A Place to Die by Dorothy James is a mystery set at a house in Vienna where people go to die. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere at the house is shaken up by the murder of one of the residents. Within just a few weeks after the murder, an unusual number of deaths occur.

The story begins with Eleanor and Franz from New York visiting Franz’s mother at the Haus im Wald for Christmas. The mother was moved into the home against her will so there is already some family friction. During what they expected to be a rather boring visit, Herr Graff (a very wealthy resident) is found dead in his room. 

Inspector Buchner is called in to investigate the murder and decides to take up residence in the house during his investigation. Eleanor is eager to help him with his investigation. As he interviews the residents in the house, he learns of many other activities inside this “peaceful establishment”. The inspector quickly discovers that not all the residents, guests, and employees at the house are completely honest with him.

Dorothy James does an excellent job of bringing the characters and settings in A Place to Die to life. You can almost see the characters in your mind while reading their descriptions. The characters were realistic enough that I found myself disliking some and cheering for others.

The German titles, names, and phrases made some parts of the book a little difficult to read. After a while though, the German seemed to blend in with the English and flow smoothly.

The book read like an Agatha Christie mystery. When Inspector Buchner was revealing who was guilty, I could almost see and hear Hercule Poirot.

This was easily one of the best mystery books I have read in a while. I hope we can see the inspector in future books!

Another blogger review of A Place to Die can be found at Stimulated Outlet Book Reviews.

Author website:  http://www.viennamysteries.com/

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tags: 5 STARS, family friendly, fiction, mystery