go wrong. The whole “cleaner turned insider turned accomplice” arc is fun, messy, and a little chaotic in a good way. And yes—there’s a heist element that adds a nice layer of excitement without turning it into a full-on thriller.
Jo’s timeline is slower, but it adds depth. It leans more emotional and historical, and I actually appreciated how it showed the struggle behind building a legacy—especially as a woman trying to be taken seriously in that time.
The art world backdrop is what really makes this stand out. It feels glamorous but also a little corrupt, and the contrast between beauty and greed is done really well.
My only slight issue is that the pacing between timelines isn’t always even—Emma’s story had me way more hooked, so I found myself rushing a bit to get back to her chapters.
Overall, this is a solid, immersive read. If you like dual timelines, strong female leads, and a mix of history, art, and quiet suspense, this one is definitely worth picking up.
You get two timelines: one following Emma, a struggling artist in present-day Paris who gets pulled into this very elite, very shady art world… and the other following Jo van Gogh in the late 1800s, trying to prove Vincent’s work actually matters (which we obviously know it does, but watching her fight for that recognition is so interesting).
Emma’s storyline is definitely the more fast-paced, almost addictive one. There’s wealth, power, manipulation, and just enough tension to make you feel like something is always about to go wrong. The whole “cleaner turned insider turned accomplice” arc is fun, messy, and a little chaotic in a good way. And yes—there’s a heist element that adds a nice layer of excitement without turning it into a full-on thriller.
Jo’s timeline is slower, but it adds depth. It leans more emotional and historical, and I actually appreciated how it showed the struggle behind building a legacy—especially as a woman trying to be taken seriously in that time.
The art world backdrop is what really makes this stand out. It feels glamorous but also a little corrupt, and the contrast between beauty and greed is done really well.
My only slight issue is that the pacing between timelines isn’t always even—Emma’s story had me way more hooked, so I found myself rushing a bit to get back to her chapters.
Overall, this is a solid, immersive read. If you like dual timelines, strong female leads, and a mix of history, art, and quiet suspense, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza, and I was excited to see she has a new thriller coming out in July 2026. The Parisian Heist is a fabulous novel with a great plot and wonderful characters, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a heavy dose of art history.
The story is told from two viewpoints in two different times: in the modern (but pre-internet) timeline, Emma is a student studying art in Paris who works as a maid for an eccentric woman with a fascinating history; in the late nineteenth century, Claire is a prostitute who had a long relationship with Theo van Gogh and who insinuated herself into the life of his widow, Jo. Both Emma and Claire are poverty stricken and desperate, which greatly influences their thoughts and actions. The friendships that develop in both storylines are wonderful to watch, and the lore around Vincent van Gogh builds over time throughout the book.
The story moves at a quick pace and is very well written; I kept wanting to continue reading both sides of the story. The two plots ultimately cross paths in an interesting way, and the story has a fascinating way of seeming absolutely true when it does.
The descriptions of various works of art both by van Gogh and others are excellent, and I often paused reading to look at images described in the book. I was thrilled to discover many works I did not know about before. It was a similar experience to how I felt reading Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch; I think fans of that book would enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story is told from two viewpoints in two different times: in the modern (but pre-internet) timeline, Emma is a student studying art in Paris who works as a maid for an eccentric woman with a fascinating history; in the late nineteenth century, Claire is a prostitute who had a long relationship with Theo van Gogh and who insinuated herself into the life of his widow, Jo. Both Emma and Claire are poverty stricken and desperate, which greatly influences their thoughts and actions. The friendships that develop in both storylines are wonderful to watch, and the lore around Vincent van Gogh builds over time throughout the book.
The story moves at a quick pace and is very well written; I kept wanting to continue reading both sides of the story. The two plots ultimately cross paths in an interesting way, and the story has a fascinating way of seeming absolutely true when it does.
The descriptions of various works of art both by van Gogh and others are excellent, and I often paused reading to look at images described in the book. I was thrilled to discover many works I did not know about before. It was a similar experience to how I felt reading Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch; I think fans of that book would enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza, and I was excited to see she has a new thriller coming out in July 2026. The Parisian Heist is a fabulous novel with a great plot and wonderful characters, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a heavy dose of art history.
The story is told from two viewpoints in two different times: in the modern (but pre-internet) timeline, Emma is a student studying art in Paris who works as a maid for an eccentric woman with a fascinating history; in the late nineteenth century, Claire is a prostitute who had a long relationship with Theo van Gogh and who insinuated herself into the life of his widow, Jo. Both Emma and Claire are poverty stricken and desperate, which greatly influences their thoughts and actions. The friendships that develop in both storylines are wonderful to watch, and the lore around Vincent van Gogh builds over time throughout the book.
The story moves at a quick pace and is very well written; I kept wanting to continue reading both sides of the story. The two plots ultimately cross paths in an interesting way, and the story has a fascinating way of seeming absolutely true when it does.
The descriptions of various works of art both by van Gogh and others are excellent, and I often paused reading to look at images described in the book. I was thrilled to discover many works I did not know about before. It was a similar experience to how I felt reading Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch; I think fans of that book would enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story is told from two viewpoints in two different times: in the modern (but pre-internet) timeline, Emma is a student studying art in Paris who works as a maid for an eccentric woman with a fascinating history; in the late nineteenth century, Claire is a prostitute who had a long relationship with Theo van Gogh and who insinuated herself into the life of his widow, Jo. Both Emma and Claire are poverty stricken and desperate, which greatly influences their thoughts and actions. The friendships that develop in both storylines are wonderful to watch, and the lore around Vincent van Gogh builds over time throughout the book.
The story moves at a quick pace and is very well written; I kept wanting to continue reading both sides of the story. The two plots ultimately cross paths in an interesting way, and the story has a fascinating way of seeming absolutely true when it does.
The descriptions of various works of art both by van Gogh and others are excellent, and I often paused reading to look at images described in the book. I was thrilled to discover many works I did not know about before. It was a similar experience to how I felt reading Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch; I think fans of that book would enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a book about the power of women. It runs in two timelines - one in the late 1800s and one in the 1990s. In the 1800s, the story follows the sister-in-law of Vincent Van Gogh and her friend and confidante, Claire. Jo Van Gogh is on a mission to make sure the world learns of Vincent's genius - partly so she can survive as a widow and partly to finish the work of her late husband. In the more recent timeline, we are following the perspective of a young art student (Emma) who works for a wealthy, older, widowed woman. The two team up (along with friends of Emma) to pull off an elaborate art heist. The two timelines do have a connection, but I will not spoil that.
My favorite part of the book was the mentions of various paintings. I spent a lot of time googling the paintings while reading the book. Art History was my favorite class in college, so this book was a nice reminder of that class. I also enjoyed that all the women in the book, even though they were all underestimated and marginalized by men, did not let their circumstances hold them back from bigger and better things. My least favorite part was the back and forth between each timeline. Each new chapter switches to the other timeline. I did not feel like I could really get into either story because of this. I would have preferred fewer switches.
My rating is a 3.5, rounded up to a 4. There were parts of the book that dragged on a bit, and as mentioned above, I wish we could have lived in each timeline for longer before switching to the other.
Thank you, Dutton, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
My favorite part of the book was the mentions of various paintings. I spent a lot of time googling the paintings while reading the book. Art History was my favorite class in college, so this book was a nice reminder of that class. I also enjoyed that all the women in the book, even though they were all underestimated and marginalized by men, did not let their circumstances hold them back from bigger and better things. My least favorite part was the back and forth between each timeline. Each new chapter switches to the other timeline. I did not feel like I could really get into either story because of this. I would have preferred fewer switches.
My rating is a 3.5, rounded up to a 4. There were parts of the book that dragged on a bit, and as mentioned above, I wish we could have lived in each timeline for longer before switching to the other.
Thank you, Dutton, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
April 19, 2026
Review of advance copy received by NetGalley
Summary: The Parisian Heist is a dual timeline story featuring women with parallel and connected lives. The story is told from the perspectives of Emma, a struggling American artist in Paris in the 1990s who’s drawn into the world of art dealing to the wealthy, and Claire, an employee and friend of Jo van Gogh in the late nineteenth/early twentieth century. Jo has inherited her brother-in-law Vincent’s hundreds of paintings and is determined to prove their genius and sell them. These women’s lives intersect when Emma agrees to execute a heist inside the Musée d’Orsay.
What I liked: The book contains adventure, romance, crime, betrayal, history, class struggles, family drama, and female friendship — and weaves it together brilliantly.
It’s clear Piazza did an incredible amount of research in writing this novel. Her detailed descriptions of Paris and Amsterdam as well as the artwork mentioned make us feel as though we are strolling the streets of these cities or gazing at a piece of art alongside the characters. Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo come to life for us through their letters. She provides an in-depth look at the “dark” art market in a way that engages and intrigues the reader. The heist is nuanced and clever, and the characters complex.
As always, Piazza’s story is full of strong women who refuse to accept the limitations of their circumstances and who recognize the exponential power of women coming together to achieve a common goal. It’s a powerful reminder of the invisible — but impactful — work done by women throughout time.
Lastly, the story is full of twists, leaving readers surprised and impressed with the cunning minds of several characters.
What didn’t work for me: Nothing. (Seriously!)
TL;DR: This may be Jo Piazza’s best novel yet, and I’ll be shocked if it’s not one of the summer’s most popular releases.
Summary: The Parisian Heist is a dual timeline story featuring women with parallel and connected lives. The story is told from the perspectives of Emma, a struggling American artist in Paris in the 1990s who’s drawn into the world of art dealing to the wealthy, and Claire, an employee and friend of Jo van Gogh in the late nineteenth/early twentieth century. Jo has inherited her brother-in-law Vincent’s hundreds of paintings and is determined to prove their genius and sell them. These women’s lives intersect when Emma agrees to execute a heist inside the Musée d’Orsay.
What I liked: The book contains adventure, romance, crime, betrayal, history, class struggles, family drama, and female friendship — and weaves it together brilliantly.
It’s clear Piazza did an incredible amount of research in writing this novel. Her detailed descriptions of Paris and Amsterdam as well as the artwork mentioned make us feel as though we are strolling the streets of these cities or gazing at a piece of art alongside the characters. Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo come to life for us through their letters. She provides an in-depth look at the “dark” art market in a way that engages and intrigues the reader. The heist is nuanced and clever, and the characters complex.
As always, Piazza’s story is full of strong women who refuse to accept the limitations of their circumstances and who recognize the exponential power of women coming together to achieve a common goal. It’s a powerful reminder of the invisible — but impactful — work done by women throughout time.
Lastly, the story is full of twists, leaving readers surprised and impressed with the cunning minds of several characters.
What didn’t work for me: Nothing. (Seriously!)
TL;DR: This may be Jo Piazza’s best novel yet, and I’ll be shocked if it’s not one of the summer’s most popular releases.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I picked up The Parisian Heist expecting a stylish art-world thriller. What I didn't expect was to finish it thinking mostly about Jo van Gogh... the widow whose fierce, unflinching belief in her brother-in-law's (Vincent) work helped shape one of the most remarkable artistic legacies in history. The heist is the hook. Jo is the heart.
Piazza weaves two timelines with real confidence: Emma, a struggling young artist turned reluctant cleaner, drawn into the orbit of a wealthy Parisian dynasty with secrets worth stealing; and Jo van Gogh, in late 1800s Amsterdam, fighting to make the world see what she already sees in Vincent's paintings. Both women are refusing, in their different ways, to become footnotes. The dual timeline never wobbles, and the historical chapters gave me a genuine new appreciation for just how much the art world owes to one determined woman.
Running quietly beneath the glamour and the intrigue is a preoccupation with forgiveness... of others, of the past, of ourselves. "All things can be forgiven with time." It's a line that lands differently depending on which timeline you're in, and that kind of resonance is what lifts this above a straightforward heist novel. The Paris and Amsterdam settings are vividly realised, the art-world details feel authentic without ever slowing the pace, and the payoff when the heist finally comes is rewarding.
Thank you to Jo Piazza, Penguin Books, and Edelweiss for providing an advanced copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Piazza weaves two timelines with real confidence: Emma, a struggling young artist turned reluctant cleaner, drawn into the orbit of a wealthy Parisian dynasty with secrets worth stealing; and Jo van Gogh, in late 1800s Amsterdam, fighting to make the world see what she already sees in Vincent's paintings. Both women are refusing, in their different ways, to become footnotes. The dual timeline never wobbles, and the historical chapters gave me a genuine new appreciation for just how much the art world owes to one determined woman.
Running quietly beneath the glamour and the intrigue is a preoccupation with forgiveness... of others, of the past, of ourselves. "All things can be forgiven with time." It's a line that lands differently depending on which timeline you're in, and that kind of resonance is what lifts this above a straightforward heist novel. The Paris and Amsterdam settings are vividly realised, the art-world details feel authentic without ever slowing the pace, and the payoff when the heist finally comes is rewarding.
Thank you to Jo Piazza, Penguin Books, and Edelweiss for providing an advanced copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first Jo Piazza book, and it absolutely will not be my last.
Oh my goodness... I loved, loved, LOVED this book. The dual timelines were equally compelling, and I was completely invested in both stories from beginning to end. Claire and Emma were such strong, engaging characters, and I loved following their journeys as they navigated worlds that often seemed designed to keep women from succeeding.
What stood out most to me was the power of female friendship woven throughout both timelines. Watching women support one another, break down barriers, and accomplish incredible things together is one of my favorite themes, and this book delivered it beautifully. Stella was fascinating—her determination and cunning seemed to know no bounds.
I also appreciated how the historical storyline brought Jo and Claire to life in a way that deepened my interest in Van Gogh and the art world. The history felt accessible, meaningful, and incredibly well researched. (read the author's note at the end, to learn more)
This is one of those books I finished and immediately wanted to tell everyone about. I'll be recommending it to my book club, my friends, and pretty much anyone who will listen.
A fantastic read that reminded me just how powerful women can be when they refuse to let the world define their limits.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Imprint for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Life is too serious—go enjoy some fiction - and this one is a great escape!
Oh my goodness... I loved, loved, LOVED this book. The dual timelines were equally compelling, and I was completely invested in both stories from beginning to end. Claire and Emma were such strong, engaging characters, and I loved following their journeys as they navigated worlds that often seemed designed to keep women from succeeding.
What stood out most to me was the power of female friendship woven throughout both timelines. Watching women support one another, break down barriers, and accomplish incredible things together is one of my favorite themes, and this book delivered it beautifully. Stella was fascinating—her determination and cunning seemed to know no bounds.
I also appreciated how the historical storyline brought Jo and Claire to life in a way that deepened my interest in Van Gogh and the art world. The history felt accessible, meaningful, and incredibly well researched. (read the author's note at the end, to learn more)
This is one of those books I finished and immediately wanted to tell everyone about. I'll be recommending it to my book club, my friends, and pretty much anyone who will listen.
A fantastic read that reminded me just how powerful women can be when they refuse to let the world define their limits.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Imprint for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Life is too serious—go enjoy some fiction - and this one is a great escape!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars
For me, this book is all about the atmospheric elements. The time I've spent in Europe has all been infused by art appreciation and two of my three favorite places to experience that are featured in this book. While I can often mostly separate myself and my experiences from a book's content to some degree, I found these elements were immediately unlocking powerful (positive) memories for me. This extremely personal connection made me really connect with this book in ways I think I may not have otherwise. I still think I'd have liked it, but prospective readers who also have really dreamy associations like this may find themselves getting even more out of this read.
This book is full of scrappy, resourceful, layered women characters, and I loved following their journeys, aspirations, and realities. They all have to make decisions between surviving, doing what they want, doing what's best, and operating in a way that sometimes forces them to make tough decisions that cause them guilt or pain later. This element of the text - delving into these women's motivations and outcomes - was more interesting to me than any available thrills or reveals. If you're looking for an intriguing character study, this is a fulfilling way to get it.
Come to this for compelling characters, art chat, European musings, lust, and some intriguing historical context, too. Already looking forward to what's next from Piazza!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
For me, this book is all about the atmospheric elements. The time I've spent in Europe has all been infused by art appreciation and two of my three favorite places to experience that are featured in this book. While I can often mostly separate myself and my experiences from a book's content to some degree, I found these elements were immediately unlocking powerful (positive) memories for me. This extremely personal connection made me really connect with this book in ways I think I may not have otherwise. I still think I'd have liked it, but prospective readers who also have really dreamy associations like this may find themselves getting even more out of this read.
This book is full of scrappy, resourceful, layered women characters, and I loved following their journeys, aspirations, and realities. They all have to make decisions between surviving, doing what they want, doing what's best, and operating in a way that sometimes forces them to make tough decisions that cause them guilt or pain later. This element of the text - delving into these women's motivations and outcomes - was more interesting to me than any available thrills or reveals. If you're looking for an intriguing character study, this is a fulfilling way to get it.
Come to this for compelling characters, art chat, European musings, lust, and some intriguing historical context, too. Already looking forward to what's next from Piazza!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza
Publishing July 14 by Dutton Books
📖 This dual timeline historical fiction mystery / art heist is set in Paris in both 1996 and the late 1800’s. The earlier timeline follows Claire, who has befriended Jo Van Gogh (Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law) after both Vincent and Jo’s husband Theo have passed and left her all of Vincent’s artwork and the task of promoting him and his work. Jo believes her meeting and subsequent friendship with Claire to be happenstance, while Claire is hiding her past connection to Jo’s husband. Together, they work to bring Vincent to fame. In the late 90’s, struggling artist Emma meets the step-Matriarch of an extremely wealthy art dealer family, and must decide whether to entertain Stella Swanson’s odd and dangerous request, for the chance to make millions.
💭 This was such an interesting read, especially for someone who knows so little of the art world and how art is dealt and purchased. I know even less of Van Gogh (aside from cutting his ear off), so learning more of his rise to fame was so interesting. And further proof that behind each interesting man is the even more interesting woman who did all the work (kidding, not kidding). Both timelines held my attention, however the tone of them was very different and therefore took time at each timeline change for me to settle back into the plot and characters. This is a great read for historical mystery lovers, and such a unique timeframe and premise.
Thank you Dutton Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Publishing July 14 by Dutton Books
📖 This dual timeline historical fiction mystery / art heist is set in Paris in both 1996 and the late 1800’s. The earlier timeline follows Claire, who has befriended Jo Van Gogh (Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law) after both Vincent and Jo’s husband Theo have passed and left her all of Vincent’s artwork and the task of promoting him and his work. Jo believes her meeting and subsequent friendship with Claire to be happenstance, while Claire is hiding her past connection to Jo’s husband. Together, they work to bring Vincent to fame. In the late 90’s, struggling artist Emma meets the step-Matriarch of an extremely wealthy art dealer family, and must decide whether to entertain Stella Swanson’s odd and dangerous request, for the chance to make millions.
💭 This was such an interesting read, especially for someone who knows so little of the art world and how art is dealt and purchased. I know even less of Van Gogh (aside from cutting his ear off), so learning more of his rise to fame was so interesting. And further proof that behind each interesting man is the even more interesting woman who did all the work (kidding, not kidding). Both timelines held my attention, however the tone of them was very different and therefore took time at each timeline change for me to settle back into the plot and characters. This is a great read for historical mystery lovers, and such a unique timeframe and premise.
Thank you Dutton Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Great fun! A great heist, the Impressionist art world, and Paris! What's not to love? I really enjoyed this book so much. While I am growing weary of the the duel time- line story telling method which has become greatly over used of late, I did enjoy this one. The duel time lines were very well connected as the story unfolded. Both featured strong women who had to survive in the male dominated art world, but found ways to outplay them to achieve their goals with the help of other strong women.
One of the women, Claire, helped Jo Van Gogh in her tireless effort to make sure the world understood the great talent of her BIL Vincent. The author clearly did a great deal of research into the life and career of both of them, to bring to life a very accurate portrayal of the time period. The other woman, Emma, helped Stella bring down a corrupt art dealer dynasty. She was always dismissed as "the wife", but was always observing how the family operated and knew how to beat them at their own game.
This was a fairly quick read, unless you stop to look up all the artwork mentioned ;). It moved along at a good pace and kept me wanting to turn the page. Of the two story lines I was little more invested in Emma's. Being an Impressionist and Post-impressionist junky, much of Jo's story was not new to me. Also- I love a good heist where arrogant men get what they deserve.
This is the second book by this author that I have enjoyed- The Italian Inheritance being the other.
Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC opportunity!
One of the women, Claire, helped Jo Van Gogh in her tireless effort to make sure the world understood the great talent of her BIL Vincent. The author clearly did a great deal of research into the life and career of both of them, to bring to life a very accurate portrayal of the time period. The other woman, Emma, helped Stella bring down a corrupt art dealer dynasty. She was always dismissed as "the wife", but was always observing how the family operated and knew how to beat them at their own game.
This was a fairly quick read, unless you stop to look up all the artwork mentioned ;). It moved along at a good pace and kept me wanting to turn the page. Of the two story lines I was little more invested in Emma's. Being an Impressionist and Post-impressionist junky, much of Jo's story was not new to me. Also- I love a good heist where arrogant men get what they deserve.
This is the second book by this author that I have enjoyed- The Italian Inheritance being the other.
Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In 1996, after American student Emma lost her scholarship to study art in Paris, she began working for Stella Swanson, whose late husband had managed one of the world's largest art conglomerates. As the two women grow closer, Stella confides in Emma, sharing shocking secrets about the Swanson family business. The story shifts to 1891, when two very different women form a bond. It has been a year since Vincent van Gogh's suicide, and his sister-in-law Jo is now a widow, left alone with a young son. Her husband Theo passed away from illness after tirelessly trying to gain public recognition for Vincent's paintings, but without success. Jo decides that her life's mission is to get Vincent's work noticed. A woman named Claire, who has a hidden connection to Theo, comes into Jo's life and helps in her efforts. When the story returns to the modern timeline, Stella recruits Emma and her two roommates in an elaborate scheme to expose the corrupt dealings of the Swanson empire.
The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza is an engaging, multi-genre novel. It combines the thrill of a mystery featuring a clever art heist with fascinating historical fiction. While everyone is familiar with Vincent van Gogh, the story of Jo and her impact on art history is far less recognized. Without his dedicated sister-in-law, the world might never have discovered his masterpieces. This fast-paced book led me to explore more about Jo online. If you enjoy stories set in the art world, check this one out.
Many thanks to Dutton for the advance.
4.5 stars.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza is an engaging, multi-genre novel. It combines the thrill of a mystery featuring a clever art heist with fascinating historical fiction. While everyone is familiar with Vincent van Gogh, the story of Jo and her impact on art history is far less recognized. Without his dedicated sister-in-law, the world might never have discovered his masterpieces. This fast-paced book led me to explore more about Jo online. If you enjoy stories set in the art world, check this one out.
Many thanks to Dutton for the advance.
4.5 stars.
Review to be posted on MicheleReader.com.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Dutton Books and NetGalley for an eARC of The Parisian Heist.
1996: Emma moved to Paris to go to art school on a scholarship. When her funding suddenly dries up, she begins cleaning houses for the wealthy to put away enough money for her tuition. This is how she meets Stella Swanson, who is the widow of one of the world's most successful art dealers. Drawn into their world of intrigue and high stakes deals, Emma discovers some of the secrets the Swansons would do anything to protect.
1891: Recently widowed Jo Van Gogh has nothing to her name but the paintings of her deceased brother-in-law. Determined to live out her late husband's dreams, Jo sets out to convince the world of Vincent's genius and cement her husband's legacy. Though these women lived a hundred years apart, they have more in common than they might think.
This slow burn mystery had so much going on: historical fiction, art, the insane world of art dealers, museums, a high stakes heist and female friendships. The way the plot unfolded was deliciously complicated and helped to build anticipation to the big reveal. I really enjoyed the way the author wove together the two timelines, 1891 and 1996 and how the connections between the two were revealed. The characters from both timelines were incredibly interesting and I loved the way all of the characters were given a chance to rewrite their own story.
I don’t know much about Impressionist art aside from recognizing many of the names in the story. I definitely learn a lot and appreciated the authors note at the end for context.
1996: Emma moved to Paris to go to art school on a scholarship. When her funding suddenly dries up, she begins cleaning houses for the wealthy to put away enough money for her tuition. This is how she meets Stella Swanson, who is the widow of one of the world's most successful art dealers. Drawn into their world of intrigue and high stakes deals, Emma discovers some of the secrets the Swansons would do anything to protect.
1891: Recently widowed Jo Van Gogh has nothing to her name but the paintings of her deceased brother-in-law. Determined to live out her late husband's dreams, Jo sets out to convince the world of Vincent's genius and cement her husband's legacy. Though these women lived a hundred years apart, they have more in common than they might think.
This slow burn mystery had so much going on: historical fiction, art, the insane world of art dealers, museums, a high stakes heist and female friendships. The way the plot unfolded was deliciously complicated and helped to build anticipation to the big reveal. I really enjoyed the way the author wove together the two timelines, 1891 and 1996 and how the connections between the two were revealed. The characters from both timelines were incredibly interesting and I loved the way all of the characters were given a chance to rewrite their own story.
I don’t know much about Impressionist art aside from recognizing many of the names in the story. I definitely learn a lot and appreciated the authors note at the end for context.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One of the best books I've read so far this year.
In 1990s Paris, Emma is a struggling American art student who has traded her dreams for a job cleaning the apartments of the city’s wealthy elite. When she’s drawn into the orbit of one of her clients, she finds herself pulled deep into the glittering, ruthless world of high-end art dealing, where nothing and no one is quite what they seem.
A century earlier, the young widow Jo van Gogh has inherited hundreds of her brother-in-law Vincent’s paintings, which the art world has dismissed as worthless. Determined to prove his genius and secure a future for herself and her young son, she risks everything to cement his legacy.
This book has everything: intrigue, art, history, and even a little bit of romance. Both timelines genuinely work, and Piazza weaves the two together with real skill. I found myself just as invested in the story of Claire and Jo van Gogh as I was in Emma’s. The art history and politics of the art market threaded throughout add a rich layer of texture, while the pacing kept me turning pages well past my bedtime.
This was a fantastic read that I would recommend to anyone who loves art-themed books, as well as to anyone who loves thrilling stories that combine history and intrigue. A perfect pick for fans of dual timeline historical fiction with a propulsive edge.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In 1990s Paris, Emma is a struggling American art student who has traded her dreams for a job cleaning the apartments of the city’s wealthy elite. When she’s drawn into the orbit of one of her clients, she finds herself pulled deep into the glittering, ruthless world of high-end art dealing, where nothing and no one is quite what they seem.
A century earlier, the young widow Jo van Gogh has inherited hundreds of her brother-in-law Vincent’s paintings, which the art world has dismissed as worthless. Determined to prove his genius and secure a future for herself and her young son, she risks everything to cement his legacy.
This book has everything: intrigue, art, history, and even a little bit of romance. Both timelines genuinely work, and Piazza weaves the two together with real skill. I found myself just as invested in the story of Claire and Jo van Gogh as I was in Emma’s. The art history and politics of the art market threaded throughout add a rich layer of texture, while the pacing kept me turning pages well past my bedtime.
This was a fantastic read that I would recommend to anyone who loves art-themed books, as well as to anyone who loves thrilling stories that combine history and intrigue. A perfect pick for fans of dual timeline historical fiction with a propulsive edge.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jo Piazza's newest novel, "The Parisian Heist," is an over-the-top soap opera-adjacent novel of greed, privilege, larceny, and the corruption that power and control can wield within the world of art.
Its strength lies in its two interconnected timelines that connect a cast of characters in each period. These real and fictionalized book folks are set in the glamorous, dazzling, and oftimes corrupt world of high-end, high-stakes ART.
Piazza's novels often focus on strong female characters making their way in a time or place when independent women are, at the least, undervalued and conversely, at the worst, deemed dangerous to the status quo. This novel definitely follows that theme.
Alternating between 1881 Paris and Amsterdam and 1996 New York City and Paris, the reader is transported into the danger times and intrigues that existed in each era for artists, art historians, and those who swim in the very exclusive, but dangerous world of art auction and sales.
This novel employs both a fictionalized narrative as well as the quite factual (and bigger than life truths) of the genius and the realities of the deeply emotional struggles and brilliance of the one and only Vincent Van Gosh.
My thanks and appreciation to the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for making this galley proof copy available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
"The Parisian Heist" will enjoy a publication date of July 14, 2026.
Its strength lies in its two interconnected timelines that connect a cast of characters in each period. These real and fictionalized book folks are set in the glamorous, dazzling, and oftimes corrupt world of high-end, high-stakes ART.
Piazza's novels often focus on strong female characters making their way in a time or place when independent women are, at the least, undervalued and conversely, at the worst, deemed dangerous to the status quo. This novel definitely follows that theme.
Alternating between 1881 Paris and Amsterdam and 1996 New York City and Paris, the reader is transported into the danger times and intrigues that existed in each era for artists, art historians, and those who swim in the very exclusive, but dangerous world of art auction and sales.
This novel employs both a fictionalized narrative as well as the quite factual (and bigger than life truths) of the genius and the realities of the deeply emotional struggles and brilliance of the one and only Vincent Van Gosh.
My thanks and appreciation to the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for making this galley proof copy available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
"The Parisian Heist" will enjoy a publication date of July 14, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“For every woman who has done the invisible, uncredited labor that has elevated culture, built societies, and made our world a better place.” That quote perfectly captures the heart of The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza. This was historical fiction meets mystery with a glamorous art world backdrop, dual timelines, family secrets, and a surprisingly emotional story about the women history tends to overlook.
The historical storyline following Jo van Gogh was easily my favorite part of the novel. I loved learning about the woman who fought to preserve and elevate Vincent van Gogh’s legacy while navigating a male-dominated art world. The amount of research woven into the story really shows, and it made the historical sections feel rich and immersive. The modern-day timeline added the mystery and suspense element with art fraud, hidden agendas, and a daring museum heist that kept the pacing moving.
Jo Piazza does such a great job writing ambitious, complicated women, and this book felt like a love letter to the unseen work women have contributed throughout history. The Paris and Amsterdam settings, the art world intrigue, and the blend of friendship, betrayal, romance, and mystery made this an addictive read.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“For every woman who has done the invisible, uncredited labor that has elevated culture, built societies, and made our world a better place.” That quote perfectly captures the heart of The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza. This was historical fiction meets mystery with a glamorous art world backdrop, dual timelines, family secrets, and a surprisingly emotional story about the women history tends to overlook.
The historical storyline following Jo van Gogh was easily my favorite part of the novel. I loved learning about the woman who fought to preserve and elevate Vincent van Gogh’s legacy while navigating a male-dominated art world. The amount of research woven into the story really shows, and it made the historical sections feel rich and immersive. The modern-day timeline added the mystery and suspense element with art fraud, hidden agendas, and a daring museum heist that kept the pacing moving.
Jo Piazza does such a great job writing ambitious, complicated women, and this book felt like a love letter to the unseen work women have contributed throughout history. The Paris and Amsterdam settings, the art world intrigue, and the blend of friendship, betrayal, romance, and mystery made this an addictive read.
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