David Neilson

In this short novella, Sophie Rathenau investigates her friend Camilla's new maid. The matter isn't purely domestic curiosity since the request comes from Camilla's husband, who is chief of the Vienna police. Sophie navigates Vienna's seedier elements to find out whether Anni Nachtigall is innocent, dangerous or both.

As we'd expect for a novella, the plot is pretty straightforward compared to the author's full-length novels, but I suspect there may be repercussions beyond this single episode. As usual, I enjoyed how Sophie tells her tale with a combination of cynicism, snark and conscience.

Overall, an enjoyable interlude in the Sophie Rathenau series.… (mere)

I was lucky enough to critique an early draft of this book last year, and it was a real pleasure to finally read the published version.

After being hounded (metaphorically? maybe...) out of Venice some time ago on pain of death if she returns, Sophie of course is assigned a new task in La Serenissima. It goes wrong. Things are complicated by an additional mission: to ensure the safety of Archduchess Isabella, who is visiting the city.

Isabella falls for lecherous librettist Larry da Ponte, which certainly isn't the intended outcome of her tour. Sophie's challenged to keep matters under control, all while attempting to remain under the radar of her powerful arch-enemy Corona Mundt. Add to that vengeful relatives and political and social fencing, and she certainly has her work cut out for her. Just as well she knows how to shoot!

The characters were fun. Sophie herself is true to form. It's fun to see her verbally sparring with pompous ambassador Renucci and Isabella's jealous companion Haugwitz, as well as her more serious opponents.

The language is rich, and there is a fair sprinkling of terms in German, Italian and (I believe) Turkish. Terms are glossed at the end.

This is the third Sophie Rathenau book. It's standalone, although probably better appreciated if you read the other two first. Well worth a look if you enjoy historical mystery/crime.… (mere)

This is the second book in the Sophie Rathenau series. Still trying to cope with past grief while hiding from Important Powers, Sophie gets further embroiled in trouble when she tries to locate a missing Jesuit priest.

Matters aren't completely as they seem on the surface, and all the characters are deliciously plotting against each other. Despite her personal stresses, Sophie manages (most of the time) to keep a clear head as she heads deeper into danger.

Neilson's prose is considerably richer than I generally read, and this isn't a book to rush through. With the plot and language both being complex, it's probably best enjoyed in small bites (but quickly enough that you don't lose track what's going on).

The entire book is narrated by Sophie, and she has such a distinctive voice (and modern attitude) that I found myself chuckling at times.

Well worth reading if you enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, social machinations or mellifluent language. And of course a strong female lead.… (mere)