The Mozart Conspiracy

Theresa Schurman #2

by Susanne Dunlap

A murder. A disappearing body. And someone wants to make sure Mozart's opera never sees the light of day-The gripping sequel to award-nominated THE MUSICIAN'S DAUGHTERTheresa Schurman leads a double life, as a sweet, young Viennese girl from a respectable family, and as a the professional violinist Thomas Weissbrot, who performs in pickup orchestras throughout the Vienna of Haydn and Mozart. When she stumbles on a murder on her way home from one of her gigs in disguise, she becomes involved in a complex conspiracy that rocks the musical world.Will she be able to solve the murder with the help of her captivating friend, the Gypsy Mirela, the handsome, mysterious Captain von Bauer, and the up-and-coming Mozart? Or will her double life-and her budding romance with the dreamy Zoltan-complicate things too much for her to be successful?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult

294 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 2010

About the author

Susanne Dunlap is the author of more than a dozen historical novels for adults and teens. Susanne grew up in Buffalo, New York and has lived in London, Brooklyn, Northampton, MA, and now Biddeford, ME. Her love of historical fiction arose partly from her PhD research at Yale.

Susanne is also an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach in fiction and nonfiction, specializing in coaching historical fiction and historical nonfiction.

Reviews

[AziaMinor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall Rating : C

"We were united in one glorious wash of sound"

A very tame story, just like the first but it felt too similar to really get into.. And I didn't feel any character growth from Theresa. I did enjoy her little foray as "Thomas" and hope the third book has her more obvious and less oblivious.

[Shomeret · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mozart Conspiracy by Susanne Dunlap is the sequel to a YA historical mystery that I really liked called The Musician's Daughter in which fictional fifteen year old violinist Theresa Schurman investigated her father's death in 18th century Vienna. I wasn't aware that there was a sequel when The Mozart Conspiracy was originally published in 2010. I only found out about it now because the new Kindle edition is available on Net Galley. I snapped up the free digital review copy, and decided to read this mystery during Thanksgiving week because I felt thankful for it.

The first thing that readers considering a sequel generally want to know is whether it can stand alone. My answer is that you can start with The Mozart Conspiracy, but why would you want to do that? The Musician's Daughter is wonderful.

The Theresa Schurman mysteries contain themes that are relevant to me. In The Mozart Conspiracy gender inequality and anti-semitism were the ones that I found most noteworthy. I felt Theresa's distress when she was viewed as anti-semitic by some of the Jewish characters.

The mystery aspect of the book was handled very suspensefully. The conspiracy referred to in the title of the novel remained unclear until the final reveal. Until then, it was difficult for Theresa to discover whodunit since it transpired that she couldn't be entirely certain about what was done.

Although I didn't like The Mozart Conspiracy nearly as much as The Musician's Daughter, I did enjoy reading it. Yet one area of disappointment was the absence of Haydn. If there is a third book in this series, I'd love to see Haydn resume his mentor role in Theresa's life.

For my complete review see https://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2019...

[Paul DiBara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mozart Conspiracy
Susanne Dunlap

This young adult historical mystery is well written and delightful to read. Seventeen year old Rezia (Theresa Schurman) is a very talented violinist and amateur sleuth. She is of the upper class and one would think that, living in Vienna Austria during the height of the Austro-Hungarian empire, would have little to complain about. But she is a girl/woman ahead of her time. As talented as she is the 18th century Viennese culture defines the role of women very completely, prohibiting females from playing with the official orchestras. As strong willed as she is, however, she resorts to the rather bold, and dangerous tactic of disguising herself as a young man both to hide her true identity in the larger orchestras and to avail herself of the broader scope of activities of men in the world at large.

Even her social situation is precarious. Her father had passed away as a result of a scandal requiring her to use her musical talents to help support her mother and two siblings, one just a toddler.

An incident occurs which complicates her life even more and places her in real physical danger as well. She witnesses what appears to be a murder. Just the attempt to report this assault to the authorities requires her to assume her male persona in order to be taken seriously.

The mystery around which this story revolves involves a plot on the life of the Emperor. A sub-plot includes the attempt of Rezia to assist Mozart in presenting a symphony in Vienna over the objections of a powerful antagonist who attempts to undermine Mozart at every turn.

The troubles and complexities just continue to escalate from that point. Her circle of acquaintances include a group of Romany (Gypsies) with whom she is very close, the brilliant composer Mozart, and even the Emperor of Austria himself.

While this was a ‘fun’ read and worth the interested readers time it is rather one dimensional. There are many characters but the reader rarely glimpses beyond the facade. The dialogue borders on the trivial with more effort placed on describing apparel than on personalities and motivations.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fast, entertaining read! The Mozart Conspiracy has everything I love reading: an interesting, intelligent young protagonist (and she's female!) who doesn't let herself be fobbed off by those who don't take her seriously, and a perplexing mystery peopled with real characters from history.

Theresa "Rezia" Schurman is a 17 year old violinist who doesn't fit into the normal expectations of a respectable family. She was taught to play the violin by her father (who died in a previous book) and now the Shurman family is struggling. So Rezia disguises herself as a young man and plays as a contract player in any orchestra she can get work in. During the day she tutors the children of wealthy families, and teaches them how to play the violin. It's not just women who are not allowed to play an instrument in public, neither are Jews, and while the laws are changing this makes the world that Theresa lives in all the more challenging as she struggles to feed her family. And of course her well bred mama does not approve, and she doesn't even know the half of what Theresa is up to.

One night on the way home from rehearsal, Theresa witnesses an attack on another musician. As the victim dies in her arms, he whispers "Mozart". What does that mean? Can Mozart have had a man in this man's death? And who is this victim who's murder she's seen? Or has she really seen a murder? When she reports what she saw to authorities (in her male guise) they don't believe her, especially when she takes them to the body only to find that it is no longer there. But Theresa persists in spite of the lack of help and the mounting obstacles to finding out the truth.

As the mozart conspiracy spins out the threads of what Theresa witnessed that night, it begins to look like even those at the highest level of society may be involved. And who can be believed? Can Theresa even trust her own eyes? The aptly named Mozart Conspiracy grabs your attention with its lively heroine, fast past, interesting characters and maze like mystery. Just pick it up and read it!

[Susanne]

In this second Theresa Schurmann mystery, Theresa is in Vienna, playing the violin and solving a murder! While she's there, she helps Mozart get an opera premiered and makes the slimy director of the Staatsoper's life very difficult...

Read now, before THE PARIS AFFAIR comes out on September 30th! The Paris Affair . Only $.99 through September!

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mozart Conspiracy is the second book in the Theresa Schurman series. I really enjoyed the first book, so I thought I’d read the next one.

Again the historical setting was interesting and the author has clearly done some research into the period, especially with regard to the famous figures that pop up such as Mozart as well as the Jewish community in Austria at the time. The characters were again very good, but I did wish that Zoltan and Theresa had gotten to interact a bit more. I found the plot was…more intricate the first one? It felt a bit all over the place, like I didn’t know what was going on – but then, neither did Theresa!

All in all, was an alright sequel, despite my confusion with the plot!

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Vienna in the time of Mozart, one girl will defy societal norms for the sake of the music she loves and the investigation she can't let go.

By day, Theresa Schurman is a good Viennese girl living with her mother, little sister, and the family's housekeeper. The daughter of a famous musician who taught her to play before his death, she teaches violin to several girls from prominent families. However, her teaching alone does not make enough to support her family; so she supplements her income by disguising herself as a boy to play in orchestras all over the city by night. It is on her way home from one of these evening events that she witnesses a crime being committed against a fellow musician. When she reports what she's seen, however, the police are less than helpful; and she finds herself investigating on her own. What she uncovers will both shock her and put her in more danger than she knows how to handle. So why won't the police help her, what has she stumbled into, and how on Earth is the famous composer Mozart involved?

I really enjoyed this book. Theresa is a spunky young woman living at a time when females did not have a lot of opportunities and were certainly not thought fit to participate in Vienna's lively music scene. But Theresa defies all that to become Thomas at night and to make music with some of the greatest composers of the day. The factual information woven throughout about classical music is a delight, and though the mystery part of the story is fictional, much of the background is not. The mystery itself is complex and confusing, but confusing in a good way. It kept me guessing the entire time, and even at its conclusion, I had to take a minute to digest everything and put the pieces all together. This is the first book I've read in this series, and it has done its job in convincing me that I definitely want to read more.

bottom line: If you like historical mysteries, this one is fantastic. Its against the backdrop of Vienna in the time of some of the greatest classical musicians ever, and music is certainly a major theme throughout. The characters are compelling and the plot is fast-paced. It's a fun read that is sure to have you wanting to check out the rest of the series.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins with the apparent murder of a man dressed as a musician and carrying an instrument. His murder is witnessed by Theresa, a young girl hiding in the tree from what she thought may be an attempt to accost her/him. She is dressed as a male in order to play her violin at balls and concerts in Vienna. It is the late 1700’s and no females are allowed to play an instrument except in her home or at social gatherings but no in orchestras.

Within the first three chapters one sees the role a female was expected to play in these times and, of course, Theresa does not conform to this role. Well, of course, she would not if she dresses as a male in order to play her beloved Amati violin. The other very glaring reality of these times is the treatment of the Jewish people and the stiff fines levied against them. Antisemitism was definitely in force in Vienna and most probably in all of Austria.

With all the twists and turns, I never did figure out what was going on until the author ties it all together. The story takes you into many parts of Vienna and into homes of both the wealthy and and those of lesser influence. What I can say is Theresa, though a young girl, is smart, clever and stubborn or perhaps really determined. She does not believe anything that she, herself, has not checked out or has uncovered. I was so impressed with her tenacity and compassion, even her relationship with her mother is a forgiving one.

I was also glad that what appeared to happen at the beginning was not fatal and that a full recovery is apparent. I did not realize this was one in a series although it is clearly stated as the second book when I looked again, so I can only wonder what escapades Theresa will get into in the next novel.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that I loved the ending! Woman’s lib was alive back then too., even though not many knew about Theresa’s achievement. To know what I mean, you will have to just read this book and celebrate along with me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mozart Conspiracy is the second book in this series by Susanne Dunlap. I hadn't read the first, The Musician's Daughter, but it didn't matter because this book can stand alone.

Theresa, a young woman in Vienna in the late 1700's, disguises herself as a male to be able to play violin in public and financially support her family. When she witnesses the murder of another musician, she seeks help, and the body disappears. Told not to interfere in men's business, Theresa resolves to figure out the identity of the victim and the meaning behind the dying man's last words.

This is an excellent historical adventure that will appeal to both YA and adult readers. The main character Theresa is a joy to root for. Her amateur investigation involves assistance from the Gypsy community, an examination of both the treatment of Jews and a woman's expected place in society, and a world involving the music of Mozart and Salieri.

The Mozart Conspiracy is an exciting book of historical fiction (lots of unexpected twists) and at the end of it, you will have effortlessly learned about the social and political norms in Vienna at this time. I love a book like that - where you come away having been entertained and yet also, more knowledgeable.

I have never been so happy to be given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was terrific.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa Schurman leads a double life. Theresa is a respectable young lady of Vienna but she is also Thomas who plays the violin. Since women are not allowed to play she has had to be deceptive. Her mother is widowed and so they need the money that Rezia makes teaching and playing in small orchestras. She is on her way home as Thomas one night when she sees a man being stabbed/ When she goes back later he has disappeared. The only thing he said to her was, "Mozart". She does not know what to make of this but just can't leave it alone.. The story unfolds with the involvement of the Jewish musicians, Freemasons, the Prince and the local gypsies. There is a conspiracy happening and she knows not what or who is involved.

[Kate Eminhizer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and enjoyable read! This is a fast paced mystery that will have you guessing until the very end. Dunlap provides the reader with enough background information so that one isn't completely lost if they had not read the first book. The reality of class separation and gender discrimination are exposed as Theresa struggles to support her family doing what she loves. The time period was beautifully recreated and the intricacies of the musical court are deftly explained. While Theresa plods her way through solving the mystery she stumbles upon, we see her grow as she learns more about herself, her musical talents, and her place in the world. An enchanting story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vienna 1781. Theresa Schurman a young lady has a double life, one as a lady and daughter of a respectable family, the other as Thomas Weissbrot, the violinist. Walking home after a concert it is Thomas who witnesses a murder, with the victim naming Mozart. She decides to investigate what becomes a complex investigation, who can she trust, what is the real truth.
This was an enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, which is plot-driven rather than dealing with the characters, Though I admit to not really taking to the character of Theresa, I probably found her too immature for my reading tastes.
A NetGalley Book

[Anasia Lourie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very good, though perhaps not as thought provoking as the first book. The murder-mystery aspect of the story wasn't as intriguing the second time, and the characters' attitudes got a little old. Otherwise, it was a wonderful story that was well-written. I can't wait to see what else Susanne Dunlap comes up with.

[Vicki Kondelik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa Schurman is a young woman in 1781 Vienna who disguises herself as a man in order to play the violin in orchestras throughout the city, since women were not allowed to play in orchestras at that time. She uses the money to support her widowed mother and two siblings who have fallen on hard times after her father, a violinist, was murdered (in the first book in the series, The Musician's Daughter). One evening, while walking home from a concert, Theresa witnesses a murder, but doesn't see the killer's face. The victim whispers to her, with his dying breath, only one word: "Mozart."

With the help of her best friend Mirela, a Romany (Gypsy) woman, Theresa reports the murder to the police, but by the time the police and the dashing Captain von Bauer, who works with them, arrive at the scene, the body has disappeared. Theresa finds strange symbols carved into a tree at the spot where the murder took place, but no one is willing to tell her what the symbols mean. In fact, no one seems to believe her story except Mirela and Zoltán, the handsome young Hungarian nobleman Theresa met in The Musician's Daughter, and he tells her to leave the investigation to him.

In spite of this discouragement, Theresa is determined to find the killer. She discovers that the victim was a Jewish musician. At this time, Jews were not allowed to play in orchestras, except in concerts in Jewish homes, unless they converted to Catholicism. Theresa sympathizes with the Jewish musicians because she herself can only play in the orchestra when disguised as a man. As she proceeds with the investigation, she discovers a conspiracy, involving a secret lodge of Freemasons, that extends to the upper reaches of Viennese society, including Emperor Joseph II himself. Is someone trying to make sure that Mozart's new opera, The Abduction from the Seraglio, is never performed? Theresa finds herself in danger, and she doesn't know if she can trust anyone, even her friends.

The Mozart Conspiracy is a wonderful story, written for a young adult audience, even though adults will enjoy it as well. Dunlap brings the Vienna of Haydn and Mozart brilliantly to life. We also learn about antisemitism and discrimination against the Romany people, and about gender inequality in that society. Theresa is a strong character, highly intelligent and talented, but she makes mistakes, which make her seem all the more real. Relatively early in the book, she gets invited to the same party in both of her identities, and she makes the wrong choice, which ends up offending the family of her favorite student, a Jewish girl, and costing Theresa her position as their daughter's teacher. Her guilt over what happened is powerfully conveyed. Theresa is also very independent-minded, and devoted to music. She loves Zoltán, but she hesitates to marry him because she thinks it would mean giving up her music, except in the confines of the home.

I highly recommend The Mozart Conspiracy to all readers ages 12 and up. It is the second book in a series, but it easily stands on his own. It will make you want to read The Musician's Daughter, though, if you haven't already. I can't wait to read the upcoming sequel, The Paris Affair.

[Barbro Henriksen]

To whom it may concern
Very good story,but please tell me where I can purchase “Theresa Schurman #1,book,thanks

[MB Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was beyond disappointed in this book. I loved the first one, couldn’t put it down. This one was boring and full of careless editorial errors.
I wish it had been as good as the first.

[Louise Emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

By day Theresa was a respectable lady teaching violin. By night she takes after her father by playing in an orchestra.

But this is the 18th Century. Where women are not allowed to participate in events like the Orchestra unless they are watching!

The Mozart Conspiracy seemed an interesting plot and it was. It dealt with a few issues - gender and others.

However this booked moved too slow for me. It became a bit boring.
But if yo can persevere please do. The writing and plot are easy to read.

[Angelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In this period drama, Theresa Schurman sees an attack and murder on the street. This brings her down a path with twists and unexpected turns. Deeply embedded in intrigue and the mysterious world of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

A powerful period novel places you in the past. This story is, yes, a mystery, but it deals with issues of antisemitism and sexism in this period of 1780s Vienna. You are learning while you follow the antics of the story. Theresa’s world is clearly well researched and framed in the emotional reactions of the time. This adds an emotional depth that is at times unexpected. It is a book with a conscious. You can see the cogs working beneath the page, and that is interesting.

Theresa’s character is enjoyable to read because she is a sharp and self-aware character who wants more out of her life. She is deeply flawed in the balance between her wants and desires, and that makes you route for her. She is driven out of the injustice of her own cause of the murder. In some ways, she is immature. In others, she has a stubbornness and willingness that is endearing. She is an adventure and mystery novel protagonist ready to run into danger.

This is a plot-driven novel. It is entirely focused on solving the mystery, and that causes the personal relationships to fall into the background. Some things have to fall to the wayside. I would have liked to see more of her with her mother, sister, brother. They are why she is fighting the patriarchy. These secondary characters are flat and given very little depth. We are told of relationships rather than seeing them. Though, this may be an issue of sequel.
Though it becomes slow, the plot acts as ammunition to carry the story through. I will not speak anymore of that as you’ll have to read to see how it unfolds.

If you want a story rooted in mystery and music, this one is for you.

[Desiree · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mozart Conspiracy turned out to be the second episode in a series. I thought it was a stand=alone novel, so I haven't read the first episode.
On the whole it is no problem to start with this book but there are more then a few references to the previous book.
Theresa (Rezia) is a girl living in Vienna who during the evenings plays the violin in a couple of orchestras dressed up as a boy because in that time it was forbidden for females to play in an orchestra. The book focusses a lot on gender inequality and anti-Semitism in 18th century Vienna.

Going home from on of her concerts she sees a musician being attacked and tries to come to his aid but seems to be too late because the only thing he can whisper is Mozart.
This is the start of a rather confusing search for his attacker and leads to several complicated conspiracy theories.

I enjoyed the setting in 18th century Vienna and it was a pleasant enough read but I found the plot rather confusing at times, probably because the main character wasn't too sure about what happened around her. I kept feeling that the book could have been better with a somewhat clearer plot.

Therefore 3 stars, would have been 4 if the plot had been better developed. It does have potential.

I want to thank Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.