Van Gogh's Lover: A Historical Mystery of Two Women Divided by Centuries but United by a Mysterious Painting. Based on the True Story of Van Gogh's Years in France (Includes Book Club Questions) Paperback – May 15, 2025

Jane Ward was sure of three things…Her painting was a Van Gogh. Only one man would believe her. That man was a killer.From the acclaimed author of The Forbidden Zone comes a soaring dual timeline historical mystery set in Provence and the Alps. Two women, separated by centuries, are bound by a lost painting and a long‑buried secret that will shake the art world to its core. Inspired by the true story of Vincent van Gogh’s years in France, this richly atmospheric novel is perfect for book club readers and fans of emotional, character‑driven historical fiction.Twelve years have passed since a high school accident derailed Jane's once-promising future. When the owners of the powerful Firth Gallery invite Jane to bring her beloved family painting, The Lover, to Switzerland, it looks like a second chance. But on her first night in Geneva, the painting goes missing, and she suspects the Firths.Determined to recover her painting, Jane is led to a dying village in the high Alps where an enigmatic man living in a château is waiting for her. Within the château’s walls, she uncovers a history of lies, murder, and, at its heart, an appalling injustice that will shake the art world to its core.But not everyone wants these facts brought to light. Jane will need to find the strength she lost in her accident and face the shocking truth about her past, her painting, and, finally, an epic love affair between a destitute painter named Vincent Van Gogh and a mysterious woman who inspired a portrait that may be his greatest work.Praise for Michael Hetzer's The Forbidden Zone“… unforgettable story of love, deceit, and redemption… extraordinary.” —Library Journal (starred review)“Intriguing and entertaining… compulsively readable.” —Daniel Silva, author of The Unlikely Spy“… a first-rate thriller. This book caught my imagination from the first page to the very last.” —Robert Strauss, last U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union, first Ambassador to the Russian Federation"Well-paced and exciting, with crisp dialogue, believable setups, and first-rate atmosphere.” —Kirkus Reviews“Well-written, attentive… full of compassion for the Russian people, and of pleasure of American readers." —Publisher’s Weekly“This is what every reviewer hopes for when opening a book by a new author. A fine debut.” —The Boston Globe“Fantastic… a major success as a new star, to the joy of readers, has entered the sub-genre with a strong winner.” —Harriet Klausner, Under the Covers“It is a joy to read a thriller that is totally plausible… it is excellent.” —The Roanoke Times“Suspenseful… a lively and readable tale told with extraordinary clarity.” —Naples (FL) Daily News“Keeps the reader turning pages late into the night… A thriller with solid meat on some very strong bones.” —American Way magazine“… does for the Soviet Union what Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park did for dinosaurs—brings the remote past back to life in all its blood and terror.” —Anthony Olcott, author of Murder at the Red October“… impressive realism… [with] a compelling storyline and a satisfying conclusion. I recommend it.” —Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA“Fascinating.” —Richard Harris, author of Archangel“A grand adventure… fast-moving and terrifying.” —Boulder Camera“Action-packed.” —The Anniston Star Read more