From Jeffrey Ford comes a haunting, imaginative novel that blends mystery, historical fiction, and a touch of the surreal.

In turn-of-the-century New York, struggling artist Piambo is offered an unusual and lucrative commission: to paint the portrait of a mysterious woman he has never seen.

Mrs. Charbuque insists on remaining hidden.

She will describe herself to him in detail, and he must paint her portrait based solely on her words. If he succeeds, he’ll be richly rewarded. If he fails… the consequences are unclear.

As their strange arrangement unfolds, Mrs. Charbuque shares stories from her past—dark, unsettling, and often contradictory. With each revelation, Piambo becomes more obsessed, trying to piece together who she really is.

But the deeper he goes, the more he questions what’s real—and what he’s being led to believe.

Atmospheric, eerie, and deeply original, this novel explores art, identity, and the blurred line between truth and illusion.

✨ Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery / Literary Fiction / Gothic
🌶️ Spice Level: None

📚 Series: Standalone

Strange, captivating, and beautifully written—perfect for readers who love gothic atmosphere, psychological intrigue, and stories that linger long after the final page 🎨✨