Named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2025 “By slow and steady degrees, Matthiessen takes all the familiar elements of the standard heist thriller and transforms them into something more.... A riveting and richly nuanced art-crime novel.” ~ Kirkus Reviews (starred review) On a full moon night in Rotterdam, three Dutch thieves break into the Kunsthal museum and steal four paintings—including two Monets, a Picasso, and Woman with Eyes Closed . Inspired by the real 2012 art heist, this literary thriller follows British MI-6 agent Kit Hobbs, who is unexpectedly assigned to the case. A tip leads him to Sagaponack, New York, where the Monets may be hidden in the bunker of a Russian mobster with a beach house—and a taste for stolen masterpieces. Just down the beach, Perrin Clayton—daughter of a once-famous abstract expressionist painter—is newly married to art-world superstar Jack Triplett. Their glamorous Hamptons life dazzles from the outside, but something vital is missing. When Kit, whose connection is Jack’s gallerist, meets Perrin at a party in the Russian’s home, he notices the mobster’s fascination with her—and devises a risky plan to draw her into his investigation. Meanwhile, the thieves are on the run, their alliance unraveling. As Kit and Perrin are pulled deeper into each other’s lives, and a hurricane barrels toward the coast, the fate of Woman with Eyes Closed hangs in the balance—along with their own uncertain futures. Praise for Woman with Eyes Closed: "A beautifully crafted suspense thriller of a read from cover to cover..." ~Midwest Book Review “… Woman with Eyes Closed will longingly resonate, recalling a time before luxe building and big money art acquisitions came to dominate a once vital artist’s community. And the novel has—no spoiler alert—a lovely ending.” ~ Joan Baum, Sag Harbor Express “Matthiessen’s depictions of Sagaponack, where she grew up, are wonderfully true to life. This high stakes art thriller delivers an entertaining cast of Hamptons characters, from Russian oligarchs to art-world brats. The mob is involved and, oh, a hurricane is barreling in. The author’s delivery of suspense, with a sophisticated insider’s view of the social milieu, makes it a top-notch read.” ~ East Magazine ( The East Hampton Star ) “A compelling suspense novel, Woman with Eyes Closed explores the contrasting lives of the wealthy living in opulence and the desperate actions of the underprivileged longing for a way out.... [Woman with Eyes Closed] delves into themes of relationships, romance, trust, money, and crime, making it an intriguing read for fans of suspenseful mysteries." ~ Angelique Papayannopoulos, Readers’ Favorite "By slow and steady degrees, Matthiessen takes all the familiar elements of the standard heist thriller and transforms them into something more.... A riveting and richly nuanced art-crime novel." Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "A beautifully crafted suspense thriller of a read from cover to cover, Woman with Eyes Closed is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections." Midwest Book Review "This moderately to briskly paced novel has skillfully crafted twists and consequences that branch into emotional turns of events. Multilayered and diverse characters help paint the atmosphere, add intrigue and drama to the storyline, and drive the plot.... Woman with Eyes Closed will appeal not only to fans of thrillers, suspense, and romance but also to readers curious about the culture and dynamics of the art world." Carmen Tenorio, Readers' Favorite ​ ​ "...especially for East End readers, Woman with Eyes Closed will longingly resonate, recalling a time before luxe buildings and big money art acquisitions came to dominate a once genuine artists' community. And the novel has - no spoiler alert - a lovely ending." Joan Baum, Sag Harbor Express ​ "Matthiessen's depictions of Sagaponack, where she grew up, are wonderfully true to life. This high stakes art thriller delivers an entertaining cast of Hamptons characters, from Russian oligarchs to art-world brats. The mob is involved and, oh, a hurricane is barreling in. The author's delivery of suspense, with a sophisticated insider's view of the social milieu, makes it a top-notch read." East Magazine (The East Hampton Star) Rue Matthiessen is based on the East End of Long Island. Nominated for the Pushcart Prize twice, her essays and short fiction have been published in numerous literary journals. Her memoir, Castles & Ruins, about growing up in Sagaponack, NY, with parents of ardent literary ambition, was published by Latah Books in February 2024. Her art-theft novel, Woman with Eyes Closed, set in Sagaponack, London, and the Netherlands, will be released by Latah Books in June of 2025. Recently, Rue was featured in the Bridgehampton Museum's Distinguished Lecturer Series, and Longhouse Talks in East Hampton. See more at ruematthiessen.com.