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The beginning of this book really dragged. So much so that I thought about just discontinuing reading this series. Yet about two-thirds through it grabbed my attention and I quickly finished it.
It is interesting how the author intermixes Falco's cases and personal life. But I am getting tired of seeing Falco getting beaten to a pulp at least one in every novel.
However, I thought the best part of the book was when the Emperor's son showed up at Falco's dingy apartment for a fish dinner.
It is interesting how the author intermixes Falco's cases and personal life. But I am getting tired of seeing Falco getting beaten to a pulp at least one in every novel.
However, I thought the best part of the book was when the Emperor's son showed up at Falco's dingy apartment for a fish dinner.
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Of the first four or five books in the Falco series, this is perhaps the one I liked least. Perhaps because all the secondary characters, whether suspects or victims were not very nice characters. However, the plot was masterly. Like a vintage Agatha Christie, all the clues were there to see, cleverly disguised. The ending has an unexpected twist to the usual "criminal brought to justice" theme. I will probably read it again sometime.