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books on military history
Daniel Smith Books on Military History Biltmore's Mona Lisa book cover

The Latest Novel

The Biltmore's Mona Lisa

At the beginning of World War II, 82 priceless paintings were moved from the National Gallery to the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, for safekeeping. Among them is France’s national treasure, da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. 

Germany’s Hermann Goring hears of this move and sends three Luftwaffe officers to steal the Mona Lisa. 

But their mission is not as straightforward as it seems. Before they can even think of stealing the painting, they must first orchestrate a daring escape for a German P.O.W. art expert from a camp in Tennessee.

In addition, unbeknownst to the Germans, a powerful U.S. Senator and his inside man also plan to steal the painting. 

Only an army security squad and a determined French curator stand in their way.

Buy On Amazon | eBook late 2024
Buy at Barnes & Noble

Ask your local bookstore to order this hardcover or paperback book at IngramSpark.com.

Angela Ballard
Angela Ballard
We Married Adventure
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"As a fan of nonfiction like The Monuments Men and fiction like The Thomas Crown Affair and "National Treasure", I love a shell game-style art heist like this one. The Biltmore's Mona Lisa is a well-written piece of historical fiction with a good pace and enough real-life facts to leave you feeling like it actually could have happened this way."
David Poyer
David PoyerAuthor, The Academy and The Only Thing to Fear
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“A tense plotline with almost too many switcheroos and MacGuffins to count! Ready yourself for a roller coaster ride through the art world and WWII history with Dan Smith’s riveting The Biltmore’s Mona Lisa.”
<i>Kirkus Reviews</i>
Kirkus Reviews@kirkusreviews
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"Readers expecting a simple story about a simple theft are in for surprises."
Keith Edward Vaughn
Keith Edward VaughnAuthor of The Loneliest Places
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“Smith’s fast-paced, spellbinding debut succeeds as a WWII thriller and a heist caper. The intricate plot is woven with the assurance of the genre masters yet captivates with its originality. The Biltmore’s Mona Lisa is packed with immersive period detail, and Dan Smith’s writing crackles with historical authority and stylistic flair.”
<i>Kirkus Reviews</i>
Kirkus Reviews@kirkusreviews
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"A refreshingly wild account of an international heist."
Amazon Customer
Amazon Customer
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“A highly original WWII caper, The Biltmore’s Mona Lisa combines historical rigor and imaginative verve. The fast-paced plot is loaded with unpredictable twists. Readers of historical fiction, thrillers, and/or crime novels will find much to admire in the intricate, globe-trotting narrative that excites and satisfies from beginning to end.”
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Nonfiction Books on Military History by Dan Smith

Book cover
U.S Navy Tailor-Made Dress Blues, liberty Cuffs and Sailor Folk Art
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U.S. Navy memorabilia book cover
U.S. Navy Sailor's Memorabilia
Buckles, Lighters & More
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The Medal of Honor book cover
The Medal of Honor and the Battles for Chattanooga
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Book cover for An Illustrated History of the US Navy's Use of Law Enforcement-Style Badges
An Illustrated history of the U.S. Navy's use of Law enforcement-style badges
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about dan smith

Navy Veteran & Writer

Daniel D. Smith Sr. is a U.S. Navy Veteran and a military historian. He served 26 years in the Navy, and after retirement, joined the all-volunteer Tennessee State Guard as a Captain. He retired from the State Guard after seven years, as a Lieutenant Colonel. 

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Dan is an active member of the River City Corvette Club as well as a life member of the National Corvette Museum.

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