J. Sydney Jones Livres

Vienna, 1901. With the police seemingly indifferent to the murder of a 19-year-old prostitute known as Mitzi, brothel-keeper Frau Mutzenbacher turns to lawyer Karl Werthen to find out what happened and bring her killer to justice. Yet the more he discovers about the mysterious Mitzi, with her secret past and impressive roster of clients, the more questions Werthen’s investigation throws up. At the same time, Werthen undertakes a second commission: to find out who viciously assaulted playwright Arthur Schnitzler. Schnitzler believes his latest controversial play might have been the motive for the attack – but is there more to it than that? As he navigates the highs and lows of Viennese society in dogged pursuit of the truth, Werthen finds himself drawn into a conspiracy of espionage and affairs of state.

The Hitler who arrived in Vienna in 1907 was a young aspiring artist; the man who left six years later was a hate-filled dictator in the making, destined to plunge the world into war. Jones' look at Hitler's formative years provides a startling and insightful picture into the future Fuhrer, examining his career as an artist, his acquaintances, and his developing political beliefs. Jones also explores the Vienna of those fragile years before World War I, a home to an amazing array of artists, thinkers, and future leaders, including Sigmund Freud, composer Gustav Mahler, philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, Communist leader Leon Trotsky, painter Gustav Klimt, composer Arnold Schoenberg, and many others. In this remarkable setting, where the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire were running out and suicide became a widespread trend, Jones shows how the tumultuous period left a significant mark on the young Hitler.

Suggests four walking tours of Vienna; describes historic sights, restaurants, and points of interest along each route; and includes advice on accommodations, entertainment, dining, and shopping

The collection features insights from a four-time Edgar Award winner, focusing on the craft of writing fiction. It offers a blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and reflections on the writing process, making it a valuable resource for aspiring authors and seasoned writers alike. Block's expertise shines through as he discusses techniques, challenges, and the intricacies of storytelling, providing inspiration and guidance to enhance one's writing skills.

The summer of 1898 finds Austria terrorized by a killer whom the press calls “Vienna’s Jack the Ripper.” When the painter Gustav Klimt’s female model becomes the fifth victim, the police finger him as the culprit. Dr. Hanns Gross, the renowned father of criminology, agrees to assist Klimt's lawyer, Karl Werthen, in investigating the murders. Together, Gross and Werthen must not only clear Klimt’s name but also follow the trail of a killer that will lead them in the most surprising of directions. Written by an acclaimed expert on Vienna and its history, The Empty Mirror introduces a new series of stunning historical mysteries that reveals the culture and curiosities of this fascinating fin de siècle metropolis.

Set against the backdrop of early WWII, a wounded former NYPD detective delves into a web of murder and espionage along the California coast. As he navigates the complexities of his past and the dangers of his investigation, he uncovers dark secrets that intertwine personal and national stakes, highlighting the tension and intrigue of the era.

Exploring the primal instincts of survival, the narrative delves into the psychological tension between predator and prey. It challenges characters to confront their deepest fears and desires as they navigate a dangerous game where the stakes are life and death. Themes of power, vulnerability, and the moral dilemmas of hunting versus being hunted are intricately woven throughout, creating a gripping atmosphere that keeps readers on edge.

The memoir of an aging man reveals a disturbing journey from a humble childhood in post-World War I Vienna to his involvement as a war criminal in the SS. As he recounts his past atrocities with pride, his writing is interrupted by journalist Kate O'Brien, who seeks to uncover his story. When she discovers his dark secrets, he kidnaps her, leading to a confrontation with his own horrific history and moral decay. The narrative explores themes of guilt, memory, and the consequences of one's past actions.

March, 1902. When Herr Karl, head waiter of the Café Burg, is found dead, private enquiries agent Karl Werthen is hired to investigate. At the same time, he is commissioned to locate a missing letter from the emperor Franz Josef to his mistress. But what incendiary information does it contain?

1901. Karl Werthen and his colleague, renowned criminologist Dr Hanns Gross, are investigating a bizarre series of murders in the small Austrian town of Graz. Meanwhile, back in Vienna, Karl's wife Berthe is looking into what seems to be a fraudulent breeding scheme involving the prized Lipizzaner horses. Could the two investigations be connected?