Unknown

An historical mystery set in 19th century Russia, Vienna, and London where secrets of a family portrait uncover a family’s hidden past.

Daisy Staunton and Ben Tarrant meet at an auction and discover they own identical copies of a Victorian portrait of an elegant, enigmatic ancestor of theirs. But is one a fake?

On a sweeping trail of mystery and intrigue that leads them across Europe – from the impoverished shtetls of Russia to the elegance of Hapsburg Vienna and Victorian London – they uncover the story of two young Jewish sisters, Rosa and Lena Rabinovitch, forced to take heart-breaking decisions in their attempts to survive.

Ben, a primary-school teacher, and Daisy, a successful marketing executive, initially do not hit it off. But, compelled to prove the paintings’ provenance, they reluctantly form an alliance. Each is dealing with a personal issue – Ben increasingly despondent about advanced plans for a flashy expensive wedding, and Daisy fed up of playing second fiddle to her boyfriend’s all-consuming career. But discovering disturbing secrets about their past makes them question their own lives – who they really are, and, more importantly, who they want to be.

Praise for Derville Murphy

“Gripping. The mystery of captivating portraits set amid sweeping historical themes makes an elegant and enthralling read” Patricia O’Reilly, author of The First Rose of Tralee

“Pacey, poignant and unputdownable” Tricia Holbrook, author of Irish Coco