The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple
A Novel
About
In the search for the truth, the line between fact and fiction is beginning to fall out of focus
It is 1903, and Lily Temple is a beautiful silent-film actress who spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera. But beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit, a murky past, and a tantalizing secret.
Underground investigator to the wealthy, Peter Driscoll has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire that has been missing for years--and which Lily happens to be wearing beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and unravel the mystery, Peter employs the enchanting actress's help on a case.
But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it becomes that he needs her even more than she needs him.
"Joanna Davidson Politano brings Edwardian England to life. Romance, mystery, and clever twists and turns will keep readers turning pages until they reach the very satisfying ending. Well-written and highly recommended!"--Carrie Turansky, bestselling author of The Legacy of Longdale Manor
Endorsements
"Joanna Davidson Politano brings Edwardian England to life as she matches silent film star Lily Temple with handsome underground investigator Peter Driscoll. Readers will be captivated as they follow Lily and Peter's journey to solve the mystery of the Briarwood Teardrop. Romance, mystery, and clever twists and turns will keep readers turning pages until they reach the very satisfying ending. Well-written and highly recommended!"
Carrie Turansky, bestselling author of The Legacy of Longdale Manor
The Author
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© Robb Davidson Photography Joanna Davidson Politano
Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears, A Rumored Fortune, Finding Lady Enderly, The Love Note, A Midnight Dance, The Lost Melody, and The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple. She...
Continue reading about Joanna Davidson Politano
Reviews
"This is a fascinating look at silent film, the power of story, and God's pursuit of lost children."
Library Journal
"Politano's latest is an absolute gem of a novel about the power of stories in the pursuit of truth, understanding, and meaning. The novel sparkles with creativity, and its elegant layers balance the weight of the philosophical with the levity of a literary wonderland."
Booklist starred review
"Rich with biblical allusions, the layered plot accrues tension and texture by alternating perspectives between Lily and Peter as the mystery intensifies. Readers will be kept guessing through the many twists and turns."
Publishers Weekly
"This rollicking romantic mystery novel sweeps readers through the streets of London in the early 1900s. Using a real setting as inspiration for this fanciful novel gives the plot a unique depth and intrigue."
The Historical Novels Review