A 500-year-old tapestry has a tale to tell. Interwoven stories in the present and in 1520 reveal how a modern-day detective discovers the truth behind the weaving and why it has been hidden for 5 centuries.
When a sixteenth-century Flemish tapestry appears in the house of Paolo Campezzi – a wealthy Italian in present-day Newport Beach, California – his interior designer and lover, Nora Fitzsimmons, is thrilled to hang it among his other treasures. But her best friend, Detective Claire DeMaer, is horrified to learn that the tapestry is a stolen work of art, and that she must arrest her friend’s lover.
Soon Detective De Maer discovers this is the second time the tapestry has been stolen, and the first theft was committed nearly 500 years ago! DeMaer sets off to unravel the mystery of the tapestry: a story involving a young girl in 1520 and a 500-year cover-up by the Catholic Church. Only Clair DeMaer can discover the secret that is woven in time!
Excerpt
I heard retreating footsteps but dared not look out. I waited a long time before I came out. I peered carefully around the underside of the bridge and saw nothing.
Then a large, rough hand grabbed my neck and lifted me until my toes dragged along the cobbles. I sputtered, but no breath came in or out. I could smell the onions and cabbage on his breath.
The strong hand squeezed hard on my neck as I was thrown into the stinking canal—the cold, dark waters soaking my heavy skirts, taking me down the frigid path to death.
Professional Reviews
Somerset Memories
I’m delighted to present this wonderful new book by a dear friend of mine, Pat (P.A.) Staes. I had the privilege of reading a draft of The Bruges Tapestry and it captured my heart from the very beginning. This is a wonderful tale about a young woman, her difficult life, and a tapestry — all woven together with suspense, romance, mystery and history. Written in past tense in Bruges and present day Laguna Beach, California, you’re quickly drawn into the story about how this beautiful tapestry transcends years and plays an important role in the lives of many. Pat has always had a passion for tapestries and textiles, and she brings it all together in this intriguing story that will leave you yearning for more. This is the first novel in a historical mystery series by P.A. Staes. Visit thebrugestapestry.com to learn more.
Fifth Book of the Southern Swallow Series. Nan Ya and his crew take a final adventure into a mythical Chinese universe and become entangled in court intrigue.
Available Now! Rated 5 ***** by readers and listeners.
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