The Picture Box: A Historical Mystery

The Picture Box is the story of an American descendant of a well-known Croatian family and his journey back to his homeland and the mysteries he has yet to discover.

“Dreams, the stories the mind tells during certain stages of sleep, are believed to result from reliving life experiences. But for Darlo Dimitric, his dreams always brought back memories of the homeland he left behind.”

Formats & Editions

Reader's Testimonials

"The story drew me right in and was captivating from page 1!"

amazon reviews

ChalaLane

A Journey to Remember

The Picture Box is a beautiful story about family, identity, and history. I loved every moment of the main character’s discovery of his Croatian roots. Emotional, mysterious, and unforgettable.

SardisSta

Heartfelt and Powerful

This book touched my heart deeply. The way the mystery unfolds while exploring personal heritage was absolutely brilliant. A must-read if you enjoy stories that stay with you long after you finish.

LewisStreet

A Short but Meaningful Read

Quick read, deep impact. Beautiful writing and a touching story about uncovering hidden family secrets.

WillowLane

A Beautiful Blend of Cultures

The Picture Box paints Croatia so vividly that I felt like I was right there. The blend of American and Croatian history added such richness to the story. A moving and suspenseful read

HurryStreet

Simple, Yet Powerful

Loved it! A touching mystery that reminds us how our past shapes our present.

SardisSta

Deeply Emotional and Thoughtful

The Picture Box isn’t just about solving a mystery—it's about understanding where you come from and how much the past defines us. The emotions were raw, real, and beautifully written. I found myself rooting for the main character with every page. This book is a journey, and I'm glad I took it.

ColuJmbia

Short Story, Big Heart

Finished it in one sitting! Small book, big emotions. Loved the twists!

CayFnor

A Mystery That Feels Personal

This story feels so real. You can tell the author poured their heart into it. It’s about more than just uncovering secrets — it’s about finding a sense of belonging.

BrynnChoi5

Rich with History and Mystery

I didn’t know much about Croatia before reading this, but now I want to visit! The Picture Box beautifully mixes real history with a heartfelt mystery. It’s a slow burn that’s absolutely worth it.

SamuelY

A Family Story You Won’t Forget

Family, history, secrets — this book has it all. The Picture Box is a touching reminder that sometimes we have to go back to move forward. Beautifully written and full of heart

Phil Bolos

A mystery that spans the globe

The Picture Box: A Historical Mystery by Carlo Armenise is a short read the focuses on a Croatian man who leaves the United States to go back to Croatia to solve a mystery he has been presented with. The story begins with Dario Dimitric living in Croatia but having dreams of becoming a famous singer in the United States.

Grady Harp

Are you saying my grandmother stole priceless paintings from Hitler?’

Author Carlo Armenise has written for television and film as well as short stories and novels. His books to date – FOOTSTEPS N THE DARK, SAM RAZOR PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR: THE BLOND WITH THE BAD NOSE JOB, and now THE PICTURE BOX. His genres – horror, comedy, and drama.

john Lafronz

The story drew me right in and was captivating from page 1!

I have read another of Mr. Armenise's entitled Sam Razor, Private Detective, which I thoroughly enjoyed --The Picture Box, however, was a totally unique experience! Fast moving, and hard to put down. The characters were developed quickly, and I felt as if I knew them.

Debby Bunn

I started reading this short story and could not put it down!

So many of us love to go on vacation and see the world… many of us have not travelled since the COVID hit the world in 2020. I wish that I could somehow let these former globe travelers know that this book can give you the experience of a trip to a fabulous Croatia by the Adriatic Ocean…

Lorenza Seldner

Croatia -never stranger to conflict

Dario, a Croatian singer, has one dream: to become famous in America. As his homeland erupts in conflict, and his parents die in a tragic accident, Dario relies on her grandmother for support and advice.

Albert

A very entertaining mystery novel.

A beautiful and well-developed mystery novel that focuses on Dario, a Croatian man who dreamed of becoming a famous singer in the United States and who, at the least expected moment, war breaks out in his home country and he is drafted as a soldier.

goodreads reviews

Ultimate World

Book Review: The Picture Box

Carlo Armenise's "The Picture Box: A Historical Mystery" is a compelling narrative that masterfully blends the past and present, unraveling a tapestry of family secrets, cultural heritage, and long-buried mysteries.

Jithendra Jithu

Happy reading

If you’re searching for a quick yet captivating read that seamlessly blends history with a gripping mystery, look no further! The Picture Box: A Historical Mystery by Carlo Armenise is an absolute gem.

Joi Review

Must read book for my audience

The Picture Box is a poignant novel that explores themes of displacement and identity through the lens of immigration. The narrative centers on Dario, a Croatian whose life is upended when his parents flee the turmoil in Croatia for France.

Janvi Santwani

Book Review: The Picture Box

The Picture Box immediately intrigued me with its premise—a mysterious journey into the past of a well-known Croatian family. The story follows an American descendant who embarks on a journey back to his ancestral homeland, unraveling long-buried secrets along the way.