The Painting Behind the Wall

In the picturesque village of Bellmarsh, secrets don't stay buried-they're hidden behind walls, tucked into ledgers, and whispered over tea. When Eloise Vale takes charge of Marshlight, a struggling local gallery with more dust than visitors, she expects paperwork, difficult villagers, and perhaps the occasional dispute over framing. What she does not expect is the discovery of a concealed portrait, a long-buried artistic scandal, and a death that turns old gossip into present danger.
As Eloise begins to uncover the forgotten story of Mara Ellory-a gifted woman artist whose name was erased from village history-she finds herself drawn into a web of deception stretching across decades. With the help of sharp-tongued framer Nina, weary but dependable Tom, and a cast of villagers who know far more than they admit, Eloise must untangle lies preserved by wealth, respectability, and habit.
But Bellmarsh is a place where appearances matter, and where truth has a way of inconveniencing everyone. Warm, witty, and rich with atmosphere, this cozy mystery blends murder, art, village intrigue, and buried history into a story about what is lost, what is hidden, and what it takes to set the record straight. Perfect for readers who love clever heroines, English village settings, layered secrets, and mysteries with heart.