The Portrait of Eloise Leclair logo by Erik Richter

The Portrait of Eloise Leclair:
A Novel by Erik Richter

A Thrill Across Time

In the shadow of Nazi-occupied France, a legacy is concealed, waiting silently to be reclaimed.

Decades later, Paris art restorer Amelia Beckett is used to peeling back layers of history. But when a seemingly ordinary heirloom lands in her studio, her careful routine is shattered by a cryptic discovery pointing to a lost chapter of Europe’s wartime past. Drawn into a mystery spanning generations—and pursued by someone determined to keep old betrayals buried—Amelia must decide how far she’s willing to go to uncover what was deliberately hidden.

The Portrait of Eloise Leclair blends art, history, love, and suspense in an atmospheric dual-timeline story. From the glittering salons of 1940s Paris to the vibrant pulse of the contemporary art world, Amelia’s relentless pursuit of truth unveils the secrets and sacrifices of those who came before her. As fragments of forgotten lives and hidden loyalties resurface, two eras collide, revealing a legacy far greater than the canvas it’s painted on—one that could unravel not just the past, but the present itself.

Early Praise for
The Portrait of Eloise Leclair

What Readers are Saying

"Like the literary love child of Dan Brown and Kate Morton—a masterful blend of puzzle-solving thrills and evocative dual timelines."
- Luca D, Reddit Review
"Brilliant page-turning excitement!"
- Zach S, Amazon Review
"I was hooked from the first chapter! This incredible story seamlessly weaves the past and present while cleverly unfolding a mystery that builds its fascinating plot."
- Kathryn K, Amazon Review
"Well researched and well crafted. Richter weaves a diverse group of characters from past and present into an intriguing tapestry."
- Jim L, Goodreads Review
"There are only three books that have made me excited. 'Lessons in Chemistry,' 'The Measure,' and this one!"
- Ann W, Reader Review
"Written with color, style, and anticipation, this novel was a wonderful escape!"
- Brittany S, Amazon Review
"I could not put this book down! It's layers of stories and surprises!"
- Sara R, Amazon Review
"This sophisticated treasure hunt proves that some secrets are worth both solving and savoring. An irresistible debut."
- Sarah P, Reader Review
"I think it's fantastic! I loved the interwoven story lines and the fact that it's based on historical events. I can't wait to read the next one!"
- Melissa L, Goodreads Review
"A dazzling blend of historical mystery and contemporary suspense that shows the past is never truly buried."
- Sean P, Early Reader
"This book has fabulous description! I can see myself in Paris and feel like I know the characters!"
- Ruth L, Amazon Review
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