Book Review: The Dutch Muse (A Fabiola Bennett Mystery Book 4) by Heidi Eljarbo

 

The Dutch Muse

(A Fabiola Bennett Mystery Book 4)

By Heidi Eljarbo 

Publication Date: 17th June 2025

Publisher: Independently Published

Page Length: 258

Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Thriller

A ruthless thief leaves a private Dutch gallery with a coveted seventeenth-century painting. The owner lies unconscious on the floor. Art historian Fabiola Bennett is on vacation in Holland and takes on the case.

Amsterdam, 1973

It’s late summer, and Fabiola and Pippa join their friend, Cary, for a few days of sightseeing, museums, and riding bikes around the beautiful city.

For the first time in her life, Fabiola feels a pang of jealousy, and rude comments from a gallerist make her doubt her own abilities.

Then, unexpectedly, Cary’s Dutch client, Lennard van de Hoek, is brutally struck down and a baroque portrait by Ferdinand Bol is stolen. Fabiola pushes aside her problems and jumps into danger without hesitation. The list of suspects is long, and with a cold-blooded criminal at large, they must constantly be on the alert.

Amsterdam, 1641

Ferdinand Bol has completed his five-year training with Master Rembrandt van Rijn and is ready to set up his own studio. The future looks bright, and Ferdinand sets a goal to become a widely sought-after and, hopefully, prosperous master portraitist.

Just when Ferdinand’s career starts to flourish—and patrons and customers discover his exceptional talent—one of his models confesses she’s in deep trouble, and he drops everything to help her.

They were meant to be on holiday, but when a renowned art collector is brutally assaulted and his prized possession—a stunning painting by the master Ferdinand Bol—vanishes into thin air, their holiday is abandoned. Banding together, Fabiola, Pippa, and Cary launch into a thrilling adventure, determined to unearth the identity of the thief and, if fortune smiles upon them, reclaim the extraordinary artwork. Yet, as they investigate the mystery further, they find themselves facing a daunting array of suspects, each more intriguing than the last, making their investigation a challenging and captivating endeavour.

The Dutch Muse (A Fabiola Bennett Mystery Book 4) by Heidi Eljarbo is an exhilarating historical thriller that masterfully immerses the reader in the captivating world of art. This gripping narrative will keep the reader spellbound, ensuring the reader stays engaged from the very first page to the last. This book is one that art enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike will surely cherish.

The story is, for the most part, set in 1970s Amsterdam, particularly in the affluent Oud Zuid area, known for its canal houses. The author vividly describes the environment, creating a strong sense of place and atmosphere. The contrast between the historical architecture and modern elements enhances the mood of the story. Notably, the mention of Rembrandt’s house, along with its architectural features, adds a layer of historical depth. The description of the canal house is so evocative that it almost feels like a character in its own right. The depiction of 17th-century Amsterdam is meticulously crafted, bringing the city and its atmosphere to life through detailed descriptions of architecture, social customs, and the artistic environment. The striking contrast between this rich historical setting and the contemporary setting in the second narrative further emphasises the narrative’s depth.

The story unfolds in a captivating dual narrative, transporting readers between the vibrant atmosphere of 1973 and the rich historical backdrop of 1641. At the heart of this tale lies the suspenseful theft of a beautiful painting from a private collection during a party. The owner of the artwork, Van de Hoek, is found unconscious on the floor of his gallery. As the dedicated protagonists / astute detectives embark on a quest to retrieve the artwork—a quest fraught with peril—they unravel clues that lead them deeper into the mystery. There are many who want the painting, and their list of suspects is long. In parallel, the reader is drawn back into the world of Ferdinand Bol, a masterful painter immersed in the intricate process of capturing his muse on canvas. As Bol’s brush strokes bring life to his work, the reader gains insight into the complexities surrounding the enigmatic woman who inspires him. The interplay between these two timelines creates a rich tapestry of intrigue; while the characters of the modern era can only speculate about the muse’s identity and her fate, we, as readers, are granted the privilege of witnessing her entire story unfold through Bol’s eyes. This artful narrative structure adds a profound layer of depth and engagement, inviting us into a world where past and present intertwine seamlessly.

The characters are vividly crafted, each possessing distinct traits and compelling motivations that bring them to life. Fabiola, Pippa, and Cary form a cohesive investigative team, with Fabiola’s deep knowledge of art history providing a unique and intriguing perspective that enhances their inquiry. Famke, the victim’s daughter, presents a multifaceted personality; she grapples with a swirl of emotions, caught between a profound concern for her father and her own business interests. The other guests are introduced with just enough detail to paint them as potential suspects, each adding to the tantalising suspense of the unfolding mystery. Through sharp, engaging dialogue, the narrative reveals the intricate personalities and motivations of each character, drawing the reader deeper into their world.

Ferdinand Bol is vividly portrayed in this narrative, showcasing his remarkable artistic talents shaped by his rigorous training under the renowned Rembrandt. As he transitions into his own apartment and embarks on a career under his own name, readers gain a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of his life. The meticulous care he dedicates to his painting supplies starkly contrasts with the chaotic state of his living space, resembling that of a wayward teenager with clothes haphazardly strewn across the floor. Despite this disarray, Bol’s paintings command high demand, their beauty and depth capturing the admiration of many. Yet, there lingers a longing within him for a specific piece he began under Rembrandt’s watchful eye—one he feels an urgent need to complete. To bring this vision to life, he seeks to hire his muse, the enchanting Jacomina. However, the intrigue deepens as Jacomina harbours a mysterious past, one that is ominously inching closer to the present, threatening to unravel the world they are both trying to create. Ferdinand and Jacomina are vividly portrayed, embodying genuine emotion and depth throughout the narrative. Their journey unfolds with poignant moments of heartbreak and overwhelming fear, drawing the reader into the depths of their experiences as they navigate through turbulent times.

The painting, though not explicitly named in this story, is seemingly inspired by Ferdinand Bol’s “A Lady with a Fan.” This portrait captures the viewer’s attention with its stunning beauty and intricate details. The lady’s delicate features are illuminated by soft, golden light, while her elegantly styled hair frames her face. The fan she holds adds a touch of grace and sophistication to the composition. The overall effect is so captivating that it draws the viewer in, making it nearly impossible to look away from this remarkable piece of art—much like the reader cannot tear their eyes away from this story!

The intriguing premise, coupled with intricately crafted characters, transports readers to a richly detailed world filled with life and depth. The vibrant descriptions paint lush imagery that immerses the reader in the era, while the crisp, engaging dialogue adds layers of authenticity that resonate on every page. For those who cherish exceptional historical fiction, “The Dutch Muse (A Fabiola Bennett Mystery Book 4)” by Heidi Eljarbo is an unmissable gem that promises to captivate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s heart and a desperation to read the rest of the novels in this series.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

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Heidi Eljarbo

Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don't want to go near.

Heidi grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter. 

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have fifteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.

Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

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