Ursa Poznanski seeks the performance of "Dance of the Damned"
Title: A Dance with the Devil: The Gripping Saga of Fina Plank"
By: Thomas Badtke
Vienna, Austria, is in turmoil. A string of murders claims the lives of the elderly, all around 80 years old. The victims, at first glance, appear unrelated, but for investigator Fina Plank, it's clear – the "Cuckoo" has resurfaced.
Fina Plank, a woman with a peculiar name that sounds like an angel meets concrete, is the lone female in the Vienna homicide commissions. She's short, compact, quirky, and saddled with an annoying moniker. Fina, otherwise known as Serafina, ponders over her parent's choice of name, but she's certain about one thing – "It's a disaster waiting to happen."
Fina has a sense of humor about herself and boasts friends like Achmed, Manfred, and Georg, her trace readers' crew. Yet there are amplitudes like Oliver, who relentlessly tries to humiliate her. But Fina stands her ground, armed with a secret weapon from her trace reader friend, Georg, to neutralize Oliver if needed.
Her apartment also serves as a makeshift shelter for her rebellious sister who has been kicked out by her boyfriend. The sister, with zero regard for work or money, plans to become an influencer star, a prospect that further stirs Fina's already frayed nerves.
The Graying Victims
An 80-year-old man is brutally murdered, only 100 meters away from a previous crime scene. The suspect seems to have been swiftly apprehended – the pimp who jumped into the old man's car and escaped abroad. However, this isn't the last murder of a seniors. Three more men aged around 80 meet their untimely deaths. A former minister, aged 75, is also among the victims. Initially, they seem to lack commonalities, except for their age.
Fina, ever the vigilant detective, suspects a serial killer is on the loose, replacing victims in past murders. The perpetrator, known as the "Cuckoo," seems to be seeking attention in the public eye. And it appears that the "Cuckoo" has a soft spot for Fina. The endgame remains to be seen...
Thrilling Escapades!
"Devil's Dance" is the next installment in the Mordgruppen series, written by Austrian author Ursula Poznanski. Poznanski is renowned for her intelligent thrillers filled with humor and dynamic characters. Her collaboration with Arno Strobel has resulted in a series of bestsellers, and the Mordgruppen series is no exception.
The "Devil's Dance" narrative immerses listeners in the gritty underbelly of Vienna, swinging between coffee, camaraderie, and the occasional drama. Fina's witty banter with her sister and her budding romance with Georg provide light moments, contrasting with the melancholy of the "Cuckoo" haunting their lives. The team, with the exception of Oliver, functions harmoniously, a partnership that will be put to the test as they track the "Cuckoo."
In "Devil's Dance," Fina must delve deep into her past to unmask the "Cuckoo" and evade becoming another victim. As the story unfolds, you'll be left guessing what's next, because the last stage of the Mordgruppen series is anything but ordinary. Here's a hint: There's more twists ahead!
Community policy should address the sharing of sensitive police investigations, such as Fina Plank's ongoing investigation into the "Cuckoo" killings, to ensure that details do not inadvertently leak to the suspect or the media.
Employment policy within the Vienna homicide commission should consider implementing inclusion and anti-bullying measures to minimize interpersonal conflicts and maintain a positive work environment, as evidenced by the persistent attempts of Oliver to humiliate Fina Plank.
In addition to causing distress and potentially impairing the investigation, these conflicts could lead to books being written about Fina Plank's turbulent experiences, such as "A Dance with the Devil," and entertainment being produced, like the upcoming Mordgruppen series' installment, "Devil's Dance." These books and entertainment depict her life and work, serving as a testament to her tenacity and resilience.
