#AndThatsAWrap of The Purple Shadow by Christopher Bowden #ThePurpleShadow #ChristopherBowden #ZooloosBookTours

A beautifully crafted, atmospheric and absorbing story with a strong sense of place and a compelling cast of characters. In the years before the war, Sylvie Charlot was a leading light in Paris fashion with many friends among musicians, artists and writers. Now she is largely forgotten. Spending time in Paris during a break in his acting career, Colin Mallory sees a striking portrait of Sylvie. Some think it is a late work by Édouard Vuillard but there is no signature or documentary evidence to support this view.
The picture has some unusual qualities, not least the presence of a shadow of something that cannot be seen. Perhaps the picture was once larger. Colin feels an odd sense of connection with Sylvie, who seems to be looking at him, appealing to him, wanting to tell him something. 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.

Colin’s search takes him back to the film and theatre worlds of Paris and London in the 1930s – and to a house in present-day Sussex. As he uncovers the secrets of Sylvie’s past, her portrait seems to take on a life of its own.

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In the last 7 days did we learn the secrets behind the painting?

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21st March

Review by Donna’s Interviews, Reviews and Giveaways (FB), “I love Colin and the story is gripping from the very first page, but the thing that wins it for me is the setting.”

Portable Magic put Christopher in the spotlight as we learn the inspiration behind #ThePurpleShadow, who would play the main characters if it was made into a film, what is next and so much more

Review by Zoe’s Book Nook, “As soon as I picked up this book and turned the pages I was hooked right into the story, I found myself captivated by the atmospheric and haunting tale of a painting that has more to it than any normal painting”

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22nd March

Review by Paradise Library, “it’s a solid, gentle mystery and Colin is an unlikely sleuth – embodying Charles Kent’s most famous role, with a little dash of humour.”

Review by Bookchatter@cookiebiscuit, “This is a gorgeous, mysterious, clever story and I absolutely loved it.”

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23rd March

b for bookreview put Christopher in the spotlight as we learn about his writing habits, who he would love to interview, how he picks the cover for his book and so much more

Review by Sue Loves to Read, “I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great story and characters.”

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24th March

Extract at emmabBooks, “She too was sitting in a chair in front of a fireplace, hands loosely knitted in her lap, a ring glinting on one finger. She was looking directly at him with a knowing smile and a hint of complicity. Or so it seemed. The effect was disconcerting.”

Review by Herding Cats, “There was an eerie, malevolent feel to some parts of the book and I loved how it contrasted with the glitz, glamour and beauty. I had no idea where this story was going to lead and I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the plot and the painting and the direction it would take me.”

Review by Book Read 2day, “A beautiful crafted, atmospheric and absorbing story with a strong sense of place and compelling cast of characters.”

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25th March

Review by Jessica Belmont, “I think my favorite part of this story is just how atmospheric it is. It’s absorbing and compelling because the writing just sucks you in and places you inside the story.”

Review by Lyndas_bookreviews (IG), “An unusual tale, part mystery but with more than a hint of the supernatural this tale of young, forbidden love left me feeling sad for Sylvie and her lover”

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26th March

Review by enjoyingbooksagain (IG), “The author makes you feel like your in Paris in the 1930’s and following Colin on this Journey to find out more about this painting”

Tomes and Tales put Christopher in the spotlight as we learn the inspiration behind The Purple Shadow, the research into the book, how colours play a role and so much more

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27th March

Review by Peacock Book Reviews, “This is a mysterious, vengeful, flamboyant and glamourous story, that combination sounds strange, but it is a mix that the author gets just right.”

Review by murderjowrote (IG), “I really felt like no word was wasted. This is very concisely written with sharp prose, engaging dialogue and a satisfying ending.”

Review by twilight_reader (IG), “I do love a book which eye opens so many new historical elements you could never dream of thinking about without being triggered into it. I think that’s what I adored about this the most.”

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And that is well and truly a wrap!

Thank you ever so much to everyone who has taken part in the tour!

The Perfect Shadow and available to buy from Amazon UK, Amazon US

Until the next adventure xxx