A Spying Eye: A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel

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 . . .

Michelle Cox is the author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series, a mystery/romance saga set in the 1930s Chicago often described as "Downton Abbey meets Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries." To date, the series has won over fifty international awards and has received positive reviews from Library Journal (starred), Booklist (starred), Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and various media outlets, such as Popsugar, Buzzfeed, Redbook, Elle, Brit&Co., Bustle, Culturalist, Working Mother, and many others. Cox also pens the wildly popular Novel Notes of Local Lore, a weekly blog chronically the lives of Chicago's forgotten residents. She lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband and three children and is hard at work on her next novel.

Praise for A Spying Eye: "A fun and spunky heroine, a plot involving an old castle in Strasbourg make this a fast-paced, delightful read." --Rhys Bowen, New York Times best-selling author "An exciting mystery with engaging characters. It kept me guessing to the end!" --Clare Broyles, co-author of Wild Irish Rose: A Molly Murphy mystery Praise for the Series: A Girl Like You: "Michelle Cox masterfully recreates 1930s Chicago, bringing to life its diverse neighborhoods and eclectic residents, as well as its seedy side. Henrietta and Inspector Howard are the best pair of sleuths I've come across in ages--Cox makes us care not just about the case, but about her characters. A fantastic start to what is sure to be a long-running series." --Tasha Alexander, New York Times best-selling author of The Lady Emily Mysteries "Fans of spunky, historical heroines will love Henrietta Von Harmon." --Booklist starred review "Flavored with 1930's slang and fashion, this first volume in what one hopes will be a long series is absorbing. Henrietta and Clive are a sexy, endearing, and downright fun pair of sleuths. Readers will not see the final twist coming." --Library Journal starred review A Ring of Truth: "An engaging and effective romp rich with historical details." --Kirkus "Set in the 1930s, this romantic mystery combines the teetering elegance of Downton Abbey and the staid traditions of Pride and Prejudice with a bit of spunk and determination that suggest Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs." --Booklist "Henrietta and Inspector Howard make a charming odd couple in A Ring of Truth, mixing mystery and romance in a fizzy 1930s cocktail." --Hallie Ephron, New York Times bestselling author A Promise Given: "Cox's eye for historical detail remains sharp. . . . A pleasant, escapist diversion." --Kirkus "The mix of sleuthing and aristocratic life pairs well with Rhys Bowen's Royal Spyness series." --Booklist "Series fans will cheer the beginning of Clive and Henrietta's private investigation business in an entry with welcome echoes of Pride and Prejudice." --Publishers Weekly A Veil Removed: "Entertaining . . . composed of large dollops of romance and a soupcon of mystery, this confection will appeal!" --Publishers Weekly "This is a wonderfully-written, engaging story with excellent character treatment and a thrilling mystery." --IBPA, Independent Book Publishers Association "Cox draws textured visuals of a 1930s Chicago mansion replete with cherrywood drink carts, embroidered goose down pillows, brand new wireless radios, Worth gowns, Rothschild coats, and the music of Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. It puts us back in the romantically turbulent 1930s Chicago. This engaging story charms us." --BookTrib A Child Lost: ". . . vivid descriptive prose and historical accuracy." --Publishers Weekly "Michelle Cox's delightful storytelling has a bewitching charm that will keep readers glued to their seats with a perfect blend of absorbing historical facts, intriguing mystery, and thrilling romance." --Readers Favorite "Once again, Cox delivers the passion and intrigue of Henrietta and Clive with a story that leaps right off the page. A Child Lost is a true thrill . . ." --Paperback Paris