Silver Medal, Global Book Awards, Historical Fiction--Medieval
Finalist, International Book Awards, Cross-Genre Fiction
Finalist, Self-Publishing Review (SPR) Awards

The Unusual Sale of Rare Medieval Manuscripts, a Young Student Yearning to Belong, and the Shadowy Crimes that Fuel the World of Art Collecting.

Clarissa Martinez has lived in seven countries, yet belongs to none.

An Art Practice Major attending graduate school in Berkeley, Clarissa is desperate to rediscover her roots and connect with her Asian and Caucasian heritage, but she feels unmoored chasing a sense of belonging that continually eludes her.

Innocent in life yet rich in artistry, Clarissa finds herself entangled in an intriguing mystery to uncover a set of stolen illuminated manuscripts. For her, these ancient manuscripts stir tender memories of bedtime stories her mother once read to her, igniting an enduring love for art.

After reconnecting with Nathan, a fascinating doctor-cum-journalist she used to know, the pair are quickly plunged into a cross-continental hunt for the manuscripts’ provenance that will take them into the dark underbelly of the art world.

The breadcrumbs of their investigation point to an American soldier, a relic of World War II, who secretly hoarded the stolen artwork for half a century. But as Clarissa digs deeper, expecting answers, she encounters astonishing details that only lead to more questions.

Will Clarissa and Nathan finally reveal the truth about these long-lost manuscripts? Will her search satisfy her quest for home she’s spent her whole life longing for?

Dig into the riveting historical details, page-turning suspense, and profound themes of identity and the desire to belong in this dual timeline mystery inspired by the real-life theft of medieval manuscript illuminations during World War II. Perfect for fans of Charlie Lovette, Geraldine Brooks and Umberto Eco.

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