Viennese and Musical May Reading List

__ A Viennese and Musical May 🎻🌸__

May days have a very special quality: they are longer, and the golden light seems to wake the world up from its winter sleep.
Here, in the heart of spring, the countryside is a mix of bright green and a thousand other colors, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of flowers.

In my opinion, it’s the most romantic month of the year, and it always makes me want to get lost in a book as elegant as a musical opera.

If you follow my reading journey, you know how much I love stories set in Vienna.

There is something about the grand palaces, the narrow cobblestone streets, and the way Mozart’s ghost seems to linger in the air. It’s the perfect setting for a novel!
Whether it’s a dark mystery about a lost musical score or a romance blooming under the chestnut trees of the Prater, Vienna offers a sense of peace (and sometimes drama) that few other places can match.

Every month, I usually pick four or more books for myself.
This time, I decided to share my list with you, and I want to call it my **Viennese and Musical May.**

We will travel through time, from the powdered wigs of the 18th century to the Austrian choirs of the 19th-forties.
So, grab a cup of Wiener Melange (a bit like an Italian cappuccino), a delicious slice of chocolate cake, find a sunny spot in the grass, and let’s dive into these stories together!


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__ 1. THE COURAGEOUS OVERTURE:

The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap

Theresa Schurman book #1 #HistoricalMystery

Where the journey begins! Set in 18th-century Vienna, this atmospheric story introduces us to Theresa Schurman as she solves a dark mystery surrounding her father's death.

It's rich in musical history, filled with colorful characters, and packed with unexpected twists and turns.
The historical atmosphere of the time is absolutely palpable!

👉 Read my review here :

THE MUSICIAN'S DAUGHTER by Susanne Dunlap book review.

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__ 2. THE NEW READ - A MUSICAL INTRIGUE - (6 GOLDEN STARS!)

The Mozart Conspiracy by Susanne Dunlap

Theresa Schurman book #2 #HistoricalMystery

I have just finished this breathtaking sequel, and it absolutely stole my heart!

Theresa is living a double life in Vienna, working as a young female violin teacher and playing in an orchestra disguised as a boy. After stumbling upon a murder, she navigates secret societies, dangerous threats, and musical conspiracies involving Mozart himself, all to uncover the culprit. An unforgettable 6-star reading journey!

It’s the perfect book for those who love intrigues and musical mysteries.

MY FULL REVIEW COMING IN FEW DAYS!

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__ 3. THE FAVOURITE:

The Figaro Murders by Laura Lebow

Lorenzo Da Ponte Book #1 #HistoricalCozyMystery #MozartOpera #ImperialVienna

If you missed it, I recently updated my review of this gem.
🎼🕵️‍Set 18th century Vienna, the story follows Lorenzo Da Ponte, Mozart’s real-life librettist, as a "reluctant detective." While struggling to finish the script for The Marriage of Figaro, Da Ponte finds himself accused of a brutal murder. The only one option: find the real culprit.

It’s a brilliant recreation of the Enlightenment world, filled with music, political intrigue, and famous historical figures.

Read my review here :

THE FIGARO MURDERS by Laura Lebow book review

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__ 4. THE SEQUEL OF THE RELUCTANT DETECTIVE :

Sent to the Devil by Laura Lebow

Lorenzo Da Ponte Book #2 #HistoricalCozyMystery #OperaLibrettist #Vienna

If you loved The Figaro Murders, you cannot miss the grand finale of this duology. This time, Lorenzo Da Ponte is working on Mozart’s Don Giovanni while a mysterious killer stalks the Viennese aristocracy.

It’s a delightful mix of history, music, and suspense—perfect for a cozy afternoon! 🎼🕵️‍♂️

Read my review here :

SENT TO THE DEVIL by Laura Lebow book review

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__ 5. THE MUSICAL ROMANCE:

Magic Flutes by Eva Ibbotson

also published with the title "The Reluctant Heiress" #HistoricalRomance #YoungAdult #MozartVibes.

💕A delightful and lighthearted romance set in the 1920s. It follows a princess in disguise who joins an opera production of Mozart’s *The Magic Flute*. Between rehearsals and high-society snobs, a charming English gentleman falls for her. It’s bubbly, sweet, and absolutely perfect for a sunny May afternoon!🏰🌸

I haven't read it yet, but it's on my wishlist and if you'd like to know more you can read the back cover on Goodreads.

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__ 6. THE SOULFUL CLASSIC:

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp

#NonFiction #Memoir #History #Inspirational #TheSoundOfMusic

🎶🎼This beautiful autobiography stayed in my heart long after I finished it.

It’s the real story behind *The Sound of Music*, following the family from the mountains of Austria to America. It's a tale of faith, music, and rebirth, the perfect book to bring peace to your soul this spring.

The book is available both in English and Italian Edition.
Read my review here :

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp book review

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__ 7. THE PASSIONATE OPERA:

Vienna Nocturne by Vivien Shotwell

#HistoricalRomance #MozartVibes #OperaSinger.

💕What happens when a young, talented singer meets the genius of Mozart in the sparkling theaters of Vienna? This novel follows Anna Storace, a real-life soprano, on her journey from Italy’s greatest opera houses to the Imperial Court.

It’s a story of fame, heartbreak, and an undeniable connection between two artists who inspire each other to create masterworks. It’s a dramatic and romantic tour de force that I can't wait to read! 🎼💖

Take a look on for further details Goodreads.

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__ 8. THE OPERA THRILLER:

Death and the Maiden by Frank Tallis

Liebermann Papers Book #6#HistoricalThriller #ViennaOpera #GustavMahler

If you are looking for a more intense mystery, this is it. When a famous diva of the Vienna Opera is found dead, Detective Oskar Rheinhardt and psychoanalyst Max Liebermann suspect it wasn’t just an accident.

It’s a fascinating journey into a 19th century Vienna full of scandals, political tensions, and dangerous secrets. An investigation involving the great composer Gustav Mahler himself!🔎🎭🎼

Know more about the whole series on Goodreads. Each book ca be easily read as a standalone.

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__ 9. THE SCHUBERT MYSTERY:

Vienna in Violet by David W. Frank

#MusicalMystery #Schubert #HistoricalFiction #Vienna.

In this intriguing mystery, the great composer Franz Schubert and his partner Johann Michael Vogl find themselves accused of murdering a notorious countess.

The police are looking for a quick scapegoat, and the two musicians must prove their innocence before it's too late. It’s a race against time to stop a killer and protect the genius of Schubert.
A must-read for fans of music and suspense! 🎻🔍💜

Take a look on for further details on Goodreads.

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Curious about what else is on my nightstand? You can peek at my full _ To Read Shelf on Goodreads _ to see all the stories I’m planning to dive into this year!

Join me on FACEBOOK: Tizi Cozy Corner,

to stay updated on my latest reviews and bookish news! ✨

As we close this musical tour through the streets of Vienna, I hope these eight books have sparked your curiosity!
Whether you prefer the elegant 18th-century court of Mozart, the romantic 1920s, or the dramatic 1940s, there is a story waiting to transport you to the City of Music.

Reading is like listening to a symphony: every story has its own.

Now, I’d love to hear from you!👉 Which of these titles has caught your eye? Are you in the mood for a dark mystery or a heartwarming romance today?
Let me know in the comments below—I always love a good bookish chat! ☕📖

And don't forget to follow me on Goodreads to stay updated on my latest 'musical' discoveries.
Happy reading, and may your May be filled with wonderful stories! 🌸📖✨

Book review : The Chains of Albion by Edwin Thomas | The Perfect Feel-Good Historical Escape

The Chains of Albion
Reluctant Adventures of Lieutenant Martin Jerrold Book #2)
by Edwin Thomas

GENRE : #Historical-adventure-mystery #NavalSetting

Romp-fast, funny, and intentionally lighthearted adventure novel. My rating: ★★★★☆

😃Once again, Edwin Thomas has kept me entertained with the chaotic exploits of British naval lieutenant Martin Jerrold, who’s basically a magnet for trouble.
This book is a light, fun, and fast-moving historical mystery, perfect if you want something enjoyable without too much thinking, especially if you like stories tied to real historical events.

THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL :

It’s July 1806. Just a few months earlier, Lieutenant Martin Jerrold had to clear his name from a false murder charge and, despite a series of mishaps and bad luck, managed to uncover a traitorous plot against the English crown favoring Napoleon.
Now promoted to captain, he’s in charge of a prison ship in the Medway filled with French prisoners. He couldn’t be happier: away from battles, storms, and all the headaches of naval life, plus he gets to spend time with his lover Isobel, who visits him regularly under the guise of being his “cousin.” But this peaceful setup isn’t going to last. Jerrold’s luck runs out when one of the prisoners escapes due to his own careless mistake.
Stripped of his command and summoned back to London by the First Lord of the Admiralty, he’s tasked with tracking down the fugitive by any means necessary.

Reluctantly, he sets off on a chase that takes him from the murky swamps of Chatham, through the grimy London slums, across the bleak Dartmoor, and finally to Brighton, a rising, elegant seaside resort.

At the post office, Mr. Nevell, a spy from the Secret Office and Jerrold’s partner from the last adventure, shows up with an interest that matches the political powers both in the royal court and the opposition.
Why is this escaped prisoner so important that everyone’s willing to go to any lengths to catch him?

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____ MY THOUGHTS ___

Like I said at the start, this book is a fun ride with plenty of moments that might seem a bit silly. But don’t write it off as a “goofy” story, because even without a murder mystery to solve, the question of why the prisoner matters keeps you curious and on edge until one of the last chapters.
Then, when someone finally spills the truth to Jerrold, he surprises us again by doing what’s right, just when taking the easier, wrong path would have been so much simpler.

THE MAIN CHARACTER : MARTIN JERROLD

He’s lazy, clumsy, and pretty much a disaster as a soldier, especially one with big responsibilities.
You might think he’d be one of those annoying characters, but he actually won me over from the first book.
He’s young and good-looking, but beneath it all, he’s got a heart of gold, and you can’t help but root for him. Every move he makes, even when he’s trying, seems cursed by bad luck.
In both the previous book and this one, the "villain" isn't just one person, but several people from different factions and all of them treat him with merciless arrogance and a sense of superiority.

WHAT YOU CAN COUNT ON:

One thing I really like about Edwin Thomas is that bullies and villains always get what’s coming to them, and despite all the crap Jerrold goes through, he ends up rewarded in the end.
The author calls this reward “undeserved,” but honestly, Jerrold’s charm is that even though he’s pushed around by orders, fate, and circumstances beyond his control, he still gives his best, often without even realizing it.
He might be the first to doubt himself, thinking himself a “cunning coward,” but the story proves otherwise. You can’t help but love him and cheer when he finally gets his moment of moral victory.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER :

1 _ SIDE CHARACTERS:

Isobel, Nevell, and Jerrold’s little personal servant, the friends and supporters, don’t get as much screen time in this second adventure compared to the first book.
I would have loved a longer story with more action scenes involving these familiar faces.
I was glad to see them again though; having returning characters really helps the series feel connected.

2 _ THE MAIN VILLAIN:

Major Lebrett, a cavalry officer obsessed with catching the prisoner, is probably the toughest on Jerrold. He’s painted as a skilled soldier but completely without scruples or conscience.
Maybe the author could’ve dug deeper into his character as the main antagonist to Jerrold’s reluctant hero, but with so many villains in the mix, it’s understandable that not everyone gets a full personality spotlight.
That’s just a small note from me, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.

THE HISTORICAL BACKDROP:

Even though the backdrop is the Napoleonic Wars, when England and France were bitter enemies, you don’t actually get thrown into battle scenes here. Instead, picture the salty sea breeze mixed with tense political plots, the sweat and danger of daring escapes, and the occasional sharp scent of gun smoke.
There’s a brief but intense and suspenseful action moment between two brigantines that made me want to dive into classic naval stories like those by Patrick O'Brian (Master and Commander) or C.S. Forester (Horatio Hornblower).

WHO DO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO?

If you’re a young adult or adult looking for a quick, unpredictable read that you can finish in a couple of days and walk away feeling light and happy, this is for you.
The language is clean for younger readers, and there’s nothing too graphic or upsetting for sensitive folks.

Thanks for checking out my review, I hope you enjoyed this journey into 19th-century England with me!

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