A Trace of Deceit: A Novel

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From the author ofA Dangerous Duet comes the next book in her Victorian mystery series, this time following a daring female painter and the Scotland Yard detective who is investigating her brothers suspicious death.

A young painter digs beneath the veneer of Victorian Londons art world to learn the truth behind her brothers murder...

Edwin is dead. Thats what Inspector Matthew Hallam of Scotland Yard tells Annabel Rowe when she discovers him searching her brothers flat for clues. While the news is shocking, Annabel cant say its wholly unexpected, given Edwins past as a dissolute risk-taker and art forger, although he swore hed reformed. After years spent blaming his reckless behavior for their parents deaths, Annabel is now faced with the question of who murdered himbecause Edwins death was both violent and deliberate. A valuable French painting hed been restoring for an auction house is missing from his studio: find the painting, find the murderer. But the owner of the artwork claims it was destroyed in a warehouse fire years ago.

As a painter at the prestigious Slade School of Art and as Edwins closest relative, Annabel makes the case that she is crucial to Matthews investigation. But in their search for the painting, Matthew and Annabel trace a path of deceit and viciousness that reaches far beyond the elegant rooms of the auction house, into an underworld of politics, corruption, and secrets someone will kill to keep.

Reviews

"Odden's third effort injects a refreshing level of complexity, both in character development and plotting, into what one typically expects to find in historical cozies. This will appeal to fans of Victorian mysteries, as well as those interested in art history." Booklist (starred review) "Odden keenly evokes the physical as well as cultural milieu of Victorian England, and peoples her setting with fully realized and intriguing characters. This book will delight readers who like their mysteries cloaked in well-researched history." Publishers Weekly "...this thrilling, action-packed story [is] an absolute delight to read." Historical Novel Society "Oddens literary brushstrokes vividly portray the misogyny and gender bias experienced by women in Victorian society, especially a woman battling to exercise her artistic talent. " Washington Independent Review of Books "Fans of Anne Perry, Deanna Rayborn, and Tasha Alexander will root for Karen Oddens newest heroine, Annabel Roweaspiring painter and now amateur sleuthinvestigating the murder of her art forger brother. The novel's a delightful mix of mystery, history, and romance, served with a delicious helping of lush period detail, while chemistry between Annabel and the investigating Scotland Yard detective add spice to the adventure." Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope series "A darkly thrilling story filled with suspense and secrets, a courageous heroine, an edgy climax, and an atmospheric setting that perfectly captures the underbelly of Londons art world in the Victorian era. A Trace of Deceit is an absolute winner!" Stefanie Pintoff, Edgar Award winning author Praise for A Dangerous Duet: “Enter a world of teeming and dangerous cities portrayed in vitality and amazing detail. Meet characters with tremendous courage and appetite for life, and be glad you can return at will to the present. Anne Perry, New York Times bestselling author "A riveting addition to the author's Victorian mystery series!" Rosemary Simpson

Author Bio

Karen Odden received her PhD in English literature from New York University and has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. She currently serves as an assistant editor for the academic journal Victorian Literature and Culture. Her debut novel, A Lady in the Smoke, was a USA Today bestseller.