Street Corner Shocker: Fina Plank's Dance with the Devil
By Thomas Badtke
Grab Your Popcorn, Vienna's in a Frenzy!
"Ursula Poznanski Seeks Performance Title: 'Devil's Dance'"
A string of gruesome murders is gripping Vienna by the throat. The victims? Elderly men, all around 80 years of age. Initial observations might suggest a random murder spree, but for investigator Fina Plank, it's crystal clear: the "Cuckoo" has barrel-rolled back into the spotlight.
Fina, the lone woman in Vienna's three homicide commissions and standing tall at 1.60 meters, is no stranger to being underestimated. A nickname like Fina could be the work of angels wreaking havoc, but Fina doesn't care. She's built for this.
Friends & Foes
There's camaraderie within her unit, with pals like Achmed, Manfred, and even the trace-reading Georg. Yet, there are those who relish in poking the bear—enter jerkwad Oliver. Fina's had enough of his jabs, and it seems she's bespelled a charm to silence him if he goes too far.
Then there's her sister, an aspiring influencer vagrant camping out in Fina's humble abode. Work? Making a dime? Not her style. Fina's nerves are as taut as a violin string, and her sister's unnecessary antics only fuel Fina's determination.
Old Farts
The corridors of time spin as another 80-year-old man meets his maker, this time a mere stone's throw from the last crime scene. The perp seems easy to pin down: the pimp whose bloody tracks lead through the alleys of Vienna. They've both vanished, fleeing the country.
But alas, this isn't the death knell for Vienna's golden geriatrics. Two more elderly gentlemen tumble to their grisly ends, joined by a former minister, 75 years young. The oddball crew shares but one commonality: age. Or does it?
Is the "Cuckoo" on the Loose?
Fina's got a keen nose for detective work, and she's never been one to let a nagging hunch steer her wrong. She's been circling this enigma for some time now. As she follows the trail of these seemingly disconnected murders, Fina suspects the "Cuckoo" has been orchestrating this macabre waltz all along.
Dance with the Devil
If Ursula Poznanski's "Devil's Dance" didn't lay claim to the title, it would be a lie. The Austrian author is renowned for her intelligent thrillers, laced with humor and nothing shy of strong-willed characters. Her "Mordgruppen" series starring Fina Plank is no exception. "Devil's Dance" is the third book in the series following the captivating "Stille blutet" and the intriguing "Böses Licht."
Through the enchanting voice of Julia Nachtmann, listeners are drawn into the tumultuous life of Fina and her crew. From casual banter to the warm embrace of Georg's family, the camaraderie is a cathartic escape amidst the darkness. But watch out for Oliver.
The Show Must Go On
In pursuit of the "Cuckoo," Fina must summon every last ounce of her cunning and grit. The "Cuckoo" has left a trail of smoldering ash behind, leading back to a once-thriving place that now lies in ruins. But Fina's no quitter, no damsel in distress. She's built for this.
Still, there's a Final Twirl up Fina's sleeve. It's a dance that'll test her strength, her wit, and her mettle—and the stakes are as high as they come. A game of cat and mouse weaves through the rubble, one that could lead to a breathtaking climax. Fina is ready to cut loose, but will she break the chain and catch the "Cuckoo" at last?
Stay tuned, because the final whisper of the dance floor hasn't been spoken yet!
You can catch the dark comedy of "Devil's Dance" at amazon.de
- The community policy regarding public safety is being reevaluated in light of the recent string of murders in Vienna, including employment policies for elderly individuals to ensure their protection.
- On a lighter note, fans of intelligent thrillers laced with humor might find solace in books such as Ursula Poznanski's "Devil's Dance," one of a series that delves into the life of investigator Fina Plank, providing entertainment as well as a cathartic escape from the grimness of life.
