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The Mastersinger from Minsk

An Inspector Herman Preiss Mystery

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About this listen

It is late March 1868. In Munich, composer Richard Wagner is completing his new opera Die Meistersinger von Nuremberg. It has been a difficult few years for him, and much depends upon the success of this new work. Following the tense auditions, an anonymous note warns Wagner that the premiere will be the date of his ruination.

Enter Inspector Hermann Preiss, who discovers a complication. Her name is Cornelia Vanderhoute, and she claims to have been made pregnant after a typical, brief Wagner fling. A series of murders of people involved in the new production suggests Cornelia is carrying out a deadly program of revenge.

Even Wagner and his wife are threatened. Will Preiss succeed in discovering the writer of the note? Will he manage to prevent the murder of Wagner, and what will happen on the night of the premiere?

©2012 Morley Torgov (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Historical Jewish Music Mystery World Literature Fiction Opera Crime

Editor reviews

In book two of Morley Torgov's Inspector Hermann Preiss Mystery series, German composer Richard Wagner is completing Die Meistersinger von Nuremberg when he receives a letter that predicts his downfall during his opera's debut. A string of murders occur against members of the production as Preiss attempts to solve the mystery behind the letter and save Wagner's life. Jason Culp has an impressive acuity with Torgov's characters, portraying Wagner as obstinate and paranoid while giving Preiss a composed and unflappable steadfastness, and his ability to heighten the tension as the fateful day approaches makes this historical mystery a suspenseful delight.
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4 stars? Well, just. It's an enjoyable read, particularly if the music theme appeals although there are some weaknesses to the plot which you just have to accept and keep on going. Inspector Preiss is an engaging character and I'll probably read the next one in the series now that I'm familiar with his methods and quirks.

Enjoyable

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An interesting story, set in a time & place I know little about.
The narrator did a good job with the voices, a good match for my mental image of the setting.
My only criticism is the speed of delivery. I found that setting the playback speed to 1.1 was a vast improvement. I’d be happy to listen to more in this series.

Great narration, if a little slow.

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An intriguing setting and a good plot. Will look for more Hermann Preiss novels. The narrator’s voice suited my idea of him perfectly!

Loved it!

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The reading of this kept me going when the story
Slightly meandered, though it was altogether an inventive, almost believable plot,I did wonder the Inspector was not quite on the ball- at times! However
I do recommend it, very much so, especially the performance.

A fine performance!

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New to the Inspector Preiss series. I’ll need to seek out some more as I really enjoyed this one. Great narrator too.

New reader

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