Street-Side Murder Mystery: Ursula Poznanski's Hunt for "Devil's Dance"
By David Smith
A deadly series of slayings in Vienna has the city shaken, with victims around 80 years old. The only commonality seems to be the notorious "Cuckoo" stalking the streets again.
Ursula Poznanski petitions for the performance of the "Dance of the Devil"
A rounder figure may seem less intimidating, but for Fina Plank, every inch counts. As the lone lady in Vienna's three homicide squads, she's a force to be reckoned with, despite her diminutive stature and unconventional moniker. "Serafina" - a name she'd rather forget whispering down concrete hallways.
Fina can take a joke. Her colleagues are an eclectic bunch, ranging from allies like Achmed, Manfred, and Georg - the "Trace Readers" to, well, Oli the jerk, who finds every opportunity to taunt her. But Fina's a fighter, ready to confront any adversity, even armed with a Senator's tip to sock it to Oli if he steps over the line.
Life on the Street
Then there's Fina's sister. Kicked out by her boyfriend, she's moved into Fina's small apartment, eschewing work and earning a living. Her dream? Influencer stardom – a lofty goal that can't be rushed. Fortunately, her sibling's determination only fuels Fina's commitment to the homicide squad.
Old Men Meet Grisly Ends
An 80-year-old man is murdered, just a stone's throw away from Vienna's last streetwalker. The apparent culprit disappears, along with the pimp who stole his ride. However, it's not long before more old men meet a similar violent end. Even a former minister isn't safe, at 75 years old. On the surface, all the victims share little more than their age, but Fina suspects a darker connection.
It seems the "Cuckoo" is ready to make a comeback. For years, the murderer has been working in the shadows, but now it appears that the killer is keen to take center stage. And judging by the trail of bodies, it seems Fina has caught the "Cuckoo's" eye.
Dark Thrill!
Ursula Poznanski is no stranger to crafting intelligent, humorous thrillers with unforgettable characters. Her "Mordgruppen" series, focusing on Fina Plank's exploits, delves into the criminal underworld of Vienna. The third book in the series, "Devil's Dance", promises to be a chilling ride, as Fina battles to catch the "Cuckoo".
Last time around, Poznanski shed light on the darker sides of media in "Stille blutet"; this time, the focus shifts to the world behind the Vienna Burgtheater and the Salzburg Festival in "Böses Licht".
As narrated by the captivating Julia Nachtmann, Fina's story becomes an immersive, engaging journey into the heart of Vienna. From gossipy exchanges with her sister to the questionable charms of Georg, and the warm atmosphere of family life at Achmed's, the stories brim with authenticity.
Cat and Mouse
The "Cuckoo",taunter and tormentor, seems to have a personal vendetta against Fina. Fina, armed with her intuition, must follow the trail of clues leading far back into the past, to a once-thriving location that now lies in ruins.
As Fina delves deeper into the mystery, the stakes rise. Will she outsmart the "Cuckoo" in time, or will she become another victim in the murderer's twisted game? This question remains unanswered, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the latest twist in the "Mordgruppen" saga.
Source: ntv.de
- Murder and Manslaughter
- Literature
- Vienna
Enlightening Details:
Despite my best efforts, I couldn't uncover specific details about the "Cuckoo" character or the third book in the "Mordgruppen" series, "Devil's Dance". The only reliable sources would be the book itself or reviews/summaries from others who have read it.
However, it's reasonable to assume that if the "Cuckoo" is a central figure in the story, they'd play a pivotal role in the narrative. Tracing the origins of the "Cuckoo" likely forms a key part of the overall mystery, taking Fina deep into Vienna's criminal underbelly.
With the series already three books in, it seems that not all loose ends will be tied up yet, leaving room for more surprises in store for readers!
Community policy might need to address the rising violence in Vienna, particularly in light of the "Devil's Dance" serial killings. As the story progresses, the book series could offer insights into the darker aspects of entertainment industry, especially the Vienna Burgtheater and Salzburg Festival, as explored in the books "Boös Licht" and "Stille blutet". Employment policy, specifically for the homicide squad, might need to address the impact of Oli's behavior on the workplace and ensure a safe and conducive environment for all employees. Additionally, Fina's sister's dreams of becoming an influencer could open discussions about the implications of social media on employment and income generation.
