I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
1917. Vienna.
File clerk turned British agent Fiona Figg is more comfortable wearing a fake mustache than a ballgown.
When a royal ball ends with a royal body in the middle of the dancefloor, Fiona trades her dancing slippers for practical oxfords and sets out to investigate.
As she tracks her nemesis, the Black Panther, from Vienna to the Austrian countryside, a hunting accident makes her rethink her loyalties.
Can Fiona prevent the Black Panther from striking again, save her own skin, and find a decent cup of tea, all before the enemy’s emperor realizes she’s a spy? (NetGalley’s synopsis)
I have not read anything by Kelly Oliver before, but I find that I need to go back to the beginning with this series to better understand Fiona Figg.
I am torn about how I should feel regarding Fiona Figg. On one hand, it is nice to see how women did, in fact, play parts during the war. There aren’t enough historical references that indicate strong, patriotic females. But I also found her annoying and confusing. At times, she reprimands Clifford, her fellow spy, but then conducts herself in a manner that no spy would ever act. For example, getting drunk while her target was sitting in the same room. Or how she lets her emotions concerning individuals overrule common sense. She makes a brilliant detective but she does not appear to be a very good spy, despite her obvious desire for disguises. She was also sent to Vienna where the main language was German and she apparently didn’t speak German very well. Between these discrepancies and Clifford’s blabbermouth capabilities, I kept waiting for them to be arrested for the British spies that they were.
Regardless of Fiona’s character, however, I did enjoy the novel. The historical factors, I found intriguing. I read the disclaimer at the end of the novel and feel that the author did a fine job in sticking as close to the facts as possible. I also found myself researching Emperor Charles and Empress Zita to see how their tale ended, because I had become so enamored with those characters and young Otto. I also wanted to know more about Frederick Fredericks and the Sixtus Affair. That’s what separates a good historical fiction novel from a great one. The ability to make the reader want to learn more about the subject matter.
The mystery, or mysteries, were each complex but not too far apart from one another. There was an underlying theme to them all that I deeply appreciated. I thought the writing flowed very well. The descriptions of places, people, and the food and drinks jumped off the age to me so much that I truly felt like I had also had a Viennese coffee.
Overall I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars, and will go back to read 1 and 2 before book 4 comes out.
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