IZ
MANZ
Author of witty, elegant, and heartfelt fiction
Writing is my happy place.
When I'm not immersed in my latest project, I am passionate about my husband and our three teenagers, with whom I live outside Zurich, Switzerland. I find joy in visiting art museums, reading, dancing, being in nature, and tackling a variety of sports with great enthusiasm and modest skill.
My debut novel, I Came for the Art, is inspired by my love for the city of London and the captivating world of contemporary art. With a wealth of interests and hobbies, I’m never short on ideas for future books.
ABOUT ME
I've always loved crafting stories and characters in my head—it's how I overcame the boredom of falling asleep as a child.
My love for words followed me into my career as a lawyer, where precision and persuasion were essential—but I longed to be more creative. Researching and immersing myself in new worlds brings me joy, and writing allows me to combine all my passions.
From the cosiness of my office, I travel the world, creating relatable characters, juicy plots, and evocative scenes I'd like to witness.
Vincent, master puppeteer of Sapphire’s, is torn between wanting to see the impressive detective resolve her case and protecting his friends, who one after another appear somehow involved in the theft. Radha, kick-ass police detective by day and romance novel binger by night, wants nothing but her promotion, yet keeps getting distracted by a cocky but annoyingly charming suspect. Is he really only trying to help her, or does he know more than he lets on?
“Who did it” will be the least of your concerns once you fall in love with the protagonists and start rooting for the two of them to succeed.
Glamour, Art, and a Stolen Secret
Have you ever wondered what makes a person spend millions on a work of contemporary art?
Then jump on this whirlwind ride through the glamour and intrigue of Sapphire’s, one of London’s oldest art auction houses.
Join the very likeable couple of a detective and an art specialist as they navigate the egos, the secrets and the illustrious hideouts of the auction crowd.
Their task is to resolve the mystery of a murder and a stolen masterpiece.
It is rare to find a novel that combines genuine glamour with such intelligent insights — rarer still to find this balance in a debut.
Iz Manz is a name one will remember. It feels not only fortunate for readers that she has found her way to writing, but necessary. If this is her beginning, one can only imagine what will follow.
A dazzling, intelligent and hugely entertaining debut.
Anna Camilla Kupka
Spiegel Bestselling Author
And what an eye she has.
Her powers of observation are exceptional, particularly when it comes to the London art world. She captures its glamour, vanities, absurdities and unspoken hierarchies with razor-sharp wit and affectionate satire. The result is both deliciously entertaining and quietly incisive — a social comedy that sparkles on the surface while revealing something far deeper beneath. The plot is cleverly constructed and thoroughly engaging, unfolding with elegance and momentum.
I Came for the Art is one of those rare debut novels that makes you realise a remarkable new voice has arrived.
It is astonishing to encounter a first novel written with such precision, confidence and artistry. Every sentence feels considered, sculpted with care and an almost painterly attention to detail.
Iz Manz writes with the assurance of someone who has long observed the world closely and waited for the right moment to put it into words.
ENDORSEMENTS
This is a crime novel that uses the art world not as decoration, but as its true subject.
The reader is immersed immediately in the contemporary art market, where auctions, egos, wealth, and speculation intersect with unsettling ease.
Beneath the auction drama lie a murder and a missing artwork, both unresolved for long stretches, creating a tension reminiscent of classic crime fiction. At the same time, the novel offers a thoughtful exploration of conviction, recognition, and the fragile role of trust in both business and intimacy.
What struck me most was the book’s disciplined structure: a clean, well-contained plot that resists unnecessary detours. This style mirrors the author’s roots and temperament: elegant, purposefully distant, and carefully measured.
Hakan Yuksel
An electrifying read!
This novel swept me into the glittering, high-stakes world of elite auctions and million-dollar art deals—where beauty hides deception, and the next bid might just be for someone’s life.
The dashing auctioneer Vincent and the brilliant and beautiful Sergeant Detective Radha are caught in a web of secrets, deception, and undeniable attraction. Their chemistry is magnetic.
The story crackles with intrigue, seduction, and suspense, set against a backdrop of priceless art and shadowy motives. It’s masterfully written—luxurious, clever, and completely addictive.
I couldn’t put it down.
ELISABETH FÜGLISTALER
An absolute page-turner! Iz masterfully crafts a fast-paced, exhilarating journey through the art world, seamlessly blending mystery, intrigue, and romance. Her meticulous attention to detail, both in her vividly drawn characters and the richly immersive settings, brings every scene to life. With sophistication, suspense, and a captivating storyline, this novel is a true feast for the senses and a must-read for thriller lovers!
VIOLET LENTZ
Set in the London auction scene, this gripping first novel follows Vincent and Radha as they navigate a world of power, passion and art whose protagonists are willing to kill.
A thrilling exploration of ambition, secrets, and the price of success, it's a must-read for anyone who loves glamour, eccentrics and the dark side of the art world.
SANDRA LAEDERACH
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