4.5-STAR REVIEW: A SPYING EYE by Michelle Cox

A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Novel: Book 6
Publication Date: October 25, 2022

In A Spying Eye, 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 . . .

One of the dilemmas readers face when discovering new authors is how to handle jumping into a series that has already started. For example, A Spying Eye marks the sixth Henrietta and Inspector Howard novel by Michelle Cox.

Sometimes, the series is strong enough so each story can stand on its own while others must be read in sequence. In this instance, readers will find a well-crafted story set in 1936. While there are references to people and events that appeared in past installments, for the most part, it serves as a solid introduction to the author.

As the Howards travel to Europe for an overdue honeymoon, trouble isn’t far away. Between interactions with distant relatives and a race against the Nazis for a missing panel of a priceless painting, the couple must follow the clues and put their trust in others to reach safety.

With a secondary plot unfolding in Chicago, there’s plenty of action to complement the rich historical details. Part mystery and part romance, the book delivers strong characters, particularly Henrietta, as she showcases her detective skills. The relationship between the two characters is well-developed, allowing them both to evolve throughout the series.

A Spying Eye provides an engaging historical mystery with a solid dose of romance that makes readers ready for more adventures featuring Henrietta and Inspector Howard.

Michelle Cox is the author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago’s forgotten residents. Her books have won over 50 international awards and have been praised by Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Foreword Reviews, Elle, Redbook, Brit&Co., POPSUGAR, Buzzfeed, and many others.

Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade. She lives in Chicago with her husband, three children, and one naughty Goldendoodle and is hard at work on her latest novel.

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