The Altobella Automaton (Paperback)

A.N. Warren

ISBN 13: 9798995301103

Published by Fleuron Press, 2026

About this Item

Paperback. An adult contemporary novel for fans of character-driven, setting-rich cozy mysteries such as The Lost Apothecary, Under the Tuscan Sun, and The MiniaturistSpiraling from the recent loss of her last living family member, 34-year-old Simonetta Altobella flees her Bay Area home for a summer volunteer program at Chateau Desrosiers in southeastern France, a destination made popular by a YouTube channel chronicling the chateau's restoration. It's also a place with ties to her family, although she has been left in the dark for decades about its significance to her grandfather and the secrets he never wanted to divulge. When Simonetta uncovers a broken musical automaton buried deep in the chateau's attic bearing a maker's mark inscribed with the Altobella name, it feels serendipitous-but wading into the tangled wires within unearths a complicated history that entwines her with the past, and future, of the enigmatic Chateau Desrosiers. Simonetta finds herself adrift among the volunteers from around the world, but the automaton's discovery channels her grief into purpose. While restoring both the castle and the automaton, Simonetta forges a new identity in the aftermath of loss. Does the automaton hold the answers she's looking for-or will she be left with even more questions about her place in the world? This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9798995301103

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Altobella Automaton (Paperback)
• Publisher: Fleuron Press
• Publication Date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798995301103
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

An adult contemporary novel for fans of character-driven, setting-rich cozy mysteries such as The Lost Apothecary, Under the Tuscan Sun, and The Miniaturist

Spiraling from the recent loss of her last living family member, 34-year-old Simonetta Altobella flees her Bay Area home for a summer volunteer program at Chateau Desrosiers in southeastern France, a destination made popular by a YouTube channel chronicling the chateau's restoration. It's also a place with ties to her family, although she has been left in the dark for decades about its significance to her grandfather and the secrets he never wanted to divulge.

When Simonetta uncovers a broken musical automaton buried deep in the chateau's attic bearing a maker's mark inscribed with the Altobella name, it feels serendipitous-but wading into the tangled wires within unearths a complicated history that entwines her with the past, and future, of the enigmatic Chateau Desrosiers.

Simonetta finds herself adrift among the volunteers from around the world, but the automaton's discovery channels her grief into purpose. While restoring both the castle and the automaton, Simonetta forges a new identity in the aftermath of loss. Does the automaton hold the answers she's looking for-or will she be left with even more questions about her place in the world?

About the Author

A. N. Warren is an award-winning writer known for her immersive fiction that blends themes of folklore and identity. She holds an MA in Literacy Studies and serves as the director of the Storytelling Collective, an online learning program for independent creative storytellers. When she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys planning her next adventure abroad. She lives in Northern Nevada with her husband, daughter, and their cat.