Michelle Cox - A SPYING EYE

In the sixth book of Henrietta and Inspector Howard series by Michelle Cox, newlyweds Henrietta and Clive 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.

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 the 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. 

Michelle and I discuss her research for the art coveted by Hitler, how and why three of the female characters in her series give such a great picture of women’s lives in the 1930s — and the story she’s itching to write next.