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Lost Art Investigations #1
Not In Time
Art historian Genevieve McKenna, who just lost her museum job, lands an exciting assignment: Trace the path of a drawing the Nazis stole in Paris and restore it to the rightful owners.
Julien Brooks, whose family claims the drawing, has vital information. He also has a killer smile and speaks flawless French. She's eager to get to know him better. A lot better.
But someone — could it be Julien? — seems very determined to thwart her work.
And why does she keep having bizarre flashbacks to a place she’s certain she’s never been? Mental illness ruined her mother’s life. Is that Genevieve's fate?
On a research trip to Paris, Genevieve confronts her growing attraction to Julien and the truth about those flashbacks. What she learns will reveal the real story of her mother, the heroism of Julien’s family and the heartbreak of a doomed romance.
It may also cost her and Julien their lives.
Julien Brooks, whose family claims the drawing, has vital information. He also has a killer smile and speaks flawless French. She's eager to get to know him better. A lot better.
But someone — could it be Julien? — seems very determined to thwart her work.
And why does she keep having bizarre flashbacks to a place she’s certain she’s never been? Mental illness ruined her mother’s life. Is that Genevieve's fate?
On a research trip to Paris, Genevieve confronts her growing attraction to Julien and the truth about those flashbacks. What she learns will reveal the real story of her mother, the heroism of Julien’s family and the heartbreak of a doomed romance.
It may also cost her and Julien their lives.
319 pages, ebook
First published December 15, 2013
About the author
Shawna Seed
2 books22 followersShawna Seed is a writer and editor whose career has taken her to both coasts and several spots in between, working for organizations that include The Dallas Morning News and ESPN.com.
Originally from Kansas, she's lived in seven states and every continental U.S. time zone. She and her husband now call Dallas home.
When she's not writing, her interests include cooking, travel and watching college basketball. (Go Jayhawks!)
Her books include Identity, a suspense novel set on the Texas Gulf Coast, and Not in Time, a novel about looted art.
Visit her website, where the goodies include her blog and discussion guides.
Like Shawna's fan page on Facebook
Visit Shawna's author page on Amazon
Originally from Kansas, she's lived in seven states and every continental U.S. time zone. She and her husband now call Dallas home.
When she's not writing, her interests include cooking, travel and watching college basketball. (Go Jayhawks!)
Her books include Identity, a suspense novel set on the Texas Gulf Coast, and Not in Time, a novel about looted art.
Visit her website, where the goodies include her blog and discussion guides.
Like Shawna's fan page on Facebook
Visit Shawna's author page on Amazon
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 18, 2013
I'm a big fan of Ms. Seed's books. She has followed up "Identity" with another compelling read with engaging, believable, characters and an engrossing story. I liked "Not In Time" so much I read it twice (high praise, considering my "to be read" stack). I loved Gen, wish I had a friend like D, and enjoyed the development of the romance between Gen and Julian. Given the fact that looted art from WWII is in the news even now, the story of Gen's search for a particular drawing that was stolen by the Nazis was not only fascinating, but believable. Be sure to curl up in a comfy reading chair when you start this book, because you'll not want to put it down.
August 16, 2021
The main character is an art detective, forced to work freelance after a downsizing at her museum, and the case that she investigates through most of the book isn't the most important crime that plays out in the story. That's an intentional innovation that works out for the author. I was less convinced by the detective's "bizarre flashbacks." I think the book would have worked better if it had either more fully committed to the implied explanation or just omitted this element altogether.
Disclosure: I have known Shawna Seed since the early 1980s when she dated a close friend. We've remained in touch over the years and I very much congratulate her for her fiction.
Disclosure: I have known Shawna Seed since the early 1980s when she dated a close friend. We've remained in touch over the years and I very much congratulate her for her fiction.
July 12, 2018
Lucky me- I met Shawna Seed! The book was fun: romantic, suspenseful and full of interesting facts about art. There is hope for more from these wonderful characters!
July 27, 2018
Fun read! The world of art theft is interesting and scary. I wanted more!
March 18, 2017
Interesting plot
Read this book in 2 days between other things. It caught my attention quickly and was interesting to the end.
Read this book in 2 days between other things. It caught my attention quickly and was interesting to the end.
March 7, 2017
This book puts me in a quandary. I chose it because of its rating and review, but they were misleading. First off, it's not a suspense novel, it's more a romance wrapped around an intrigue. The writing is pedestrian in a Harlequin romance sort of way; the storyline slow and predictable, with whole dialogue pages that feel like much ado about nothing (here's looking at you, D!); and the mystical, scifi elements unbelievable and drop landed.
The premise had potential however, the ending wraps everything up nicely, and is in fact more interesting than the actual novel. I almost feel like asking for a total re-do please, with more grittiness.
I would only recommend it to romance fans who like a little padding to the usual going-ons. If you favor actual thrillers though, run, as in away...
The premise had potential however, the ending wraps everything up nicely, and is in fact more interesting than the actual novel. I almost feel like asking for a total re-do please, with more grittiness.
I would only recommend it to romance fans who like a little padding to the usual going-ons. If you favor actual thrillers though, run, as in away...
September 6, 2016
He felt something special, something magical, when he touched her.
They were both after the same thing – the drawing that was stolen by the Nazis in Paris.
As soon as he entered the Gallery I knew it. He knows her and I am wondering if he is up to no good. Shawna Seed keeps me guessing as I travel through time trying to avoid the pitfalls that are awaiting Genevieve and Julien.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not In Time starts out as a normal mystery, find the stolen drawing. But when Genevieve and Julien come in contact, there is a paranormal element that emerges. I love the combination. I am eager to begin my journey through time, because Genevieve’s flashbacks would prove to be so much more than flashbacks.
Shawna took the suspense to a very high level and kept it there. I was waiting for something to happen. I knew something was coming. Where would it come from?
So much of the world feels temporary, but a really great piece of art is timeless.
Genevieve had lost her job at the museum. With a push from her best friend, D, Genevieve find herself on an adventure that starts in Vegas and travels to places she could never have foreseen. They were opposites, Genevieve sensible and reserved, while D was adventurous and outgoing. I felt a kinship with D and think we could all use a best friend like her. I would love to learn her story. Could there me a book there for her, Shawna?
Genevieve is hired to find a lost drawing and she would be working with Julien. His family owned the drawing before it was lost in Paris during the war. She can’t help but notice Julien’s smile and her attraction to him continues to grow. I knew Genevieve was paranoid when it came to relationships and mistrusted men, so, it was no surprise to me that she doubted him. But, I doubted him too.
There are things going on that neither Genevieve or Julien foresee. Forces were determined to stop them and danger lurked.
I am not a person that likes to know, for sure, the ending of a book. I do not skip ahead,, but it was so very tempting. No, just a peak, no, NO! I waited until I got there through reading, I did not peek. And it will be worth it for you to wait too.
Shawna Seed’s writing is fluid and easy to read. Her stories have depth of plot and characters. She draws you in and keeps you there. You will not want to quit until the last page is read.
Shawna Seed
They were both after the same thing – the drawing that was stolen by the Nazis in Paris.
As soon as he entered the Gallery I knew it. He knows her and I am wondering if he is up to no good. Shawna Seed keeps me guessing as I travel through time trying to avoid the pitfalls that are awaiting Genevieve and Julien.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not In Time starts out as a normal mystery, find the stolen drawing. But when Genevieve and Julien come in contact, there is a paranormal element that emerges. I love the combination. I am eager to begin my journey through time, because Genevieve’s flashbacks would prove to be so much more than flashbacks.
Shawna took the suspense to a very high level and kept it there. I was waiting for something to happen. I knew something was coming. Where would it come from?
So much of the world feels temporary, but a really great piece of art is timeless.
Genevieve had lost her job at the museum. With a push from her best friend, D, Genevieve find herself on an adventure that starts in Vegas and travels to places she could never have foreseen. They were opposites, Genevieve sensible and reserved, while D was adventurous and outgoing. I felt a kinship with D and think we could all use a best friend like her. I would love to learn her story. Could there me a book there for her, Shawna?
Genevieve is hired to find a lost drawing and she would be working with Julien. His family owned the drawing before it was lost in Paris during the war. She can’t help but notice Julien’s smile and her attraction to him continues to grow. I knew Genevieve was paranoid when it came to relationships and mistrusted men, so, it was no surprise to me that she doubted him. But, I doubted him too.
There are things going on that neither Genevieve or Julien foresee. Forces were determined to stop them and danger lurked.
I am not a person that likes to know, for sure, the ending of a book. I do not skip ahead,, but it was so very tempting. No, just a peak, no, NO! I waited until I got there through reading, I did not peek. And it will be worth it for you to wait too.
Shawna Seed’s writing is fluid and easy to read. Her stories have depth of plot and characters. She draws you in and keeps you there. You will not want to quit until the last page is read.
Shawna Seed
January 19, 2016
Took Me Awhile
I've had this book downloaded for sometime but I have just gotten around to reading it. I enjoyed it for the most part. The art research was interesting. I liked Jay and Gen, although I did get frustrated with her whimp act at times. Julian was a good strong support for her. Gen's friend, D, was annoying on so many levels.
The mystery was weak and the solution left me wondering what all the fuss was about. There was no real suspense to speak of. Plenty of threats, but then they were dropped and that entire thread was allowed to unravel. Certainly not a page turner. But, most importantly, I just didn't quite get it. The entire premise was weird.
I thought this was a series (based on the subtitle and book 1) and I was aggravated to discover it is not. According to the author's website, she has recently begun researching a second book. Hopefully, she will hold the plot threads together and provide some explanation for loose ends.
I've had this book downloaded for sometime but I have just gotten around to reading it. I enjoyed it for the most part. The art research was interesting. I liked Jay and Gen, although I did get frustrated with her whimp act at times. Julian was a good strong support for her. Gen's friend, D, was annoying on so many levels.
The mystery was weak and the solution left me wondering what all the fuss was about. There was no real suspense to speak of. Plenty of threats, but then they were dropped and that entire thread was allowed to unravel. Certainly not a page turner. But, most importantly, I just didn't quite get it. The entire premise was weird.
I thought this was a series (based on the subtitle and book 1) and I was aggravated to discover it is not. According to the author's website, she has recently begun researching a second book. Hopefully, she will hold the plot threads together and provide some explanation for loose ends.
July 23, 2016
I more than thoroughly enjoyed this novel of suspense, which will definitely grab you from the very first chapter. Its engaging plot and main characters (Genevieve and Julien) as well as its crisp writing style makes this page-turner a true delight. Moreover, the underlying premise of recovering a piece of art that the Nazis allegedly stole during World War II makes for a very engaging story. Although you think they might not, all loose ends do get tied up neatly at the end -- which for me is the hallmark of a really good mystery or suspense novel. I loved the author's first novel, Identity, and I loved this one as well!
May 16, 2015
Ugh! Not for me. Too light, breezy and fluffy. Nothing wrong with that type of book, but right now I find that it did not really hold my interest. I think the author had a good premise but this is a little too much of the cozy mystery style and could have used a lot less dialogue and get rid of the romance. Just a bad and boring book for me, but it appears that I am in the vast minority.
February 13, 2014
LOVED this book! I did not want to put it down so I could see what happened next. great combination of a mystery, a little bit of romance and a little bit of sci-fi. And there is mystery all the way until the end (several mysteries to solve/get answers).
February 3, 2014
This is a fast moving, holds your attention read. I had the great luck to read this on a long travel day and it really helped to pass the time. I hope Shawna keeps the series going, but I wouldn't mind if Julien leaves the scene to keep the plots open for any adventure.
May 5, 2015
I truly enjoyed this book. There were moments in it that just made me smile. I loved the convergence of old and new stories, the mystery and just the right amount of violence. It's an enjoyable and easy read I couldn't put down.
May 16, 2016
Not too bad
The plot was heavily surrounded around the main character and her fear of repeating her mother's tragedy. Some chapters stretched out a bit longer than hoped, but everything was wrapped up together by the end. Not as much "art" as I thought, but not too bad.
The plot was heavily surrounded around the main character and her fear of repeating her mother's tragedy. Some chapters stretched out a bit longer than hoped, but everything was wrapped up together by the end. Not as much "art" as I thought, but not too bad.
July 30, 2016
Lively story about a deep subject
The characters are engaging and the story is intriguing. Perfect for someone interested in the subject but who wants a light read. Perfect length to read on a flight.
The characters are engaging and the story is intriguing. Perfect for someone interested in the subject but who wants a light read. Perfect length to read on a flight.
January 15, 2014
Loved it!
Characters you root for, beautiful settings, exciting plotlines - a great read! l hope to see these guys in some future books.
Characters you root for, beautiful settings, exciting plotlines - a great read! l hope to see these guys in some future books.
March 17, 2014
After seeing the movie "Monument Men" this book was especially apropos.
June 16, 2014
I really enjoyed ready Not In Time, it held my interest from beginning to end. I would recommend it to all my family and friends.
July 11, 2014
Fun, easy read about two of my favorite things...art and mystery! Not super complex and not super satisfying, but I did love the mix so I will continue to read and enjoy this series.
July 4, 2014
Just about halfway through, and I am definitely to the "can't put down" phase.
Read
February 5, 2015Totally worth it.
I bought a Kindle just so I could read this book, I hope Ms. Seed has many more books up her sleeve.
I bought a Kindle just so I could read this book, I hope Ms. Seed has many more books up her sleeve.
May 12, 2016
Complex Plot
The plot was sometimes hard to follow and seemed to be heading into science fiction. I liked the characters, especially the main ones.
The plot was sometimes hard to follow and seemed to be heading into science fiction. I liked the characters, especially the main ones.
October 18, 2016
Interesting
I was surprised and kept entertained by an unusual plot. It's not merely a romance novel or a normal mystery. I will definitely look for more books by Seed.
I was surprised and kept entertained by an unusual plot. It's not merely a romance novel or a normal mystery. I will definitely look for more books by Seed.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews