Intrigue in Istanbul
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Average rating3
The latest installment in the new Jane Wunderly Mystery series featuring an American widow turned private investigator in 1920s England. When vibrant American widow Jane Wunderly arrives in 1920s Turkey in search of her father, she finds a country redefining itself after the fall of the Ottoman Empire—and a deadly criminal who can’t escape the past . . . Istanbul, 1926: After her archeologist father makes a clandestine journey abroad, Jane and the dapper Mr. Redvers trace his footsteps while signs of danger loom back home in the United States. They’re greeted at their destination by Aunt Millie and unsettling news: Professor Wunderly was on a mission to locate the lost heart of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent—a legendary relic from the Ottoman Empire said to possess potent mystical powers—then vanished completely, leaving behind his unpacked luggage, a perplexing riddle, and an eerie mystery Jane must solve to keep her loved ones safe. What starts off as a clear-cut investigation becomes an intercontinental game of cat and mouse as Jane realizes a gang of nameless figures have been stalking her every move from Turkey to Hungary. And it seems even helpful friends can’t be trusted for long when a man is stabbed to death on the Orient Express to Budapest. With Redvers by her side and few clues to rely on, Jane’s desperate search for her father leads to centuries-old secrets and an unidentified enemy who could make her disappear like the missing Sultan’s heart . . . Erica Ruth Neubauer spent eleven years in the military, nearly two as a Maryland police officer, and one as a high school English teacher, before finding her way as a writer. She has been a reviewer of mysteries and crime fiction for publications such as Publishers Weekly and Mystery Scene Magazine for several years, andshe’s a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. Erica Ruth lives in Milwaukee, WI.
Reviews with the most likes.
Intrigue in Istanbul by Erica Ruth Neubauer is a thrilling historical mystery set in Istanbul in 1926. The story follows Jane and Mr. Redvers as they follow the footsteps of Jane's archaeologist father, who has mysteriously disappeared while on a mission to find the lost heart of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. As they unravel clues and face danger along the way, Jane realizes she is being pursued by unknown individuals who will stop at nothing to prevent her from solving the mystery.
What starts as a straightforward investigation quickly becomes an international game of cat and mouse, with Jane encountering suspicious characters everywhere from Turkey to Hungary. Even her trusted friends may not be what they seem. With very few leads, Jane's search for her father uncovers ancient secrets and reveals an unidentified enemy who poses a significant threat.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Firstly, I must mention that the cover is stunning and immediately captures your attention. This was my first experience with Erica Ruth Neubauer's writing and the first book I have read in this series, but it worked well as a standalone novel. The writing style was superb, holding my interest throughout. The setting of 1920s Istanbul was vividly depicted and added depth to the story. The pacing was excellent, keeping me engaged from start to finish. The plot was gripping and full of twists that kept me guessing until the end.
The characters were likable and well-developed, making it easy to root for them as they faced various challenges. I particularly enjoyed Jane's determination and resourcefulness in her quest to find her father. Mr. Redvers provided wholehearted support as a sidekick character.
Overall, Intrigue in Istanbul is an intriguing historical mystery that will keep readers captivated from beginning to end. I am looking forward to diving into the next book in this series and exploring more of Erica Ruth Neubauer's work.
ARC Via NetGalley
Featured Series
5 primary books6 released booksA Jane Wunderly Mystery is a 6-book series with 5 primary works first released in 2020 with contributions by Erica Ruth Neubauer. The next book is scheduled for release on 3/25/2025.
