6.19.2025

The Dutch Muse ~ Review and

The Dutch Muse JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for
The Dutch Muse by Heidi Eljarbo,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Dutch Muse
The Dutch Muse 
A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #4 
By Heidi Eljarbo 

abiola Bennett can't take a restful few days without being drawn into an art-related mystery. But when you are a well-known art historian and a priceless Ferdinand Bol piece is stolen, along with the owner being attacked, what can you do?  You investigate.

With the help of her friends, Pippa and Cary, and a new acquaintance. Fabiola soon finds herself diving into a centuries-old mystery while trying to recover the stolen masterpiece.

This was an engaging read that was split into two timelines. One followed the people involved in the painting of this masterpiece in 1641: Ferdinand Bol, Rembrandt van Rijn, and their model. And Fabiola's is set in 1973. 

I loved how one learns about art, and it is presented as a mystery that unfolds throughout the book. The cover with the windmill is gorgeous, and it perfectly suits the book. The book wraps up the story, so there is no cliffhanger, but it ends in a way that leaves me anticipating book five whenever it comes out. The author has thoroughly hooked me with this series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest thoughts. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Title: The Dutch Muse 
Series:
A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #4 
Author:
Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher:
Independently Published 
Release Date:
June 17, 2025 
Genre:
Clean Historical Dual-Timeline Mystery with a touch of romance

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.  

This is a fast-paced and captivating who-done-it set in the Netherlands—the fourth installment and a spin-off from the Soli Hansen Mysteries. Perfect for fans of Kathleen McGurl, Louise Penny, Deborah Swift, Anna Lee Huber, Lucinda Riley, Sherry Thomas, Ellery Adams, and Jennifer S. Alderson.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

Trouble in Assissi


About the Author

Heidi Eljarbo

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

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

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive their choice of any one paperback from the Fabiola Bennett series plus a $20 Amazon gift card!

The Dutch Muse JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 17, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 24, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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