Since 2017, Joanna Davidson Politano has entertained readers with her immersive novels steeped in history, intrigue, and romance. In her newest narrative, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple, Politano once again whisks readers away to Edwardian England, where an unlikely duo—an underground investigator and a silent-film actress—join forces to uncover secrets and solve cases. But the most baffling case still remains. Dive into the past for a whimsical and layered tale that will leave readers breathless but craving more of Politano’s mesmerizing tales.
My thoughts: I love Joanna’s writing. She has a lyrical style that delves deeply into characters and tells stories in a fresh way. This book is no different. She transports us to the earliest days of the film industry and takes us deeply into the question of truth and beauty. And she does it with langauge that leaves you wanting more. She is a master storyteller.
Here’s the Book Talk episode where she talks about writing this beautiful book.
Here’s more about the book and Joanna:
The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple
Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has been tasked with uncovering the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which is currently in the possession of beautiful silent film actress, Lily Temple. In order to stay closer to her, he employs Lily on one ofhis cases, which leads to a useful partnership.
Lily is both charming and quick-witted, but behind her costumes and make-believe world is a woman with a murky past—that includes the Briarwood Teardrop, which she will neither part with nor explain its presence. As she continues to work with Peter, her own story weaves in and out of their encounters, and hints about her background begin to surface.
As Peter draws closer to the truth about Lily’s past, danger draws closer to both of them. It is soon obvious that he needs her help as much as she needs his, especially when his life is dependent on Lily’s ability to spin a believable tale.
