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The Lost Painting: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 1 Dec 26A stolen work of art and a murder connect two women across time in a thrilling and emotional novel about sisters, secrets, and healing the wounds of the past by the author of The Restoration Garden.
To rebuild her life, grieving widow Maya Bishop moves to a cottage she inherited in the Pacific Northwest, next door to a charming new neighbor, Nick. She is looking to regain some peace. But one day Maya finds a painting with a bloodstained frame hidden in a linen chest. On the back of the canvas is a confession—I killed her. I’m sorry. Before she knows it, Maya is drawn into a decades-old mystery.
In 1943, Ava Holland applies for a job at Covington Estate in North Carolina, home to an eccentric railroad baron and a testament to the greed of the richest echelons of society. Except Ava’s position as a domestic is a guise. She’s there to find out who killed her sister, Isabelle—a passionate art lover, a dedicated curator for the Met, and as the fiancée of the Covington heir, a woman marrying into a house of secrets.
Separated by time, the journeys of two women—one searching for healing and a second chance at love, the other for justice—are about to converge.
2026 by Sara O’Shaughnessy. ℗ 2026 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
To rebuild her life, grieving widow Maya Bishop moves to a cottage she inherited in the Pacific Northwest, next door to a charming new neighbor, Nick. She is looking to regain some peace. But one day Maya finds a painting with a bloodstained frame hidden in a linen chest. On the back of the canvas is a confession—I killed her. I’m sorry. Before she knows it, Maya is drawn into a decades-old mystery.
In 1943, Ava Holland applies for a job at Covington Estate in North Carolina, home to an eccentric railroad baron and a testament to the greed of the richest echelons of society. Except Ava’s position as a domestic is a guise. She’s there to find out who killed her sister, Isabelle—a passionate art lover, a dedicated curator for the Met, and as the fiancée of the Covington heir, a woman marrying into a house of secrets.
Separated by time, the journeys of two women—one searching for healing and a second chance at love, the other for justice—are about to converge.
2026 by Sara O’Shaughnessy. ℗ 2026 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Audible Audio
Expected publication December 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've loved Sara Blaydes' previous books, so I was especially excited when I heard about this one, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations. I loved that both timelines were equally interesting and that I never felt like I was waiting to get through one to return to the other. Maya's discovery of the painting, especially the bloodstained frame and the confession written on the back, immediately gave the present-day storyline an intriguing mystery. Then there's Ava's story in 1943, where she takes a position at the Covington Estate under a false identity because she believes there is more to her sister Isabelle's death than what everyone has been told. I really liked how different the circumstances were for these two women, but how their stories were ultimately connected through the painting.
The historical details were probably one of my favorite parts. I knew artwork had been hidden during WWII to protect it from the Nazis, but I had never really thought about wealthy American families and their estates being involved in safeguarding valuable works of art. Learning that these pieces could be hidden away in private homes and estates was fascinating to me. I love when historical fiction introduces me to something I didn't know before, especially when it's woven into the actual mystery rather than feeling like a history lesson. I also enjoyed the connection to the Metropolitan Museum of Art through Isabelle's work as a curator and how the painting's history became such an important part of uncovering the truth.
I thought the Covington Estate was a particularly interesting setting, too. The contrast between the family's enormous wealth and the secrets hiding within the household added another dimension to Ava's storyline. There was also something compelling about having Ava enter that world as a domestic while knowing she was there for an entirely different reason. Meanwhile, Maya's storyline brought a different emotional element as she tried to find her footing after losing her husband and was unexpectedly pulled into a mystery that had been waiting decades to be uncovered. I liked that the book gave both women their own stories rather than making one feel like a secondary addition to the other.
What I appreciated most was how the two timelines worked together to slowly reveal the painting's history and bring the different pieces of the mystery into focus. It made the painting feel like so much more than a missing work of art; it carried years of history, secrets, and unanswered questions with it. Between the historical research, the art world, the mystery surrounding the Covington family, and the two equally compelling storylines, there was a lot to enjoy here. I'm so glad I was approved for this book, and it has definitely made me even more excited to see what she writes next! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
The historical details were probably one of my favorite parts. I knew artwork had been hidden during WWII to protect it from the Nazis, but I had never really thought about wealthy American families and their estates being involved in safeguarding valuable works of art. Learning that these pieces could be hidden away in private homes and estates was fascinating to me. I love when historical fiction introduces me to something I didn't know before, especially when it's woven into the actual mystery rather than feeling like a history lesson. I also enjoyed the connection to the Metropolitan Museum of Art through Isabelle's work as a curator and how the painting's history became such an important part of uncovering the truth.
I thought the Covington Estate was a particularly interesting setting, too. The contrast between the family's enormous wealth and the secrets hiding within the household added another dimension to Ava's storyline. There was also something compelling about having Ava enter that world as a domestic while knowing she was there for an entirely different reason. Meanwhile, Maya's storyline brought a different emotional element as she tried to find her footing after losing her husband and was unexpectedly pulled into a mystery that had been waiting decades to be uncovered. I liked that the book gave both women their own stories rather than making one feel like a secondary addition to the other.
What I appreciated most was how the two timelines worked together to slowly reveal the painting's history and bring the different pieces of the mystery into focus. It made the painting feel like so much more than a missing work of art; it carried years of history, secrets, and unanswered questions with it. Between the historical research, the art world, the mystery surrounding the Covington family, and the two equally compelling storylines, there was a lot to enjoy here. I'm so glad I was approved for this book, and it has definitely made me even more excited to see what she writes next! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So that I don't forget, firstly I just want to say that I love the cover, it's what caught my eye first.
Now, as for the book itself: this was my first read by Sara Blaydes and I liked the premise (one of my first painting mysteries books was The Flanders Panel which I adore to this day!) - the painting connecting our two ladies through decades, each one searching for a certain truth. The mystery itself and how it was revealed was what kept me going. I am nothing if not a sucker for the mysteries.
My problems and my rating of the book arise from the way certain things were written, as this is my first Blayeds read I am not sure if it's her writing style or just how she styled it for this particular book. The way that sometimes characters were... monologuing was really strange to me, not to mention revealing things to people they do not know? I also got a sense that the author tried to put various themes into this story but they did not all fit well here or just weren't executed well. Certain parts certainly were executed well, specially on the emotional part of the story.
However, I will say that this was a good atmospheric read and one that was perfect for a rainy night, which was when I read the second half of the book. I liked both of our main characters, Ava and Maya, while admitting I liked Maya more.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are voluntary and my own.
Now, as for the book itself: this was my first read by Sara Blaydes and I liked the premise (one of my first painting mysteries books was The Flanders Panel which I adore to this day!) - the painting connecting our two ladies through decades, each one searching for a certain truth. The mystery itself and how it was revealed was what kept me going. I am nothing if not a sucker for the mysteries.
My problems and my rating of the book arise from the way certain things were written, as this is my first Blayeds read I am not sure if it's her writing style or just how she styled it for this particular book. The way that sometimes characters were... monologuing was really strange to me, not to mention revealing things to people they do not know? I also got a sense that the author tried to put various themes into this story but they did not all fit well here or just weren't executed well. Certain parts certainly were executed well, specially on the emotional part of the story.
However, I will say that this was a good atmospheric read and one that was perfect for a rainy night, which was when I read the second half of the book. I liked both of our main characters, Ava and Maya, while admitting I liked Maya more.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are voluntary and my own.
July 20, 2026
The Lost Painting blends grief, art, and long‑buried secrets into a story that feels both intimate and sweeping. I was immediately drawn to Maya—her quiet search for peace after loss, her tentative connection with Nick, and the unsettling discovery that pulls her into a mystery she never asked for. The bloodstained frame and that chilling confession on the back of the canvas set the tone perfectly: this is a story where the past refuses to stay hidden.
The 1943 storyline is just as compelling. Ava’s determination to uncover the truth about her sister Isabelle brings a sharp, suspenseful energy to the book. Covington Estate, with all its wealth, eccentricity, and rot beneath the surface, is a fantastic setting—lush, claustrophobic, and full of tension. I loved how Ava’s courage and Isabelle’s passion for art echo across time, ultimately converging with Maya’s journey in a way that feels satisfying and emotionally resonant.
Sara Blaydes weaves both narratives together with ease, creating a novel that’s part mystery, part family drama, and part exploration of how women carry grief, love, and loyalty. It’s atmospheric without being heavy, and the emotional beats land beautifully.
A thoughtful, engaging read with just the right amount of intrigue. I’ll be recommending this one.
With thanks to Sara Blaydes, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The 1943 storyline is just as compelling. Ava’s determination to uncover the truth about her sister Isabelle brings a sharp, suspenseful energy to the book. Covington Estate, with all its wealth, eccentricity, and rot beneath the surface, is a fantastic setting—lush, claustrophobic, and full of tension. I loved how Ava’s courage and Isabelle’s passion for art echo across time, ultimately converging with Maya’s journey in a way that feels satisfying and emotionally resonant.
Sara Blaydes weaves both narratives together with ease, creating a novel that’s part mystery, part family drama, and part exploration of how women carry grief, love, and loyalty. It’s atmospheric without being heavy, and the emotional beats land beautifully.
A thoughtful, engaging read with just the right amount of intrigue. I’ll be recommending this one.
With thanks to Sara Blaydes, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lost Painting hooked me with a bloodstained frame, a confession written on the back of a canvas, and a murder that reaches across decades. Sara Blaydes gives the dual timeline a strong reason to exist, with Maya uncovering the mystery in the present while Ava searches for answers about her sister’s death in 1943. The art history and family secrets make the mystery feel layered without becoming overly complicated.
I am an easy sell for novels built around old paintings, hidden documents, and questions about provenance, so Maya’s discovery immediately pulled me in. I also liked that her storyline begins from a place of grief and rebuilding rather than simple curiosity. Ava’s side of the story has a very different energy as she enters the wealthy Covington Estate under false pretenses to learn who killed Isabelle, a Met curator engaged to the family heir.
The two women are separated by more than eighty years, but both are trying to piece together truths that other people would rather keep buried. I especially enjoyed seeing the painting become the object that slowly closes that distance between them. This was a satisfying mix of historical fiction, family mystery, and art-world intrigue.
My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
I am an easy sell for novels built around old paintings, hidden documents, and questions about provenance, so Maya’s discovery immediately pulled me in. I also liked that her storyline begins from a place of grief and rebuilding rather than simple curiosity. Ava’s side of the story has a very different energy as she enters the wealthy Covington Estate under false pretenses to learn who killed Isabelle, a Met curator engaged to the family heir.
The two women are separated by more than eighty years, but both are trying to piece together truths that other people would rather keep buried. I especially enjoyed seeing the painting become the object that slowly closes that distance between them. This was a satisfying mix of historical fiction, family mystery, and art-world intrigue.
My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had a fun time with this murder mystery!
The dual timeline was really compelling, and it was one of my favorite elements in the book. It added an extra layer to the mystery, and I thought it tied in well with all the family secrets and the art history. I also liked that Maya’s storyline had a different energy than Ava’s storyline; and seeing the old painting close the gap between them, despite the storylines taking place years apart, was really great.
One thing that I struggled with was the dialogue at times. It sometimes read a bit stilted, to where the conversations didn’t always feel authentic or believable, and it instead felt like a tool the author was using to throw information at us (which is a fine thing to do; I just wish it hadn’t been so obvious at times).
Ultimately though, I had a great time reading this book. And I think anyone looking to read a book that features a dual timeline, art history, and family mystery should give this one a try!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to @netgalley and @LakeUnionPub for this ARC. Maya is reeling from her husband's sudden death and the discovery that he had a gambling addiction putting her in unsurmountable debt. Amazingly, she receives a letter from a solicitor stating that her long lost stepfather left her a cabin outside of Seattle. With nothing to lose, she uproots her life from NYC to this small cabin. A couple of months into the move, she unearths a painting that she soon finds out may be real and should be returned to the MET. Entrusting these secrets to her newly introduced neighbor, who also happens to be easy on the eyes, he challenges her to get to the bottom of all the secrets! With a split timeline from the 1940's and present day, this was such good book. I loved the mystery, the thrill of the find and the small romance. Well done Author Sara Blaydes! #TheLostPainting #SaraBlaydes #LakeUnionPub #Dec2026
October 29, 2026
A mysterious painting, buried secrets, and dual timelines? This should have been right up my alley!
And while I enjoyed the mystery and was curious enough to keep listening, the execution didn’t quite live up to the premise.
At times, the dialogue felt more like characters delivering speeches than having actual conversations. People shared remarkably personal information with near-strangers, made questionable decisions, and occasionally seemed to exist solely to move the plot along. There were also moments when I felt the author was trying to squeeze too many ideas into one story.
Ultimately, an entertaining enough mystery, but one that fell a little flat for me. Sometimes all the right ingredients just don’t make the perfect recipe.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh I’m a sucker for a cover! So simple, yet I was immediately captivated! This was simply wonderful. I cannot think of a single negative. I enjoyed the historical aspect, in that I feel like this could have been real! I enjoyed the time period jumps, and even though they were separate stories, they intertwined and weren’t difficult to keep track of. I liked the heartfelt side of things and characters personalities.
The narrators were listed as Mia Hutchinson-Shaw and Erin Bennett. I don’t recall hearing them before, however they were an excellent pick! They both lent their voices and emotions beautifully to the characters.
Thank you NetGalley for the listen! This was a wonderful story and highly entertaining!
The narrators were listed as Mia Hutchinson-Shaw and Erin Bennett. I don’t recall hearing them before, however they were an excellent pick! They both lent their voices and emotions beautifully to the characters.
Thank you NetGalley for the listen! This was a wonderful story and highly entertaining!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Years ago I found The Restoration Garden by Sarah Blaydes when staying at a holiday cottage. I loved it. When I saw this book available as a Netgalley ARC I couldn’t wait to read it. And it didn’t disappoint. Set in both the present day and in 1940s America, the story focuses on Ava (in the 1940s) and Maya (in the present), with Maya’s discovery of a lost impressionist painting as the vehicle for discovering who murdered Ava’s sister Isabelle when she was staying a guest at the vast and luxurious Covington estate, North Carolina. I finished this book within a day while on holiday - and was sad it had to end! A 5*read and huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A stolen painting links two women together in different time periods. In the past, we meet a young woman pretending to be a maid to look for the reason for her sister's death in an enormous home owned by a raiload barron. In the present, the other woman is seeking to rediscover herself after her husband has died and left her in ernomous debt. The latter, finds a painting with blood on it in the cabin that she has been left by her step uncle, begins a mission to find out about the painting and how it got to where it was found. A satisfying read that I enjoyed
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into the book expecting intrigue, psychological suspense, gripping crime drama, but while it had aspects of all three, there just wasn't quite enough. It was almost too ambitious in trying to cram in intrigue, drama, morality into under 300 pages. So while all of these themes were touched upon, none were executed to its full potential. The narrative style was emotional and atmospheric, making this an engaging read.
August 12, 2026
Reviewed for Library Journal; full review appears there.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews