Mortal Mischief

by Frank Tallis
Mortal Mischief cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Technical:
  • ID: 223
  • Added: 2025-09-04
  • Updated: 2025-09-04
  • ISBN: 9781409066101
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2009-09-15
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Publishers Weekly · 2025-09-04
atmospheric 4.00

The book is commended for its intelligent and atmospheric setting, blending mystery and history effectively. However, some later entries in the series are noted to have less compelling plotlines.

Publishers Weekly praises Mortal Mischief for its strong atmospheric depiction of Vienna at the turn of the 20th century and the integration of psychoanalysis into the crime narrative. The series is celebrated for its intriguing mysteries and the intellectual challenge posed by the cases. However, the review hints that not all books in the series maintain this level of quality, with some later works showing weaker storylines. Nonetheless, the initial novels, including Mortal Mischief, are recommended for their thoughtful approach to crime fiction and historical detail. The reviewer appreciates Tallis's ability to create a moody, richly detailed backdrop that enhances the psychological complexity of the plot. The combination of a historical thriller with the emerging science of psychoanalysis offers a fresh take on the genre that appeals to readers who enjoy both mystery and intellectual depth.

Quick quotes

    British author Tallis sets his intelligent murder mystery in the stormy, atmospheric Austrian capital at the turn of the 20th century.

    Tallis's excellent fourth puzzler set in early 20th-century Vienna neatly blends mystery and history.

    A so-so serial killer story line mars British author Tallis's fifth novel pairing Viennese psychoanalyst Max Liebermann and Det. Insp. Oskar Rheinhardt.

Penguin Books UK · 2025-09-04
engaging 4.20

The novels are recognized for their intelligent weaving of psychological depth into crime narratives set in Vienna’s culturally rich and politically tense environment. The series explores complex social issues and the dark side of human nature through the lens of psychoanalysis and detective work.

Penguin highlights the compelling nature of the Max Liebermann series, including Mortal Mischief, which blends historical detail with gripping crime investigations. The books are set against a backdrop of racial tensions, anti-Semitism, and social unrest, which adds intensity and realism to the mysteries. The protagonist's psychoanalytic approach to crime-solving offers a unique perspective that enriches the narrative and provides insight into the darker aspects of human behavior. The series is praised for its atmospheric depiction of turn-of-the-century Vienna, immersing readers in a world where social and political conflicts intersect with personal drama and suspense. The psychological undertones and cultural context make these novels stand out as thoughtful and engaging historical crime fiction.

Quick quotes

    Vienna, at the turn of the century. Philosophy, science and art are flourishing.

    Liebermann is drawn into the world of Jewish mysticism amid an atmosphere of threat and fear.

    To understand the killer's behaviour, Liebermann must make a journey into uncharted regions of the human mind.

Dead Good Books · 2025-09-04
intriguing 4.30

The series is praised for its atmospheric setting and the intriguing blend of psychoanalysis and crime solving in early 20th century Vienna. The reviewer highlights the complex characters and the detailed depiction of Vienna’s secret societies.

The reviewer appreciates how the Max Liebermann series, starting with Mortal Mischief, combines a vivid historical backdrop with psychological insight, making the crime stories deeply engaging. They emphasize the layered storytelling that intertwines the protagonist’s personal struggles with the dark mysteries he investigates, especially noting the fascinating portrayal of Vienna's secret societies and cultural tensions at the time. This mix of mystery, history, and psychology creates a compelling read that stands out in the crime genre. They also point out the adaptation of the books into a BBC Two drama, which suggests the strong narrative and character appeal of the series. The portrayal of Max Liebermann as a psychoanalyst working alongside a detective adds a fresh angle to crime fiction, enriching the plot with intellectual depth and historical context.

Quick quotes

    Set in 1900s Vienna, these historical crime novels follow Dr Max Liebermann, a young psychoanalyst studying under Sigmund Freud.

    The investigation draws them into the sphere of Vienna’s secret societies – a murky underworld of German literary scholars, race theorists, and scientists.

    Liebermann struggles with his own demons, raising doubts concerning the propriety of his imminent marriage.

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