Vienna is one of my very favorite places, so its not surprising that I would find much to like in Frank Tallis's first Inspector Rheinhardt/Max Liebermann mystery, A Death in Vienna (Mortal Mischief in the UK). Interestingly this is not a straightforward police procedural concentrating solely on Oskar Rheinhardt's investigations, as I was expecting.
Much of the story is told from the perspective of Max Liebermann, a student of psychology and a disciple of Freud. Perhaps this isn't all that surprising as Tallis is himself a clinical psychiatrist and this must surely be a way for him to explore the study of the mind and compare it with the field of detective work at an exciting period in history. At the time one must have increasingly influenced the other. I found myself thoroughly caught up in turn of the century Vienna, which Tallis describes so vibrantly and atmospherically.
The main plotline revolves around the murder of a beautiful young woman, which happened behind locked doors. There is no sign of forced entry or exit. No sign that anyone was there at all. The body of Fraulein Lowenstein is found macabrely positioned--death imitating life. Stretched out on her chaise longue she almost appears to be sleeping but for the bloodstain on her dress. She's been shot in the heart but no bullet is found and there's no exit wound either. Equally perplexing, a delicate Japanese box is found nearby, also locked from the inside and containing a small statue of the god, Seth. The scene is meant to look like a suicide, note included, but Rheinhardt isn't convinced. As Fraulein Lowenstein was a spiritualist , her 'circle' fears she went too far and risked the wrath of darker and more disagreeable spirits. Or maybe it's all just meant to be an illusion by a very clever killer.
Although the investigation into the murder makes up the bulk of the story there are several other interesting subplots that help flesh out the characters and story. Oskar and Max's friendship is based on a mutual love of music, and they often (and I do mean often) find themselves deep in discussion over their work at local coffeehouses, which were (and still are) natural meeting places for the Viennese. The stories are nicely woven together and I found myself as involved with the secondary characters and storylines as with the detective work, maybe even more so.
It doesn't take long to figure out that Max is really the star of the show. In his late twenties he embraces all things new and innovative. And there couldn't be a better place to live than in Vienna in 1902. Intellectually and artistically the Viennese and those who call Vienna their home are pushing the boundaries. While Max is studying psychology in the traditional manner he is also a student of Freud, whose theories not all are so quick to accept. He clashes with the head of the department where he studies and works, whose methods Max finds cruel and antiquated. He is as progressive in other aspects of his life as in his work--with his family, religion and personal relationships. And he often aids his friend Oskar in the cases he's investigating--offering psychological insight into the both murderers and victims.
Oskar isn't quite so ready to accept everything that's new (like Max's very modern furniture), but he often involves Max in his cases. Under pressure from his superiors for a successful outcome, Oskar is willing to use every method available to him and is open-minded and knowledgeable of all the new research in his field. Middle age, and on the portly side, Oskar is happily married with two young daughters. Every lead in the case seems to come to a dead end, but when it's solved it will come with a nice twist and a satisfying outcome.
For me at least, Tallis has really captured the essence of Vienna. Reading about the art, music, architecture, and intellectual and social life brought fond memories of the city back to me. The characters are all interesting--both Max and Oskar as well as their families. There's also a bit of a romance, which I expect will be exlpored more in the next books. The novel is an elegant portrayal of an elegant city and I can't wait to read more by him.