The Chrysalis

By Heather Terrell

Book Overview

"Fascinating history and assured storytelling" make this art-theft mystery "one of those rare thrillers that both entertain and intrigue" (Tess Gerritsen, New York Times-bestselling author of The Mephisto Club).

When lawyer Mara Coyne lands a career-making case at her powerful Manhattan law firm, she's certain she's on her way to becoming partner. All Mara has to do is prove that the lost Dutch masterwork the prestigious Beazley Auction House is about to sell rightfully belongs to their client, and not Hilda Baum, despite her shocking claim. According to Hilda, the daughter of a Dutch art collector who died in the Holocaust, The Chrysalis was once part of her father's collection.

It's a challenge Mara is more than up for--until she discovers that Beazley's in-house counsel is Michael Roarke, a man who has long had a hold on her heart. But once she is deep into the case--and sparks a secret affair with Michael--she starts to suspect that Hilda Baum's tragic tale is true. And that the man she's falling hard for is not the man he seems.

Spanning centuries and continents, The Chrysalis is a fascinating blend of art and history, a high-stakes mystery that will keep readers enthralled to the very last page.

"Quick, sure images, tight storytelling, solid suspense. A tense and vivid tale." --Steve Berry, New York Times-bestselling author of The Alexandria Link

"Heather Terrell . . . interweaves the stories of three centuries into a dark cocoon of intrigue and suspense." --Katherine Neville, New York Times-bestselling author of The Eight

"A tale that's not only 'ripped from the headlines' but captures some of that Da Vinci Code cachet." --Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1504093755
• ISBN13: 9781504093750
• Release Date: June 2025
• Publisher: Open Road Media Mystery & Thri
• Length: 250 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

PW review is unbelievably and stupidly wrong!

I read this book some time ago, and just noticed that Ms. Terrell has a new book out called THE MAP THIEF, which I admit I have not read. But I did read CHRYSALIS, and enjoyed it very, very much. In fact, I read it back when it was still in galley form, and was impressed by the art history details, by Ms. Terrell's ability to keep the suspense ticking away, and by the way she captured the art world. It kept me entertained during a very long plane ride. The reason I'm putting in my two cents' worth now is that I just noticed the review from Publishers Weekly, and cannot believe how wrongheaded and cruel it is. They would have you believe this is a bad novel; may I say that the PW review is, in fact, the worthless piece of writing here? I hope Ms. Terrell keeps writing many books to come. She can certainly create intriguing plots.

Page turner

I did not want to put this book down! I loved the characters and the past and present story lines. A well written, thought provoking story and an entertaining mystery all in one.

Fanastic

I loved this. I was amazed that the author could create this believable and complicated conflict over a painting and then 1) show what actually happened to the painting (who bought and sold it -- legitimately or not; and 2) show the painting of the painting of itself -- in 15th century Holland! This last story line was my favorite. So much here throughout though: art, religion, morality. Betrayal and mystery. Aboslutely loved this.

Fabulous thriller!

Wonderful story lines and characters! I was on the edge of my seat. Loved the deep, colorful images and crisp writing style!

fascinating read, fabulous debut

I really enjoyed this book. It was well developed and researched. I can't wait until her next book comes out.