Are you ready to settle in for a planned mystery series of ten books? Author Stephen Weeks, and his publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, plan to cover the years 1904-1914 in a series to feature The Countess of Prague, Beatrice von Falklenburg, known as Trixie. Her courage, quiet confidence, and keen observations about social and cultural differences between the classes may entice you to return for future books.
The Countess is bored. Her father-in-law lost the family estates, and she and her husband, Karel, struggle to maintain their image and place in society. They rent their palace in Prague while Karel frequently relies on hunting trips with friends to keep him away from home. When the body of an old soldier is recovered from the river Vltava, Trixie’s great-uncle, a general, turns to her for help. His old batman was one of the last two survivors in a Tontine, an insurance risk that relies on the selection of survivors. While the general may guess the dead body is old Alois, the nursing home says Alois is still alive. Trixie jumps at the chance to investigate. But, curiosity about one old man leads to a strange case involving men all over Europe, from street urchins to Trixie’s butler to suspects on a train to rulers of countries.
It seems that Trixie’s Uncle Berty has more than one secret. And, in 1904, his interest in other men and the theater could cause quite a scandal. But, her discoveries of his secrets lead her to uncover relationships and interests held by other men. Trixie grows quite adept at ferreting out answers, a skill that leads her to England, and, eventually home again. But, she and the British government uncover threats aimed at a clandestine meeting between Edward VII of England, and his nephew, Kaiser Wilhelm. With her position in society, Beatrice von Falklenburg is the perfect sleuth to infiltrate parties and, hopefully, thwart unknown ne’er-do-wells.
The Countess of Prague isn’t as funny as Rhys Bowen’s Her Royal Spyness books. However, there’s a dry humor here. And, Trixie herself is an intriguing woman. She admits she hadn’t ever seen her kitchen. She doesn’t know the names of her servants. And, when she hires four urchins, she’s surprised at their lack of proper clothing. But, Trixie is a quick study, and her ongoing observations about the differences in the classes is fascinating. It’s part of the history of the times. And Weeks develops the atmosphere and story of 1904 Prague and Europe in a fascinating story. Fans of historical mysteries may want to try The Countess of Prague. Trixie and her story may catch you.
The Countess of Prague by Stephen Weeks. Poisoned Pen Press. 2017. ISBN 9781464208423 (hardcover), 304p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a copy to review for a journal.
