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Pitch
When Parisian art restorer Amelia Beckett uncovers hidden clues in a seemingly ordinary heirloom, she's thrust into an 80-year-old mystery of lost masterpieces and wartime secrets. Inspired by true events, this dual-timeline novel moves between Nazi-occupied France and modern-day Paris, blending historical drama with clever puzzles, romance, and thrilling suspense. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Dan Brown, and Kristin Hannah.
Synopsis
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.
Inspired by true events, The Portrait of Eloise Leclair blends art, history, romance, clever puzzles, and thrilling 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.
Key Points
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Some Key Themes and Points:
Cross-genre appeal for readers of mystery, historical fiction, and literary suspense
A richly layered dual-timeline narrative connecting modern-day Paris with Nazi-occupied France
Strong, intelligent female protagonists whose choices shape both timelines
Authentic historical detail drawn from meticulous research and inspired by true events
Clever art-based puzzles and hidden clues that invite readers to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist
Unique and unexpected plot twists that keep readers guessing until the final page
Explores the power of art as resistance and the preservation of culture through war and oppression
A slow-burn romance woven through the timelines, adding emotional depth to the mystery
Examines truth, loyalty, and the moral gray areas of legacy and ownership
Perfect for book clubs: combines historical depth with page-turning suspense (Book Club Discussion Questions available)
Set in Paris, a timeless and perennially beloved literary backdrop
Historical
Background
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 the author's 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.
For Readers Who Enjoy
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Kate Morton's dual-timeline historical mysteries:
The Lake House, The Forgotten Garden
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Dan Brown's art world thrillers and coded puzzles:
The DaVinci Code, Angels & Demons
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Kristin Hannah's WWII historical fiction:
The Nightingale
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B.A. Shapiro's art-centered mysteries:
The Art Forger
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Anthony Doerr's wartime narratives:
All The Light We Cannot See
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Stories about:
Art restoration and authentication
WWII resistance movements
Hidden family histories
Interwoven timelines
Historical treasure hunts
Paris, both past and present
Codes and ciphers
Strong female protagonists
The intersection of historical mystery and modern suspense
Author Bio
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.
Book Details
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Book Title
The Potrait of Eloise Leclair
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Publication Date
March 28th, 2025
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Page Count
456 pages
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Publisher
Cakebar Publishing
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ISBN
Hardcover - 979-8-218-08668-8
Paperback - 979-8-218-63508-4
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Formats and Pricing
Hardcover - $35.99
Paperback - $15.99
eBook - $4.99
