Vienna Blood - The Liebermann Papers

Frank Tallis

Arrow Book

2006

476 páginas

15h 52m

ISBN-13: 9780099471325

In the grip of winter in 1902, a serial killer in Vienna embarks upon a bizarre campaign of murder. Vicious mutilation, a penchant for arcane symbols, and a seemingly random choice of victim are his most distinctive peculiarities.

Detective Inspector Rheinhardt summons a young disciple of Freud - his friend Dr Max Liebermann - to assist him with the case. The investigation draws them into the sphere of Vienna's secret societies - a murky underworld of German literary scholars, race theorists and scientists. The killer's mind seems impenetrable - his cryptic clues impervious to psychoanalytic interpretation; however, gradually it becomes aparent that a shocking rationale underlies his actions.

Against a backdrop of mystery and terror, Liebermann struggles with his own demons as his fascination with the enigmatic Amelia Lydgate raises doubts concerning the propriety of his imminent marriage. To resolve the dilemma, he must entertain the unthinkable - risking disgrace and accusations of cowardice.

"A romping tale which takes in secret societies, race theories, Freud, classical music and literary scholarship... an astute and beautifully written psychological thriller" Scotland on Sunday

"A fascinating portrait of one of the most vibrant yet sinister cities of fin-de-siécle Europe. On top of this Tallis has laid a murder mystery of great intelligence." The Times