The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau
- Authors: Kristin Harmel
- Series:
- Genres: Historical
- Rank:
- Rating: 4.6 based on 2,371 reviews
- Release Date: June 17, 2025
- Print length: 384 pages (Hardcover)
About the book
Kristin Harmel, the New York Times bestselling author who ‘is the best there is at sweeping historical drama’ (Kelly Harms, author of The Seven Day Switch), returns with an electrifying new novel about two jewel thieves, a priceless bracelet that disappears in 1940s Paris, and a quest for answers in a decades-old murder.
For nearly as long as she can remember, Colette Marceau has been stealing jewels, adhering to the code of honor passed down by her mother, Annabel: take from the cruel and give to the needy. During the Second World War, Colette and Annabel worked together in Paris to support the French Resistance.
However, everything changed in 1942 when Annabel was arrested by the Germans and Colette’s sister, Liliane, vanished during the chaos of a raid, taking with her a precious diamond bracelet. Despite Annabel’s execution and Liliane’s tragic fate, the bracelet remained missing.
Seventy years later, Colette, who has used stolen jewels to fund various charitable causes, is confronted with her past when the long-lost bracelet resurfaces in a museum exhibition in Boston. Determined to uncover the truth about her sister’s disappearance, Colette must unravel the mystery of the bracelet’s whereabouts and ownership.
As she delves into her past, Colette realizes that she is not the only one seeking answers held by the bracelet. Confronted by a figure from her childhood claiming ownership of the diamonds, Colette must confront her demons and find the courage to seek justice for her family. Despite the challenges, Colette faces a chance to bring a murderer to justice—but first, she must confront the wounds of her own heart.