Street's Deadly Secret: Fina Plank Chases the "Cuckoo" in "Devil's Dance"
Ursa Poznanski seeks the performance of "Danse du Diable"
By T. Badtke, unpolished and unapologetic
A vicious streak of murders is tearing through Vienna, targeting the elderly. The victims, all near 80, share nothing in common at first sight. But for investigator Fina Plank, it's crystal clear: the "Cuckoo" has resurfaced.
As the lone woman in three Vienna homicide commissions, Fina Plank—short, firm, disheveled, and saddled with the joke of a first name—is the epitome of no-nonsense. Her colleagues know her as a friend, at times, or as an obstacle, at others. But Fina doesn't care much for titles. Her principal adversary is the arrogant Oliver, who jeers at every opportunity to make her look foolish. Somehow, Fina always manages to stand her ground, with a clever trick or two up her sleeve whenever Oliver pushes too hard.
But that's the least of her problems. Fina's sister, a blight on her peace and patience, couch-surfs in her apartment. The idle, self-proclaimed influencer refuses to work or contribute to the bills. Meanwhile, Fina's workload as a homicide investigator only increases as she delves deeper into the mystery of the murdered octogenarians.
Age-Defying Killer
An 80-year-old man is brutally murdered, just a stone's throw from the last crime scene. The prime suspect: a pimp tied to the city's underworld. Both the suspect and the victim vanish, leaving Austria's streets in a state of chaos. But the bloodshed doesn't end there. More elderly men meet the same gruesome fate. Even a former minister, 75, doesn't escape the "Cuckoo's" wrath.
Is a serial killer playing a deadly game with the city of Vienna? Fina has a gut feeling that something isn't quite right, a hunch rooted in a history of seemingly connected murders. She suspects that the "Cuckoo" is behind it all, a shadowy figure who's been lurking in the darkness, finally seeking the spotlight. And the "Cuckoo" appears to have a peculiar interest in Fina.
Devil's Dance
Dark thrillers with a healthy dose of wit and complex characters are Ursula Poznanski's signature. The Austrian author's "Mordgruppen" series, featuring Fina Plank, is no exception. In "Devil's Dance," the third book in the series following "Stille blutet" and "Böses Licht," Poznanski delves into the twisted mind of a mysterious killer. The series has gained widespread acclaim, with readers enamored by Fina's fierce determination and contempt for the misogynistic Oliver.
The audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Julia Nachtmann, hooks listeners from the outset, eliciting sympathy for Fina and loathing for Oliver. Readers are taken on a gritty tour through Vienna's underbelly, its coffee houses, banter, and the little pleasures that make life worth living. From Fina's sharp-tongued exchanges with her sister to her budding—or perhaps not-so-budding—relationship with Georg, the audience is privy to the inner workings of the Murder Squad team. Although Oliver remains an obstacle, Fina befuddles her perceived nemesis with relative ease.
In pursuit of the "Cuckoo," Fina must confront her deepest fears and summon every ounce of her skill to stay one step ahead of the elusive killer. As the body count rises, it becomes clear that the truth lies hidden in the past, concealed in the ashes of a place long destroyed. To catch the "Cuckoo," Fina must delve into the darkness, uncovering secrets that threaten her very existence. But as the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that there are more surprises in store...
Bonus enrichment: Curious about morecrime-solving exploits? Poznanski's other works delve into topics like bullying, media, and revenge in "Stille blutet," while exploring the world of theater actors around the Vienna Burgtheater and the Salzburg Festival in "Böses Licht." If you're eager to dive into Fina Plank's gritty adventures, "Devil's Dance" is available on amazon.de. Just be prepared for a nail-biting ride into the heart of darkness and the unrelenting pursuit of justice.
- In the pursuit of the "Cuckoo," Fina Plank delves into the city's library, searching for clues in a variety of books that could shed light on the series of murders.
- After a long day of chasing the "Cuckoo," Fina Plank unwinds with a bit of entertainment, watching a play at one of Vienna's renowned theaters, finding solace in the dramatic escapade on stage, contrasting with her own reality.
