An Exhibition of Murder (A Murder Will Follow Mystery Series, Book 4) by Vivian Conroy

Former Scotland Yard investigator Jasper is back on the case, this time in the glamorous and cultured city of Vienna.

Book blurb

The opening of an archaeological exhibition brings with it intrigue and evil as a fabled cursed golden death mask lives up to its dark past and death strikes at the exhibition. While digging up pieces of history, these archaeologists have also been burying secrets – deadly ones – and it’s up to Jasper to uncover the truth before the murderer strikes again.

With a nosy journalist desperate to breathe life into the rumour that the mask brings bad luck to anyone possessing it, and the police eager to blame a famous cat burglar who recently pulled off a string of daring robberies, Jasper is on his own in bringing the true culprit to light.

My thoughts

In this the fourth book of the mysteries that Inspector Jasper of Scotland Yard (Retired) investigates we are in Vienna. He has been invited to visit and attend his hosts museum opening of an archeological exhibition which includes an infamous golden death mask.

His host’s daughter is engaged to the lead archaeologist whose own daughter has asked Jasper to watch over at the opening fearing that something awful will happen.

It is an intriguing storyline with threatening letters, secret meetings, affairs, gossip and indeed murder. A murder that makes Jasper feel most guilty since he was asked to keep the victim safe!

There are plenty of possibilities when it comes to who the murderer might be but the police are determined to blame a cat burglar who has been stealing precious items across the city. Jasper knows this cannot be – why would a thief murder and then leave the scene without the goods?

So begins Jaspers investigation and we are taken on a journey around each of the suspects as Jasper does his utmost to solve this case. He uncovers a possible link to the dig where the mask was discovered and one of the archeological team died a rather horrific death under somewhat strange circumstances.

We travel along with Jasper as he ferrets away – will he discover the murderer? Will you, reader, pick up clues and figure it out?

In true Agatha Christie style Jasper brings together the suspects once again in the museum, secrets are unveiled and the police stand by as Jasper reveals all.

Another really enjoyable read from Vivian Conroy who once again brings us a stunning backdrop to a stylish Murder will Follow mystery.

Vienna

With its beautiful buildings Vienna, capital of Austria 🇦🇹, is known around the world for its cultural heritage from the Vienna Opera to the Spanish Riding School were you can see the famous Lipizzaner horses. From the Vienna Boys Choir to St Stephen’s Cathedral. With Prater Park, the ferris wheel, Christmas markets, it’s museums, New Year’s concerts and The Danube. This is a stunning city and one I really would love to visit again.

Would you like to check out Vienna? You can plan your trip: https://www.wien.gv.at/english/culture-history/tourism/

I couldn’t resist the atmospheric setting of this song…

Thanks

Thanks to Sophie at Canelo for the invite to read Under the Guise of Death by Vivian Conroy and Canelo for an eCopy via NetGalley . All thoughts are my own, I have not received any payment for this review.

Previously read: A Testament to Murder|Under the Guise of Death

20 Books of Summer ‘20

This is my second read for this years 20 books challenge – 2 down 18 to go!

Information

Published: Canelo (26 March 2020)

eBook: ISBN 9781788639057

Buy: AmazonSmileUK | Kobo | Your favourite eBook seller

Author: Armed with cheese and chocolate, Vivian Conroy sits down to create the aspirational settings, characters with secrets up their sleeves, and clever plots which took several of her mysteries to #1 bestseller in multiple categories on Amazon US and Canada. Away from the keyboard, Vivian likes to hike (especially in the Swiss mountains), hunt for the perfect cheese cake and experience the joy in every-day life, be it a fiery sunset, a gorgeous full moon or that errant butterfly descending on the windowsill.

@VivWrites

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