Book review : The Mozart Conspiracy by Susanne Dunlap | Dark Secrets in 18th century Vienna

The Mozart Conspiracy
The Musician's Daughter #2
by Susanne Dunlap

GENRE: #HistoricalMystery
My rating: ★★★★★ + 1⭐ Special Golden Star

Beyond the 5 Stars: A Special Golden Star added!

Who says Young Adult books are just for young people?

This historical novel captivated me so much that I couldn't tear myself away from the story and its characters to immerse myself in a new read... Do you know that feeling?

This is a wonderful historical mystery set in the world of classical music in 18th-century Austria, featuring a very young but strong main character who leads a dangerous double life.

Before telling you my thoughts, let me share a glimpse of

THE PLOT:

Late 18th-century Vienna. Theresa Schurman leads a precarious double life: she is a respectable girl from a good family who gives violin lessons to children, but disguised as a boy, she also plays in orchestras (something strictly forbidden to women at the time) to support her mother and younger sister after the brutal killing of her father in the previous book.

One night, on her way home, she witnesses the murder of another musician. After going to the police, she discovers that the body has mysteriously gone missing. Theresa refuses to be fooled by the web of lies unfolding around her, so she decides to find evidence of the crime and uncover why everyone wants to deny it.

Between secret meetings in grand, abandoned buildings, music lessons, and opera rehearsals, Theresa is drawn into a dark musical conspiracy that involves the young genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Emperor Joseph II himself.

...And while the charming Hussar Captain Von Bauer thwarts Theresa at every turn, Zoltan—the noble Hungarian violinist—reappears in her turbulent life after two years of complete silence...

______ ******* ______

____ MY TOUGHTS ____

THE MAIN CHARACTER | A FEARLESS AND RELENTLESS ACHIEVER

I first met Theresa Schurman, the protagonist of this 18th-century mystery, in the prequel. Back then, she was a fifteen-year-old in the fascinating city of Vienna, finding herself investigating her musician father's murder.

If I found her to be a bit of a whiner sometimes in that first book (but hey, they had killed her father!), in this sequel I found a mature, resolute, and brave 17-year-old girl. Two years have passed not only for me to go on with the series, but for her as well.

Theresa has truly become a fantastic protagonist. She is driven by a fierce need for the truth, even when the world tells her to stay quiet. Watching her growth from a grieving daughter into a young woman navigating a labyrinth of lies is deeply satisfying.

Of course, she isn't perfect. While her choices sometimes disappoint the people she cares about, her inner turmoil shows us how deeply empathetic she really is. In this adventure, I saw a feisty Theresa who takes on heavy family responsibilities without burdening her mother.

She is a remarkably modern girl for her time; she enjoys being independent, and while she still welcomes love into her life, she pursues her artistic goals with tenacity, great determination, and absolute perseverance!

A VIBRANT ARRAY OF OLD AND NEW SIDE CHARACTERS

A colorful cast of new and old characters, both real and fictional, provides a rich backdrop to the events Theresa must navigate before uncovering the truth.

• Theresa’s Mother: Among the returning faces, there is obviously Theresa's mother, with whom she shares a conflicted relationship. She loves her daughter deeply, but she is a typical woman of her time who sees a woman's future only in a good marriage. What is unacceptable to society is unacceptable to her too. I really liked the dynamics between these two women; it beautifully highlights their initial friction and, ultimately, the unspoken strength of their mother-daughter bond.


• Mirela: Our protagonist's wild and rebellious gypsy friend also experiences personal growth, though very different from Theresa's. She is a girl without inhibitions, well-accustomed to manipulating men. To be honest, I didn't really like this character—she already made me angry in the first book! However, I love when stories feature a character who is the exact emotional opposite of the one I'm rooting for... it definitely adds a bit of spice to the plot.


• Returning Faces: Then we have Danior the gypsy, Zoltan (Theresa's noble love interest), his sister Alida, and other familiar characters from the first book. While they play smaller roles this time around, each is crucial to completing the puzzle.
• Mozart and the Weber Sisters: Among the new historical figures, a young stands out, captured right at the beginning of his adult career. We get a fascinating look into his romance with his sweetheart, Constanze Weber, alongside the heavy drama surrounding her sisters and mother, who desperately try to thwart their wedding plans. The inclusion of these real-world family struggles made the reading experience so much more immersive, prompting me to do my own research into the private lives of the Weber family! The same goes for the brilliant historical details about the Burgtheater and the mysterious Masonic lodges.


• Captain Von Bauer: Last but certainly not least, we are introduced to the enigmatic Hussar Captain Von Bauer. He is a magnetic yet frustrating addition to the cast. He acts as a constant thorn in Theresa’s side, thwarting her investigations at every turn. You can never quite tell whose side he is on, which creates an amazing layer of tension and suspense whenever he shares a scene with our fierce protagonist.

HISTORICAL CONNECTIONS AND THEMES ADDRESSED IN THE BOOK

Along with the pure entertainment provided by the author's imagination, the story offers a solid foundation of elements deeply linked to real history.
In addition to the historical figures, legendary streets, squares, and historic buildings of Vienna already mentioned, the author masterfully addresses two heavy themes that have shaped the history not only of Austria, but of the entire world: discrimination against women and, even more severely, against the Jewish people.

1. Women in 18th-Century Austria
At that time, women were strictly forbidden from playing in an orchestra. A musical career was reserved for men only, which is why Theresa has to disguise herself as a boy and lives in constant fear of being discovered.

The thing that shocked me the most while researching this topic is that women in Austria were not allowed to become full members of the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic until 1997 (and some restrictions lingered until the early 2000s)! Can you believe it? Modern times! Before that, women were only occasionally accepted as harpists or guest soloists.

In the past, countless talented women—not just musicians—had to give up their passions and potential careers in favor of marriage, precisely because of this systemic discrimination.
Mozart's own sister, Nannerl, who performed with him as a child and was gifted with immense talent, had to completely abandon her artistic path while her brother became world-famous.
The same tragic fate happened to women writers, painters, scientists, and mathematicians. Even today, significant gaps in labor rights between men and women still persist, even in modern Western countries.

2. Jews in Late 18th-Century Austria
While Empress Maria Theresa deeply disliked the Jewish community, after her death, her son, Emperor Joseph II, introduced groundbreaking reforms to improve their status. First, he abolished the humiliating requirement for Jews to wear distinct markings on their clothing to separate them from others. He also lifted the restrictions that forced them to live in segregated areas, allowing them to enroll in universities, practice agriculture, crafts, trade, and enter almost all professions.

However, much like women, they remained barred from certain exclusive circles—including, as the book accurately shows, prominent orchestras and Masonic lodges. The story reveals the deeply rooted prejudice and hatred that some individuals still harbored despite these new laws.

We are currently living in times of war that touch upon these exact painful points. Looking back at the past should make us all pause and reflect. We might not be able to stop governments and their political decisions, but as individuals, we should remind ourselves every day that tolerance and empathy are the absolute foundations of a peaceful life that benefits everyone.

3. Masonic Lodges | Places of Brotherhood and "Tolerance", but not for everyone!
A third deeply fascinating historical connection in the book emerges when the author pulls back the curtain on the secret meetings of the brotherhood.

Both in Susanne Dunlap's novel and in real life, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a dedicated member of the Freemasons. These secret societies, which arose in the first two decades of the 18th century, quickly expanded across the globe with highly noble intentions. Their original goal was to establish a neutral, enlightened space centered on the moral improvement of the individual, religious tolerance, and the ultimate progress of humanity through human reason—a desperate attempt to rise above the bloody civil and religious wars that had torn Europe apart for centuries.

In reality, however, as we vividly witness through Theresa's eyes in the story, these spaces were deeply contradictory and equally discriminatory.
Despite their high-minded philosophy of universal brotherhood, women were strictly banned from entering these lodges, and intense prejudices against Jewish people and lower social classes often lingered beneath the surface.
Not every individual belonging to them was truly enlightened by reason and genuine tolerance. The gap between their beautiful ideals and the harsh reality was massive. Discovering this paradox in the book completely fascinated me, and it inspired me to read several very interesting historical articles to learn more about how secret societies operated in imperial Vienna.

THE SETTING | A GLIMMERING CITY WITH SHADOWS AT EVERY CORNER

The author has brilliantly reconstructed the vibrant atmosphere of late 18th-century Vienna, with its cobblestone streets and grand, historic buildings that still stand today. But what I truly want to emphasize is how masterfully she managed to weave an aura of mystery mixed with palpable tension that lasts throughout the entire book.
While reading, I could genuinely feel Theresa's heart racing as she heard unknown, heavy footsteps echoing behind her on her way home in the dark.
I could vividly sense her fear, driven by the absolute darkness and dampness of the underground passages, as the soft, terrifying padding of a dangerous animal filled the silence.
This relentless suspense, beautifully intertwined with Theresa's fierce character, is exactly what kept me completely engrossed in the story from the very first page to the last.

THE MYSTERY PART & RHYTHM | A BRILLIANT LABYRINTH OF LIES

As you can probably guess from the atmospheric setting, the mystery itself is incredibly well-crafted, packed with genuine suspense and clever twists.
What I appreciated the most was the pacing of the resolution; unlike so many books where the ending feels rushed and chaotic, the author takes her time here. Every single piece of the intricate puzzle is carefully put into its proper place during the final chapters, delivering a deeply satisfying and well-earned conclusion. It is a masterclass in slow-burn mystery storytelling!

A LITERARY PROMISE | A FRIENDLY WARNING FOR ROMANCE LOVERS

A quick but necessary warning for my fellow readers: this book is a historical mystery through and through, not a romance novel. At the beginning of the story, you might be tempted to look for a heavy romantic subplot, but I highly advise against doing so to save yourself from potential disappointment.
It is a mystery with a delicate, faint romantic note hanging in the air, a quiet whisper that remains mostly silent throughout the main events. However, do not despair! By the end of the book, this subtle tension receives a beautiful and satisfying answer that left me (at least!) with a very happy heart.

FINAL VERDICT | A PURE BUBBLE OF COZY SUSPENSE

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for light, yet deeply engaging and intelligent entertainment. The seamless blend of suspense fiction, rich historical details, and thought-provoking social themes makes it a perfect read for both young adults and older readers alike. With its clean language and complete absence of gruesome or gratuitous violence, it provides a safe, welcoming, and thoroughly thrilling escape.
It is a true masterpiece that will linger in your heart long after you turn the final page!


Thank you for stopping by and reading my opinion. 😊

📚 Explore More From This Series & Genre:

👉 Read my full review of:

Theresa Schurman Book #1: "The Musician's Daughter"

🎵 Looking for more musical historical fiction set in Vienna? Check out my special:

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Book review : The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson | A Game of Lies and Secrets in 18th century England

The Square of Sevens
by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Standalone
GENRE : #HistoricalMystery #GothicVibes

📍 Setting: England | ⏳ Era: 1730 then 1740

My rating: ★★★★★ + 1 ⭐Special Golden Star

5 FULL STARS !! :-D

Well, hello there, my fellow readers!
If you're looking for a historical mystery that will completely sweep you off your feet and keep you guessing until the very last page, then you have to pick up Laura Shepherd-Robinson's "The Square of Sevens."

I add one Special Golden Star Because this reading was a truly incredible journey. Perhaps the most beautiful novel I've read in 2025!

I'm usually someone who gravitates towards shorter reads, but this magnificent, lengthy novel captivated me from start to finish. It’s a rich blend of historical mystery fiction, set in the 1730s and 1740s, with just the right touch of magical realism and a delightful gothic flair that truly made it shine.

While the Goodreads introduction suggests a Dickensian style, I actually found myself thinking more of Wilkie Collins. He’s often regarded as the father of the mystery genre and, fun fact, was a great friend of Charles Dickens himself!
Collins' knack for intricate plots and psychological depth feels very much alive in this book.

I wholeheartedly gave "The Square of Sevens" a full 5 out of 5 stars, and it truly earned every single one.

Yes, it’s a long book, but let me assure you, it’s never boring!
It's packed with so many unexpected twists and turns that you’ll constantly be on the edge of your seat.
And speaking of the ending – wow! It was completely different from what I’d imagined, and 100% unpredictable for me as a reader ( and I guess to every other reader too ).
The end was, I must admit, a bit disconcerting at first, but in the best possible way.
The characters and the story have genuinely stayed with me, lingering in my thoughts days after I turned the final page. That, for me, is the mark of a truly great book!

📜 But let's dive into THE PLOT:

The journey begins in Cornwall, England, in 1730.
We meet a young girl known only as Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller. Together, they eke out a living predicting fortunes using the ancient system of the Square of Sevens.
But their life takes a dramatic turn when her father suddenly dies. Red, now an orphan, becomes the ward of a kind-hearted gentleman scholar.

Fast forward a bit, and Red is being raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendor of Bath. Her fortune-telling skills, once a means of survival, are now a charming amusement for high society.
Yet, beneath this polished facade, burning questions gnaw at her: Who was her mother? How did she die? And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always so terrified would find him?

Her relentless pursuit of these family secrets takes her on an incredible odyssey. From the rugged beauty of Cornwall and the refined elegance of Bath, she travels to the bustling streets of London and the picturesque landscapes of Devon.
Her quest leads her through the rough and tumble bawdiness of Bartholomew Fair and into the grand, imposing houses of two of England’s most powerful families. While Red’s journey offers the tantalizing possibility of great reward, it also plunges her into grave danger…

😊 MY HONEST THOUGHTS:

THE TROPES: A Familiar Path, Expertly Retread

Now, you might think the tale of an orphan who loses her father, searches for her mother, and faces countless misfortunes, including serpentine relatives who wish her ill, sounds a bit familiar. But let me tell you, this story is anything but unoriginal!

It's so brimming with surprises, both good and bad, that constantly shift and evolve without pause, keeping you utterly gripped.
You'll never be bored, not even during the descriptive passages that beautifully set the mood and scene, allowing you to gather your thoughts and immerse yourself fully.

| 🃏 TWISTS, TURNS, and TAROT CARDS:

The author has brilliantly structured the novel into four main parts, each containing 21 chapters.
And here’s a fantastic touch: every single chapter begins with a card and a prediction!
This not only crafts a wonderfully surreal atmosphere, where life is seemingly read through the cards, but it also cleverly foreshadows what's about to unfold within the chapter.

Each chapter feels like a discovery, revealing a new "truth" that then gets completely overturned by the events of the next.
It’s a dizzying dance between reality and appearance, truth and lies, dark secrets and equally dark threats.
You'll find yourself clinging to faint glimmers of hope for the future, while witnessing a desperate struggle to solve the overarching mystery.
I deliberately chose this as my Halloween read, and I absolutely adored the gothic vibes and how seamlessly cartomancy was woven into the fabric of the story.
👉👉The continuous transformation of truth into lies, lies into truth, good characters into villains, and suspected villains into heroes (and back again!) creates a continuous whirlwind of emotions that kept me glued to the pages, devouring them with eager anticipation.

I truly believe Laura Shepherd-Robinson has done a superb job crafting such an intricate mystery.
The events intertwine and overlap with incredible precision, and we discover that many characters, seemingly disparate, are all connected by an invisible thread, which will become truly clear only towards the end of the story.

The author also excelled at making the read captivating, which is no easy feat, especially in such a long novel, and remarkably comprehensible despite the complexities and the many names of characters, both past and present in the narration. (At first, you might feel a little overwhelmed trying to keep track of everyone and their connections, but trust me, after a while, thanks in part to the author's helpful diagrams, everything falls into place and becomes wonderfully clear!)

| 🎭 THE MAIN CHARACTERS :

• __ Red (or Rachel Antrobus): Our protagonist, who partly narrates her story in the first person.
  We meet Red as a child and watch her grow up, witnessing her make impulsive, sometimes poor, choices, and then courageously face the consequences.
  There might be moments where you feel a bit frustrated with her, she’s a passionate, headstrong teenager, after all! But it's only towards the very end that you truly uncover Red's authentic nature and understand how life's adversities shaped her fight for survival.



• __ Lazarus Darke: The other intriguing protagonist, a man who believes himself to be a servant of truth.
  His story is told sometimes in the third person, and sometimes in his own first-person voice.
  It takes many chapters and a multitude of events to truly understand who Lazarus is.
  This very "not knowing much about him" and his relentless "search for the truth" makes his chapters utterly fascinating.
  Not knowing if he was good or evil, I tried to keep my thoughts neutral, yet I couldn't help but constantly speculate and place bets on his true character as I read!

| 👥 THE SUPPORTING CAST:

You'll encounter completely positive characters who, surprisingly, harbor dangerous secrets ( but you'll find out only in the very end ).
And then there are those whose sheer malevolence will genuinely shock you; when their true nature is revealed, it will disappoint and even hurt you.
I can't say too much about characters without risking spoiling all the wonderful surprises!

What I can say, however, is that every single character, no matter how minor they seem, plays a very specific and fundamental role in the story.
Each personality is incredibly well-drawn, bringing them vividly to life and making you root for one, then another, only to be suddenly surprised and find your feelings changing toward them.

In any case, the author has made them unforgettable.
Much like a classic novel by Charles Dickens or Wilkie Collins, I loved this book so much that it has stayed with me even now, more than a week later, after I've already moved on to two other books! In fact, as soon as I finished it, I bought an Italian copy for my mother, who is now halfway through and equally thrilled!

| ⏳ FASCINATING CONNECTIONS TO TRUE HISTORY:

The historical setting of "The Square of Sevens" doesn't necessarily feature famous historical figures or major celebrated events, but it weaves in some incredibly interesting links to real past history that truly enriched the narrative:

• __ Witchcraft and Fortune-Telling Laws: While death sentences were a thing of the past, the laws on witchcraft and fortune-telling (like card reading) meant prison and the pillory for those accused of fraud.



• __ Superstitions and Societal Brutality: The story vividly portrays the prevalent superstitions and the raw brutality of society at the time towards those condemned to the pillory, including the slanders invented to fuel that cruelty.



• __ Popular Electrical Experiments: The fascination with early experiments in electricity (which didn't truly become widespread until the late 19th century) and the public demonstration shows that became a genuine craze of the era.



• __ The Clockwork Universe: This concept, which posits that the universe operates with predictable, mechanical regularity, an idea born from the scientific works of figures like Isaac Newton, plays a subtle but significant role.



• __ Ingenious Mechanical Objects: The era's passion for intricate mechanical objects whose ingenious mechanisms made them move and operate as if by magic.



• __ Real Historical Places: Descriptions of buildings and squares are directly inspired by real historical locations, meticulously researched and detailed in the author's invaluable historical notes at the end of the book. (And here’s a crucial tip: DO NOT READ THESE NOTES before finishing the book—you'll spoil all the surprise and emotional tension of the story!)



• __ The well known Bartholomew Fair: a historically significant London event that began in 1133 and lasted until 1855, initially as a cloth market and later evolving into a massive, multi-week festival known for its rowdy entertainment and crowds.



• __ Corruption and Inspiration: The corruption of a real political figure, and an architect inspired by a real historical figure: Nicholas Owen, renowned for creating "priests' holes" and other hiding places for Catholic gentry.



• __ Hired Hermits: Something that seems absolutely absurd but is completely true: did you know that in the 18th century, "hermits" were actually hired and paid as attractions? Of course, the condition was that they had to live on noblemen's lands, never speak to anyone, and truly live as hermits. Absolutely wild!



• __ A Historical Court Case: a case debated in court in the early 18th century, is cited during the trial in the book and it is a case still cited in courtrooms in modern times!



• __ In the historical notes there is also something that I cannot reveal without spoiling all the fun, because it is the secret of the whole story itself.

| 💫 FINAL VERDICT:

Is This Book Worth Reading?
My answer, as a reader who adores mystery and intrigue, but who in recent years has only chosen short books and dared to read a very long one simply because the plot thoroughly intrigued her: YES, ABSOLUTELY, YES! You will not regret picking this one up. And as for me, I honestly can't wait to read more books by this fantastic author!

| 👍 A POSITIVE NOTE ON THE CONTENT:

The language is clean, and there are no explicit sex scenes or gruesome depictions, making it suitable for all ages.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my opinion ! :-)

With love,
Tizi 🐾😽

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Il LIBRO è disponibile anche in EDIZIONE ITALIANA, leggi la mia recensione !

Il Quadrato dei Sette
di Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Standalone
GENRE : #GialloStorico #AtmosferaGotica

📍 Setting: Inghilterra | ⏳ Era: 1730 e poi 1740 ( 18° secolo)

My rating: ★★★★★ + 1⭐ Speciale Stella d'Oro

Oltre le 5 Stelle: la mia Speciale Stella d'Oro aggiunta!

Un romanzo straordinario, sorprendente, a tratti sconcertante in cui tutto sembra vero ma in realtà nulla è come appare. Credo che l'autore abbia fatto un lavoro incredibile.

È un romanzo giallo storico, ambientato negli anni '30 e '40 del XVIII secolo, arricchito da un tocco di realismo magico e da uno stile leggermente gotico, che mi ha catturato dall'inizio alla fine. Mentre l'introduzione di Goodreads suggerisce uno stile dickensiano, io in realtà mi sono ritrovata a pensare più a Wilkie Collins. È spesso considerato il padre del genere mistery e, curiosità, era un grande amico dello stesso Charles Dickens!
Il talento di Collins per le trame intricate e la profondità psicologica è decisamente vivo in questo libro.

Ho dato 5 stelle piene su 5 e addirittura aggiunto una sesta stella d'oro (una mia invenzione per ricordarmi dei romanzi che considero dei capolavori ) perché questo libro mi ha conquistato e coinvolto in modo intenso sotto ogni punto di vista.

Nonostante la sua mole, non ho mai trovato un momento piatto, ripetitivo o noioso, anzi: questa storia è un continuo susseguirsi di colpi di scena inaspettati e perfettamente concatenati tra loro.
Il finale è stato totalmente diverso da ciò che speravo eppure, pensandoci bene, si è rivelato il completamento perfetto di una storia di grande successo, in cui illusione e realtà si fondono in un mix di sicuro effetto. Ricomincerei a rileggerlo anche domani !!

Sempre a proposito del finale, ci tengo ad aggiungere che la soluzione del mistero, è assolutamente imprevedibile e straordinariamente originale al 100%. Sia io che mia madre, che ha letto il libro insieme a me, lo abbiamo trovato a dir poco spiazzante, ma posso assicurare a tutti che proprio questa conclusione inaspettata ha rappresentato la vera ciliegina sulla torta.
Tutta la storia e i suoi personaggi sono rimasti impressi nei miei pensieri anche a distanza di molti giorni dalla fine della lettura!!

📜 Ma tuffiamoci nella TRAMA:

Il viaggio inizia in Cornovaglia, Inghilterra, nel 1730.
Incontriamo una giovane ragazza conosciuta solo come Red, la figlia di un cartomante della Cornovaglia. Insieme, sbarcano il lunario predicando il futuro usando l'antico sistema del Quadrato dei Sette (The Square of Sevens).
Ma la loro vita prende una svolta drammatica quando suo padre muore improvvisamente. Red, ora orfana, diventa la protetta di un gentiluomo e studioso dal cuore gentile.

Facciamo un piccolo salto in avanti, e troviamo Red cresciuta come una signora tra lo splendore georgiano di Bath. Le sue abilità nella cartomanzia, un tempo mezzo di sopravvivenza, sono ora un affascinante intrattenimento per l'alta società.
Eppure, sotto questa facciata scintillante, domande brucianti la tormentano: Chi era sua madre? Come è morta? E chi sono i misteriosi nemici che suo padre aveva così tanto terrore che lo trovassero?

La sua incessante ricerca di questi segreti di famiglia la trascina in un'odissea incredibile. Dalla bellezza aspra della Cornovaglia e dalla raffinata eleganza di Bath, viaggia fino alle strade animate di Londra e ai paesaggi pittoreschi del Devon.
La sua ricerca la conduce attraverso la rozza e tumultuosa sfrontatezza della fiera di San Bartolomeo (Bartholomew Fair) e dentro le grandi, imponenti dimore di due delle famiglie più potenti d'Inghilterra. Mentre il viaggio di Red offre l'allettante possibilità di una grande ricompensa, la trascina anche in un grave pericolo…

😊 IL MIO PENSIERO:

I TROPI: Un sentiero familiare, ripercorso magistralmente

Ora, potresti pensare che la storia di un'orfana che perde il padre, cerca la madre e affronta innumerevoli sfortune, inclusi parenti serpenti che le vogliono male, suoni un po' familiare. Ma posso affermare al 100% che questa storia è tutt'altro che priva di originalità!

È così stracolma di sorprese, sia belle che brutte, che cambiano ed evolvono costantemente senza sosta, che mi ha tenuta letteralmente travolta dalla curiosità dall'inizio alla fine.
` Non ci si annoia mai, nemmeno durante i passaggi descrittivi che creano magnificamente l'atmosfera e la scena, permettendo al lettore di raccogliere i pensieri e immergersi completamente nella narrazione.

| 🃏 COLPI DI SCENA, SVOLTE e CARTE DEI TAROCCHI:

L'autrice ha brillantemente strutturato il romanzo in quattro parti principali, ciascuna contenente 21 capitoli.
Ed ecco un tocco fantastico: ogni singolo capitolo inizia con una carta e una profezia!
Questo non solo crea un'atmosfera meravigliosamente surreale, dove la vita sembra essere letta attraverso le carte, ma anticipa anche astutamente ciò che sta per accadere all'interno del capitolo.

Ogni capitolo sembra una scoperta, rivelando una nuova "verità" che viene poi completamente stravolta dagli eventi di quello successivo.
È una danza vertiginosa tra realtà e apparenza, verità e bugie, oscuri segreti e altrettanto oscure minacce.
Ti ritroverai ad aggrapparti a deboli barlumi di speranza per il futuro, mentre assisti a una lotta disperata per risolvere il mistero generale.
Ho volutamente scelto questo libro come mia lettura di Halloween, e ho adorato assolutamente le vibrazioni gotiche e il modo in cui la cartomanzia è stata intrecciata perfettamente nel tessuto della storia.
👉👉La continua trasformazione della verità in bugia, della bugia in verità, dei personaggi buoni in cattivi e dei presunti cattivi in eroi (e viceversa!) crea un vortice continuo di emozioni che mi ha tenuto incollata alle pagine, divorandole con impaziente anticipazione.

Laura Shepherd-Robinson ha fatto un lavoro superbo nel tessere un mistero così intricato senza mai creare discrepanze o confusione mentale nel lettore.
Gli eventi si intrecciano e si sovrappongono con incredibile precisione, e scopriamo che molti personaggi, all'apparenza distanti, sono tutti collegati da un filo invisibile che diventerà davvero chiaro solo verso la fine della storia.

L'autrice è stata eccezionale anche nel rendere la lettura accattivante, cosa non facile, specialmente in un romanzo così lungo, e notevolmente comprensibile nonostante la complessità e i molti nomi dei personaggi, sia passati che presenti nella narrazione. (All'inizio potresti sentirti un po' sopraffatto nel cercare di tenere traccia di tutti e dei loro legami, ma credimi, dopo un po', anche grazie agli utili schemi dell'autrice, ogni cosa va al suo posto e diventa meravigliosamente chiara!)

| 🎭 I PERSONAGGI PRINCIPALI :

• __ Red (o Rachel Antrobus): La nostra protagonista, che in parte narra la sua storia in prima persona.
  Incontriamo Red da bambina e la guardiamo crescere, vedendola fare scelte impulsive, a volte sbagliate, per poi affrontarne coraggiosamente le conseguenze.
  Potrebbero esserci momenti in cui ti sentirai un po' frustrato con lei, dopotutto è un'adolescente appassionata e testarda! Ma è solo verso la fine che scoprirai davvero la natura autentica di Red e capirai come le avversità della vita abbiano plasmato la sua lotta per la sopravvivenza.



• __ Lazarus Darke: L'altro intrigante protagonista, un uomo che crede di essere un servitore della verità.
  La sua storia è raccontata a volte in terza persona e a volte attraverso la sua stessa voce in prima persona.
  Ci vogliono molti capitoli e una moltitudine di eventi per capire veramente chi sia Lazarus.
  Proprio questo "non sapere molto di lui" e la sua incessante "ricerca della verità" rendono i suoi capitoli assolutamente affascinanti.
  Non sapendo se fosse buono o cattivo, ho cercato di mantenere i miei pensieri neutrali, eppure non potevo fare a meno di speculare costantemente e fare scommesse sul suo vero carattere mentre leggevo!

| 👥 IL CAST DEI PERSONAGGI SECONDARI:

Incontrerai personaggi del tutto positivi che, sorprendentemente, nascondono segreti pericolosi (ma lo scoprirai solo alla fine).
E poi ci sono quelli la cui pura malvagità ti shockerà sinceramente; quando la loro vera natura verrà svelata, ti deluderà e ti farà persino male.
Non posso dire troppo sui personaggi senza rischiare di rovinare tutte le meravigliose sorprese!

Ciò che posso dire, tuttavia, è che ogni singolo personaggio, per quanto minore possa sembrare, gioca un ruolo molto specifico e fondamentale nella storia.
Ogni personalità è tratteggiata incredibilmente bene, prendendo vita in modo vivido, portandoti a fare il tifo prima per uno, poi per un altro, solo per farti ritrovare improvvisamente dubbioso/a su chi puntare il tuo affetto. Questo effetto forse è un po' destabilizzante ( o almeno per me lo è stato ), ma è proprio ciò che tiene il lettore sul filo del rasoio facendogli girare le pagine una dietro l'altra.

In ogni caso, l'autrice ha reso ogni personaggio, nel bene e nel male, indimenticabile.
Proprio come un romanzo classico di Charles Dickens o Wilkie Collins, ho amato così tanto questo libro che mi è rimasto impresso ancora adesso, a più di una settimana di distanza, dopo che sono già passata ad altri due libri! Infatti, non appena l'ho finito, ho comprato una copia in italiano per mia mamma, che ne è altrettanto entusiasta!

| ⏳ AFFASCINANTI AGGANCI CON LA STORIA VERA:

L'ambientazione storica di "The Square of Sevens" non presenta personaggi storici famosi o grandi eventi rimasti indelebili nel tempo, ma intreccia alcuni collegamenti incredibilmente interessanti con la storia reale del passato che hanno arricchito davvero la narrazione:

• __ Le leggi sulla stregoneria e sulla cartomanzia: Sebbene le condanne a morte fossero ormai una cosa del passato, le leggi sulla stregoneria e sulla divinazione (come la lettura delle carte) significavano prigione e gogna per coloro che venivano accusati di frode.



• __ Superstizioni e brutalità sociale: La storia ritrae vividamente le superstizioni imperanti e la cruda brutalità della società dell'epoca verso i condannati alla gogna, comprese le calunnie inventate per alimentare quella crudeltà.



• __ Esperimenti elettrici popolari: Il fascino per i primi esperimenti con l'elettricità (che non divenne veramente diffusa fino alla fine del XIX secolo) e gli spettacoli di dimostrazione pubblica che divennero una vera e propria mania dell'epoca.



• __ L'universo a orologeria (The Clockwork Universe): Questo concetto, che afferma che l'universo funzioni con una regolarità meccanica e prevedibile, un'idea nata dai lavori scientifici di figure come Isaac Newton, gioca un ruolo sottile ma significativo.



• __ Oggetti meccanici ingegnosi: La passione dell'epoca per gli intricati oggetti meccanici i cui ingegnosi meccanismi li facevano muovere e funzionare come per magia.



• __ Luoghi storici reali: Le descrizioni di edifici e piazze sono direttamente ispirate a luoghi storici reali, meticolosamente ricercati e dettagliati nelle preziose note storiche dell'autrice alla fine del libro. (Ed ecco un consiglio fondamentale: NON LEGGERE QUESTE NOTE prima di aver finito il libro — ti rovineresti tutta la sorpresa e la tensione emotiva della storia!)



• __ La famosissima fiera di San Bartolomeo (Bartholomew Fair): un evento di Londra storicamente significativo che iniziò nel 1133 e durò fino al 1855, inizialmente come mercato di tessuti e successivamente evoluto in un enorme festival di più settimane noto per i suoi intrattenimenti turbolenti e le sue folle.



• __ Corruzione e ispirazione: La corruzione di un personaggio politico reale, e un architetto ispirato a un personaggio storico vero: Nicholas Owen, rinomato per aver creato i "priests' holes" (i rifugi per i sacerdoti) e altri nascondigli per la nobiltà cattolica.



• __ Eremiti a noleggio (Hired Hermits): Qualcosa che sembra assolutamente assurdo ma è completamente vero: sapevi che nel Settecento gli "eremiti" venivano effettivamente assunti e pagati come attrazioni? Naturalmente, la condizione era che dovevano vivere nelle terre dei nobili, non parlare mai con nessuno e vivere veramente come eremiti. Assolutamente folle!



• __ Un caso giudiziario storico: un caso dibattuto in tribunale all'inizio del XVIII secolo viene citato durante il processo nel libro ed è un caso ancora citato nelle aule giudiziarie in epoca moderna!



• __ Nelle note storiche c'è anche qualcosa che non posso rivelare senza rovinare tutto il divertimento, perché si tratta del segreto dell'intera storia stessa.

| 💫 VERDETTO FINALE:

Questo libro vale la pena di essere letto?
La mia risposta, come lettrice che adora il mistero e gli intrighi, ma che negli ultimi anni ha scelto solo libri brevi e ha osato leggerne uno lunghissimo semplicemente perché la trama l'ha incuriosita profondamente: SI, ASSOLUTAMENTE, SI! Non ti pentirai di averlo preso in mano!!!
...E per quanto mi riguarda, onestamente non vedo l'ora di leggere altri libri di questa fantastica autrice!

| 👍 UNA NOTA POSITIVA SUL CONTENUTO:

Il linguaggio è pulito e non ci sono scene di sesso esplicite o descrizioni cruente, il che lo rende adatto a tutte le età.

Grazie per aver letto la mia opinione! :-)

Con affetto,
Tizi 🐾😽

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Book review : The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

The Frozen River
by Ariel Lawhon
GENRE : #historical-mystery
Standalone
My rating: ★★☆☆☆

Given the overwhelmingly positive reviews, my opinion likely diverges from the norm.
While categorized as a mystery, the book read more like a straightforward chronicle, lacking significant twists or emotional depth.
Plus I didn't dislike the protagonist, but I also didn't find myself particularly attached to her or the other characters.

Ultimately, the story, and particularly its narrative style, didn't align with my personal preferences.

My two-star rating is not intended as a judgment on the author's writing ability, but rather reflects my level of engagement and overall satisfaction with the reading experience, including what I perceived as a self-righteous ending. I found the first half of the book rather tedious. Despite my efforts to persevere, it became increasingly unenjoyable, and I struggled to finish it.

Normally, I abandon books I dislike after the first few chapters. However, because I was participating in a group read, I wanted to complete it, hoping for some element that would finally capture my interest and motivate me to continue.

_______ SYNOPSIS: Maine, 1789.
When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine the cause of death.
As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime, and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community.
Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town's most respected gentlemen, one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.

Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.

___________________________

____ REAL HISTORICAL CHARACTER ____ I appreciate that the plot is inspired by a real person: Martha Ballard, a midwife who delivered a remarkable number of newborns (over a thousand) and never lost a mother in childbirth.
The author discovered her story in an article while pregnant. The book includes historical notes that confirm Martha's biography and diaries, where she meticulously recorded events in a concise manner.

In addition to the character, the rape also occurred in real life. This historical basis initially intrigued me and encouraged me to read the book, but I was ultimately disappointed and unable to connect with the story in the way I had hoped.

_____ DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE WRITING STYLE ____ I often enjoy books inspired by true events, or those that create fictionalized narratives around real individuals, whether well-known or obscure, like Martha.
This is why I enjoy historical fiction.
However, I read "fiction" to become more immersed than I typically would with non-fiction.
I appreciate stories told with suspense and pathos, eliciting a range of emotions beyond simple curiosity about the plot's development.

Unfortunately, I didn't share the enthusiasm expressed by other members of my reading group.
To me, it felt like a bland, emotionally sterile chronicle. I wonder if others felt similarly but chose not to comment.

The story is narrated in the first person by the protagonist. While this style initially disconcerted me (when I first encountered this kind of storytelling, many years ago now ), I quickly grew to appreciate it and often prefer it to third-person narration.
In this case, however, the matter-of-fact tone (which may have been intended to mimic the style of a diary, given the real Martha's diaries) prevented me from feeling invested in the story and from developing any empathy for Martha or her family.

______ DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE ENDING _____ Even if the ending was ultimately desirable, I found it to be conveniently self-serving for the main character.

The book centers on life in 18th-century Maine and highlights the injustices faced by women, as well as the hypocrisy and bigotry prevalent in American society at the time (and, arguably, even now).

Yet, despite the protagonist being an open-minded woman married to an intelligent and equally progressive man, it's ultimately convenient for her and her family that ___WARNING SPOILER[ the whole truth doesn't come to light.
Throughout the book, she seeks to clarify a death that clearly occurred by murder (justice without a fair trial), despite the fact that she knows that the dead man is a complete scoundrel, guilty of despicable acts, but then when the truth is not what she likes, it is okay not to say anything? Come on! ]_SPOILER END__

I'm not suggesting the book is poorly written, only that the style didn't resonate with me.
It's marketed as a mystery, but I doubt it would satisfy typical whodunit fans. Had I known this beforehand, I wouldn't have chosen it for the group read.

I might recommend the book to those interested in a glimpse into 18th-century American society.
However, it's challenging to recommend a book I didn't enjoy.
Given the subjectivity of taste, I can only advise: give it a try, and if you like it from the start, great. If you're bored from the beginning, don't expect that to change.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my opinion!

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Book review : The Organ Job by James Y.Bartlett

The Organ Job
Johann Sebastian Bach Musical Mystery book #1
by James Y.Bartlett

GENRE: #Historical-cozy-mystery

My rating: ★★☆☆☆
Real rating : 2.5

How I wish I had enjoyed this cozy mystery!
It had the potential to be a fantastic light read and a fantastic series to get attached to.
I love classical music and I simply adore settings in 18th century central Europe.

So when I saw this book for free on a book funnel ( and still available for free on Kindle unlimited ) my excitement was sky high!
Unfortunately I really struggled to get to the end and resist the temptation to abandon it.

Before to explain all reasons why it disappointed me, I gonna tell you something about the story :

___PLOT IN SHORT___ Kingdom of Prussia, 1732.
The famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach, along with his wife Anna Magdalena and his cousin and personal secretary Elias Bach, is going from Leipzig to Cassel (now Kassel) to tune the organ of the most important church in the city.
During their stay they learn of the suspicious death of the organist's daughter and the main suspect is her husband, who is also the pastor of the important Martinskirche.
The man has a lot of power and knows how to deceive (and threaten) the people around him.
Only Sebastian, with his wit and the help of his family and a good colleague, can bring the truth to light.
__________________

While I appreciate the idea of a famous composer using his observational skills and insight to uncover the truth, reading the story turned out to be boring and lacking the suggestive charm that the historical set should give.

1) As my plot summary reveals, the culprit is known from the outset (a bit like in the TV series Columbus).
Therefore, to maintain reader engagement, the story requires compelling twists and turns in both the investigation and its narration. Unfortunately, this narrative lacks such twists, and the investigation itself is unconvincing. The narration is unremarkable.

2) The reason why I love reading historical fiction and cozy mysteries set in the past is because I love the feeling of being transported to bygone eras and surrounded by characters who once lived, breathing the suggestive atmosphere of beautiful cities at those times.

However, simply describing the clothing, cuisine, and prominent buildings of a time period is insufficient to create a truly immersive atmosphere.
I've read historical fiction where authors effectively use vivid descriptions of scenes, smells, sensations, and colors to create a palpable sense of the past.
Regrettably, this author failed to achieve that effect for me.

3) The story is told in first person by 3 main characters ( Bach, his wife and his cousin ) + 2 side characters ( Bach's friend and the organist's living daughter ).
I usually enjoy first-person narration, actually it's my favorite one, but here it proved too confusing.

4) The ending was also quite disappointing: ______WARNING : SPOILER [ no prison or other real punishment for the villain who will escape in the night and no happy ending for the two lovers, who will continue their lives living in different cities. ____SPOILER END

I only appreciated the cozy atmosphere and the fact that the main characters were based on real people, which motivated me to research their history independently.

The 18th-century setting in Kassel also prompted me to search online for the historical palaces and locations mentioned, leading me to virtually explore the city.
It could have been a compelling historical "whodunit" series if the author had developed the characters more fully, limited the narration to the first-person perspective of one or, at most, two characters and crafted an intricate and captivating mystery with twists that would entice readers to eagerly turn the page.

More descriptive details of the city, rather than focusing on culinary dishes and character outfits, would have made the setting more immersive.
Overall, it was a missed opportunity. For now, I don't plan to read book #2 (already published and available).

Thanks for reading my opinion and sorry for any errors in my text, English is not my native language.

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Book review : The Four Horsemen by Gregory Dowling

The Four Horsemen
The Alvise Marangon Mysteries book #2
by Gregory Dowling

GENRE: #Historical-mystery
My rating: ★★★★★+ 1⭐ Special Golden Star

Beyond the 5 Stars: A Special Golden Star added!

A gripping Venetian mystery with surprises at every turn 8 and I really want a 3rd book in the series !! ).

Why I LOVED IT in few words :
- gripping mystery from the first to the last chapter
- nice, witty and smart main character
- interesting and nice and quick-witted recurring side characters
- evil villains you can't wait to see punished
- chucklesome and lively dialogues that manage to make the reader enter the souls of the characters
- fascinating backdrop of ancient Venice with engaging but never too long descriptions (as sometimes happens to those who write historical fiction)
- lots of true history cleverly interwoven with fiction
- happy ending without leaving annoyingly unresolved issues, but still fueling the hope of reading not just one, but many sequels !!!
- useful italian and Venetian words glossary available

__ THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL ___ __ Mid-18th-century Venice.
Alvise Marangon, a young man born in Venice and raised in England by his actress mother, lives in his hometown earning a living as a cicerone (tour guide) together with his friend Bepi the gondolier. He also has a second secret job: he is a secret agent for the Missier Grande, one of the powerful figures who control justice in the Venetian Republic.
Summoned by his superior to investigate the suspicious death of another agent and a possible secret society whose political and subversive objectives are unclear, he finds himself entangled in a deadly game of nocturnal meetings, murders, disappearances of works of art, bewitching and dangerous noblewomen and sadistic spoiled offspring.

The very life of the Republic is in danger and the risk of new wars with the Greeks and Turks is one step away from the hard-won peace.

Fortunately he can count on his shrewdness and skill to improvise, as well as on his laconic, but intuitive ,acute and faithful friend Bepi, on the lovely and also smart girl he loves (but who he has not yet managed to conquer) Lucia and on the erudite and good father of Luicia, the bookseller Fabrizio.


___________**********_____________

---> Fluid WRITING STYLE that makes reading easy and smooth, but at the same time knows how to keep the reader's interest alive not only regarding the investigations and the mystery but also the personal life of the main character, who often finds himself living in dangerous and tangled situations even on an emotional level.

--> While this mystery is perfectly READABLE as a STANDALONE, it would be a shame not to start with book #1.
In fact, if you read this novel after the other, you will have a greater understanding of Alvise and his friends, not only in terms of character, but above all regarding their lives and the world of Venice at that time.
Reading book #1 ( Ascension ) first, will give you a greater enjoyment of the story of book #2.

This second episode in "Alvise Marangon mysteries" is a FULL 5 STARS to me, I have no complaints about it, not even the smallest.

The character of Alvise is captivating, the recurring characters are pleasant and always useful to the investigations (including the lively and clever children who play in the mud and that he often uses to send messages or ask for information... they remind me a little of Sherlock Holmes' "Irregulars").
The adventures are always exciting and fast-paced.

I won't dwelt on the description of the CHARACTERS and how they are portrayed in an excellent way so much so that it seems like you really know them, I will not even dwell on the fact that Gregory Dowling, a writer and professor of Anglo-American literature who has lived in Venice for many years, is able to literally transport the reader to that time and place as if we were in a time machine, but as a reader who loves historical thrillers I assure you that it is worth reading the two books in the Alvise Marangon series.

---> The LENGTH OF THE BOOKS is also PERFECT: not too short (where we often do not have enough details and insights) and not too long (where the writers often divert the discussion into a thousand other preambles and superfluous descriptions, boring and making you lose the thread of the main story).


Reading SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES from 14 years and up:
- Clean language
- 1 sex scene, but not described in detail.
- 1 brutal killing, but not described in gruesome detail (trust me, this is coming from someone who hates horror and bloody details)

I sincerely hope that Mr. Dowling is writing book #3 for this wonderful series.
The premises for writing other exciting episodes are all there and I hope that the series can soon be translated into Italian too.
I am Italian, I like reading in the original language, but I am sure that Alvise Marangon and his mysteries would also be very popular with Italians who do not know English.

Thank you for reading my opinion.
Even though English is not my language, I hope I was able to explain myself well and to have been helpful in choosing the book.

READ ALSO MY REVIEW about the engaging prequel:

ASCENSION, book #1 in Alvise Marangon mysteries by Gregory Dowling

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Book review : Ascension by Gregory Dowling

Ascension
The Alvise Marangon Mysteries book #1
by Gregory Dowling

GENRE: #Historical-mystery

My rating: ★★★★★+ 1⭐ Special Golden Star

Beyond the 5 Stars: A Special Golden Star added!

Wonderful and gripping mystery!

It's a pity the author was lazy enough to include only a few meager lines as historical notes, when he could have enlightened the reader in a better way.
As for the mystery itself, the main character, the side ones and the setting, my rating is 5 full stars, I really loved it !!!!

---> If you like historical settings and Italian city like Venice, I recommend it!

Readable as a standalone, since it leaves nothing hanging, but there is also a book #2 ( series : The Alvise Marangon Mysteries ), which I already own and will read as soon as possible.

____PLOT IN SHORT ___ Republic of Venice, 1749.
The city is under the Dogeship of Pietro Grimani ( 1741-1752 ).

Alvise Marangon is a young man born in Venice, but raised by his mother, a theater actress, in England.
Returning to Venice to try his hand at art, after a couple of years he decided to earn a living as a tour guide (cicerone, is the old Italian word), working in tandem with his faithful gondolier friend Bepi.

Thanks to Alvise's perfect bilingualism, they work exclusively with English tourists.
One day they take on a boy and his tutor as clients, both interested in esotericism and who will meet mysterious and suspicious people, dragging Alvise into a network of murders, criminals, blackmailers and spies.

In fact, one of the greatest authorities in Venice will demand that Alvise become an agent in his service, under penalty of prison on false charges.

Days of investigations, disguises, kidnappings, escapes and fortunately also desperate rescues will follow, until Alvise, with the help of his friends, will find the truth.

___****______ **** ______


__MAIN CHARACTER ___ The story is told in the first person by Alvise, who is a sunny, spontaneous, lively character with a subtle irony that makes reading fun, even in moments of great tension.

The humor is never forced or exaggerated to be annoying, on the contrary it is well-dosed by the writer with wit and fully conveys the way of being cheerful and so little inclined to worry about the consequences of words and actions, of the main character.
Alvise will not fail to make you become his fan.

In addition to his sympathy, he proves to be a witty and enterprising guy, full of affection towards his friends and generous to the point of wanting to help even when it would not be convenient for him.

His only flaw is perhaps his loose tongue, he cannot hold back his sarcasm even in front of the authorities and despite having taken a vow of secrecy, he cannot help but be sincere.
Well, I also liked him for this!

___ SIDE CHARACTERS___ They are divided into 4 groups:
- the small circle of people dear to Alvise
- the authorities with whom he is forced to collaborate
- the clients
- the evil ones

Each character has their own peculiarity and each of them (even those that in a film we would call the extras) is useful to make the story more fun, more intriguing, more mysterious, more exciting, more suspenseful ... depending on the case and the moment.

I find them all well described and vivid, so much so that I almost believe I really know them.

___ DIALOGUES__ The dialogues are well written and thanks to the description of the tones of voice we can perfectly imagine the characters while they recite their lines, something that helps to define the atmosphere of the moment, whether it is light or threatening and full of suspense.

___ SETTING ___ In this case the city becomes the co-protagonist of the story.

Its beauty is made of luxurious palaces with foundations in the water, significant monuments in the history of the ancient republic and still existing nowadays, lagoons and canals on which gondolas and boats of different types parade day and night, fabulous and large squares where the festive crowd pours in full of colors and masks, dark nights in which only few lanterns reveal the human figures hidden under tricorn hats and cloaks...

Dowling's descriptions take you directly to the first half of the 18th century of the Venetian Republic and you can enjoy its timeless charm to the full while reading the book.

___MYSTERY____ It seems more complicated than it is, but until the end the reader remains wrapped up in uncertainty and doubt.
Perhaps I was more fascinated by Alvise's way of operating and the constant trouble he finds himself in, rather than by the mystery of the murder.
---> I mean, I was so caught up in the whole adventure that I wasn't focused on wanting to know who killed who at all costs. I think that the strength of this thriller is precisely this and I think that a good film director could really make a great movie out of it!

There are several characters who are not who they say they are so the twists and turns alternate with the theories that the reader is led to hypothesize, in this way you get to the end of the book without ever having a boring moment.


__ YOU HAVE TO KNOW THAT ___ There are several words in the book that necessarily had to be written in Italian and Venetian, just to make the story more impressive and suggestive, but the author has provided a GLOSSARY, located AT THE END OF THE BOOK.
It is very useful even for me, because despite being Italian I do not know the Venetian words.

___ HISTORICAL NOTES: unfortunately, they are only a few lines and to know the basic history of the characters who really existed and the politics of Venice and some objects mentioned in the book by name (such as the "Marangona" and the "Bucintoro", but which are not explained during the story or in the glossary and you will have to search for them yourself on the web.)
In a novel in which fiction merges with true history, historical notes by the author are important to me.
I always feel a little disappointed when they are missing or almost that.

RECOMMENDED READ ?? Off course yes, to all mystery lovers, even to those who love "cozy mysteries" because:
- there are no bloody scenes
- the language is clean
- there are no sex scenes

Thanks for reading my opinion and sorry for my English, I'm from Italy.

READ ALSO MY REVIEW about the very well written and gripping sequel:
THE FOUR HORSEMEN , book #2 in Alvise Marangon mysteries by Gregory Dowling.

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Book review : A Minor Deception by Nupur Tustin

A Minor Deception
Joseph Haydn Mystery book #1
by Nupur Tustin
My rating: ★★★☆☆

I love mysteries that revolve around the most famous composers of the 18th century in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and around the great Habsburg dynasty.

That period fascinates me and if in addition to the mystery I also find historical notions and the setting is so well described that it's able to transport me to that place in that time, then the book is really good to me and I rate it 5 stars, especially if I become attached to the characters and miss them after finishing the story.

But this is not the case ! :-(  :-( :-( :-( :-( :-(

I had great expectations with this cozy mystery:
- to start it has an amazing cover, one of the best among the mysteries I've read starring great composers of the 18th century and with a similar setting.....
And THE PLOT IS SO PROMISING:
- the plot involving one of the greatest Austrian composers (Franz Joseph Haydn) and his family (wife and brother), the rich and sumptuous court of Prince Esterházy and the preparation of a musical event on the occasion of the visit of the great empress Maria Theresa. - the synopsis of the mystery also seemed very interesting: the disappearance of a very gifted but very grumpy violinist and with him the disappearance of a precious violin.

_____ WHAT I LIKED :
The only thing I appreciated about this "historical whodunit" is the author's initial introduction of the many characters who actually existed in the story.

For each of them, not only is the name written in full and with a real noble title (if they were aristocrats), but it is also explained what role they played in history and some character characteristics that distinguished them.

In addition to this, the author has added a short, but still interesting final HISTORICAL NOTE, which explains some things regarding the creation of the mystery, which is naturally purely fictional, but inspired by a real character and events that actually happened.

___ What I LIKED LESS and dampened my enthusiasm (hence 3 stars):

- THE CHARACTERS: although well introduced by the author in a long (but interesting) initial list, none of them were developed in the book.

Of each character I can understand who has a good nature and who doesn't, just through that list, while the dialogues they pronounce are only sterile phrases that do not convey any emotion to the reader nor are they able to give him the perception, in an in-depth manner, of the the soul of each character.

I know that Haydn's wife is an ungrateful shrew and that one of Haydn's brothers always tries to mediate between them and this is clear from the dialogues only because previously the author explained this in the list of characters...
The dialogues are always the same, very repetitive, the same sentences and the same situations.

- THE SCENES: the story is set in Eisenbach in 1766, but it could be anywhere and at any time... I didn't breathe the atmosphere of that place and that time as I did in many other good books.

- REPETITIVENESS and FLAT PLOT: the first 25% of the book took place between the rehearsal room where the violinist behaved rudely and at Haydn's house where he told about this and everyone wondered why.

The second 25% is Haydn's constant thinking about what he could have done differently and what he must do now that the violinist is gone...

When a kind, charming but mysterious character appeared 40% of the way through the book, I thought things were finally getting interesting but they didn't. It's all very boring. The characters always ask themselves the same questions and cannot find answers.

- SOME BIG MISTAKES that an author should pay more attention to when writing about historical settings.
I'll mention just one:
at a certain point the writer says that Haydn takes his pen out of his jacket pocket and corrects the score...
OH MY GOD!!!
Even the chickens know that in 1700 THEY WROTE WITH A NIB AND INK POT, they certainly couldn't keep it in their pocket.
------------------
IN CONCLUSION: Perhaps the series could be nice for young adults, but I don't recommend the series to adults who are fans of mystery books because they would be disappointed.
I have read many series of cozy mysteries with historical settings that are much more captivating and engaging and from which I have even learned historical notions that I didn't know.

Many thanks for reading my opinion and please forgive my English since it's not my native language. :-)

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Book review : The Turncoat's Widow by Mally Becker

The Turncoat's Widow
Revolutionary War Mysteries #1
by Mally Becker
GENRE : #historical-cozy-mystery

My rating: ★★★★☆
Actually 3,5 rounded up to 4 of 5 stars is my real rating

I chose this book because I like spy stories, I love historical fiction and if there is also a touch of romance, then it is the perfect mix for me.

Unfortunately it took me the entire first half of the book to get into the story, there were no twists and the characters weren't developed enough to win me over.
-----> What saved the book's rating was the second half where action and twists finally engaged me and made me turn the pages with more interest than the first part.

___ THE PLOT ___ Set during the darkest days of the American Revolution.
1780. It's been a year since Daniel Alloway escaped from the British prison ship in New York City harbor.
Now he needs money and remembers that another prisoner confessed to him that he had left an important list of spies' names to his wife Rebecca Parcell who lives in Morristown, New Jersey. By selling the list to General Washinton it is possible to get a nice reward.

Unfortunately Rebecca knows nothing about it and is branded by the village minister as a traitor and accused of having handed her husband over to the British.

Despite being two strangers, Daniel and Rebecca find themselves entangled together in a dangerous mission imposed on them by General Washington, to find the precious list, otherwise they will both be left completely broke and without a future.

_________________

__HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND CHARACTERS WHO REALLY LIVED __ as I have already said, we are in the years of the American Revolution in which the British colonies in America want to become independent from the empire.
The war has lasted longer than expected, food is scarce and people are at the end of their strength and endurance.
There are no great historical notions in the book and not even historical notes from the author, but it was fun to see two great characters actively participate in the story: General Washington and his right-hand man Alexander Hamilton.
A few final jokes are also reserved for Washington's wife.

One thing I particularly liked was that the author highlighted how in the revolution (in this one and all revolutions and wars), although they fought for freedom, in truth both sides were oppressors:
--> The British would have taken everything from those who were not loyal and even Washington had no qualms about taking away lands and possessions from those who did business with the British or worse collaborated with them.
Every revolution, even if moved by a just ideal, then imposed the same arrogance of the previous oppressor in order to achieve its goal, therefore also using an iron fist and blackmail (for example like the French revolution and also the Russian one...).

___ SPY AND MYSTERY ___ perhaps the first part served more to introduce events and characters, I understand this, but for me it was too boring, while finally from 50% onwards the action moments and the plot between the suspects and the suspenseful scenes finally made me enjoy the story.
One of the culprits is quite predictable, but there are 3 others that I really never would have imagined!

___ CHARACTERS AND ROMANCE ___ in my opinion the author could have done a better job in developing the two main characters and should have dedicated a little more time to their interaction and the romantic story.
Otherwise she could have avoided the romantic hint altogether, to me it was the worst part of the book.

The impression I had was that a romantic part was not foreseen and that halfway through the book the author decided to add attraction and a future love story between the two characters.
While reading it seemed to me that the author had inserted, here and there and only at a later time, sentences that were supposed to foreshadow a love interest between Daniel and Rebecca, but these sentences were totally disconnected from the rest of the plot and did not evoke any emotion in me.

I use read several clean romances and even the description of a touch of a hand or a sweet thought from the other person can evoke butterflies in the stomach and give goosebumps if well described, but this was not the case.

After 50% of the book, the romance seemed to improve, it was described more believably, but then it was neglected again.
The reader has his "happy ending" but nothing really satisfying from a romantic point of view, just the premise of another spy adventure in book #2 of the series and the premise of other romantic attempts.

This is this author's debut book and so perhaps she can be forgiven, hoping that the following books will be developed satisfactorily.

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT? I don't know...maybe only to someone used to read cozy mysteries where neither the mysteries nor the love stories are explored in detail.

WILL I GET THE NEXT BOOKS IN THE SERIES? I would like it, but I confess that I am undecided, I don't want to be disappointed again or waste precious time since I have so many books on my list.

THANKS for reading my opinion and please forgive my English, it's not my native language.

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Book review : A Revolution of Hearts by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

A Revolution of Hearts
by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

My rating: ★★★★☆
This must be read as 4.5 stars

--- I loved it and after finished it I feel like I'm missing the charaters.----

It's a lovely clean adventure-romance set between France and England in the late 18th century and related to the well known "Scarlet Pimpernel" ( by Emma Ocrzy / Emmuska Orczy ).
I read and appreciated E. Orczy fiction novels, so this is one thing that made me choose to read this book.

Despite the awful cover ( too dull colors,too much grey color in the background and not at all charming people ) that is suggesting something very dramatic, this is a lively romantic novel with a hint of adventure and of course a happy ending.

__THE PLOT__ Early 1789. Paris
Mademoiselle Dacia de Prideaux and her brother Marcel, from a rich and aristocratic family, are going to the theater.
While she only thinks about love and can't wait to meet her boyfriend again, her brother is taken by the new political currents, led by Robespierre, who would like to see the monarchs deposed and would like equality between the social classes.
That same night, 2 shocking events happen: her lover will marry someone else and Marcel will be killed by someone of his own political persuasion (this is not a spoiler, we know this right away).
Witnessing the murder and accused by the murderer of being the murderer, Dacia has to flee France and thus begins her adventure in England.
An adventure that is anything but easy, made up of physical effort, disguises, false identities and dangers... But in all this another aristocrat with a heart of gold, an adventurous soul and broad views will help her in her new path: Master Richard Harris, a close associate of Sir Percy Blakeney, the famous Scarlet Pimpernel.

__________________________________________

While in the start the story looked a little bit dull to me ( the chapters at the theater, while she was looking for her loved one ) after the murder ( about 20% through the book) all became interesting.


_ THE SETTING __
This is not a challenging novel (we can compare it to the usual regency romances), but the author has managed to give the reader a precise idea of the time and background in which the story took place, making the atmosphere alive and real, thus how the feelings and emotions of all the characters are fully perceptible.

Talking about the background in which the events take place and the atmosphere that the story gives us, the book can be divided into various sections:

__ Pre-revolutionary France and the first troubles shaking the country: the leaflets circulating with the new anti-monarchist ideas, the secret meetings of those who want to change history, the police and the first skirmishes and revolts underway.

__ The escape to England, Dacia's fear and anguish of being captured, the pain of her brother's death and the flashbacks of those moments, the fear of the unknown in an unknown world, the adventure together with strange characters that others they are simply men dedicated, by choice, to saving people in danger of their lives.

__ Life at Master Harris' estate, a bit of Downton Abbey set in the late 1700s, with servants, haughty aristocrats, balls and theatrical rehearsals of a Shakespeare comedy.

__ Imminent danger and action including rescue and total reversal of current situations.

__ Finally declarations of love and the only kiss of this slow-burn (very slow, too slow) romance and happy ending.

__ THE 2 MAIN CHARACTERS _
I liked both although in my opinion there is too little interaction between the two in the book.

😀 🌷The first half of the book focuses more on DACIA:
and it can be said that she is the only protagonist.
---> I liked her because as a wealthy and privileged person she found herself forced to take on the role of a very humble person and to take on all the hardships, pains and sacrifices of that type of life.
First she worked as a waitress and then as a scullery maid, but despite the humiliation she didn't complain, on the contrary, she learned the meaning of sacrifice and understood how she too, in her previous life, without realizing it, had been haughty and very demanding with her their servants, without taking their feelings and self-love into consideration.
The author focuses several times on these considerations and between the lines invites the reader to reflect 8 and I liked it ), because if it is true that today we (or should) all have the same rights, there is still a big gap between very wealthy people and poor and humble workers who often suffer the arrogance, arrogance and boastfulness of those who have more money and more power (even in our normal daily lives).

😀 🌷 When RICHARD (Master Harris) finally enters the scene
we still have too few scenes to know him well and the interactions between the two are few and devoid of the warm emotions that should instead constitute the romantic and sweet part of the story.
So, even after meeting the character, it was initially difficult for me, the reader, to fall in love with him and if the plot on the back cover had not revealed to me the name of the male protagonist of the couple, up to 75% I would not have even known who he was, since courtship was absent.
Richard has another girlfriend, not out of love, but imposed by his father and so for a good part of the time he tries to find points in common with her.
He behaves ambiguously with Dacia, as if he had a soft spot for her, but didn't realize it... but I would have liked the author to accentuate this unconscious attraction more.
When "falling in love" finally begins, I loved it but we are quite far into the book and so for me it wasn't enough.
The author inserts glances between Dacia and Richard during the story, but they are not enough to create an expectation complete with butterflies in the stomach for the reader, it all arrives later ( so that's why it is "too" slow-burn to me )
This is the main reason why I didn't give 5 stars, but since the whole story as a whole involved me and I liked it, I sincerely think that the book deserves a full 4.5

__ A PINCE OF HISTORY____ Have you ever heard of the "Cagots" in France?
I didn't and I learned, from this book, that the Cagots are pariahs (people of the lowest social status, living in isolation from the majority), that in the Middle Ages they lived on both sides of the Pyrenees and that popular superstition saw them as object of contempt and horror, partly inspired by the visceral fear felt by populations exposed to leprosy.
I LOVE TO LEARN THINGS by reading historical fiction !!!!


---> RECOMMENDED for those who love clean romances that are sweet and adventurous at the same time.
---> NOT RECOMMENDED for those looking only for romance and hot scenes

__I WOULD LIKE __ to read a series of book with this couple as main characters about their adventures rescuing people along with Walter ( Richard's brother ), Mr. Carter ( Richard's former valet and aid in his adventures), Marguerite ( Dacia's french best friend ) e of course Sir Percy Blackney.

FREE DOWNLOAD: you can download a free ebook of a short sequel-novella of this story ( named "Sergeant Jake and his Lady "), by subscribing to the author's newsletter on her website ( https://www.rondahinrichsen.com/ ---> click on FREE BOOK ).
I did it and of course I've already read it ( nothing very amazing but nice to read, so many thanks to the author for the giveaway )

THANK YOU all for reading my opinion and please forgive my English since it's not my language 😉

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