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A masterful blend of historical mystery and contemporary suspense, The Portrait of Eloise Leclair transports readers between the shadowed world of Nazi-occupied Paris and the vibrant modern art scene. This sophisticated debut novel combines the meticulous detail of art restoration, the intrigue of wartime resistance, and the allure of long-buried secrets, creating a story that will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and literary mystery.

Drawing on true historical events surrounding Nazi art theft and resistance efforts, the novel explores the lasting echoes of wartime choices through the lens of a present-day art restorer's discovery. With its richly layered narrative and carefully researched historical backdrop, this novel offers both a compelling mystery and an poignant meditation on how the past continues to shape our present.

A multi-timeline historical novel that bridges Nazi-occupied France and modern-day Paris, blending literary fiction with art history and mysteries of the past. This immersive story interweaves family legacies, lost treasures, and the enduring power of art, creating an unforgettable journey that will appeal to lovers of both sweeping period drama and contemporary suspense.

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.

Well researched and set against the backdrop of both Nazi-occupied France and Stalin's Soviet Union, The Portrait of Eloise Leclair weaves historical fact with fiction to explore how art becomes a battleground for cultural identity. The novel draws inspiration from real historical figures through its exploration of art preservation and resistance.

While some of the novel's characters are fictional creations, the underground network they create reflects the real resistance groups who risked everything to protect cultural treasures from both Nazi looting and Soviet confiscation during WWII. Their story resonates powerfully today, as an estimated 100,000 artworks stolen during the war remain missing, and questions of art restitution continue to challenge museums, governments, and families worldwide.

Inspired by a chance discovery at Paris's Marché aux Puces, the novel illuminates how personal and political histories intertwine in the ongoing effort to reclaim lost cultural heritage.

A software engineer by day and storyteller by night, Erik Richter brings his passion for solving complex puzzles to his debut novel, The Portrait of Eloise Leclair. Drawing from his deep fascination with art history, his love affair with Paris, and his knack for crafting intricate narratives, Erik weaves an unforgettable historical mystery that bridges past and present in unexpected ways.

Before this adult debut, Erik wrote and illustrated the children's picture book The Boy and the Shells, a story that celebrates the remarkable bond of friendship and highlights the value of individuality. When not immersed in researching WWII art preservation or writing code, he enjoys birding, playing piano, and finding creative ways to teach his young sons about the wonders of the world. Erik lives in Wisconsin with his wife, their two boys, and their goldendoodle, Katie.