From a small town in England, Maud Heighton, has traveled to Paris to study painting at Lafond's Academie des Beaux Arts. The fees are high, their reputation irreproachable. Maud has quickly discovered: Paris eats money; paints and canvas eat money; winter is coming and Maud is starving. When a fellow artist offers to help her find a part time position, Maud is hopeful that she can continue to work toward her goal of becoming an accomplished artist. An interview is set up for her as a live-in companion for an ailing young lady who wishes to learn English and enjoys art. Her interview with Christian Morel, a handsome 40ish charmer proceeds extremely well. The apartment is palatial and the room that she is shown, hers if she accepts the position is beautiful beyond her wildest dreams. Christian, planning to take his sister, Sylvie, with him to America, feels learning to speak English will help her greatly there. He wants someone with an interest in art as Sylvie enjoys art and likes to sketch. When Maud meets his beautiful sister they bond. When she returns to her room for a nap, Christian offers Maud the position including room, board and a generous stipend. He does mention, however, that Sylvie has an addiction to Opium. He tells her he supplies her need, and is hoping she can, in time, break the habit. Christian tells Maud no one will visit the apartment and Sylvie never goes out at night. Reassured, Maud accepts the offer and moves into the apartment the next day.

Christian and Sylvie are not who they pretend to be and it is not long before Maud is caught up in lies, thefts, and is almost drowned by Christian. This is a diabolic tale of treachery, well planned and carried out by two despicable cheats who have been involved with this type of evil before. Naive Maud was perfect for their plan of action and it is a wild ride with twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages until the smashing finale.

It is easy for me to understand why Imogene Robertson has received so much acclaim. She is a gifted writer that tells a spellbinding story with characters that have you cheering for them as you detest the dark characters and root for revenge. It has never been sweeter. THE PARIS WINTER is a must for historical thriller lovers who thirst for an exceptional plot and locale. At the end of each chapter is a description of a painting that adds to this treasure. Already on my "to be re-read again", I give a 5 star review and my highest recommendation to all. Merci beaucoup, Ms. Robertson.