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Liebermann Papers #2
Vienna Blood
In the grip of a Siberian winter in 1902, a serial killer in Vienna embarks upon a bizarre campaign of murder. Vicious mutilation, a penchant for arcane symbols, and a seemingly random choice of victim are his most distinctive peculiarities. Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt summons a young disciple of Freud - his friend Dr. Max Liebermann — to assist him with the case. The investigation draws them into the sphere of Vienna’s secret societies — a murky underworld of German literary scholars, race theorists, and scientists inspired by the new evolutionary theories coming out of England. At first, the killer’s mind seems impenetrable — his behaviour and cryptic clues impervious to psychoanalytic interpretation; gradually, however, it becomes apparent that an extraordinary and shocking rationale underlies his actions. . .
Against this backdrop of mystery and terror, Liebermann struggles with his own demons. The treatment of a patient suffering from paranoia erotica (a delusion of love) and his own fascination with the enigmatic Englishwoman Amelia Lydgate raises doubts concerning the propriety of his imminent marriage. To resolve the dilemma, he must entertain the unthinkable — risking opprobrium and accusations of cowardice.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Against this backdrop of mystery and terror, Liebermann struggles with his own demons. The treatment of a patient suffering from paranoia erotica (a delusion of love) and his own fascination with the enigmatic Englishwoman Amelia Lydgate raises doubts concerning the propriety of his imminent marriage. To resolve the dilemma, he must entertain the unthinkable — risking opprobrium and accusations of cowardice.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2006
260 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
About the author
Frank Tallis
45 books394 followersAka F.R. Tallis.
Dr. Frank Tallis is a writer and clinical psychologist. He has held lecturing posts in clinical psychology and neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry and King's College, London. He has written self help manuals (How to Stop Worrying, Understanding Obsessions and Compulsions) non-fiction for the general reader (Changing Minds, Hidden Minds, Love Sick), academic text books and over thirty academic papers in international journals. Frank Tallis' novels are: KILLING TIME (Penguin), SENSING OTHERS (Penguin), MORTAL MISCHIEF (Arrow), VIENNA BLOOD (Arrow), FATAL LIES (Arrow), and DARKNESS RISING (Arrow). The fifth volume of the Liebermann Papers, DEADLY COMMUNION, will be published in 2010. In 1999 he received a Writers' Award from the Arts Council of Great Britain and in 2000 he won the New London Writers' Award (London Arts Board). In 2005 MORTAL MISCHIEF was shortlisted for the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award.
Dr. Frank Tallis is a writer and clinical psychologist. He has held lecturing posts in clinical psychology and neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry and King's College, London. He has written self help manuals (How to Stop Worrying, Understanding Obsessions and Compulsions) non-fiction for the general reader (Changing Minds, Hidden Minds, Love Sick), academic text books and over thirty academic papers in international journals. Frank Tallis' novels are: KILLING TIME (Penguin), SENSING OTHERS (Penguin), MORTAL MISCHIEF (Arrow), VIENNA BLOOD (Arrow), FATAL LIES (Arrow), and DARKNESS RISING (Arrow). The fifth volume of the Liebermann Papers, DEADLY COMMUNION, will be published in 2010. In 1999 he received a Writers' Award from the Arts Council of Great Britain and in 2000 he won the New London Writers' Award (London Arts Board). In 2005 MORTAL MISCHIEF was shortlisted for the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
July 19, 2025
Historical mystery, travelogue, social and political commentary ... what a smorgasbord!
Dateline Vienna 1902, location - the sprawling majestic Schönnbrunn Palace's Tiergarten Zoo. Detective Oskar Reinhardt is called to the scene of a grisly slaying - the cruel killing of a 30 foot long anaconda that has been cut into three sections with a saber. But even such an unprecedented bizarre case must fade into the background when Reinhardt is faced with the brutal maniacal slaying of a brothel's madam and two prostitutes. Reinhardt and his close friend, Dr Max Liebermann, a respected practitioner of Freudian psychology, are convinced that the murders, with a strong resemblance to the recent Whitechapel Jack the Ripper executions, are the work of a demented serial killer who will soon be looking for a fourth victim.
VIENNA BLOOD is a superbly crafted historical mystery built around a compellingly recreated Vienna. Rheinhardt is portrayed as an early believer in the infant science of forensics and profiling. But, even in turn of the century Vienna, like his modern counterparts, he is faced with internal political pressures. He is being harried to stick to solid, established techniques of dogged police work and to produce a quick arrest.
VIENNA BLOOD is a magnificent travelogue of what is arguably one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Europe and the classical music capital of the world - the Opera House under the leadership of Gustav Mahler, the cafés, the scrumptious calorie laden Mozart and Sacher tortes, the Ringstrasse, the birth of the electric tram system, the magnificent art gallery in the Belvedere; the entertaining natural history collection in the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the extraordinary outdoors beauty of the Vienna Woods on the western fringe of the city.
VIENNA BLOOD is also a frightening political commentary. Dealing with the disturbing prevalence of secret societies in Vienna in the early twentieth century, Tallis makes a convincing argument that faults Vienna's "Law on Associations" with driving subversive political groups underground and making them even more dangerous. Tallis shows how the sinister Guido von List - a successful journalist and writer, much loved at the time by hardcore Teutonic Germans obsessed with superiority of the Aryan race and preserving the purity of German bloodlines - was likely the seed that sprouted into the National Socialist movement and their anti-Semitic policies.
Finally, VIENNA BLOOD is a wonderful story of the cultural and social milieu of the city. Reinhardt, who is engaged to the vapid but sexually enticing Clara Weiss, realizes that he simply cannot in good conscience marry her because he does not love her. He struggles with the difficulty and the social embarrassment of breaking off the engagement as he realizes he is growing fond of Amelia Lydgate who is studying medicine at the Anatomical Institute. In a most interesting side plot, Amelia is forced to deal with the chauvinistic (nay, misogynistic) attitudes towards women, the clearly inferior sex, who would presume to test their hands at the male professions of art, science and medicine.
When I was in Vienna on vacation last week, I visited a local English language bookstore - Shakespeare & Co - and asked the proprietor to recommend a novel that was not a tour guide but that would represent the city of Vienna well and serve as a memorable souvenir. Five stars for Tallis and VIENNA BLOOD and five stars to the lady that made such a superb recommendation. Thank you very much!
Paul Weiss
Dateline Vienna 1902, location - the sprawling majestic Schönnbrunn Palace's Tiergarten Zoo. Detective Oskar Reinhardt is called to the scene of a grisly slaying - the cruel killing of a 30 foot long anaconda that has been cut into three sections with a saber. But even such an unprecedented bizarre case must fade into the background when Reinhardt is faced with the brutal maniacal slaying of a brothel's madam and two prostitutes. Reinhardt and his close friend, Dr Max Liebermann, a respected practitioner of Freudian psychology, are convinced that the murders, with a strong resemblance to the recent Whitechapel Jack the Ripper executions, are the work of a demented serial killer who will soon be looking for a fourth victim.
VIENNA BLOOD is a superbly crafted historical mystery built around a compellingly recreated Vienna. Rheinhardt is portrayed as an early believer in the infant science of forensics and profiling. But, even in turn of the century Vienna, like his modern counterparts, he is faced with internal political pressures. He is being harried to stick to solid, established techniques of dogged police work and to produce a quick arrest.
VIENNA BLOOD is a magnificent travelogue of what is arguably one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Europe and the classical music capital of the world - the Opera House under the leadership of Gustav Mahler, the cafés, the scrumptious calorie laden Mozart and Sacher tortes, the Ringstrasse, the birth of the electric tram system, the magnificent art gallery in the Belvedere; the entertaining natural history collection in the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the extraordinary outdoors beauty of the Vienna Woods on the western fringe of the city.
VIENNA BLOOD is also a frightening political commentary. Dealing with the disturbing prevalence of secret societies in Vienna in the early twentieth century, Tallis makes a convincing argument that faults Vienna's "Law on Associations" with driving subversive political groups underground and making them even more dangerous. Tallis shows how the sinister Guido von List - a successful journalist and writer, much loved at the time by hardcore Teutonic Germans obsessed with superiority of the Aryan race and preserving the purity of German bloodlines - was likely the seed that sprouted into the National Socialist movement and their anti-Semitic policies.
Finally, VIENNA BLOOD is a wonderful story of the cultural and social milieu of the city. Reinhardt, who is engaged to the vapid but sexually enticing Clara Weiss, realizes that he simply cannot in good conscience marry her because he does not love her. He struggles with the difficulty and the social embarrassment of breaking off the engagement as he realizes he is growing fond of Amelia Lydgate who is studying medicine at the Anatomical Institute. In a most interesting side plot, Amelia is forced to deal with the chauvinistic (nay, misogynistic) attitudes towards women, the clearly inferior sex, who would presume to test their hands at the male professions of art, science and medicine.
When I was in Vienna on vacation last week, I visited a local English language bookstore - Shakespeare & Co - and asked the proprietor to recommend a novel that was not a tour guide but that would represent the city of Vienna well and serve as a memorable souvenir. Five stars for Tallis and VIENNA BLOOD and five stars to the lady that made such a superb recommendation. Thank you very much!
Paul Weiss
October 27, 2012
Brilliantly conceived and written, and also enlightening historically. A series of serial killings in Vienna in 1902 seems insoluble since there is no discernible pattern linking those killed...and the anaconda Hildegard, Emperor Franz Josef's favorite snake in the zoo, is one of the victims. What does the murder of a snake have to do with that of three prostitutes and a madam, of a Czech chicken seller found with a padlock in his throat, of a Nubian servant? Liebermann's night at the opera with Clara and her family provides the inspiration for the solution, along with Freud's knowledge of Sanskrit arcana...which identifies the strange cross painted in blood on the wall of the brothel where the first murders occurred. "Swastika" comes from Sanskrit words meaning "to be" and "well" - and also happens to be the "18th rune" of the mythical pre-Christian Germanic tribe which inspires the secret Arman fraternities, the ancestors of the Nazi party.
Tallis has cleverly interwoven the growing popularity of the pan-German ideology into the discovery of the murderer. Well before World War I and the Versailles treaty, these ancestors of the Nazis were tracing their identity back to a 4th century Germanic tribe's victory over Rome. They were proudly anti-Semitic, anti-Freemason, anti-Catholic -- they worshiped the pagan Norse gods, and their use of "Heil und Sieg" as their salutation had little to do with "salvation" in the Christian sense and everything to do with the salvation of the Teutonic race. Mozart is denigrated as "a superficial composer," Mahler is ridiculed, and Tallis paints some telling tongue-in-cheek portraits of second-rate painters and composers who turn out suitably Teutonic trash. A famous opera by Mozart turns out to have provided the template for the murders, but the motivation is not solely political -- there are roots in the killer's psychological history which Liebermann deftly uncovers, with the help of Freud.
Tallis handles this complex plot brilliantly and the characters are memorable, including several historical figures - Guido von List, a writer/journalist who was considered something of a joke by the real Viennese literati, but whose writings were later used by Adolf Hitler. In an afterword, Tallis details the connections between Hitler and List's Armanenschaft society, linked by Lanz von Liebenfels, one of List's disciples. It's horrifying stuff. Houston Stewart Chamberlain has a cameo part too, making a nasty little speech about "semi-barbarism--dirt, coarseness, falsehood, poverty" the closer one gets to Rome.
Tallis cites as a source Brigitte Hamann's Hitler's Vienna: a Dictator's Apprenticeship, published by Oxford University Press in 1999. Could be fascinating reading...
Tallis has cleverly interwoven the growing popularity of the pan-German ideology into the discovery of the murderer. Well before World War I and the Versailles treaty, these ancestors of the Nazis were tracing their identity back to a 4th century Germanic tribe's victory over Rome. They were proudly anti-Semitic, anti-Freemason, anti-Catholic -- they worshiped the pagan Norse gods, and their use of "Heil und Sieg" as their salutation had little to do with "salvation" in the Christian sense and everything to do with the salvation of the Teutonic race. Mozart is denigrated as "a superficial composer," Mahler is ridiculed, and Tallis paints some telling tongue-in-cheek portraits of second-rate painters and composers who turn out suitably Teutonic trash. A famous opera by Mozart turns out to have provided the template for the murders, but the motivation is not solely political -- there are roots in the killer's psychological history which Liebermann deftly uncovers, with the help of Freud.
Tallis handles this complex plot brilliantly and the characters are memorable, including several historical figures - Guido von List, a writer/journalist who was considered something of a joke by the real Viennese literati, but whose writings were later used by Adolf Hitler. In an afterword, Tallis details the connections between Hitler and List's Armanenschaft society, linked by Lanz von Liebenfels, one of List's disciples. It's horrifying stuff. Houston Stewart Chamberlain has a cameo part too, making a nasty little speech about "semi-barbarism--dirt, coarseness, falsehood, poverty" the closer one gets to Rome.
Tallis cites as a source Brigitte Hamann's Hitler's Vienna: a Dictator's Apprenticeship, published by Oxford University Press in 1999. Could be fascinating reading...
July 12, 2010
Vienna Blood is the sequel to Death In Vienna. The beginning presents an intriguing case that is tossed at the reader like a scattered deck of cards and over a course of many pages, begins to form a well-played hand. Reminiscent of a Sherlock Holmes detective story, Vienna Blood is packed full of historical detail and delivers an intelligent and well-written mystery. Tallis draws on case comparisons to Jack the Ripper when tracking a serial killer. Also, other fascinating historical persons directly interact with main characters including Freud. This story is refreshingly cliché free, which can be a rare experience in crime stories.
Some readers may find the mystery rather slow-moving. In addition, a great many characters are presented and can be quite difficult to keep straight. This is further complicated by the references made to other fictional characters. Without the knowledge of the references, the ‘hint’s’ or expected conclusions may be lost on the reader. It takes some effort to understand which characters are important to remember and which ones are named for scenic purposes, or really weren’t necessary to name in the first place because they end up being insignificant. To fully enjoy the story, the reader may have to pause to look up plays, songs, operas and poems. This was a difficult novel to rate because the research and writing is a 4 star quality, but I simply did not find the book enjoyable. I chalk this up to my personal taste and not due to the author’s talent and therefore, have given it two ratings.
4 Star writing, 2 Star enjoyability
Some readers may find the mystery rather slow-moving. In addition, a great many characters are presented and can be quite difficult to keep straight. This is further complicated by the references made to other fictional characters. Without the knowledge of the references, the ‘hint’s’ or expected conclusions may be lost on the reader. It takes some effort to understand which characters are important to remember and which ones are named for scenic purposes, or really weren’t necessary to name in the first place because they end up being insignificant. To fully enjoy the story, the reader may have to pause to look up plays, songs, operas and poems. This was a difficult novel to rate because the research and writing is a 4 star quality, but I simply did not find the book enjoyable. I chalk this up to my personal taste and not due to the author’s talent and therefore, have given it two ratings.
4 Star writing, 2 Star enjoyability
August 31, 2014
I liked this one better than the first one in the series and I liked that one also! Set in one of my favorite cities, Vienna (in 1902), it's got Viennese pastries, music, murders, Viennese pastries, art, Mozart, Viennese pastries, compelling protagonists, psychoanalysis, Viennese pastries, Freemasons, atmosphere, and Viennese pastries.
June 7, 2022
This work vascillated between a 3-star and a 5, so I ended up giving it a four. For the last 50-60 pages the author seemed to lose his focus and it almost became unreadable. Ended up enjoying it but hope the next in the series returns to the style of the debut.
February 3, 2022
Early 20th century Vienna: a cleverly constructed mystery featuring policeman Rheinhart and psychiatrist Liebermann solving serial murders. The killer bases his decisions on a Mozart opera and the story involves Freemasons. Perhaps a little slows for some people but not for me. I liked the musical details and also the descriptions of old Vienna, particularly its mouth-watering pastries.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
September 15, 2020
This installment finds Max at a crossroads, both in terms of the mystery and his personal life. What is enjoyable about Tallis is that he does not demonize characters. Clara, for instance, isn't a bad woman, but simply, perhaps, not the one for Max. It makes a refreshing change.
The mystery itself was thrilling and great fun to read.
I enjoy the connection to Freud and the coming of WWII.
The mystery itself was thrilling and great fun to read.
I enjoy the connection to Freud and the coming of WWII.
January 25, 2013
Even better than the first episode in this series that I really liked a lot, I'm looking forward to the third episode.
October 13, 2025
What an interesting series this is turning out to be! I hadn’t heard of it at all until this book was on sale in a recent BookBub email. Without knowing anything else about the series other than a synopsis, I bought the entire series — something I never do.
Rheinhardt is first called out to investigate a unique killing, that of an anaconda at the Zoo. The anaconda was a favorite animal of the Emperor’s and Rheinhardt fully intends to investigate the killing. However, he soon is distracted by a succession of brutal murders, and he enlists Max’s help.
The investigation leads Max into the world of Vienna’s secret societies, particularly a group of Pan-German mythology enthusiasts. This group holds beliefs that the reader will find familiar - beliefs that the Germanic people are superior and that others, particularly Slavic peoples and Jews are inferior.
I’ll finish this later - going to sleep now.
Rheinhardt is first called out to investigate a unique killing, that of an anaconda at the Zoo. The anaconda was a favorite animal of the Emperor’s and Rheinhardt fully intends to investigate the killing. However, he soon is distracted by a succession of brutal murders, and he enlists Max’s help.
The investigation leads Max into the world of Vienna’s secret societies, particularly a group of Pan-German mythology enthusiasts. This group holds beliefs that the reader will find familiar - beliefs that the Germanic people are superior and that others, particularly Slavic peoples and Jews are inferior.
I’ll finish this later - going to sleep now.
March 1, 2025
«Era muy guapa. Siempre que veía su cara alzada hacia él le entraban ganas de comérsela a besos. Pero ¿era eso suficiente? ¿Era la dulzura de su aliento y la suavidad de sus pálidas mejillas suficiente para sostener una unión que se suponía que tenía que durar para siempre?».
Otra maravillosa historia de Tallis. Misterio en Viena unido a esa forma tan maravillosa de describir la música que (culpable), me encanta.
Otra maravillosa historia de Tallis. Misterio en Viena unido a esa forma tan maravillosa de describir la música que (culpable), me encanta.
June 21, 2022
A fantastic read ! I became a fan of the BBC series a while back as not often do I find a clever and intelligent drama series on the TV but got immediately drawn into 1900's Vienna and the two great main characters of Dr Max Liebermann and Inspector Oskar Reinhardt.
The book goes into so much more psychological detail and it was utterly fascinating to read. The murders based on Mozart's The Magic Flute were intriguing and certainly taught me a lot about his music.
Also a very good insight into some of Freud's theories about dream interpretation
I will look out for Frank Tallis' other books too as they are clever, intelligent and very good read
The book goes into so much more psychological detail and it was utterly fascinating to read. The murders based on Mozart's The Magic Flute were intriguing and certainly taught me a lot about his music.
Also a very good insight into some of Freud's theories about dream interpretation
I will look out for Frank Tallis' other books too as they are clever, intelligent and very good read
December 13, 2017
Vienna Blood by Frank Tallis is an elegantly written murder mystery that was a joy to read. There is plenty of blood and gore, but the layers of Viennese society are so elegantly portrayed that the violence fits the well written mystery. Tallis mixes real characters such as Sigmund Freud with fictional characters in a tale that is reminiscent of the unsolved Jack the Ripper murders.
November 2, 2024
The novel opens with the zookeeper having found a giant anaconda, Hildegarde, sliced into thirds. The human murders - yes, plural - begin to pile up. The description of the bodies is a bit more graphic than I am accustomed to reading. Fortunately, these are comparatively short, but unfortunately, there are too many of them.
The story then progresses more slowly than I thought necessary. The scenes switch often between Rheinhardt, the police inspector, and his assistant; Liebermann with Clara; Liebermann with Herr Beiber, a patient; Liebermann with Miss Lydgate; some other named characters among whom I assumed was the perpetrator. There were also scenes with Rheinhardt and Liebermann and in these they were usually having some sort of coffee with something sweet. The Mozart torte was a colorful checkered arrangement of chocolate and pistachio sponge, on top of which was a marzipan coin bearing the profile of the great composer.
Somewhere about halfway I stopped rolling my eyes over this constant change of scene and food. Finally I was intensely interested in the investigation. This takes place in 1902. Because Liebermann is a psychoanalyst - there is even one scene with Sigmund Freud - the clues to the murder turn on psychology. This aspect makes this series different than others and I'm glad to have stumbled on it.
I wondered at the slow beginning that I might not continue after this installment, but I can see I might find myself in front of another at some point in the future. I'm not going to rave about it, though and so if I don't find time for another I won't feel as if I've missed something important. This is just a good solid 3-stars.
The story then progresses more slowly than I thought necessary. The scenes switch often between Rheinhardt, the police inspector, and his assistant; Liebermann with Clara; Liebermann with Herr Beiber, a patient; Liebermann with Miss Lydgate; some other named characters among whom I assumed was the perpetrator. There were also scenes with Rheinhardt and Liebermann and in these they were usually having some sort of coffee with something sweet. The Mozart torte was a colorful checkered arrangement of chocolate and pistachio sponge, on top of which was a marzipan coin bearing the profile of the great composer.
Somewhere about halfway I stopped rolling my eyes over this constant change of scene and food. Finally I was intensely interested in the investigation. This takes place in 1902. Because Liebermann is a psychoanalyst - there is even one scene with Sigmund Freud - the clues to the murder turn on psychology. This aspect makes this series different than others and I'm glad to have stumbled on it.
I wondered at the slow beginning that I might not continue after this installment, but I can see I might find myself in front of another at some point in the future. I'm not going to rave about it, though and so if I don't find time for another I won't feel as if I've missed something important. This is just a good solid 3-stars.
February 12, 2025
I'm rating this ⭐⭐⭐. It was certainly entertaining, and more than suspenseful, but I found myself all too frequently pulling myself out of the book and into Google to look up definitions and translations. The concluding 100 pages are terrific, though.
Per the book, anti-Semitism ran deep in Viennese society, and it is particularly present throughout. One cannot help but think of a poor, young Austrian, Adolph Hitler, being influenced by the Uber-Aryan sentiment. Swastikas make occasional appearances, and it's difficult to read about Jewish hate and swastikas knowing what is to come a few decades down the road from this novel's time.
From the appendix dossier, "One could argue - perhaps controversially - that the social illness that eventually emerged was National Socialism, and so virulent was this illness, it took a world war to treat it."
Per the book, anti-Semitism ran deep in Viennese society, and it is particularly present throughout. One cannot help but think of a poor, young Austrian, Adolph Hitler, being influenced by the Uber-Aryan sentiment. Swastikas make occasional appearances, and it's difficult to read about Jewish hate and swastikas knowing what is to come a few decades down the road from this novel's time.
From the appendix dossier, "One could argue - perhaps controversially - that the social illness that eventually emerged was National Socialism, and so virulent was this illness, it took a world war to treat it."
June 8, 2022
Read this because of the tv show turning up on PBS. I liked both, but am probably a bigger fan of the series. I'm going back and reading the first one next. I'm curious about how the relationship between Max and Oskar is introduced. We get a lot more detail in the books, of course, but I keep wondering about how they got started together.
March 6, 2024
Loved it! Pastry descriptions especially
October 3, 2024
Not as much pastry as the first book but at times the prose can be a little overwrought.
January 21, 2025
Max still doesn't wear a hat. (っ °Д °;)っ︵┻━┻
March 30, 2024
Die Handlung hat mich nicht überzeugt, da sowohl das Ende als auch die persönlichen Geschehnissen der einzelnen Charaktere absehbar waren.
Interessant waren die religiösen Symbole als auch die historischen Details.
Interessant waren die religiösen Symbole als auch die historischen Details.
September 1, 2025
I really liked book one and I'm pleased to learn I loved book two, Vienna Blood (Liebermann Papers #2) by Frank Tallis even more. I love the characters and the setting in 1902 Vienna is very atmospheric. Plus, the social and political commentary that runs through this historical mystery all the more fascinating. I need to catch up on this series and start in on the tv adaptation soon.
May 5, 2008
I found this book frustrating/irritating, because the author was constantly describing things that are hard to describe in words, such as music and paintings and food. The book needs illustrations! And maybe an accompanying CD of German art-songs and opera excerpts!
It would make an exciting movie (in the style of "The Illusionist," perhaps) or BBC miniseries. It has great settings - the opera house, the coffee shops, the reptile house at the zoo, the underground sewers (shades of Les Miz and Phantom!). Most importantly, several major turning points in the action take place through VISUAL media -- someone has an epiphany during an opera performance, or when looking at paintings in a gallery, or in getting a close look at a person's face or expression. Music is also hugely important - the sound of a singer's voice, the emotional quality of a melody.
The murder mystery is MUCH more bloody and downright disgusting than the previous book ("A Death in Vienna"). This time it's a serial killer in the style of "Seven"... and I didn't find the resolution very plausible.
The chapters are incredibly short (some as short as 3 pages), which adds to the sense that it really should be a movie. Although the point of view changes in every chapter (some chapters follow the detective, some follow the psychologist, some show different possible suspects), the narrative voice never changes. It's always bland and descriptive. I kept reading 'til I found out "who dunnit," and then stopped. I think Tallis is going for something along the lines of Caleb Carr's "The Alienist," but isn't willing to write at such a "literary" pace or with such moral seriousness. The most disturbing aspect of the book is not the murder mystery, but the description of various intellectual/cultural/political currents c 1900 that would all too quickly provide the basis of Nazi thought and policy. The author obviously cares about this, because he has a little "afterword" about his sources... but I felt he used it in kind of a bland and superficial way.
It would make an exciting movie (in the style of "The Illusionist," perhaps) or BBC miniseries. It has great settings - the opera house, the coffee shops, the reptile house at the zoo, the underground sewers (shades of Les Miz and Phantom!). Most importantly, several major turning points in the action take place through VISUAL media -- someone has an epiphany during an opera performance, or when looking at paintings in a gallery, or in getting a close look at a person's face or expression. Music is also hugely important - the sound of a singer's voice, the emotional quality of a melody.
The murder mystery is MUCH more bloody and downright disgusting than the previous book ("A Death in Vienna"). This time it's a serial killer in the style of "Seven"... and I didn't find the resolution very plausible.
The chapters are incredibly short (some as short as 3 pages), which adds to the sense that it really should be a movie. Although the point of view changes in every chapter (some chapters follow the detective, some follow the psychologist, some show different possible suspects), the narrative voice never changes. It's always bland and descriptive. I kept reading 'til I found out "who dunnit," and then stopped. I think Tallis is going for something along the lines of Caleb Carr's "The Alienist," but isn't willing to write at such a "literary" pace or with such moral seriousness. The most disturbing aspect of the book is not the murder mystery, but the description of various intellectual/cultural/political currents c 1900 that would all too quickly provide the basis of Nazi thought and policy. The author obviously cares about this, because he has a little "afterword" about his sources... but I felt he used it in kind of a bland and superficial way.
May 30, 2009
This is the second installment of Tallis's murder mystery psychoanalytical series pairing up homicide detective Reinhardt and Freudian psychologist Leibermann. A serial killer has been unleashed in Vienna - massacring innocent victims with unspeakable violence. As Reinhardt seeks out the murderer, a secret Masonic society is carrying on in the Austrian underground. Leibermann works with a patient suffering from a delusion that a wealthy monarch is in love with him and that her every move is calculated to convey messages to him. Leibermann also questions his engagement to Clara, and increasingly finds ways to involve Miss Lydgate and her ever-developing theories of serology in his cases. Like the first book, Reinhardt and Leibermann test out their theories and mull over possiblities while playing classical music and eating pastries in cafes. And of course, Liebermann's break-throughs with his patients will have direct insight into finding the killer. I find Liebermann to be a very likeable character, despite his social awkwardness and while Vienna Blood didn't blow me away, it was a fun entertaining mystery.
July 29, 2018
Published in 2003, Vienna Blood offers all the elements of a first-rate historical mystery. The setting--early 20th century Vienna––comes alive as Tallis' protagonist Dr. Liebermann provides insights into the rash of murders that detective Oskar Rheinhardt is charged with solving. Using his profession as a psychiatrist to suss out the motivation of the murder, Liebermann overcomes the society's undercurrent of anti-semitism, takes advantage of modern scientific insights, and even borrows Sigmund Freud's insights into the dream of a patient to identify a key clue to the murder's identity.
In addition to life in Vienna, including the cultural milieu interspersing performances at the Opera House and references to musical lyrics performed for personal pleasure by his heroes, Tallis brings to life a variety of characters, including soldiers, professors, doctors as well as nascent Nazis.
Beautifully written.
In addition to life in Vienna, including the cultural milieu interspersing performances at the Opera House and references to musical lyrics performed for personal pleasure by his heroes, Tallis brings to life a variety of characters, including soldiers, professors, doctors as well as nascent Nazis.
Beautifully written.
March 9, 2016
Oh! How I loved this book!
Let me give you two reasons why: Sigmund Freud.
Yes, there's a serial killer running loose in the streets of Vienna and the Inspector consults Dr. Liebermann who happens to be a Psychiatrist and somewhere along the way, the doctor consults Professor Sigmund Freud, as a Psychology major I nearly died a sweet death right there! My dreams are valid in saying that I would have loved to meet the man, and also Carl Jung, but the mastermind behind the killings is unveiled in a way that reminds me of Sherlock. The advantage here is that Dr. Liebermann is thoughtful and not as quick to get into trouble or test his theories, which gives this a good pace for a thriller, and an intriguing mystery.
Let me give you two reasons why: Sigmund Freud.
Yes, there's a serial killer running loose in the streets of Vienna and the Inspector consults Dr. Liebermann who happens to be a Psychiatrist and somewhere along the way, the doctor consults Professor Sigmund Freud, as a Psychology major I nearly died a sweet death right there! My dreams are valid in saying that I would have loved to meet the man, and also Carl Jung, but the mastermind behind the killings is unveiled in a way that reminds me of Sherlock. The advantage here is that Dr. Liebermann is thoughtful and not as quick to get into trouble or test his theories, which gives this a good pace for a thriller, and an intriguing mystery.
October 13, 2020
Spannender Fall aber leider eine sehr sehr schlechte deutsche Übersetzung, die das Lesevergnügen deutlich schmälert.
Als in Wienerin wundert es mich sehr, dass gerade ein historischer Krimi, der in Wien spielt absolut nicht das Lokalkolorit transportiert. Es fiel mir schwer mich ins Wien im Jahr 1902 zu versetzen bei Wörtern wie Schlagsahne, Rosenkohl, Pflaumenmarmelade etc und ganz schlimm: Flädlesuppe. Alles Wörter aus dem bundesdeutschen Sprachgebrauch, die kein(e) Wiener(in) jemals verwenden würde.
Die Übersetzungen der Kulinarik waren besonders betroffen.
Sehr Schade....
Kleiner historischer Fehler hat sich auch eingeschlichen: Mozart wurde definitiv nicht 1794 in eine Freimaurerloge aufgenommen. Da war er nämlich schon drei Jahre tot...
Als in Wienerin wundert es mich sehr, dass gerade ein historischer Krimi, der in Wien spielt absolut nicht das Lokalkolorit transportiert. Es fiel mir schwer mich ins Wien im Jahr 1902 zu versetzen bei Wörtern wie Schlagsahne, Rosenkohl, Pflaumenmarmelade etc und ganz schlimm: Flädlesuppe. Alles Wörter aus dem bundesdeutschen Sprachgebrauch, die kein(e) Wiener(in) jemals verwenden würde.
Die Übersetzungen der Kulinarik waren besonders betroffen.
Sehr Schade....
Kleiner historischer Fehler hat sich auch eingeschlichen: Mozart wurde definitiv nicht 1794 in eine Freimaurerloge aufgenommen. Da war er nämlich schon drei Jahre tot...
August 5, 2016
This book was much better - a traditional thriller with psychological overtones. It explores rising ethnic tensions within the Habsburg empire.
The relationship b/w former patient Amelia Lydgate and Max Lieberman continues to grow as she becomes a police contributor.
The relationship b/w former patient Amelia Lydgate and Max Lieberman continues to grow as she becomes a police contributor.
October 23, 2025
Vienna Blood (Liebermann Papers, #2). by Frank Tallis
This is a stand alone book. You don't need to read the first volume to enjoy it.
In the grip of a Siberian winter in 1902, a serial killer in Vienna embarks upon a bizarre campaign of murder. Starting with the vicious mutilation of Hildegard - The Vienna’s zoo anaconda - and followed by the mutilation of a madam and three of her “girls.” A penchant for arcane symbols, and a seemingly random choice of victim are his most distinctive peculiarities. Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt summons a young disciple of Freud - his friend Dr. Max Liebermann — to assist him with the case. The investigation draws them into the sphere of Vienna’s secret societies — a murky underworld of German literary scholars, race theorists, and scientists inspired by the new evolutionary theories coming out of England. At first, the killer’s mind seems impenetrable — his behavior and cryptic clues impervious to psychoanalytic interpretation; however, gradually, it becomes apparent that an extraordinary and shocking rationale underlies his actions - Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Against this backdrop of mystery and terror, Liebermann struggles with his own demons. The treatment of a patient suffering from paranoia erotica (a delusion of love) and his own fascination with the enigmatic Englishwoman Amelia Lydgate raises doubts concerning the propriety of his imminent marriage to Clara Weiss. To resolve the dilemma, he must entertain the unthinkable — risking opprobrium and accusations of cowardice.
Narrated from the third person point of view, this was a very well written and interesting book. Max Liebermann's long Freudian theories might be a bit verbose and slightly boring, but the contrast between Oskar Rheinhardt makes for a perfect pairing. One very intellectual and immersed in psychoanalysis, the second, a pragmatic and calculating policeman. There interactions which range from singing together to enjoying dining are striking.
The book is an easy, slow read and follows the show by the same name closely.
I enjoyed it and recommend it.
This is a stand alone book. You don't need to read the first volume to enjoy it.
In the grip of a Siberian winter in 1902, a serial killer in Vienna embarks upon a bizarre campaign of murder. Starting with the vicious mutilation of Hildegard - The Vienna’s zoo anaconda - and followed by the mutilation of a madam and three of her “girls.” A penchant for arcane symbols, and a seemingly random choice of victim are his most distinctive peculiarities. Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt summons a young disciple of Freud - his friend Dr. Max Liebermann — to assist him with the case. The investigation draws them into the sphere of Vienna’s secret societies — a murky underworld of German literary scholars, race theorists, and scientists inspired by the new evolutionary theories coming out of England. At first, the killer’s mind seems impenetrable — his behavior and cryptic clues impervious to psychoanalytic interpretation; however, gradually, it becomes apparent that an extraordinary and shocking rationale underlies his actions - Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Against this backdrop of mystery and terror, Liebermann struggles with his own demons. The treatment of a patient suffering from paranoia erotica (a delusion of love) and his own fascination with the enigmatic Englishwoman Amelia Lydgate raises doubts concerning the propriety of his imminent marriage to Clara Weiss. To resolve the dilemma, he must entertain the unthinkable — risking opprobrium and accusations of cowardice.
Narrated from the third person point of view, this was a very well written and interesting book. Max Liebermann's long Freudian theories might be a bit verbose and slightly boring, but the contrast between Oskar Rheinhardt makes for a perfect pairing. One very intellectual and immersed in psychoanalysis, the second, a pragmatic and calculating policeman. There interactions which range from singing together to enjoying dining are striking.
The book is an easy, slow read and follows the show by the same name closely.
I enjoyed it and recommend it.
March 8, 2020
To begin, I have a habit of reading detective and sometimes spy fiction in a given city before I visit. Why? Spies infiltrate governments, thieves lurk in alleyways...you get the picture.
The fiction may be well-written, suspense-filled, engaging, or...not. But if nothing else I can follow the action through different parts of cities I am about to explore (or not - COVID-19).
I read Frank Tallis's Death in Vienna week before last and liked it very much intelligent and suspenseful, a cut above much other detective fiction I've read. Low and behold this Brit seems to know Vienna like the back of his hand. I am forced to read Kindle books because my eyes are not what they used to be, so I can bookmark pages that mention specific locations (with no fear that a piece of paper in a conventional book will slip out) easily, and after I've finished I'll go back over the bookmarks with Google Maps (the confession of a nerd).
I liked Vienna Blood less than the first in this series. Liebermann is a young doctor and protege of Freud. He teams up with Detective Inspector Rheinhardt not just to hunt down really twisted criminals, but to play the piano (Liebermann) and sing (Rheinardt) for their own entertainment. Usually they perform lieder and art songs - lots of Schumann, and afterwards smoke cigars and sip brandy in the library. (If you watched the recent series on PBS you will have missed these activities.) And in cafes where they discuss cases, they indulge in sinfully sweet Vienna pastries. I got a kick out of these activities in the first book, less so in this one. More significantly, the plot of the first I followed arduously, but in Vienna Blood I found myself aware of the author's tricks, and became disappointed in coincidences for which even I could not suspend my disbelief.
But I think I'll continue the series. If I may not fly to Vienna at the end of April I can get a sense of it from my armchair.
The fiction may be well-written, suspense-filled, engaging, or...not. But if nothing else I can follow the action through different parts of cities I am about to explore (or not - COVID-19).
I read Frank Tallis's Death in Vienna week before last and liked it very much intelligent and suspenseful, a cut above much other detective fiction I've read. Low and behold this Brit seems to know Vienna like the back of his hand. I am forced to read Kindle books because my eyes are not what they used to be, so I can bookmark pages that mention specific locations (with no fear that a piece of paper in a conventional book will slip out) easily, and after I've finished I'll go back over the bookmarks with Google Maps (the confession of a nerd).
I liked Vienna Blood less than the first in this series. Liebermann is a young doctor and protege of Freud. He teams up with Detective Inspector Rheinhardt not just to hunt down really twisted criminals, but to play the piano (Liebermann) and sing (Rheinardt) for their own entertainment. Usually they perform lieder and art songs - lots of Schumann, and afterwards smoke cigars and sip brandy in the library. (If you watched the recent series on PBS you will have missed these activities.) And in cafes where they discuss cases, they indulge in sinfully sweet Vienna pastries. I got a kick out of these activities in the first book, less so in this one. More significantly, the plot of the first I followed arduously, but in Vienna Blood I found myself aware of the author's tricks, and became disappointed in coincidences for which even I could not suspend my disbelief.
But I think I'll continue the series. If I may not fly to Vienna at the end of April I can get a sense of it from my armchair.
January 14, 2025
Started: 1.7.25
Finished: 1.10.25
~Vienna Blood (Liebermann Papers.2) by Frank Tallis | #audio
~Narrated by: Robert Fass
#JayBookSin2025Boal Book.7
SynopSin: I enjoy this series quite a lot. I love the dark 1900 European time period, the beginnings of forensic science and psychoanalysis. It is the era of Freud which is fascinating. The dark elements are tense and atmospheric. I love the clever dialogue, and intellectual discussions. Tallis weaves a dark detective story with psychology, forensic science, but also about art, music and architecture as well. It’s brilliant. This all happens while in the background there is the tension of anti-semitism, xenophobia, and misogyny. The early stages of nazism and fascism.
The only thing keeping it from a 5📚 rating for me, is that the brilliant bits that make it unique and fantastic, can often go on a bit too long and throw off the pace of the story.
Other than that, I love it all. Great characters, great dialogue, great atmosphere, locale, and storytelling.
JBSR: 📚📚📚📚
JBSAR: 📚📚📚📚📚
Fave quotes:
"There are always risks, inspector, wherever one goes in pursuit of pleasure."
"A Viennese student could survive without food, but not without beer."
#booksinart73 #staybookedhappyreading #keepturningpages #booknerd #bookworm #bookdragon #booksquirrel #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookthreads #booktok
Instagram: BookSin.Art73
Finished: 1.10.25
~Vienna Blood (Liebermann Papers.2) by Frank Tallis | #audio
~Narrated by: Robert Fass
#JayBookSin2025Boal Book.7
SynopSin: I enjoy this series quite a lot. I love the dark 1900 European time period, the beginnings of forensic science and psychoanalysis. It is the era of Freud which is fascinating. The dark elements are tense and atmospheric. I love the clever dialogue, and intellectual discussions. Tallis weaves a dark detective story with psychology, forensic science, but also about art, music and architecture as well. It’s brilliant. This all happens while in the background there is the tension of anti-semitism, xenophobia, and misogyny. The early stages of nazism and fascism.
The only thing keeping it from a 5📚 rating for me, is that the brilliant bits that make it unique and fantastic, can often go on a bit too long and throw off the pace of the story.
Other than that, I love it all. Great characters, great dialogue, great atmosphere, locale, and storytelling.
JBSR: 📚📚📚📚
JBSAR: 📚📚📚📚📚
Fave quotes:
"There are always risks, inspector, wherever one goes in pursuit of pleasure."
"A Viennese student could survive without food, but not without beer."
#booksinart73 #staybookedhappyreading #keepturningpages #booknerd #bookworm #bookdragon #booksquirrel #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookthreads #booktok
Instagram: BookSin.Art73
December 30, 2019
This is the second book in The Liebermann Papers series, and the third one I've read. The author, Frank Tallis, manages to make 1902 Vienna come alive with historically accurate descriptions of Mahler's conducting, Freud's lectures, and most importantly, the detailed write ups of Viennese coffee houses and desserts!!
Gorgeous setting, check! Mouth-watering dessert descriptions, check check! Intelligent dialogue and well-constructed plot, triple check!
And instead of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson, we have Detective Inspector Rheinhardt paired with Doctor Max Liebermann, who hunt for serial killers by day, and meet up for music-making at night, singing around the Bosendorfer piano before working some more.
The music major in me revels in the descriptions of the lieder or the operas that they listen to, but it's not thrown in merely for pedantic effect. It's always connected to the case they're working on. I didn't think Mozart and murder went together, but Frank Tallis changed my mind!
It was such a pleasant surprise to discover that the first three books of the series has been made into a BBC TV show! Entitled... VIENNA BLOOD! :) For the trailer, go to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg1rX...
Gorgeous setting, check! Mouth-watering dessert descriptions, check check! Intelligent dialogue and well-constructed plot, triple check!
And instead of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson, we have Detective Inspector Rheinhardt paired with Doctor Max Liebermann, who hunt for serial killers by day, and meet up for music-making at night, singing around the Bosendorfer piano before working some more.
The music major in me revels in the descriptions of the lieder or the operas that they listen to, but it's not thrown in merely for pedantic effect. It's always connected to the case they're working on. I didn't think Mozart and murder went together, but Frank Tallis changed my mind!
It was such a pleasant surprise to discover that the first three books of the series has been made into a BBC TV show! Entitled... VIENNA BLOOD! :) For the trailer, go to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg1rX...
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