A Crack in the Varnish

The first of the Dechansay Bright Mysteries. Book 2, By a Hand Unknown, is out now.

Art restoration can be a dangerous business...

'Believe nothing of what you hear, and only half of what you see' - Proverb
Link to A Crack in the Varnish Sample Chapter

Hollywood actress, Esther Langley, has a home in the hills of Provence, an old converted abbey where she keeps her precious art collection. Now she has four paintings in need of restoration: one modern work, fire-damaged, and three crumbling old masters. It looks like a straightforward job for an experienced art restorer like Hannah Dechansay, and who wouldn’t relish a few months in Provence?

But living and working on Esther’s estate isn’t easy. It’s a tortured household, haunted by a tragic death. There’s guilt and recrimination in the air and relationships soon start to unravel. Was the death an accident? Everyone has a different version to tell. There’s something sinister going on and everyone, it seems, has something to hide.

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Praise for A Crack in the Varnish

‘Very enjoyable, easy read. The characters were believable and engrossing and the story full of interesting art restoration and mystery solving. Even the love interests weren’t simple. Loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer

‘As with all Shuker’s books, you get pulled in, involved, immersed, and you’re as driven as the characters to see it through… A high recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Loved it and now really looking forward to the next adventure of Hannah and Nathan.’ Amazon reviewer

Book Clubs

My books are sometimes chosen to be read by book clubs and I’m thrilled to know that people are engaging with my stories and characters. It’s also interesting for me to hear your impressions and to see my characters through your eyes. If you have decided to read The Silence Before Thunder and would like more information about it, do get in touch. If your club is local to me, I should be happy to come and discuss it with you at a meeting if you would like; alternatively, we may be able to hook up on Skype.

I have prepared a list of questions you may choose to consider after reading The Silence Before Thunder. Click here to download a copy for your club.

A Crack in the Varnish is available as an ebook from most major retailers and as a paperback from Amazon and by order from most bookshops worldwide.

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Buy A Crack in the Varnish

Click on the book cover to read the first chapter.

Book Clubs

My books are sometimes chosen to be read by book clubs and I’m thrilled to know that people are engaging with my stories and characters. It’s also interesting for me to hear your impressions and to see my characters through your eyes. If you have decided to read A Crack in the Varnish and would like more information about it, do get in touch. If your club is local to me, I should be happy to come and discuss it with you at a meeting if you would like; alternatively, we may be able to hook up on Skype.

I have prepared a list of questions you may choose to consider after reading A Crack in the Varnish. Click here to download a copy for your club. Be aware that the questions may contain spoilers!