The Carlswick Affair

This is an exciting story about a teenage sleuth investigating the mysterious death of her great aunt and missing artwork from the World War 2 era. I found it hard to put down, I got caught up in the story from the beginning. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Stephanie meets James, the guitarist in an up and coming rock band when she travels to stay with her grandmother in the small village of Carlswick. She quickly discovers that their two families are embroiled in a longstanding feud and sets out to discover the cause. During her investigations she learns about the unexplained death of her aunt as a young woman, and sees a painting that looks suspiciously like an authentic master, Both these things seem connected. While trying to unravel these mysteries Stephanie's and James's families are trying to thwart their burgeoning romance, and other more sinister forces are at play.

I particularly liked the mystery as it was very well thought out. I learned about Degenerate Art and Hitler's crusade to destroy it all, which was really interesting. The romance was YA and I had to keep reminding myself of the couple's age when I was sighing over a sulk or tantrum. All in all this is an enjoyable romance-mystery.