The London Forgery

Listed in the Visual Arts category on Art In Fiction, The London Forgery (2023) by Heidi Eljarbo is the first in a dual timeline series of cozy art mysteries. 1973: Art historian Fabiola Bennett sees herself as a prudently observant deer who becomes a daring and even mischievous lioness if the situation calls for it. And that’s exactly what’s required when greedy criminals steal, forge, and tamper with treasured artwork. When the crooks add murder to their list of crimes, the chaos is complete. A mysterious note is delivered anonymously at the door of the National Gallery in London, and the director immediately calls Fabiola’s office in Oslo and pleads with her to come without delay. The message is confusing, but it seems one of her favorite eighteenth-century portraits is in trouble. Fabiola hops on the first plane and meets up with her vibrant side-kick Pippa Yates and the ever-loyal Detective Inspector Cary Green from New Scotland Yard. But she is not naïve enough to think untangling the purpose and meaning of the mysterious note will be as simple as a walk in Hyde Park. These things never are. 1750: Newly married Robert and Frances Andrews, members of the landed gentry of Suffolk, England, hire young and talented Thomas Gainsborough to paint their wedding portrait. Their desire is a lovely conversation piece showing their wealth and class, an artwork to remember them by for generations to come. Little do they know the gifted artist portrays their personalities exactly how he perceives them, and the artistic symbolism is not as flattering as they’d hoped for. Even the looming clouds in the distance promise a troublesome future. Heidi Eljarbo is the author of historical novels and a master of dual timelines, often writing about strong-willed women of past centuries. She lives with her husband on a charming island in Norway, enjoys walking their Wheaten Terrier in any kind of weather, and has a passion for art and history. Buy Now from Amazon Find other novels by Heidi Eljarbo on Art In Fiction.