Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey return with their second WWII suspense novel, Chasing Mona Lisa, from Revell.
Synopsis
It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Goering will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci’s masterpiece before it falls into German hands?
With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers’ adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on–and the runners are playing for keeps.
Enjoy meeting Colette!
Brief physical description
Colette Perriard is petite with light brown hair. She dresses in fashionable pastel colors in her role as a curator for the greatest museum in the world, the Louvre in Paris.
Actor/famous person Natalie Portman with light brown hair.
Strengths and weaknesses
Colette knows the world of fine art. She views herself as the protector of the Mona Lisa during the time of the Nazi occupation of France. This is both a strength and a weakness. She is fearful that those she cares most will be hurt by the Nazis, and she sometimes is forced to make compromises to protect those she loves.
Your inspiration for the character
Our inspiration for Colette came from the real curators who risked their lives to save priceless art from falling into the hands of people like Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, who either purchased or confiscated 1,800 pieces of famous art during the war. Colette did her part to walk a tightrope with these ruthless occupiers. We read about these women (and men) in books such as The Rape of Europa.
Background to the story
Colette is a curator at the Louvre Museum during the German occupation of Paris. She is romantically involved with Bernard Rousseau, yet she isn’t fully aware of his involvement with the French Resistance. As Paris is being liberated August 1944, the Germans attempt to escape with as much priceless art as possible—including the Mona Lisa. The duty falls on Colette to make sure that doesn’t happen, and she receives the help from two Swiss OSS agents, Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler.
Relz Reviewz Extras
Review of The Swiss Courier
Visit Tricia’s website
Visit Mike’s website
Interview with Tricia
Buy Tricia’s books at Amazon or Koorong
January 27, 2012 at 3:05 am
Natalie Portman isn't a bad choice for Colette…I just finished this and really enjoyed it. =)
Hope you had a great Australia Day, my down under friend. *hugs*
January 27, 2012 at 4:13 am
I'm looking forward to reading this! I loved The Swiss Courier and I'm glad Tricia and Mike decided to continue the Gabi and Eric's story.