Description

Book Synopsis
Spending time in Paris during a break in his acting career, Colin Mallory sees a striking portrait of Sylvie Charlot, once a leading fashion designer. Despite a warning not to pursue his interest in her portrait, he is determined to find out more about the painting, who painted it, and why it was hidden for many years.

Trade Review
"A compelling read. You're drawn into the narrative immediately by the vivid description of a startlingly captivating painting and, as a reader, you're as invested in getting to the bottom of the mystery as the main character is. Bowden is a sharp observer and I loved his descriptions of Paris and London and Sussex and the people who live in both city and country. The novel also spends time describing the lives of jobbing actors and the British film industry in the 1930s. This may be fiction but you feel, as you read, that it comes from a place of knowledge." The Bookbag "Full of idiosyncratic touches and descriptions, this is a story that will keep you guessing." France magazine "Christopher Bowden has again created an intriguing, literary tale with a well-drawn cast of characters. Actor Colin Mallory from 'The Red House' can't help but investigate a mysterious painting. The descriptive quality of the writing takes you to the back streets of Paris, and lets you really feel you are solving the mystery hand in hand with Colin." Lovereading

The Purple Shadow

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    £8.54

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    RRP £8.99 – you save £0.45 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 13 Jul 2026.

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      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Spending time in Paris during a break in his acting career, Colin Mallory sees a striking portrait of Sylvie Charlot, once a leading fashion designer. Despite a warning not to pursue his interest in her portrait, he is determined to find out more about the painting, who painted it, and why it was hidden for many years.

      Trade Review
      "A compelling read. You're drawn into the narrative immediately by the vivid description of a startlingly captivating painting and, as a reader, you're as invested in getting to the bottom of the mystery as the main character is. Bowden is a sharp observer and I loved his descriptions of Paris and London and Sussex and the people who live in both city and country. The novel also spends time describing the lives of jobbing actors and the British film industry in the 1930s. This may be fiction but you feel, as you read, that it comes from a place of knowledge." The Bookbag "Full of idiosyncratic touches and descriptions, this is a story that will keep you guessing." France magazine "Christopher Bowden has again created an intriguing, literary tale with a well-drawn cast of characters. Actor Colin Mallory from 'The Red House' can't help but investigate a mysterious painting. The descriptive quality of the writing takes you to the back streets of Paris, and lets you really feel you are solving the mystery hand in hand with Colin." Lovereading

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