Member Review
Review by
Martin P, Reviewer
Another fine historical spy story from a favourite author.
"Midnight in Vienna" opens in London, 1938, where Stella Fry, recently returned from Vienna, is on her way to an interview with renowned author Hubert Newman. He requires the services of a typist and proof-reader, and finds her ability to "spot the mistakes" perfect for the job. He agrees to send her the manuscript immediately. However, when Newman is reported dead the following day, Stella soon finds herself drawn into a sinister plot. With the threat of war with Germany looming, and spies around every corner, she realises there's a lot at stake.
And with that, the reader embarks on a journey from England to Austria, from the stuffy men's clubs of London to the street cafe's of Vienna, all painted in perfect detail, as Stella is persuaded to help track down someone closely involved with Newman. Clearly the author has carried out her usual deep research, and has succeeded in weaving factual events into the story. Although the pace of the story flags a little in parts, events move along nicely and the mood of Austria is clear, as the effects of the Nazi movement start to show, and people watch each other closely, and seek to leave the country. We learn of plans to help certain scientists escape to Britain before they are imprisoned, and how the growing threat of Communism drives governments to take drastic measures. This is as much a detective novel as it is a spy one - fans will love it.
The author has a knack of writing seemingly frail female characters who find immense amounts of strength and determination within themselves, and Stella grows as we learn more about her life before London. The book is full of gorgeous characters, from Stella's flamboyant actress flatmate Evelyn, to former Special Branch detective Harry Fox, to an eager journalist. There's even a nice cameo from Dorothy L Sayers and an important member of Churchill's inner circle.
Readers of the author's previous series featuring Clara Vine will find this book a slightly different read - darker, and more stark, but retaining the same period detail and colour. This book will appeal to fans of Kate Quinn, Deborah Swift and Louise Fein.
Heartily recommended.
"Midnight in Vienna" opens in London, 1938, where Stella Fry, recently returned from Vienna, is on her way to an interview with renowned author Hubert Newman. He requires the services of a typist and proof-reader, and finds her ability to "spot the mistakes" perfect for the job. He agrees to send her the manuscript immediately. However, when Newman is reported dead the following day, Stella soon finds herself drawn into a sinister plot. With the threat of war with Germany looming, and spies around every corner, she realises there's a lot at stake.
And with that, the reader embarks on a journey from England to Austria, from the stuffy men's clubs of London to the street cafe's of Vienna, all painted in perfect detail, as Stella is persuaded to help track down someone closely involved with Newman. Clearly the author has carried out her usual deep research, and has succeeded in weaving factual events into the story. Although the pace of the story flags a little in parts, events move along nicely and the mood of Austria is clear, as the effects of the Nazi movement start to show, and people watch each other closely, and seek to leave the country. We learn of plans to help certain scientists escape to Britain before they are imprisoned, and how the growing threat of Communism drives governments to take drastic measures. This is as much a detective novel as it is a spy one - fans will love it.
The author has a knack of writing seemingly frail female characters who find immense amounts of strength and determination within themselves, and Stella grows as we learn more about her life before London. The book is full of gorgeous characters, from Stella's flamboyant actress flatmate Evelyn, to former Special Branch detective Harry Fox, to an eager journalist. There's even a nice cameo from Dorothy L Sayers and an important member of Churchill's inner circle.
Readers of the author's previous series featuring Clara Vine will find this book a slightly different read - darker, and more stark, but retaining the same period detail and colour. This book will appeal to fans of Kate Quinn, Deborah Swift and Louise Fein.
Heartily recommended.
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