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The Ludwig Conspiracy

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About this listen

In 1886, King Ludwig II, the King of Bavaria, was deposed on grounds of mental incapacity without any medical examination. His "diagnosis" remains controversial among historians to this day. Soon after his fall from power, Ludwig died under mysterious circumstances, leaving the eccentric and beautiful "fairytale" castles he had built as his only remaining legacy.

While putting away books from an estate sale purchase, rare book-dealer Steven Lukas finds a box he's never seen before wedged between books on a high shelf. In it he discovers what looks to be a small diary written entirely in code, a lock of hair, and old photographs of the Fairytale King. It isn't long however, before his excitement turns to fear as he realizes that mysterious others want the diary too - and will apparently kill to get it. Suspecting that his find may contain the secret truth behind Ludwig's death, Steven consults with art historian Sara Lengfeld. Soon they find themselves on the run together, investigating each of Ludwig's three castles for clues as to just what in that ancient diary could be so explosive as to be worth killing - and even dying - for.

©2011 Oliver Pötzsch. English Translation © 2013 Anthea Bell. Recorded by arrangement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. (P)2013 HighBridge Company Historical International Mystery & Crime Mystery Thriller & Suspense Fiction Royalty Magic Fantasy

Critic reviews

"Pötzsch’s sophisticated plotting and good use of a real-lifehistorical puzzle place this far ahead of most Da Vinci Code wannabes." ( Publishers Weekly starred review)
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Who doesn’t love a good conspiracy theory and the death of King Ludwig has kept historians busy for years. The story format isn’t original but it’s told exuberantly and with pace. On a side note it’s great to find German literature in translation that isn’t about Nazis!

Cheesy fun

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Another fine piece of literature steeped in historical facts as well as fictional writing that keeps you thinking and on the edge of your seat throughout. Very enjoyable listen.

Another Pötzsch masterpiece

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