#Book Review #A Spying Eye: A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel, 6 #Michelle Cox # Publisher ‏ : ‎ She Writes Press #Historical Mystery and Romance #A Spying Eye

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

I found this novel entertaining and recommend for those who love detective stories. The story line would be a mix of Historical Mystery and Romance. Clive Howard and Henrietta Von Harmons, they had been from Chicago, on their second honeymoon trip to visit Clive's ancestral home, Castle Linley, In Derbyshire, England. Henrietta's personal maid Edna accompanies her to foreign shores beyond the Chicago environment. Clive and Henrietta worked as fine detectives in their fledgling agency. Clive had been very protective of Henrietta. They were in London for more than forty-eight hours and their plan was to leave for Strasbourg soon to stay at Chateau du Freudeneck. At this time Mr. John Hartle Chief Inspector visits them in London before they leave to Strasbourg, France to discuss about a Ghent Altarpiece, a stolen missing panel of artwork, a masterpiece of European art, also the missing agent they had sent for detective work. One of the missing panel is called "The just Judges." This panel was hidden somewhere with Hitler's rising power guessing that his eye would soon fall upon the Ghent Altarpiece. It seems that Hitler has already begun sending out teams to scour Europe and South America and even North Africa for these relics, looking for for the panel itself. Detective Sources of Mr Hartle claims that they had seen the panel near Strasbourg and he wants Clive to search for it on his trip with his wife Henrietta. 

In the heart of Strasbourg, Clive and Henrietta visits the owner of an old antique shop in town Mr. Monsieur Bonnet giving them a fascinating lesson about an extraordinary work of art-the Ghent Altarpiece. Monsieur Bonnet was explaining how it might be in the hands of an old family with ties to the Cathars - But with curiosity Henrietta wonders whether Von Harmon were descendants of the Cathars. One day they find Monsieur Bonnet lying in a pool of blood, a knife in his back, murdered with no leads or clear motive, suspecting a robbery.

Back in Chicago, Gunther approaches Mr. Exley, Elsie's grandfather for asking Elsie's hand in marriage. Mr. Exley objects them to marriage. Exley would cut Elsie from their family entirely if Gunther and her proceeded to marry against his wishes. Therefore Gunther felt in danger to marry Elsie which made it easier to dissolve the hasty engagement. Gunther was acting as a surrogate father to Anna from the moment of her birth counting for everything. Out of nowhere comes two strangers Heinrich and Rita claiming that they are Anna's legal parents. Not able to prove it but looks like all they want is money. 

The wild goose chase in search of the art piece continues until Edna their servant steps up to help Henrietta find the missing panel. The author's note at the end of this novel should not be missed to know why Hitler obsessed about the panel. The whole mystery novel is fascinating. The theories about the missing panel is true, and the Ghent Altarpiece is real work of art painted in 1432, by Jan and Hubert van Eyck, and one of its panel. "The just Judges" really was really stolen from St. Bavo's Cathedral, Belgium on April 10th 1934. 

I just reviewed the book, A Spying Eye: A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel, 6 by Michelle Cox. Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher  She Writes Press for an advance copy for my honest review.

Book Description

In this sixth book of the series, Clive and Henrietta return to Europe in an attempt to resurrect their failed honeymoon. While in London, they are approached by their old friend, Inspector John Hartle, who convinces them to search for the missing panel of the Ghent Altarpiece, a famous Renaissance painting, of which Hitler’s top men are also in pursuit.

Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Oldrich Exley threatens to cut off financial support for the entire Von Harmon brood if Elsie continues with her plan to marry Gunther—a situation made worse by the sudden appearance of one Heinrich Meyer, who claims to be little Anna’s father and threatens to take her away. Desperate, Elsie seeks the help of Clive’s sister, Julia, who is herself the victim of domestic abuse and who has fallen under the spell of a handsome Texas millionaire bent on acquiring a rare painting from the Howard collection.

Clive and Henrietta’s search takes them to Chateau du Freudeneck in Strasbourg, France—the ancient seat of the Von Harmons and home to three eccentric distant relatives. What begins as a wild goose chase turns decidedly more deadly when several Nazi officers also arrive at the chateau in search of a “valuable item.” When Henrietta and Clive attempt to flee after Henrietta uncovers a shocking truth, they are forced to trust themselves to a suspicious French servant who seems all-too willing to help . . .

    Publisher ‏ : ‎ She Writes Press (October 25, 2022)

    Language ‏ : ‎ English

• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages