13, Rue Therese: A Novel by Elena Mauli Shapiro | Paperback Historical Mystery & Romance | Includes Archival Photos

A Box of Secrets. A Lost Love Story. A Puzzle You Can Solve.
American academic Trevor Stratton discovers a box of early 20th-century artifacts in a Parisian office—a stash of love letters, corsets, old maps, and photographs. As he pieces together the life of their owner, Louise Brunet, he is drawn into a seductive mystery of passion, betrayal, and longing in WWI-era Paris. And so are you.

For the Reader Who: Loves atmospheric historical fiction • Is captivated by Parisian settings and literary puzzles • Adores novels that blend fact and fiction with tactile elements • Enjoyed The Marriage Portrait or The Clockmaker's Daughter.

A Novel You Don't Just Read, You Investigate:
This acclaimed debut is a multi-layered experience. The book is filled with actual photographs of the artifacts Trevor finds. You are invited to examine them alongside him, making your own connections and discoveries about Louise's secret life.

The Dual Narrative:
• Paris, 1910s: Follow Louise Brunet—a spirited, married woman yearning for more—through a world on the brink of war, navigating desire, loss, and a forbidden affair.
• Paris, Present: Watch as Trevor, an outsider, becomes obsessed with reconstructing her story, finding his own loneliness reflected in the relics of her past.

Why This Book is Unforgettable:
• A Truly Unique Format: The integration of 74 archival images creates an immersive, detective-like reading experience.
• Lyrical & Sensual Prose: Elena Mauli Shapiro's writing is as elegant and captivating as Paris itself.
• Critical Acclaim: Praised by The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and named a San Francisco Chronicle Bestseller.
• More Than a Story: It's a conversation between the past and present, between the reader and the ghost of a remarkable woman.

🎁 Perfect For:
• Lovers of Paris and historical mystery
• Readers seeking a novel that breaks the fourth wall
• Book clubs looking for a deeply discussable, interactive pick
• A gift for the literary connoisseur who appreciates design