Street Hunter: Fina Plank Takes on the "Cuckoo" in Vienna
Inquire made by Ursula Poznanski regarding the "Dance of the Devil"
By Thomas Badtke
A chilling wave of killings is gripping Vienna. elderly folks are the victims, and these cases are anything but ordinary. Though the victims seem unrelated at first, investigator Fina Plank believes it's the same hidden monster at play - the infamous "Cuckoo."
Fina, a short, compact, and fiercely independent homicide investigator, finds herself in a world dominated by male colleagues. With a nearly incongruous name (Serafina Plank), she takes the mocking in stride, using it as fuel to prove her worth. Fortuitously, she's got a solid gang of allies in her fellow "Trace Readers," including Achmed, Manfred, and Georg. Yet there's always the macho jerk Oliver waiting to pounce and make her life difficult. But Fina's no pushover, and she's stockpiled a few tricks up her sleeve to keep him in check.
But then there's her sister, who's taken up permanent residence in Fina's small apartment following a breakup. Her aspirations to become an influencer idol doesn't sit well with Fina, pushing her even deeper into her work. Fina's resistance only strengthens her sister's rebellion, creating a never-ending cycle that further complicates Fina's life.
Gray-Haired Targets
One by one, elderly men are falling victim to a cold-blooded murderer. The first strike occurs only a stone's throw away from Vienna's last red-light district. Initially, the perpetrator appears to be a pimp who jumped into the old man's vehicle. But before long, both the suspect and the victim vanish, taking a step towards anonymity in foreign lands. This twisted game of cat and mouse doesn't end here, though; two more elderly men suffer the same fate. To make matters even more perplexing, a former minister, age 75, lands on the dark list. On the surface, the victims seem disparate, but Fina has a hunch - a gnawing suspicion that something deeper connects them.
This devious serial murderer, whose moniker is the "Cuckoo," appears to be staging a grand comeback into the spotlight following years of quiet killing. Fina likely knows the "Cuckoo" all too well, and the serial killer's recent surge in activity seems to have piqued its interest in Fina. The implications are chilling...
Sinister Ballroom
But then, it's not a typical thriller without a captivating dance, right? That's why Ursula Poznanski is the perfect artist for the job. A seasoned creator of immersive thrillers with generous doses of humor and superb characterization, Poznanski is acclaimed for her solo works as well as her collaborations with Arno Strobel. This notoriety extends to her "Mordgruppen" series featuring Fina Plank, starring in "Devil's Dance," the latest installment in the series.
While earlier books have delved into weighty themes like bullying, media manipulation, and theater culture, "Devil's Dance" pulls no punches, expertly plunging readers into the vibrant labyrinth of Vienna's underbelly. As a listener of Julia Nachtmann's compelling narration, one is whisked away by the story's smooth pacing and unforgettable characters. From Fina's witty banter with her sister to the cozy camaraderie within Achmed's family, and the simmering tension between Fina and Oliver, the series is an irresistible tapestry of dark humor and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Disturbing Trail
In pursuit of the "Cuckoo," Fina embarks on a high-stakes journey. Her path leads her to a long-forgotten setting buried in the past - a place consumed by fire and now stands as a haunting reminder of its former glory. To outsmart this merciless killer, Fina will have to dig deep, unearthing every ounce of her strength and expertise. But the evening may still end in tragedy if the "Murder Squad" series is to reach its thrilling climax. Or perhaps there's more to the story than that...
For those who delighted in the chilling lures of mysteries and chases, "Devil's Dance" promises a nail-biting journey that's sure to satisfy your darkest curiosities. It's a dance best described as devilishly exhilarating, as one's own sympathies are tested and the vengeful "Cuckoo" skulks in the shadows, waiting to pounce. Navigating the treacherous waters of personal connections and ruthless serial killers, Fina Plank forges ahead, unyielding and unafraid. Add it to your collection today and embrace the thrill!
- Fina Plank, while enforcing the community policy and solving the serial killingscase in Vienna, takes time off to unwind by reading books like Ursula Poznanski's 'Devil's Dance,' which belongs to the "Mordgruppen" series, a popular entertainment choice that skillfully combines suspense, humor, and intricate characterization.
- In the same series, Fina also finds herself discussing employment policies with her fellow investigators, such as Achmed, Manfred, and Georg, as they work together on the "Cuckoo" case, balancing their professional duties with personal conflicts and challenges.
