The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

De: Kristin Harmel

Narrado por: Madeleine Maby, Kristin Harmel

Kristin Harmel, the New York Times bestselling author who “is the best there is at sweeping historical drama” (Kelly Harms, author of The Seven Day Switch), returns with an electrifying new novel about two jewel thieves, a priceless bracelet that disappears in 1940s Paris, and a quest for answers in a decades-old murder.

Colette Marceau has been stealing jewels for nearly as long as she can remember, following the centuries-old code of honor instilled in her by her mother, Annabel: take only from the cruel and unkind, and give to those in need. Never was their family tradition more important than seven decades earlier, during the Second World War, when Annabel and Colette worked side by side in Paris to fund the French Resistance.

But one night in 1942, it all went wrong. Annabel was arrested by the Germans, and Colette’s four-year-old sister, Liliane, disappeared in the chaos of the raid, along with an exquisite diamond bracelet sewn into the hem of her nightgown for safekeeping. Soon after, Annabel was executed, and Liliane’s body was found floating in the Seine—but the bracelet was nowhere to be found.

Seventy years later, Colette—who has “redistributed” $30 million in jewels over the decades to fund many worthy organizations—has done her best to put her tragic past behind her, but her life begins to unravel when the long-missing bracelet suddenly turns up in a museum exhibit in Boston. If Colette can discover where it has been all this time—and who owns it now—she may finally learn the truth about what happened to her sister. But she isn’t the only one for whom the bracelet holds answers, and when someone from her childhood lays claim to the diamonds, she’s forced to confront the ghosts of her past as never before. Against all odds, there may still be a chance to bring a murderer to justice—but first, Colette will have to summon the courage to open her own battered heart.

©2025 Kristin Harmel (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Best Harmel book ever

This was a terrific book. Narration was superb with a perfect French accent. Well thought out story that had me guessing til the end and I couldn’t put it down. Even the suthor’s note had me spellbound.

The plot of stolen jewels and how this act of giving to those in-need related to Robin Hood. What a great analogy!

I love all Kristin Harmel’s books however, this particular one had a great story of resilience and determination. Colette Marceau life then and now was brilliant- allowing the reader to truly understand Colette’s choices throughout her lifetime. When I finished the book I was somewhat sad to say goodbye to my friend Colette. Can’t wait until Kristin’s next book.

The Stolen life of Collette Marceal

this book has the mistreatment of Jews, how gypsies love and steal. a losing and finding your family

The queen of historical fiction at the top of her game

Kristin Harmel continues to find new ways to bring the WWII era to life. With so many novels set during this period, her storylines remain fresh.

Beautiful historical fiction story

My first Kristin Harmel book and not disappointed! Can’t wait for my next listen. The narrator was very authentic.