Member Review
Review by
Martin P, Reviewer
Esme and Archie are back, and better than ever.
"Operation Vienna" opens in 1931, less than a year after the events of the previous book. Esme Carmichael is now in Vienna, still trying to make her name as a foreign correspondent. She isn't having much success until she hears of an apparent suicide - but rumours are already circulating about it being murder, and Esme sees this as a break if she can get the story. Having already successfully completed an investigation with historian Archie Laverick, she calls him and persuades him to join her, since he has a new book under way which requires research anyway.
Very quickly, the game is afoot, as Esme and Archie slowly uncover a complex situation involving Viennese toffs, international journalists, and wealthy Americans who are more than they seem. They have to sift through lies, gossip, and conspiracy to uncover a truth which brings its own tragedy. All of this takes place against the backdrop of a city unsure of what the future offers, and where alliances are fragile and trust hard to find.
Fans of the previous book will be glad to know that Esme and Archie are in fine form, and that we learn a lot more about Archie, his state of mind, and the events that have made him the man he is today. This is definitely Archie's book. But we also get to meet again Moses, the book seller, and Lister, Archie's manservant. There's also a mess of correspondents; doctors, bankers, and ladies, all of whom are wonderfully brought to life.
Once again, the author nicely weaves the story around historic events, as Europe slowly moves toward war and uncertainty. Archie's hobby of collecting rare books also offers some wonderful insight.
Fans of the previous book will love this one, but new readers can easily jump in without missing much. Heartily recommended.
"Operation Vienna" opens in 1931, less than a year after the events of the previous book. Esme Carmichael is now in Vienna, still trying to make her name as a foreign correspondent. She isn't having much success until she hears of an apparent suicide - but rumours are already circulating about it being murder, and Esme sees this as a break if she can get the story. Having already successfully completed an investigation with historian Archie Laverick, she calls him and persuades him to join her, since he has a new book under way which requires research anyway.
Very quickly, the game is afoot, as Esme and Archie slowly uncover a complex situation involving Viennese toffs, international journalists, and wealthy Americans who are more than they seem. They have to sift through lies, gossip, and conspiracy to uncover a truth which brings its own tragedy. All of this takes place against the backdrop of a city unsure of what the future offers, and where alliances are fragile and trust hard to find.
Fans of the previous book will be glad to know that Esme and Archie are in fine form, and that we learn a lot more about Archie, his state of mind, and the events that have made him the man he is today. This is definitely Archie's book. But we also get to meet again Moses, the book seller, and Lister, Archie's manservant. There's also a mess of correspondents; doctors, bankers, and ladies, all of whom are wonderfully brought to life.
Once again, the author nicely weaves the story around historic events, as Europe slowly moves toward war and uncertainty. Archie's hobby of collecting rare books also offers some wonderful insight.
Fans of the previous book will love this one, but new readers can easily jump in without missing much. Heartily recommended.
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