Stella and Adam are the perfect all-American couple – young, glamorous, and well-traveled. As an antiques dealer, Adam’s job brings him overseas to search for architectural treasures that Americans can’t readily get their hands on. The plan is to pack a shipping container chock-full of reclaimed Parisian doors, mirrors, and columns then eat, sun and explore all that Europe has to offer. After three weeks, it’s time to return to Atlanta following one last delicious meal at a little cafe. All that stands in the way of Stella and Adam making it to the airport on time is an accidentally forgotten pair of sunglasses. The two divide and conquer, with Stella heading to the hotel to pack up and Adam doubling back to the cafe where his sunglasses remain.  

But in a matter of minutes, Stella’s world is turned upside down literally and figuratively. An explosion has gone off, Adam is missing, and life as Stella knows it is screeching to a halt. Kimberly Belle’s international thriller, THE PARIS WIDOW, follows Stella in her frantic race for answers – is her husband dead? Why are the police telling her they have been tracking Adam for ten years? Who can she trust, and will she safely make it out of Paris herself before it’s too late? 

Kimberly Belle certainly knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat – THE PARIS WIDOW is a fast-paced read that artfully (pun intended) throws multiple wrenches and characters into the mix in a way that keeps you burning through the pages. Is it atmospheric? Yes. Is it equal parts tense and sexy? You bet. Will it have you questioning what you would do if you were in Stella’s shoes? Without a doubt! The plot twists are satisfying and evenly peppered throughout the story, but some readers may find that the pace loses steam midway through the story and the conclusion lands somewhat clunkily. 

On the whole, Kimberly Belle’s THE PARIS WIDOW is your ticket to a summer getaway to France without having to leave your own backyard. If you’re looking for a good beach read with a unique and cinematic premise, this international mystery is just the book for you!