Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Chasing Mona Lisa: A Novel
    Chasing Mona Lisa: A Novel
    Chasing Mona Lisa: A Novel
    Ebook340 pages11 hours

    Chasing Mona Lisa: A Novel

    By Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

    3.5/5

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    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 Göring 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.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBaker Publishing Group
    Release dateJan 1, 2012
    ISBN9781441235992
    Chasing Mona Lisa: A Novel
    Author

    Tricia Goyer

    USA Today bestselling author Tricia Goyer has published eighty books, has written more than five hundred articles for national publications, and is on the blogging team at TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian websites. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, a Christy and ECPA Award finalist, and regularly receives starred reviews in Romantic Times and Publishers Weekly. Tricia is a wife to John, a mom to ten kids and a Nana to a growing number of grandkids. Connect with her at TriciaGoyer.com.

    Read more from Tricia Goyer

    Related to Chasing Mona Lisa

    Related ebooks

    Christian Fiction For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      World At War

      Mar 8, 2024

      By JOSEPH O’CONNOR Vintage In 1943 the Nazis invaded Rome, with the city ruled by the vicious Gestapo commander Paul Hauptmann. The Vatican, an independent country within the city, was neutral territory and off limits to Hitler’s thugs. As the Occup

      3 min read

    • Article

      When Vogue Went to Russia

      Feb 21, 2018

      When Vogue Went to Russia
      7 min read

    • Article

      History Repeating

      Aug 4, 2022

      ‘Sitting here, watching the ongoing siege of Kyiv, I am reminded of another infamous historic event which occurred over 100 years ago,’ writes subscriber David Bissenden. ‘In January 1885 Major General Charles Gordon, the controversial Victorian sold

      1 min read

    • Article

      Edward Wilson

      Dec 3, 2020

      Edward Wilson immigrated to the UK from America after serving in the Vietnam War. After his teaching career ended, he became the author of eight highly acclaimed books, including the Catesby spy thrillers as well as standalones. ‘Portrait of the Spy

      6 min read

    • Article

      A Village in the Third Reich

      May 4, 2022

      Elliott & Thompson £25 Take a small English country town – Sherborne, say, or Kendal – picture-postcard cute and surrounded by beautiful landscape. Then imagine it after a defeat in war, a sixth of its men dead, chaos in the capital, hyper-inflation

      3 min read

    • Article

      Behind The Fake News

      Dec 27, 2019

      Behind The Fake News
      7 min read

    • Article

      Books

      Aug 8, 2023

      by Iman Mersal, translated from the Arabic by Robin Moger (And Other Stories, ISBN 9781913505721) andotherstories.org On 3 January 1963 the Egyptian writer Enayat al-Zayyat took her own life at the age of 26. Her only completed novel, Love and Silenc

      4 min read

    • Article

      A Woman Scorned?

      Feb 8, 2024

      A Woman Scorned?
      8 min read

    • Article

      Best Of The Year That Was

      Dec 23, 2020

      Best Of The Year That Was
      5 min read

    • Article

      The Resister

      Feb 23, 2018

      The Resister
      6 min read

    • Article

      History

      Sep 22, 2021

      History
      14 min read

    • Article

      International Books

      Jan 13, 2020

      Imagining the world in the first century AD (not yet called that), it’s difficult to envision Christianity (not yet called that) when it was considered a “blasphemous cult”. It’s 35AD in Jerusalem and Saul, a Jew, is hunting down Christians for execu

      5 min read

    • Article

      Francis Spufford Vividly Recreates an 18th-Century New York in ‘Golden Hill’

      Jul 26, 2018

      Dear Reader, envision that Village which grew upon the southern strand of that isle of Manhattoes: a Lenape settlement purchased for 60 guilders and named for Amsterdam, later to be acquired by gunships of King James, and her wooden-legged governor r

      7 min read

    • Article

      Letters

      Jun 8, 2023

      Robin Ashcroft’s excellent account of the 1953 conquest of Everest (June) reminded me of how the happy news eventually found its way back to London. The Times newspaper had acquired the rights to reports on the expedition’s progress, but was unsure a

      3 min read

    • Article

      Russia and Ukraine

      Apr 3, 2024

      Russia and Ukraine
      4 min read

    • Article

      Encounters

      May 13, 2021

      Encounters
      5 min read

    • Article

      Global Go-betweens

      Apr 15, 2021

      The Ambassadors: Thinking About Diplomacy from Machiavelli to Modern Times by Robert Cooper Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 576 pages, £25 This book is not primarily about ambassadors; its subtitle is a much better guide to the contents. Cooper’s main interes

      4 min read

    • Article

      Also On The Bookshelf

      Feb 20, 2020

      Part history, part journalistic account, this is a lively investigation of the Icelandic Sagas – histories of the region compiled in the Middle Ages. The cast of characters, set out at the beginning of the book, is a good indication of its tone, inco

      2 min read

    • Article

      Anniversaries

      Mar 18, 2021

      Anniversaries
      4 min read

    • Article

      Biography & memoir

      Sep 21, 2022

      Biography & memoir
      10 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Chasing Mona Lisa

    3.5/5

    29 ratings9 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 4/5
      I've just finished reading [Chasing Mona Lisa] by Tricia Goyer which was more enjoyable than I thought it would be. A fictitious work about the French resistance movement, a pair of Swiss resistance helpers and the Mona Lisa being stolen from its hiding place during WWII to prevent the Nazis from confiscating more precious art. It includes the history behind how Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa and how it ended up in France, and how it was stolen from the Louvre. Taking place towards the end of Nazi occupation of France, it had a good twist at the end which I didn't see coming.
    • 3/5
      I received this book for the purpose of a review, otherwise it's unlikely I would have picked it up. I don't typically read books set during either World War (I'm not sure why, but I just don't find them enjoyable), but I thought this one sounded interesting. It's a story about the liberation of art from the Germans after the occupation of Paris, specifically the flight of the Mona Lisa ("La Joconde") from Paris to Amsterdam and back to Paris as a team of individuals struggled to keep it out of the hands of a German officer.The story focuses on two couples -- a pair of Swiss spies who get wrapped up into the drama on a medical-supply delivery mission -- and a Resistance fighter and a museum curator. They're likable enough characters, but I can't say I particularly connected with either couple. I found the Swiss couple much more realistic in their motives and actions, and if I remember correctly, there's another book by this writing team that continues their story.The other couple -- Bernard and Colette -- don't have quite the expected ending, and things are left a little unresolved (but if I say why, I'll give away some crucial information, so I'll let you read that for yourself). As a result, I found the book less compelling than I'd hoped.Because I don't have a lot of experience with WWII novels, I don't have much to compare it to in terms of quality or storytelling. It was a fast read with decent plot & characters, and plenty of historical detail. I think people who look for historical detail in this kind of fiction will be pleased, but I wish the authors had included a note at the end (as some authors do) explaining which parts were based on true events and which were creative license. I know that there were problems with precious pieces of art falling to the Germans (and efforts to keep other pieces out of their hands), but was this book based on a true story? I have no idea.Either way, not bad. Not wonderful, but probably a fair read for someone interested in the period and the subject matter.
    • 3/5
      Chasing Mona Lisa intrigued me on a couple fronts - one it's based in the 1940's during WWII and during the end of Hitler's reign and terror campaign toward the Jews. And two it's history and I've always loved history.Chasing Mona Lisa takes place during the last month or two of Hitler's occupation of France. You have 3 groups of people fighting for the freedom of France - Charles De Gaulle who has left the country and is allowing the resistance groups to do the fighting for him and then steps in to take credit when the German's are ousted. Then you have the French Communist Party who think a communist government is the way to go & one member who takes matters in his own hands to return the Mona Lisa (after the Germans Heller & Gorman try to steal it) back to the city thus taking credit for the communist party and trying to discredit De Gaulle. Then you have Eric & Gabi - two Swiss people undercover as Red Cross workers trying to get into the city (I never did really figure out what they were doing). Combine them all together and it is certainly fast paced.I found this book rather confusing obviously. I loved the idea behind the book - but had some trouble following along with it. The Swiss Courier (Gabi's story) is the prequel to this book and if I had read that one first that might have tied some of the pieces together for me. The authors have done their homework, know their history and the city of Paris - but the writing is hard to follow and I was a little (just a little) bored with it.Please don't let my review hold you back from reading this book. I would suggest you maybe check it out from the library and see if you like it or sit down and read the first chapter before you purchase it. It may intrigue you enough and perhaps you'll really enjoy it.
    • 4/5
      This book starts just as Paris is about to be liberated from the Germans but it does set up a bit of the back history of the resistance movements going on during the occupation. The Free French following de Gaulle and the various communist groups all worked to rid the country of the Nazis and each expected their party to rule after their goal was achieved. History has shown how it all played out and this book uses the conflict between the two groups to good use.The Mona Lisa is one of France's greatest treasures. The fear of losing it is the premise of the book. My problem is that although she is considered a masterpiece and a major work of art she never impressed me and all the fawning done over what is a very small, dark painting didn't ring true to me. I have seen the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and I was disappointed at best. I can understand the popular feeling of losing a treasure but not all of the individuals in the book exclaiming over this painting.That being said......I did enjoy the overall story. It moved along quite nicely and the characters were well rounded. I found myself rooting for the main romance between Gabi and Eric - they worked well together both as spies and as boyfriend/girlfriend. It was fascinating to learn about the various efforts to keep the Mona Lisa hidden and far away from Nazi hands. The epilogue did seem a bit of a non sequitur with nothing in the beginning of the book to precede it.
    • 5/5
      Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey has done it again! They co-wrote The Swiss Courier together and wow! I was blown away then and I'm once again blown away by their ability to write a smooth flowing, complex, edge of your seat novel once again. I loved The Swiss Courier, and I LOVED Chasing Mona Lisa!Eric and Gabi, Swiss spies, are back and in full swing of things as they taken on another fast-paced thrilling case....this time, chasing down the infamous Mona Lisa painting during the liberation of France. Instantly, you're transported to Erik and Gabi's side. You're in the middle of the fast past thrills and the rush of adrenaline as you learn things about the art work being stolen...and just who is behind it all.Eric and Gabi's skills are amazing as they work together to right the wrongs. With secrets uncovered, twists and turns among every page, and characters that jump from the pages in this awesome WWII novel, this is a novel that will leave you feeling breathless in the end.I definitely recommend this novel. Rich in complexity and amazing historical detail, this novel is worthy of so much more than just 5 Books! Eric and Gabi aren't ones to be missed on their missions, that's for sure! The ending of this story is a whopper of unexpectedness and I can't wait to see if these two incredibly amazing authors collaborate once again to bring their fans another amazing Swiss spy novel! INCREDIBLETASTIC work, Ms. Goyer and Mr. Yorkey!This review originated at Reviews By Molly in part with a blog tour.
    • 5/5
      This fast paced novel is set at the close of World War II in German occupied France just as France gains it's freedom. Four people are racing to save the beloved French artwork - the Mona Lisa while German Reichmarschall Hermann Goring sets out to claim it for himself.

      From the first page the action and intrigue is non-stop. I was surprised at the depth of the characters since there were so many in the novel. Just as the reader thinks they have it all figured out - and have chosen the character they want to see win - things change. As it is in war time there are so many dynamics that the reader is torn between loyalty for certain characters and the greater cause.

      What is it about this mysterious lady that makes her the most sought after piece of art - she truly is the most wanted lady in the world? Yet as each character takes their first look at this beloved piece of art they are captivated by her smile and poise.

      I am forever amazed at the this particular period of history. Those living in this time were forced to make choices that I would never want be forced to make. Loyalty is constantly tested as black and white shifts to a hazy color of grey. Which side is the right side to belong to - and how should one serve to benefit the whole?

      In this story you are invited into an exciting, life altering race that will forever change the lives of four individuals.
    • 3/5
      Decent read and has some momentum but lacks intensity. Good use of historical events around the liberation of Paris during the Second World War.
    • 4/5
      If you don’t know much about the Second World War, or even if you do, Chasing Mona Lisa will present to you a different slant on how things were. Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey take the reader into the drama and danger of the time when Nazi Germany was overpowering Europe and laying claim to all the wealth they wanted.Hitler’s Germany had overrun France, and some over-zealous prominent military officials were determined to add to their private collections as much valued artwork as they could.We meet the famous Louvre’s curator who is responsible for priceless art treasures sought by the above-mentioned officials. We also meet spies, a few members of the Resistance group determined to get their country – and their country’s art treasures – back, some other interesting characters who round out the story, and a convincing glimpse into World War II.Chasing Mona Lisa holds the reader’s interest from the beginning to the end. It is impossible to tell who of the two authors, Tricia Goyer or Mike Yorkey, wrote which part. It is a well-delivered story, full of tension, excitement, faith, hope, drama, intrigue, suspense, and there are history lessons to be learned amid the fiction built around the facts. The reader gets drawn into a time of war, and introduced to situations where there is theft, kidnapping, a little romance, deception, blackmail, and more.I found Chasing Mona Lisa to be a fast-paced book, one I was eager to pick up again after short periods away from my reading. I had to know what was going to happen next! And my guess is you will, too.
    • 4/5
      This book starts just as Paris is about to be liberated from the Germans but it does set up a bit of the back history of the resistance movements going on during the occupation. The Free French following de Gaulle and the various communist groups all worked to rid the country of the Nazis and each expected their party to rule after their goal was achieved. History has shown how it all played out and this book uses the conflict between the two groups to good use.The Mona Lisa is one of France's greatest treasures. The fear of losing it is the premise of the book. My problem is that although she is considered a masterpiece and a major work of art she never impressed me and all the fawning done over what is a very small, dark painting didn't ring true to me. I have seen the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and I was disappointed at best. I can understand the popular feeling of losing a treasure but not all of the individuals in the book exclaiming over this painting.That being said......I did enjoy the overall story. It moved along quite nicely and the characters were well rounded. I found myself rooting for the main romance between Gabi and Eric - they worked well together both as spies and as boyfriend/girlfriend. It was fascinating to learn about the various efforts to keep the Mona Lisa hidden and far away from Nazi hands. The epilogue did seem a bit of a non sequitur with nothing in the beginning of the book to precede it.

    Book preview

    Chasing Mona Lisa - Tricia Goyer

    Enjoying the preview?
    Page 1 of 1