Where Treasure Hides: A Book Review

American Alison Schuyler is an artist working in her familiy's Dutch art gallery at the beginning of WWII. She avoids relationships at all costs because of the “curse” that has brought repeated heartbreak and tragedy to her family. When she meets Ian Devlin, a British Army Captain she begins to question her fear of love. The war soon separates the couple, and draws them each into a web of intrique and danger. Alison works with the Dutch Underground to courier Jewish children and priceless art to safety while Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield.

I write mystery stories set during World War II, so I read lots of fiction and non-fiction about that era. There have been many books I've enjoyed, but only a few that I've truly devoured. Johnnie Alexander's “Where Treasure Hides” is one of those books. I was immersed in the story on the first page and lost lots of sleep two nights in a row staying up late to finish it. The novel opens in a train station where Alison and Schuyler meet because of an incident between the station master and a young child playing his violin. The author's use of vivid description effectively captured the sights, sounds and smells of the station. She continues to use that technique throughout the book. In addition, the characters are well-developed, including the secondary and minor ones. Alison and Ian are strong-willed without being arrogant, and each struggles daily with reconciling their faith with their war-related tasks and experiences. I know I will read “Where Treasure Hides” again and highly recommend that you read it, too.

A freelance writer for over twelve years, Linda Matchett also writes historical fiction. She is currently seeking a publisher for her series about war correspondent Ruth Brown. Visit her at www.LindaShentonMatchett.com