This one has been on my TBR for a long time and I’m not sure why! However the Paris Olympics prompted me to pick it up given the same setting and like I could have guessed I flew through this one.

The main plot of the story focuses on Flora researching recently found artwork which I found easy to read and although there was quite a lot in terms of detail it didn’t feel laborious at any point. I was also interested to know the book was loosely based on true events from the time period.

I always find that the description of the setting really takes you their with the author’s writing and this was no different. I loved the ability that Flora had to stay and travel with friends in Paris. They were really part of the young and glamorous set!

Other summer reads from Karen Swan which will transport you to their setting include -
🇮🇹 The Rome Affair
🇬🇷 The Greek Escape
🇪🇸 The Spanish Promise

Karen Swan has also published a historical Scottish series set on St Kilda - The Wild Isle series - and several cozy Christmassy/winter books. She’s definitely an author whose backlist I’m trying to make my way through!

One of the most fascinating real life stories I have ever heard (or read) was of the apartment found in Paris that had been perfectly preserved since World War II; the ‘hows’ and the ‘whys’ of the apartment owner baffles my brain with how magical, romantic and tragic it is.

It is this very same apartment that is the basis for the fantastic novel by Karen Swan. The Paris Apartment sees art agent Flora lead the charge in getting the pieces of art catalogued and sold in auction. However, when war time Nazi art theft threatens the investigation and subsequent selling, Flora discovers more than she bargained for.

I have read other books based on this same subject and each has fascinated me in different ways. Karen Swan has created the perfect balance between historical mystery and romance in this epic family saga. This is the first book that I have read by Karen Swan and I will definitely be reading more.

The Paris Secret by Karen Swan is available now.

For more information regarding Karen Swan please visit her Twitter page (@KarenSwan1).

For more information regarding Pan Macmillan (@panmacmillan) please visit www.panmacmillan.com.