The Paris Secret - by Karen Swan (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

In this glittering tale of forgotten treasures and long-held secrets, international bestseller Karen Swan explores one woman's journey to discovering the truth behind an abandoned apartment and a family whose mysteries may be better left undiscovered.

When high-powered fine art agent Flora Sykes is called in to assess objets d'art in a Paris apartment that has been abandoned since WWII, she is skeptical at first--until she discovers that the treasure trove of paintings is myriad...and priceless. The powerful Vermeil family to whom they belong is eager to learn more and asks Flora to trace the history of each painting.

Despite a shocking announcement that has left her own family reeling, Flora finds herself thrown into the glamorous world of the Vermeils. But she soon realizes there is more to this project than first appears. As she researches the provenance of their prize Renoir, she uncovers a scandal surrounding the painting--and a secret that goes to the very heart of the family. The fallout will place Flora in the eye of a storm that carries her from London to Vienna to the glittering coast of Provence.

Xavier Vermeil, the brusque scion of the family, is determined to separate Flora from his family's affairs in spite of their powerful attraction to one another. Just what are the secrets he is desperately trying to hide? And what price is Flora willing to pay to uncover the devastating truth...?

"The Paris Secret had me from the moment I started reading. Filled with a smart and sympathetic protagonist, a touch of romance, a smidgen of history, plenty of intrigue and suspense galore."--Diane Chamberlain, internationally bestselling author of The Midwife's Confession

From the Back Cover

When high-powered fine art agent Flora Sykes is called in to assess objets d'art in a Paris apartment that has been abandoned since WWII, she is skeptical at first--until she discovers that the treasure trove of paintings is myriad . . . and priceless. The powerful Vermeil family to whom they belong is eager to learn more and asks Flora to trace the history of each painting.

Despite a shocking announcement that has left her own family reeling, Flora finds herself thrown into the glamorous world of the Vermeils. But she soon realizes there is more to this project than first appears. As she researches the provenance of their prize Renoir, she uncovers a scandal surrounding the painting--and a secret that goes to the very heart of the family. The fallout will place Flora in the eye of a storm that carries her from London to Vienna to the glittering coast of Provence.

Xavier Vermeil, the brusque scion of the family, is determined to separate Flora from his family's affairs in spite of their powerful attraction to each other. Just what are the secrets he is desperately trying to hide? And what price is Flora willing to pay to uncover the devastating truth . . . ?

Review Quotes

"Behind the locked door are shocking secrets, an unlikely romance, and nail-biting intrigue--it's definitely worth a peek." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Paris Secret: "I loved it. Escaping into a world of art, beauty and heartbreaking history, I was caught on page one and didn't put it down until I finished it." -- Liz Fenwick, bestselling author of The Cornish House

"A stunning journey." -- Sunday Express, S magazine

"The Paris Secret had me from the moment I started reading. Filled with a smart and sympathetic protagonist, a touch of romance, a smidgen of history, plenty of intrigue and suspense galore." -- Diane Chamberlain, internationally bestselling author of The Midwife's Confession

"A former fashion editor, Swan brings an eye for detail to her descriptive prose. Offer this to fans of Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series who may be looking for more sophistication." -- Booklist