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Eden Black Archeological Thrillers #0.5
The Paris Heist
Can a priceless painting vanish into thin air?
Ten years ago, Bernard Moreau baffled police by stealing a Picasso from the Modern Art Museum. He was arrested and imprisoned, but the painting was never found.
Now, back on the streets, all eyes are on Moreau. But he’s a skilled thief and isn’t going to make it easy.
EDEN BLACK can’t stand corruption and the theft of priceless art. This case reeks of them both. Heading to Paris, she vows to return the Picasso to its rightful home as soon as possible.
ADRIANA VILLA works alone, always, that’s the rule. So, when she sees another woman following her mark, things get heated.
To find the painting before a dirty police inspector with a score to settle, the pair must put their egos aside and work together. What they discover shows that nothing is as simple as it first seems.
THE PARIS HEIST is an up-tempo novella which will keep you pinned to the pages until the very end. If you like the sound of a race against the clock, action packed, adventure thriller, set amongst the blissful Parisian streets, you’ll love THE PARIS HEIST.
Ten years ago, Bernard Moreau baffled police by stealing a Picasso from the Modern Art Museum. He was arrested and imprisoned, but the painting was never found.
Now, back on the streets, all eyes are on Moreau. But he’s a skilled thief and isn’t going to make it easy.
EDEN BLACK can’t stand corruption and the theft of priceless art. This case reeks of them both. Heading to Paris, she vows to return the Picasso to its rightful home as soon as possible.
ADRIANA VILLA works alone, always, that’s the rule. So, when she sees another woman following her mark, things get heated.
To find the painting before a dirty police inspector with a score to settle, the pair must put their egos aside and work together. What they discover shows that nothing is as simple as it first seems.
THE PARIS HEIST is an up-tempo novella which will keep you pinned to the pages until the very end. If you like the sound of a race against the clock, action packed, adventure thriller, set amongst the blissful Parisian streets, you’ll love THE PARIS HEIST.
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
Audiobook
First published August 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Luke Richardson
73 books205 followersWANTED, adventure lovers for hazardous journey. Must be prepared for nail-biting action, constant danger, fear around every corner, with safe return doubtful.
If that sounds like your sort of thing, in your choice of books at least, then come with me...
Hey there, I’m Luke Richardson, and I’m applying for the job as your next favorite author!
As an Amazon bestselling author, I've had the honour of sharing my stories with readers all around the world. Whether you're a history buff, a travel addict, or just looking for a little excitement in your reading, my books are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I write books that take you on a journey to foreign and exotic places, blending history, adventure, and suspense into a gripping tale.
In my books, you'll find yourself transported to places like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the glitzy skyscrapers of Hong Kong, or the shady backstreets of Kathmandu in Nepal. But it's not just about the locations; my stories are also filled with fascinating characters, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat action.
It was visiting India for the first time that actually made me want to start writing. The sun had just risen as we landed at Mumbai airport. The taxi journey that followed was one of the most incredible of my life. I watched the city unfold like a story. People washing, children playing, chickens, cows, goats, all beside an eight-lane motorway.
I love sharing my stories and am proud to say that my books have been well-received by readers and reviewers. One of the greatest compliments I get is when people say that my books transport them to a new place. Although people often comment on the loveable characters, intricate plots, and fast-paced storytelling too. And I'm always working hard to bring you even more thrilling adventures.
So, if you're looking for a page-turning read that will take you on a journey to far-off lands, look no further than my books. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
If that sounds like your sort of thing, in your choice of books at least, then come with me...
Hey there, I’m Luke Richardson, and I’m applying for the job as your next favorite author!
As an Amazon bestselling author, I've had the honour of sharing my stories with readers all around the world. Whether you're a history buff, a travel addict, or just looking for a little excitement in your reading, my books are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I write books that take you on a journey to foreign and exotic places, blending history, adventure, and suspense into a gripping tale.
In my books, you'll find yourself transported to places like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the glitzy skyscrapers of Hong Kong, or the shady backstreets of Kathmandu in Nepal. But it's not just about the locations; my stories are also filled with fascinating characters, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat action.
It was visiting India for the first time that actually made me want to start writing. The sun had just risen as we landed at Mumbai airport. The taxi journey that followed was one of the most incredible of my life. I watched the city unfold like a story. People washing, children playing, chickens, cows, goats, all beside an eight-lane motorway.
I love sharing my stories and am proud to say that my books have been well-received by readers and reviewers. One of the greatest compliments I get is when people say that my books transport them to a new place. Although people often comment on the loveable characters, intricate plots, and fast-paced storytelling too. And I'm always working hard to bring you even more thrilling adventures.
So, if you're looking for a page-turning read that will take you on a journey to far-off lands, look no further than my books. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 26, 2024
This novella from Luke Richardson is a great little story
Can a priceless painting vanish into thin air?
Ten years ago, Bernard Moreau baffled police by stealing a Picasso from the Modern Art Museum. He was arrested and imprisoned, but the painting was never found.
Now, back on the streets, all eyes are on Moreau. But he’s a skilled thief and isn’t going to make it easy.
EDEN BLACK can’t stand corruption and the theft of priceless art. This case reeks of them both. Heading to Paris, she vows to return the Picasso to its rightful home as soon as possible.
ADRINA VILLA works alone, always, that’s the rule. So, when she sees another woman following her mark, things get heated
To find the painting before a dirty police inspector with a score to settle, the pair must put their egos aside and work together. What they discover shows that nothing is as simple as it first seems.
THE PARIS HEIST is an up-tempo novella which will keep you pinned to the pages until the very end. If you like the sound of a race against the clock, action packed, adventure thriller, set amongst the blissful Parisian streets, you’ll love THE
Can a priceless painting vanish into thin air?
Ten years ago, Bernard Moreau baffled police by stealing a Picasso from the Modern Art Museum. He was arrested and imprisoned, but the painting was never found.
Now, back on the streets, all eyes are on Moreau. But he’s a skilled thief and isn’t going to make it easy.
EDEN BLACK can’t stand corruption and the theft of priceless art. This case reeks of them both. Heading to Paris, she vows to return the Picasso to its rightful home as soon as possible.
ADRINA VILLA works alone, always, that’s the rule. So, when she sees another woman following her mark, things get heated
To find the painting before a dirty police inspector with a score to settle, the pair must put their egos aside and work together. What they discover shows that nothing is as simple as it first seems.
THE PARIS HEIST is an up-tempo novella which will keep you pinned to the pages until the very end. If you like the sound of a race against the clock, action packed, adventure thriller, set amongst the blissful Parisian streets, you’ll love THE
April 9, 2024
Absolutely loved it! Talk about a wild ride. This book is a fantastic read and I just can't wait to read his next book. Definitely a page turner.
January 15, 2024
The Paris Heist (Eden Black Archaeological Thrillers #0.5), my second enjoyable read from author Luke Richardson. Well-written with captivating & intriguing characters. Sometimes a book is just enjoyable, buy the book, read & review the book. "I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I'll definitely be reading more from this author and in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 15, 2024
I was disappointed with the ending but found the book intriguing and full of twists. Not knowing how the ending finished lowering my rating to 3.5*
August 21, 2022
I received this book/novella from the author and the fine folks at Bookfunnel.com.
This book/novella serves the purpose of introducing the reader to the main characters in the Ernest Dempsey universe.
This story revolves around the theft of one of Pablo Picasso' masterpieces. This story reads almost like a tryout to replace the art thief, fresh out of prison after ten years.
As a good introductory book/novella should, this sort leaves the reader wanting more.
The only drawback that I found was that the story ends on a heckuva cliffhanger. As such, I would give this short story a solid three stars and believe that it would be enjoyed by fans of books dealing with the antagonist beating the cops (who seem inept in this story).
As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
This book/novella serves the purpose of introducing the reader to the main characters in the Ernest Dempsey universe.
This story revolves around the theft of one of Pablo Picasso' masterpieces. This story reads almost like a tryout to replace the art thief, fresh out of prison after ten years.
As a good introductory book/novella should, this sort leaves the reader wanting more.
The only drawback that I found was that the story ends on a heckuva cliffhanger. As such, I would give this short story a solid three stars and believe that it would be enjoyed by fans of books dealing with the antagonist beating the cops (who seem inept in this story).
As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
August 18, 2022
A short teaser to introduce you to the characters of future novels. It revolts around an art theft and a test as well as creating the idea that the French police are more akin to Pink Panther characters rather than Maigret. I enjoyed it but, like a well structured trailer, it left me wanting to read more.
September 2, 2022
Fantastic collaboration! Two great authors team up for one thrilling romp through Paris.
At the end, I immediately hit the link to the next book. Unfortunately, I will have to wait for the release.
A famed art thief gets away with a valuable Picasso from a museum. Catch up with him twenty year later for an unforgettable adventure.
At the end, I immediately hit the link to the next book. Unfortunately, I will have to wait for the release.
A famed art thief gets away with a valuable Picasso from a museum. Catch up with him twenty year later for an unforgettable adventure.
October 11, 2023
I'm a big fan of Dempsey's work but this is the first of Richardson's books I have read and it did not disappoint.
Featuring Adriana one of Demspey's heros it was like sitting in you favourite old armchair in a new house. Different but comfortably the same. Fast paced this novello can be read easily in one sitting and promises a great series to follow.
Featuring Adriana one of Demspey's heros it was like sitting in you favourite old armchair in a new house. Different but comfortably the same. Fast paced this novello can be read easily in one sitting and promises a great series to follow.
August 16, 2022
The focus of this short book is on a Picasso painting that was stolen. It has been 10 years and the painting has not surfaced. Eden Black and Adriana pair up to find the masterpiece. Was interesting but way to short. 20% of the book is about the authors and their other books.
August 16, 2022
A stolen Picasso painting from a museum. The thief was caught and sent to prison but would not tell where the painting is. A discovery of where the painting is and an attempt to retrieve it from who has it. An exciting conclusion.
August 23, 2022
Can a priceless painting be rediscovered? Can it even be stolen? Eden Black intends to find this missing painting at all costs... But what will she really gain? Does she find the painting or does she find something a lot more lucrative for her future??
September 24, 2022
This was a well written short story. We learn enough about the characters to see they fit perfectly. The plot has truly unexpected twists. There is action which is perfectly meshed with intellectual exploration.
If you love a good mystery this belongs on your bookshelf.
If you love a good mystery this belongs on your bookshelf.
October 1, 2022
Interesting story, not what I expected. Well-developed plot. Interesting characters. Full of surprises. Some of it was hard to believe, but that didn't spoil the story. A very quick and easy read.
October 10, 2022
I loved THE PARIS HEIST! The characters are an interesting mix of highly skilled, intelligent, focused tricksters who bet their lives on high stakes. The question is, “On what exactly is each of them focused? And what are they going to do about it?!”
Lively and entertaining. Enjoy!
Lively and entertaining. Enjoy!
September 6, 2024
A quite enjoyable novella, a prequel to the Eden Black thriller series, with hints of things to come.
It’s a great art heist tale. Well written and fast paced.
It’s a great art heist tale. Well written and fast paced.
September 16, 2023
An excellent heist story that leads into the author's main series. Good characters and a decent plot
September 16, 2022
This is a great prequel. I couldn't put it down, I was drawn into the story from the beginning. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
October 16, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is well written and interesting with a good ending.
February 11, 2023
Really enjoyable story introducing two characters from subsequent books. Like the writing style and the characters.
December 5, 2023
Nothing special.
February 15, 2024
Bernard Moreau is a great art thief. In the first chapter, he steals Picasso’s Dove with Green Peas from the Museum of Modern Arts in Paris. He hides the painting but is caught and sentenced to ten years in prison. The painting is never seen again.
Eden Black wants to return the painting to the museum. When Moreau is freed, she’s ready to follow him until she finds out where he hid the painting. However, someone picks him up and loses her in Paris traffic. But Eden meets Adrianna Villa, an elusive treasure hunter and Eden’s role model. Adrianna works usually alone, but this time she finds Eden intriguing enough that she agrees to work with her to find the painting.
Adrianna Villa picked up Moreau from the prison but didn’t manage to get anything out of him. So now, she works with young Eden.
Sebastian Stellar is a newly minted detective. He dreams of catching criminals, but instead, he’s on the lowest rung at the police station. His boss, Favreau, is the officer who caught Moreau ten years ago but hasn’t found the painting. Now, that Moreau is out of prison, Favreau is focusing on him.
This was a fast-paced novella with lots of POV characters. Adrianna and Eden are the main POV characters. Sebastian is seen only when the plot requires it. While Eden has lots of skills, such as lock-picking and martial arts, she also has a lot to learn and she knows it.
Adrianna is a more seasoned adventurer and thief. She likes Eden and teaches her surveillance, among other things.
We don’t spend much time with Sebastian but he seems like an intelligent, young detective. His biggest problem is his boss who treats him like dirt and even impedes the investigation.
This was a fun novella and a good introduction to Eden and Adrianna who will each star in their own thriller series.
Eden Black wants to return the painting to the museum. When Moreau is freed, she’s ready to follow him until she finds out where he hid the painting. However, someone picks him up and loses her in Paris traffic. But Eden meets Adrianna Villa, an elusive treasure hunter and Eden’s role model. Adrianna works usually alone, but this time she finds Eden intriguing enough that she agrees to work with her to find the painting.
Adrianna Villa picked up Moreau from the prison but didn’t manage to get anything out of him. So now, she works with young Eden.
Sebastian Stellar is a newly minted detective. He dreams of catching criminals, but instead, he’s on the lowest rung at the police station. His boss, Favreau, is the officer who caught Moreau ten years ago but hasn’t found the painting. Now, that Moreau is out of prison, Favreau is focusing on him.
This was a fast-paced novella with lots of POV characters. Adrianna and Eden are the main POV characters. Sebastian is seen only when the plot requires it. While Eden has lots of skills, such as lock-picking and martial arts, she also has a lot to learn and she knows it.
Adrianna is a more seasoned adventurer and thief. She likes Eden and teaches her surveillance, among other things.
We don’t spend much time with Sebastian but he seems like an intelligent, young detective. His biggest problem is his boss who treats him like dirt and even impedes the investigation.
This was a fun novella and a good introduction to Eden and Adrianna who will each star in their own thriller series.
September 17, 2024
A short pre-story 0.5 of the Eden Black Thrillers introducing how she connected with Adrianna's group.
On one of the easiest and most unselfish art heists he’d undertaken, master thief Benedict Moreau got caught. Now he’s been released from a Paris prison and treasure hunter Eden Black is following him determined to find the painting he stole. When she meets another another treasure hunter Adriana Villa also following him, they team up. A third group led by Inspector Favreau of the Paris police department reopens the investigation to also find the painting.
Very tricky ending.
Footnote 1): I googled this painting and it’s really was stolen and disappeared as the story relates. So this is kind of a possible ‘what happened to it’ story.
Fave scenes: Moreau getting into the museum and the set up.
On one of the easiest and most unselfish art heists he’d undertaken, master thief Benedict Moreau got caught. Now he’s been released from a Paris prison and treasure hunter Eden Black is following him determined to find the painting he stole. When she meets another another treasure hunter Adriana Villa also following him, they team up. A third group led by Inspector Favreau of the Paris police department reopens the investigation to also find the painting.
Very tricky ending.
Footnote 1): I googled this painting and it’s really was stolen and disappeared as the story relates. So this is kind of a possible ‘what happened to it’ story.
Fave scenes: Moreau getting into the museum and the set up.
September 4, 2023
I might be a bit critical here, but I have to say that "The Paris Heist", being an introductory novella for the Eden Black series, left me feeling somewhat lukewarm. I understand that short stories can't delve into characters as deeply as full-fledged novels, but I couldn't help but feel a tad unsatisfied. Maybe it's partly because of the protagonist's name, which struck me as a bit cheesy. Nonetheless, there were elements in the story that caught my attention, and I'm definitely leaning towards giving the first book in the series a read soon.
March 11, 2025
An exceptionally well-written short story, this prequel sets the stage for an exciting new series. A priceless painting is stolen and never recovered. Now, with the thief freshly released from prison, the chase reignites. The police race to uncover the painting’s whereabouts. With high-stakes action, mystery, and intrigue, this gripping tale is the perfect introduction to what promises to be a thrilling series.
September 7, 2023
This was interesting and it was my first computer generated voice that I have knowling listened to - it did work well - which was scary.
The story itself I would have liked more depth but it is only an introduction which makes sense so it is a definite tease - looking forward to listening to more.
The story itself I would have liked more depth but it is only an introduction which makes sense so it is a definite tease - looking forward to listening to more.
August 16, 2023
A good short story with a surprise ending that leaves you wanting more. See how the astute detective gets foiled in his attempt to catch a thief that stole a Picasso from the Modern Art Museum. If you only have a short time to read this book is for you.
September 29, 2024
Very Clever! Nice thriller. Original plot with interesting characters. Didn’t come eat to figuring out how this would end. I love this kind of story. Makes me want to immediately dive into book 1 of the series.
August 20, 2023
entertaining short story.
February 18, 2024
I need to read this again. Ending left me a bit confused. Something about decorating a second room like the first one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
An outstanding story of a heist of a priceless painting. Eden and Adriana must work together to try to solve the case. Suspenseful with lots of secrets.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews