Stefania DiMaggio finds her loyalty put to the test when she becomes entangled in a mission tied to Thomas, an aristocrat with whom she shares a complicated romantic history. What begins as a cryptic package and detailed instructions to a secluded English cottage soon escalates into a high-stakes investigation involving glamorous Bollywood actress Magdu Amor, who has mysteriously vanished. Inside the cottage, Stefania discovers, amongst Magdu’s belongings, a laptop, millions in casino chips, a Nazi gold bar, and an intruder out to harm her. Stefania takes the risky decision to impersonate Magdu to uncover the truth, but as she digs deeper, she encounters old enemies and sinks neck-deep into espionage, assassins, money laundering, and international conspiracy. The Lost Painting by C.J. Toca is a world where nothing is as it seems, and trust is the most dangerous gamble of all.

C.J. Toca’s The Lost Painting is a globe-trotting thriller brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and secrets that stretch across continents and generations. From the aristocratic estates of England to the grimy backstreets of Rio de Janeiro, readers are swept into a fast-paced mystery that blends espionage, romance, and dangerous conspiracies as Stefania uncovers shocking truths, old 'frenemies,' and shifting allegiances. Fans of Robert Ludlum, Dan Brown, or Daniel Silva will find much to admire here. Toca writes with confidence, keeping the tension taut while offering enough mystery to keep the reader hooked until the final page. The Lost Painting is a riveting, cinematic thriller with a strong heroine, international stakes, and a web of secrets that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

The Lost Painting by C.J. Toca takes readers on an exhilarating journey across continents, where danger and beauty are never too far apart. Stefania DiMaggio is a determined Italian-Brazilian journalist whose seemingly uncomplicated life is upended when a mysterious package from a former lover pulls her into the disappearance of a glamorous actress, Magdu Amor. Stefania decides to impersonate the actress herself in an attempt to locate her. What begins as a search for answers leads her through Europe, Brazil, and beyond. She even crosses paths with ruthless crime families, secret agents, and a legendary missing Caravaggio painting. Each new adventure guides her to more webs of secrets and deception. Stefania must rely on her courage to survive in a world where loyalty is fragile. But will she ever uncover the truth about Magdu's disappearance?

C.J. Toca's The Lost Painting is an exciting thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It incorporates espionage elements, like hacking, forgery, and covert surveillance, with art, history, and personal drama to create a captivating narrative journey. At the heart of this tale is Stefania, a strong but conflicted protagonist. She isn’t a perfect heroine, but readers will relate to her growth. I am impressed by the author's style. Toca maintains the sharp, dramatic timing as the story spans continents, but still gives readers enough time to immerse themselves in Stefania's riveting quest. The world-building is well-rooted and intriguing. Global issues, from Nazi gold to modern digital crimes, make this story feel current and timeless. This novel may remind some readers of works like those by Dan Brown, but with a greater emphasis on realism. Fans of espionage, historical intrigue, and character-driven suspense will enjoy it.