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:

"Viennese and Musical May" page!

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Book review : Vienna Wolfe by Mary Lancaster

Vienna Dawn
by Mary Lancaster
The Imperial Season book #4

My rating: ★★★★★
Actually 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.

Very short story but very nice clean romance.

____ THE PLOT ___ 1814, Vienna.
Colonel Francis Wolfe, military hero and unexpectedly new Earl of Warenton after the recent death of his brother, is ready to do his duty and marry a woman, his equal, who would be the perfect Countess of Warenton to present to the world.
Too bad that the beautiful Sylvia Renleigh is also a cold and calculating girl that he would never want in his bed, in any case not after meeting the sweet, lively and spontaneous French refugee Elise.
Elise de Sancerre, like many French nobles, now finds herself in a situation of extreme poverty, tyrannized by Sylvia and her mother.
Thanks to a rescue from an injury and a masquerade ball, the flame of true love will prevail over every convention and hypocrisy of the aristocracy.
_________________

This is installment #4 in a series named "The Imperial Season".
I adored the first 3 books in the series ( all rated 5 stars by me ), all with a usual book length , all readable as standalone but all connected one to each other not only by the setting but also through the characters, so they're more enjoyable if you read them starting with book 1.

----> This is definitely a STANDALONE .

When I saw this one was only a short story, with the same setting ( 1814 Congress of Vienna ), but not linked to the others, I don't know why, but I felt so disappointed that I put it aside.
I also decided not to read it at all... until yesterday, when I needed something short to read, something not very demanding but which made me dream a little.
WELL, I LOVED IT !!
SO BAD IT'S TOO SHORT !! (That's why I consider it only 4.5 and not really 5 full stars )


____ THE HEROINE, Elise, 26 years old, is dreamy and spontaneous, just like many of us, when we imagine that the man of our dreams will finally come to take us away on his white horse.
She says what she thinks before even considering that perhaps it is not covered by the rules of etiquette and is so humble that she doesn't think for a moment that her dream could really come true.
... Do you know? It sometimes happens that the heroines of novels are too sweet, too beautiful and desired by everyone, too humble, too good, too this and too that... I LIKE ELISE, I find her pleasant in everything, and she deserves to be happy!

____ THE HERO, Francis is the soldier who never thought about marriage, he enjoyed the good life with women, he always held the military corps in high regard and less the civilian world, but he is a kind, intelligent and sometimes playful man.
Maybe now, at 38, he finally wants to settle down, but not out of calculation... he realizes that he wants a bond made of love.

___ KISSING AND ROMANTIC SCENES ___
This is a short story, so there isn't enough, but the two scenes (the central one and the final one) with kisses first stolen, then sweet, then passionate, their making love and the words he says to her, they are very beautiful and very sweet.

Dear Mrs. Lancaster, why didn't you write a book instead of a short story?
I loved it but it's too short!
Dear writer, you are one of my favourites, so I ask you:
Please, could you write a series with these two characters together, who, even if they are now married, have wonderful adventures (and perhaps investigations) in every book of the series?
A bit similar to Crime and Passion series, but without changing couples every time, focus on the love story of these two! I would be so happy !
... I know you won't read the review, I know you won't please me, but I tried anyway!

Thanks to all for reading my opinion and please forgive any errors you can find in my text, English is not my mother language.

READ ALSO "The Imperial Season" BOOK #1 - BOOK #2 - BOOK #3:
#1 Vienna Waltz
#2 Vienna Woods
#3 Vienna Dawn

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Book review : Sent to the Devil by Laura Lebow

Sent to the Devil
by Laura Lebow
Lorenzo Da Ponte Mysteries Book #2

GENRE : #HistoricalFiction #CozyMystery #MusicalWhodunit
My rating: ★★★★★

What a delightful mystery to dive into!

It features real-life historical figures as the stars, captures all the enchantment of the 18th-century Viennese theater scene, avoids any graphic violence, and masterfully weaves authentic history into the fabric of a fictional plot.
If you’re looking for a mystery that feels like a warm embrace rather than a dark alleyway, you need to pick up Sent to the Devil by Laura Lebow.

__THE PLOT __ 1788, Vienna.
Lorenzo Da Ponte, the court poet, is hard at work as the librettist for Mozart’s Don Giovanni, which has already seen great success in Prague.
While the theaters remain busy, the atmosphere is tense. Emperor Joseph II has embroiled the nation in a war against the Turks, and the city is frequently rocked by protest riots.
To make matters worse, a series of shocking murders targeting the aristocracy and clergy has gripped the public in fear.

One of the victims is a close, long-time friend of Lorenzo. Because of this connection, Da Ponte is summoned to police headquarters and tasked by the chief of police with assisting in the investigation alongside Count Benda (who was also linked to the first victim).
Determined to bring his friend’s killer to justice, Da Ponte joins the secret inquiry.
Alongside another dear old friend, the legendary Giacomo Casanova, he finds himself caught in the middle of the delusional, paranoid schemes of a madman obsessed with the verses of Dante’s Purgatorio.

__________________________

_____ MY THOUGHTS _____

I absolutely adored everything about this book as it aligns perfectly with my personal tastes, though I feel it’s only fair to note that I’d primarily recommend it to fans of light mystery (such as cozy or classic whodunits). Despite the title and the serious-looking cover (which I quite like), the nature of the mystery and the investigation won’t satisfy those who prefer high-octane, gritty thrillers filled with dramatic tension or gory details.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, blood-soaked thriller, this isn’t it.

Conversely, if you love mysteries with an inviting atmosphere, lighthearted moments that foster a sense of friendship and camaraderie, an investigation that moves at an easy pace, a relatable human protagonist (who is certainly no fearless hero pulling off complex logical miracles), and abundant historical nods, then this is the perfect book for you!

__ WHY I LOVED IT (AND WHY I’LL BE RE-READING IT!) __

1 _ THE MAIN CHARACTERS :
These are three figures who truly existed, were genuine acquaintances in real life, and shared real moments of friendship.
While history books give us the facts, fiction allows us to step into their shoes: watching them banter, collaborate at the theater, share a drink, or exchange confidences. These moments, while imagined by the author, feel entirely plausible and human.

• Lorenzo Da Ponte, Approaching his forties, he serves as Mozart’s librettist.
  Born in Venice, he took his vows as a priest not out of religious calling, but because it provided a path to education.
  Much like in real life, he’s a man who appreciates feminine beauty, and Lebow’s books don’t shy away from that trait.
  He is cultured, polite, and kind; he doesn't go searching for trouble but is frequently dragged into it against his will. It’s truly amusing to watch him navigate dangerous confrontations with cunning killers in his own clumsy, charming way.



• Giacomo Casanova, Also a Venetian, he actually assisted in adding scenes to Mozart’s Don Giovanni, even though he wasn't in Prague at the time.
  Here, he is sixty years old but remains as charming as ever with quite an eye for the ladies.
  It’s worth remembering that he was far more than a libertine; he was a brilliant, cultured man who authored several books and served as an Italian diplomat and secret agent!



• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart needs no introduction, though most people only know the surface details.
  He was a magnificent, fascinating genius with a restless soul and an unruly life (filled with gambling, debt, parties, and women).
  I loved seeing him in a romanticized light, as a devoted husband enjoying a peaceful day-to-day life with his wife, Constance, and their children.
  I loved watching him joke with his colleagues and direct actors at the theater.
  It was a joy to set aside his chaotic history and focus on the sunny side of his personality. That is the true magic of fiction!

At the same time, once you step out of the “bubble of serenity” that fiction provides, it’s wonderful to go back and learn the historical truths about these men.
This is one of those rare historical mysteries that incorporates true facts—literature, opera, politics, and the splendor of Vienna, and encourages me to dig even deeper into history.

2 _ THE SETTING:
As I mentioned, the backdrop is warm and inviting.
I loved the theater scenes during rehearsals, complete with the real names of actors from that era, capturing their insecurities, hysterics, wit, and creative spark.
It was fascinating to see how the opera was adapted based on the specific vocal strengths of the singers and the political climate of the time.

Beyond the theater, the author provides a wonderful overview of the beautiful Habsburg capital.
As Da Ponte travels around for work or investigation, the book highlights streets, monuments, and buildings that still stand today.
Having been born in Vienna and returned many times, I loved “traveling” through the 18th-century version of my home city, even searching for old lithographs online to help myself get fully immersed in the atmosphere!

3 _ THE STRONG HISTORICAL ELEMENT:
It shows up in many ways and blends perfectly with the fiction.
There are books that use history as a mere backdrop, and then there are “true historical novels” where fiction is perfectly integrated with factual history.
Thanks to the author's deep research, we get a beautiful look at the past:

• The novel offers a glimpse into the political climate and public mood of the period.


• The author explores the protagonist's love for literature by including Dante's verses in the killer's messages and explaining them through Da Ponte's words.


• Laura Lebow talks about Vienna’s iconic monuments, buildings, and cafés, explaining who built them and why. She also shares even more details in the historical notes at the end of the book.


• The story includes real life events of the three main characters.


• We get a front-row seat to the rehearsals of one of Mozart’s most famous operas, alongside mentions of many other works of the era.

All of this is woven into the plot in a light and pleasant way, but it's also sharp enough to make you curious to find out more.

I applaud the author, and I sincerely hope she continues this series, perhaps exploring other works Da Ponte focused on in other cities where he lived.

👉 Clean language, one sex scene barely mentioned and without any explicit description.
👉 This mystery is perfect for both adults and young adults, especioally for fans of cozy and classic mysteries.
If you love gentle investigations, charming settings, and a protagonist who is more "relatable human" than "fearless detective," you are going to love this.
I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a great overall story, even if the mystery investigation itself is low on tension and pathos. The final resolution, however, is wonderfully unexpected!

This is installment #2 in "Lorenzo Da Ponte series", If you’re interested in my review of the first book, The Figaro Murders, you can find it here:

#BOOK 1 : THE FIGARO MURDERS "Lorenzo Da Ponte Series" by Laura Lebow book review

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my review.

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Book review : Vienna Dawn by Mary Lancaster | The Imperial Season #3

Vienna Dawn
by Mary Lancaster
The Imperial Season book #3

GENRE : #regency-suspence-romance #Clean-Romance

My rating: ★★★★★

Actually 4.6 rounded up to 5 stars.

Another lovely regency romance by Mary Lancaster!
I adored the "Imperial Season" series ( 3 main works ) set in the capital of Austria during the 1814 Congress of Vienna.
The 3 books are all wonderful and well connected to each other. Each book tells the love story of a specific couple with several important side characters that we meet in all 3 books ( sometimes in the  main roles and sometimes in secondary roles ).

There is also a short story as book 4 in the series ( which I haven't read yet ), but it's very very short and with brand new characters that are not connected to the ones in 3 main books. The only thing in common with the other 3 novels in the series is the setting : 1814, Austria :  Congress of Vienna.  

__ PLOT in short __ Autumn 1814, Vanya's family (book 1), mother, 2 sisters and the husband of one of them, are going to Vienna. Following an argument, Dunya, the heroine of this story, runs away but runs into a libertine who tries to take advantage of her.Entering a random room in an inn, she meets the English captain Richard Trelawny, who lost an arm in the war, but has lost no gallantry, no generosity, no courage.
 Together with his faithful servant, he saves the girl and decides to help her in her plan to win back an old boyfriend, thus rediscovering verve and joy of living. Lies, misunderstandings and dishonest people will complicate the whole situation, bringing a whirlwind of negative and positive emotions until the happy ending.

____ WHAT I LIKED IN THE BOOK ___
Speaking of this 3rd installment I loved the main couple: Dunya, a young Russian countess without dowry and sweet and handsome and also penniless Captain Trelawny.

Their falling in love happened slowly and neither of them ever denied it to themselves.

There are only two kisses in the book (while I expected more like in book 2), but the plot, despite being light, completely involved me from the beginning.

---> I liked Dunya's liveliness, resourcefulness and ability to admit that she was wrong about some people.
---> Trelawny made me fall in love right away, not only because he is handsome and doesn't back down when faced with the needs of others, but because despite the horrors of war and the loss of his arm having dulled his desire to heal and live a little, he doesn't wallow in self-pity.
Indeed, he gets involved in the girl's vivacity and without ever having an ulterior motive, he protects her and supports her in his plans so that she can find happiness.
Honor, kindness and honesty are not his only qualities. He's also smart and brave, in fact, the war has taught him to fight and despite not having an arm, he doesn't hold back when it comes to foiling an espionage plan or confronting the arrogant and despicable person with the sword.

---> I loved the fact that the protagonists of the 1st book (Lizzie and Vanya and the children with the dog and other characters) were secondary characters in this 3rd installment and I liked finding again, even if only in small cameos, the protagonist couple of book 2 ( Esther and Zelig).
Finding characters I was already very fond of and seeing them actively participate for most of the narrative allowed me to enjoy the whole story even more.

___ LITTLE THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE so as not to give 5 full stars___
I rated it only 4.6 stars ( rounded to 5 because Goodreads doesn't allow half a star ) and not a full 5 stars, like the 2 previous books, because though the love story is gripping and very sweet to read, there are some open doors ( especially one in the ending ) which not only weren't necessary but they lead the reader to think that some events and adventures will follow ( in this book or in the next one ), but the truth is that the series is closed ( the last book is dated 2017) and the short story written by the author as book 4 is not connected to either the events or to the characters of the previous 3 book.
This means that I finished reading the book with a bit of a frustrating sense of unfinished business.

TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T MIND SPOILERS and also TO THE AUTHOR just in case she reads my opinion, I will explain myself a little better :  
There are 3 things that remain open:

__ 1) the most important at the end :

___WARNING : SPOILER____

our couple is stopped by two highwaymen with rifles, who then change their minds and leave. Dunya asks Richard who the villain was with the gun pointed at them, since it was clear that he recognized Richard and therefore let them go without robbing them. Richard doesn't answer and the novel ends with something unfinished which is decidedly annoying for the reader. This cliffhanger would make sense if the series continued, but it didn't and it made me angry.

___SPOILER END____

__ 2) The second thing is less important, but it seems like the introduction to a new story and instead it leads to nothing:

___WARNING : SPOILER____

in this book we find Misha, Vanya's trusted servant, brother of the novel's heroine. Misha convinces Dunya (the heroine) to take in a maid who was being mistreated and this is because it turns out that he is in love with her.
Maria, the maid and Misha, are mentioned a couple more times and then in the end Dunya and Richard leave on a trip with no definite return, around the world. Dunya says she wants to give Maria time to say goodbye to Misha and hopes that Misha will maybe ask her to marry him, but still he takes the maid with him, separating her from her beloved... BUT WHAT'S THE SENSE? The author could have written that Maria married Misha and they both remained employed by Vanya or another solution for them to be together. What the hell is the point of introducing a newborn love and then separating the characters forever, other than disappointing the reader? Let's remember that these are light romances where there is a happy ending for all the good characters (and here we even had a happy ending for a really bitchy girl, another thing I didn't like)

___SPOILER END____

__3) This third thing is perhaps not so important, but it bothers me that it doesn't make sense:

___WARNING : SPOILER____

at a certain point in the novel, the heroine's mother says a sentence that has nothing to do with the important events and characters at that moment.
He asks her if she treats her daughter-in-law (Lizzie, heroine of the first book and Vanya's wife) badly. Everyone answers yes in unison, then the whirlwind of events continues its normal course.
THAT PARTICULAR QUESTION and THAT ANSWER make the reader assume that there will be a clarification between the two characters and that Vanya's mother-countess will finally begin to treat her daughter-in-law with affection... NONE OF THIS... nothing happens in this book or in the next one because there is no continuation of the events of these characters.
At the end of the book Vanya says that Lizzie will try to talk to the angry countess... but then nothing more is said, no scene between the two women is described and she will no longer know anything about their relationship.
It seems that the writer thought about improving the relationship between the two characters, but then changed her mind (did she forget? Did she no longer want to dwell on the novel? ) well, in this case, before printing the book she should have deleted that question and that answer from the others... IT MAKES NO SENSE

___SPOILER END____

___ __IN CONCLUSION: do I recommend reading the book? Certainly yes and even if readable as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order or at least the first book, because you will be better able to enjoy the presence of the side characters and their actions.
---> You can enjoy book 3 even without reading the previous two books, but book 2 for me was absolutely the best, so don't miss it!

:-) Apologies for my faulty English, which is not my native language, thank you for reading my review, I hope it can be useful to you in choosing whether or not  to read the book.


READ ALSO "The Imperial Season" BOOK #1 and BOOK #2:
#1

Vienna Waltz (Book Review)

#2

Vienna Woods (Book Review)

---

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Book review : Vienna Woods by Mary Lancaster | The Imperial Season #2

Vienna Woods
The Imperial Season Book 2
by Mary Lancaster

GENRE : #RegencySpyRomance #clean-romance

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

Beyond the 5 Stars: A Special Golden Star added!

Wowwwwwwww!!
This was a fabulous read!!

Not only do I give 5 full stars, but I've decided to introduce a 6th GOLDEN STAR for those rare books that I'd start re-reading the moment I finish them! !!

The genre of this novel is: clean romance.

----> The recipe includes :
the right dose of joy and lightness, a nice handful of adventure and a hint of espionage suspense and a few splashes of drama and tension, just to make our hearts beat faster!
Oh I forgot: fantastic HERO and HEROINE, very different from each other (she is brighter, he is more introverted and mysterious), but they're perfect together.

Before I delve into my opinion, let me introduce you to

THE PLOT:

__1814, Congress of Vienna.
Esther Lisle, is the daughter of an English general, now a diplomat in a small European kingdom and unofficially engaged to the heir of the aforementioned kingdom, a man whose bad reputation, meanness and arrogance are known to many.
__ One day Esther wakes up in the woods of Vienna, with an agent of the tough and feared Austrian secret police in front of her, who asks her questions about her relationship with Prince Otto, whose corpse is just a few steps away.
__ Secret Agent Zelig, also called Agent Z, has the task of maintaining security in Vienna and above all foiling any conspiracy and devious plan that could ruin the important congress and peace negotiations that will be discussed by the heads of government of the whole Europe.
__The death of the prince has a heavier weight than it may seem and although Esther and Agent Z don't know if they can trust each other they will try to collaborate to get to the truth.

In a world where you have to pay attention to every word said, because everything can be conspiracy and betrayal, it will not be an easy task.
Between masquerade balls, tournaments and all the "bon ton" prejudices of the time, reality and truth will be even more confused and elusive. To increase the tension and emotions there is a pleasant physical attraction, not foreseen by both, but which, little by little, will transform into a strong feeling and bond.

__________

MY OPINION

________

I REALLY LOVED THE CAST OF CHARACTERS:

1) the HERO of the story is not the usual consummate libertine (as is present in almost all romances) and who when he meets true love magically redeems himself (it's an overused cliché).
He is a very good young man of few words, very mysterious also because of his job, who despite a past of poverty, does not feel sorry for himself and does not resort to alcohol when he is desperate.
He earns his living with his work, which he is really good at and does not solve problems with the bottle, but by throwing himself headlong into his duty.
Put like this, he may seem like a boring boy, but he is not at all devoid of passion.
His icy gaze in contrast with his kind and polite ways, his tender gestures towards Esther and some street kids, whom he takes care of, fascinated me. I loved his hidden and barely visible smiles
And the way he kisses Esther...I wanted to be Esther! 😜😁

2) I also loved the HEROINE of the novel: yes, a beautiful girl, but above all with charisma. A young girl, but with a good head on her shoulders and who knows how to respond with intelligent and playful jokes, even if she is taken by surprise.
Esther is courageous and generous (but without being too saccharine or far-fetched) and the thing I like most about her is that she doesn't classify people based on social rank, but knows how to make friends with every good person.

3) among the complementary characters that I adored, there are the two main characters of book #1, plus 3 street thieves who help Agent Z in some unorthodox missions.
They are just over fifteen years old and like all young people they exude energy, liveliness and spontaneity from every pore.

This is the second book in a series of 4, all romances and with a hint of adventure/mystery.
I really liked installation #1 and rated it 5 stars, but this #2 is absolutely superior to the first.

I LIKED THIS SECOND NOVEL MUCH MORE THAN THE FIRST because the whole story mixes romance, mystery and espionage well, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, constantly wondering 'what happens next?', so much so that it made me turn the pages one after the other with voracity.

Compared to the first novel we have more romantic moments in which the emotion of the couple's attraction and falling in love are truly palpable...indeed, despite being a slow-burn romance, the heartbeat and courtship begin immediately.
The kisses are clean, but described so well that it's like watching a movie.

The romance is clean and sweet, with no explicit scenes—making it perfect for readers of all ages.

---> I want to remember one thing though: the books are born as romances and even if there's a little mystery adventure, they are not comparable to real "mystery crime or spy stories", if you're looking for that genre , this is not for you).

Each book develops around a different couple, so you can easily choose one as a standalone, but my advice is to read them all in a row, because the main characters of one book become secondary ones in subsequent ones and the stories, in one way or another, are intertwined.
In fact the protagonist of this book, Garin/Agent Zelig, was not a simple extra in installment #1.
He had a small active role, so when I started reading this story I felt already a little fond of the character
As a counterpart, the main characters of book one ( Lizzie, Vanja and family ) have an important role in this adventure

---> UNLIKE THE FIRST NOVEL, here the historical figures of the time are only named and have no active role. However, the plot was so intriguing and engaging that I didn't miss it.
The description of the balls and the display of opulence, the subterfuge, the lust for power, the corridors of the Hofburg and the rides in the Viennese woods, make us imagine the setting and the political context.
Furthermore, if like me, while reading, you listen to the notes of the waltz in the background (you can find hundreds of wonderful playlists on Youtube) then you will feel directly catapulted into 1814 in the glittering Austrian capital!

I will definitely also read books 3 and 4 in the series, but first I need to take a break with a mystery where romance takes a backseat, because I was so involved in this one that if I read another one I wouldn't be able to fully appreciate it... I must first recover from this wonderful book hangover.

Thanks everybody for reading my review and please excuse any mistakes as English is my second language.
I hope my opinions have been helpful to you and if you read it I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.


READ ALSO "The Imperial Season" BOOK #1 and BOOK #3:
BOOK #1

Vienna Waltz by Mary Lancaster (Book Review)

BOOK #3

Vienna Dawn by Mary Lancaster (Book Review)

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Book review : Vienna Waltz by Mary Lancaster | Clean Regency Romance

Vienna Waltz
The Imperial Season Book 1
by Mary Lancaster

GENRE : #regency-spy-romance #clean-romance

My rating: ★★★★★

5 FULL STARS !! :-D

This is a lovely clean romance, with a hint of espionage that will delight every regency light romance fan.

Set during the famous Congress of Vienna in 1814, it brings us not only among the sparkling ballrooms of high society but also among intrigues, lies, dangerous papers and secrets concerning the politics of that time.

The novel, basically, follows the love story that slowly arises between the two main characters: Lizzie, the daughter of a recently deceased English baron, and the ambiguous thief Johnny, whose acquaintance began thanks to a big misunderstanding.

__THE PLOT IN SHORT__ 1814 Vienna. All the nobility of Europe and the biggest names in politics participate in the event and in the most sumptuous parties and masquerade balls.
---> Lizzie, daughter of an English baron, and her siblings have recently lost their father and with him the inheritance of the house which went to a mysterious and hateful Russian cousin, with English origins.
Having been welcomed by their uncles, they now all find themselves in the glittering Central European capital, on the occasion of the great peace congress.
While aristocrats and diplomats delight in courtship, dancing, gambling and espionage, Lizzie only thinks about how to get the money to find a new home for her sisters and step brother, herself and the lively and unpredictable big dog.
She therefore devises a very unorthodox plan, involving a brazen yet charming thief, thus getting herself into one mess after another.
---> The heartbeat, however, does not only come from the dangers, but also from a charming and fiery young Cossack colonel, met at a masquerade ball, who will help her not only solve her problems, but also those of her cousins and uncles.

___MY OPINION__ I loved it simply because it had everything that can put a romantic and bored (and perhaps lately a little depressed) female reader in a good mood:

1) a handsome and gallant hero, cheeky enough to please all women, but with a good heart, who cannot say no to the request for help of an impoverished young woman and her lively and friendly siblings.

2) an enterprising heroine. Inexperienced enough to still be innocent and without malice in contact with men, but also courageous enough to throw herself headlong into desperate undertakings for the good of her sisters and illegitimate brother, who are still children and at the mercy of an unjust fate.

3) funny situations created by misunderstandings and small romantic skirmishes.
THE LOVE STORY in fact grows little by little, but you don't have to be half through the book to enjoy sweet emotions and romantic sparks... OUR HEROES MAKE US DREAM DURING THE WHOLE STORY.

4) Pleasant supporting characters, who make the atmosphere light and cozy:
- smart children and the troublemaking dog.
- the beautiful and rich countess who gives great emotional and material support to Lizzie.
- a secret agent, gruff and lethal, but ultimately good (and protagonist of the next book in the series)
- Lizzie's uncles and 2 cousins, a little naive but good people.
- our hero's good friends, a bad guy to kick, a slimy guy to kick too, a hateful mother and all the real prominent characters of the time (starting from the Tsar of Russia up to the most courted noblewomen of 'Europe, such as the Princess Bagration and the Duchess of Sagan and her sister Dorothéé de Talleyrand).

_WHAT IS MISSING IN THIS CLEAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE? __
I could say that, with the exception of the historical characters, cleverly inserted among the fictional ones, there's no historical analysis of an event so important as to change the fate of the whole of Europe, nor some descriptions of the city of the time.
The author limits herself to indicating important names and a delicate political situation.
----> Since this is a light, entertaining read, the lack of historical depth didn't bother me and I didn't miss it.
While reading I was able to fully enjoy all the lightness and joy of a clean love story that the novel offers, so much so that I have already started reading the second book in the series. After all, why leave this bubble of well-being?

AS ALWAYS I ADD: forgive my English, it's not my native language, but I still hope that my review can be useful to you in some way.

READ ALSO "The Imperial Season" BOOK #2 and BOOK #3:
#2

Vienna Woods by Mary Lancaster (Book Review)

#3

Vienna Dawn by Mary Lancaster (Book Review)

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Book review : The Figaro Murders by Laura Lebow | The Accused Librettist: A Lorenzo Da Ponte Mystery

The Figaro Murders
by Laura Lebow
Lorenzo Da Ponte Mysteries Book #1

GENRE : #HistoricalFiction #CozyMystery #MusicalWhodunit
My rating: ★★★★★

I liked everything about this mystery and I'd be ready to start reading it again right away!
_ 5 FULL STARS WELL DESERVED

__THE PLOT__

"Vienna, 1786. Lorenzo Da Ponte has one week to finish the libretto for The Marriage of Figaro for his friend Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
But his life takes a dangerous turn when a simple act of kindness, trying to help his barber, leads him straight into a murder scene at a nobleman's house.

Accused of being a spy and a killer, Da Ponte is given a brutal choice: go undercover to find the real murderer or face the gallows.
Between high-society intrigues and the pressure of the Imperial Court, the poet must find the truth before the final curtain falls on his own life."

___________

MY OPINION

___AN IMMERSIVE HISTORICAL MYSTERY:

This is a must-read for true historical mystery lovers.
Unlike books that only focus on the surface—wigs and silver buckles, this novel captures the soul of 1780s Vienna.
As I turned the pages, I could see the magnificent palaces,the hidden courtyards, churches, and cathedrals, streets and squares that still stand today and that I know so well.

Having been born in Vienna, walking through these places with Da Ponte felt like a magical homecoming. I felt completely transported back to 1786.

___THE HISTORICAL BACKDROP:

The author masterfully weaves real historical figures into the plot.
Lorenzo Da Ponte, our "reluctant sleuth," was indeed the real-life librettist for Mozart.
Da Ponte was working alongside Mozart and the actual actor-singers who performed in the first shows. He also rubbed shoulders, and sometimes sparred, with real folks like Salieri, Casti, and the theater director Rosenberg ( real historical figures too ).

I loved being "behind the scenes" at the Opera, watching him work with Mozart on The Marriage of Figaro while dealing with the pressure of the Imperial Court.
Whether you are an opera fan or not, seeing him work on The Marriage of Figaro while dodging a murder charge is captivating.
There wasn’t a single dull moment for me. I enjoyed every bit and now I’m itching to dive into a biography of Joseph II and binge-watch operas by Mozart and other composers, starting with some YouTube videos right away.

___THE MYSTERY:

The intrigue is cleverly constructed , there are at least seven suspects, each with solid reasons to be the villain, so you won’t figure out who did it before the grand finale.

___THE MAIN CHARACTER ___

Da Ponte is a wonderful protagonist: a romantic, handsome man "in love with love," struggling to make ends meet in an expensive city.
In the book he’s around 37 years old and is a romantic man in love with love. He feels the pain of being exiled from his hometown and makes his living working for the Vienna court as a poet and opera librettist.
Even though he has a pretty fancy job, he doesn’t make much money and often struggles with the high cost of living in the city.
His rivals like to poke fun at him, but he’s humble and grounded while still confident in his artistic talents, enough to believe he can come out on top.

He isn't interested in being a detective; he’s an artist caught in a mess he’d rather avoid. Yet, he is man enough to keep his word and protect his friends, even at his own risk.

His unfortunate condition and his resilience inevitably lead us to love him.

He tells us the whole story in the first person, and he does it in such a gripping, natural way that I often found myself completely caught up in what he was feeling.
Of course, this is fiction, so we should keep that in mind. But I really appreciated the author’s historical notes explaining that the character’s personality is true to what can be gathered from Da Ponte’s memoirs. The same goes for some of the events and other characters in the story—they’re based on real history.

___THE SCENT OF OLD VIENNA ___

While reading, you can almost smell the damp ink and fresh parchment in Da Ponte's study, the heavy powdered wigs in the salons, and the invigorating aroma of hot chocolate and coffee from the elegant Viennese cafés.

___A PERFECT COZY COMPANION __

The writing is incredibly fluent; I finished it in just two days.
I read it while recovering from the flu, and along with my three beloved cats, it was the best company I could have asked for.

There’s a second book in the "Lorenzo Da Ponte" series that’s just as gripping.
But I was really bummed to find out that the author hasn’t written anything else ( except another 2 books series set in Paris, and featuring another protagonist) and seems to have vanished, no news, no recent books, and even the author’s website is gone.

If you’re curious about Lorenzo Da Ponte’s next sleuthing adventure, you can check out my review of book #2 here::

#BOOK 2 : SENT TO THE DEVIL "Lorenzo Da Ponte Series" by Laura Lebow book review

Thanks for reading my review. Writing in English, which is only my second language, is a personal challenge for me, so I hope you’ll be kind with any mistakes.

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Book review : A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander

A Fatal Waltz
Lady Emily Mysteries #3
by Tasha Alexander
My rating: ★★★★★
Actually 4.5 of 5 stars

Another great mystery in this lovely Victorian setting series !

A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander starts a little slow but after two chapters it will involve you completely.

Indeed after the characters introduction and the arrival in Vienna, the glittering capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it gets straight to the heart of the intrigue.
I found myself totally immersed in the the nineteenth century's Vienna, thanks to the amazing descriptions of places, fabulous buildings, joyful and at the same time problematic events of that era.

This book made me want to listen to the Strauss waltz, making research on the web about period pictures and lithographs and to read even more about the different historical facts about Vienna happened at that time .

_____ THE PLOT _____ This is the 3rd installment in the series "Lady Emily Mysteries" , but well readable as a standalone.
This time Emily reluctantly agrees to attend a party at the sprawling English country estate of Lord Fortescue, a man she finds as odious as he is powerful.

In an already unbearable context, Emily finds among the guests Kristiana von Lange, an Austrian countess who was once linked romantically with Emily's fiancé, the debonair Colin Hargreaves.
What Emily believes will be an awful evening turns worse when Fortescue is found murdered and Robert Brandon, the husband of Emily's best friend Ivy, is arrested for the crime.

Determined to right this terrible wrong and clear Robert's name, Emily begins to dig for answers, a quest that will lead her from London's glittering ballrooms to the salons of the court of Vienna and also to the capital's sordid backstreets. Not until she engages a notorious anarchist in a game of wits does the shocking truth begin to emerge.

____ INTRICATE MYSTERY WELL DESIGNAD BY THE AUTHOR ____
This was an easy, fun read with glimpses of deeper stuff below the surface.
The mystery is compelling as it is not a simple murder but as often happens in this series, politics and espionage are expertly mixed with events that touch Emily's personal life and affections.

In my opinion, this is also the charm of the detective stories in this series: while we are entertained by the mystery, the author manages to introduce in a captivating way historical and political facts that actually happened and which entice us to find out even more.

Following the investigations, it comes naturally to me to formulate my suppositions, but I can never guess the killer's motivations and therefore the killer himself until the very end. So if you are a puzzle lover you will find your entertainment here.

___ A LITTLE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE ___ There is nothing better than an ex-love to make things more complicated even in the most beautiful and supportive relationship.
As a woman, while reading I couldn't help but detest Countess Von Lange, who like all ex-great loves, tortured Emily by reminding her how much power she had over Colin's emotional side and threatening her every time to take her beloved back. I felt close to Emily and I was jealous with her, I suffered with her and I felt a great satisfaction when... oops, no... you have to read the book!

______ THE CHARM OF THE HISTORICAL PART ____ In this book Sissi's lovers will be delighted by the appearance on the scene of the famous historical character, represented at a moment in life when beauty had already faded, partly due to time, partly due to personal pains, but her elegance and charm were always present.

Another historical figure present in the book is the famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, whose painting "The Kiss" is known throughout the world, even to those who know nothing about painting.

As it is written at the back of the book, in the author's notes, Vienna at that time was a city ahead of its time, a sophisticated place, the scene of great cultural, political and intellectual ferment. The city of Strauss' waltzes, with its austere and glittering beauty, was an obligatory stop on the Grand Tour, the journey that most of the young European aristocrats made.

Sisi, young empress and after the mourning for her son
The famous painting by G. Klimt "The Kiss"

At those times the ballrooms held up to two thousand people, who drank almond milk, lemonade and hundreds of bottles of champagne.
The Ringstrasse, with its dreamlike atmosphere, enchanted all who traveled it.

However, in all this splendor and innovation (like the facade of the Court Theater illuminated by four thousand electric lights), Vienna, like any great capital, also had a dark side:

_ anti-Semitism and poverty were rampant and the suicide rate was the highest in the entire continent. and often, in the morning, the city's many night owls started the day with the impressive account of yet another suicide.

In that wonderfully complicated city, Lady Emily for the first time in her life, has the opportunity to meet and make friends with people who do not belong to her social class and are not members of her servants.
In Victorian era rich people and aristocrats lived in their own gilded world and did not see the poverty and disease of the lower classes with their own eyes, they only knew those terrible living conditions of the poorer only through reading.
When Emily arrives in this beautiful snow-covered city, she can't help but fall in love with its beauties: the Ringstrasse, the balls, the museums, the opera, the cafés... However, facing the difficulties of some people who lived in extremely disadvantaged conditions, she cannot remain insensitive and begins to develop a social conscience and this is another theme that I really liked, i.e. opening our eyes to realities different from ours (also valid for today's society).

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Un valzer fatale by Tasha Alexander

Un altro grande mistero in questa adorabile serie di ambientazione vittoriana!

A Fatal Waltz di Tasha Alexander inizia un po' lentamente ma dopo i primi due capitoli vi coinvolgerà completamente.

Infatti, dopo l'introduzione dei personaggi e l'arrivo a Vienna, la scintillante capitale dell'Impero austro-ungarico, si arriva dritti al cuore dell'intrigo.
Mi sono trovata totalmente immerso nella Vienna dell'Ottocento, grazie alle straordinarie descrizioni di luoghi, favolosi edifici, eventi gioiosi e allo stesso tempo problematici di quell'epoca.

Questo libro mi ha fatto venire voglia di ascoltare il valzer di Strauss, di fare ricerche sul web per leggere ancora di più riguardo ai diversi fatti storici accaduti a Vienna in quel periodo e poter vedere foto, quadri e litografie dei personaggi dell'epoca e di com'era la città allora.

_____ LA TRAMA _____ Questo è il terzo capitolo della serie "Lady Emily Mysteries", ma è ben leggibile come libro autonomo.
Questa volta Emily accetta con riluttanza di partecipare a una festa nella vasta tenuta di campagna inglese di Lord Fortescue, un uomo tanto odioso quanto potente e che non perde mai occasione di punzecchiare Emily ( l'antipatia è infatti reciproca ).

In un contesto già insopportabile, Emily trova tra gli ospiti Kristiana von Lange, una contessa austriaca un tempo legata sentimentalmente al suo fidanzato, l'affascinante spia Colin Hargreaves.
Quella che Emily crede sarà una serata terribilmente noiosa, peggiora quando Fortescue viene trovato assassinato e Robert Brandon, il marito della migliore amica di Emily, Ivy, viene arrestato per il crimine.

Determinata a correggere questo terribile torto e a riabilitare il nome di Robert, Emily inizia a cercare risposte, una ricerca che la porterà dalle scintillanti sale da ballo di Londra ai salotti della corte di Vienna e alle sordide stradine secondarie dei quartieri malfamati. Solo quando ingaggia un noto anarchico in un gioco d'ingegno la scioccante verità comincia a emergere.

______ UN MISTERO INTRICATO BEN PROGETTATO DALL'AUTRICE _____ Questa è stata una lettura facile e divertente con scorci di "qualcosa di più profondo" sotto la superficie.
Il mistero è avvincente in quanto non si tratta di un semplice omicidio ma come spesso accade in questa serie, politica e spionaggio sono sapientemente mescolati con eventi che toccano la vita personale e gli affetti di Emily. Questo a mio avviso è anche il fascino dei gialli di questa serie: mentre veniamo intrattenuti dal mistero, l'autrice riesce ad introdurre in maniera accattivante fatti storici e politici realmente accaduti e che ci invogliano a saperne ancora di più.

Ogni volta che leggo un giallo, seguendo le indagini, mi viene spontaneo formulare delle supposizioni, ma nei libri di Tasha Alexander non riesco mai a intuire fino all'ultimo le motivazioni dell'assassino e quindi l'assassino stesso, perciò ti dico: se sei un amante dei puzzle, questo ti piacerà!

___ UN PO' DI SUSPENSE ROMANTICA ___ Non c'è niente di meglio di un ex amore per rendere le cose più complicate anche nella relazione più bella e solidale.
Come donna, durante la lettura non potevo fare a meno di detestare la contessa Von Lange, che come molti gli ex-grandi amori, si divertiva a torturare Emily ricordandole quanto potere avesse ancora sulla parte emotiva di Colin e minacciandola ogni volta di riprendersi il suo amato.
Mi sentivo vicino ad Emily e soffrivo con lei, provavo quel pizzico di gelosia normale per tutti insieme a lei e ho provato una grande soddisfazione quando... ops, no... devi leggere il libro! :-)

Il rapporto d'amore, tra Emily e Colin si sviluppa in maniera abbastanza moderno per l'epoca vittoriana, ma rimane comunque coerente con quell'epoca sotto molti aspetti, dunque non c'è nulla che stoni con l'intera lettura, anche se non è il rigido cliché di coppia a cui siamo abituati nella lettura di libri calssici.

______ IL FASCINO DELLA PARTE STORICA ____ In questo libro gli amanti di Sissi rimarranno deliziati dall'apparizione sulla scena del celebre personaggio storico, rappresentato in un momento della vita in cui la bellezza era già sbiadita, in parte a causa del tempo, in parte a causa di dolori personali , ma non la sua eleganza, presente in ogni momento.

Un'altra figura storica presente nel libro è il famoso pittore austriaco Gustav Klimt, il cui dipinto "Il bacio" è noto in tutto il mondo, anche a chi non sa nulla di pittura.

Sissi giovane e dopo il lutto _ Il quadro di G. Klimt "Il bacio"

Come scrive l'auttrice nell'epilogo, Vienna a quel tempo era una città in anticipo sui tempi.
La capitale austriaca, la città dei valzer di Strauss, con la sua bellezza austera e scintillante, era un luogo sofisticato, teatro di grande fermento culturale, politico e intellettuale ed era una tappa obbligata del "Grand Tou"r, il viaggio che compiva la maggior parte dei giovani aristocratici europei.

A quei tempi le sale da ballo contenevano fino a duemila persone, che bevevano latte di mandorla, limonata e centinaia di bottiglie di champagne.
La Ringstrasse, con la sua atmosfera da sogno, incantava tutti coloro che la percorrevano.

Tuttavia, nonostante questo splendore e la grande modernità (come la facciata del Teatro di Corte illuminata da quattromila luci elettriche), Vienna, come ogni grande capitale, aveva anche un lato oscuro: l'antisemitismo e la povertà erano dilaganti e il tasso di suicidi era il più alto in tutto il continente, tanto che spesso, al mattino, i tanti nottambuli di turno iniziavano la giornata con il resoconto impressionante di un eennesimo suicidio

In quella città meravigliosamente complicata, Lady Emily, per la prima volta nella sua vita, ha l'opportunità di incontrare e fare amicizia con persone che non appartengono alla sua classe sociale e non fanno parte della sua servitù.

In epoca vittoriana i ricchi e gli aristocratici vivevano in un loro mondo dorato e non vedevano povertà e malattia delle classi meno abbienti con i proprio occhi, essi conoscevano le terribili condizioni di vita delle classi più basse solo attraverso la lettura.
Quando Emily arriva in questa bellissima città innevata, non può fare a meno di innamorarsi delle sue bellezze: la Ringstrasse, i balli, i musei, l'opera, i caffè.

Tuttavia, di fronte alle difficoltà di alcune persone che vivevano in condizioni di estremo svantaggio, non riesce a restare insensibile e comincia a sviluppare una coscienza sociale e questo è un altro tema che mi è piaciuto molto : aprire gli occhi sulle realtà diverse dalla nostra ( vale anche per la società odierna ).