Intrigue in Istanbul by Erica Ruth Neubauer (A Jane Wunderley Mystery Book 4)

 

Publication Date: 

March 28, 2023

Length:

288 pages

Summary:

This is book 4 in the series. I've read book one and thought the location of this one was fun. The cover and title caught my eye as well. Reading series books out of order has become something I've been doing lately but I'd like to try to go back to the beginning of many of them. It is hard to understand some of the backstory in this one without having read the others. 

After spending some wonderful time abroad in England, American Jane Wunderley is excited to be bringing home her English fiance, Mr. Redvers, to meet her father. Unfortunately, when they arrive in Boston her father is not at home. It seems he has left on an adventure overseas to find the long lost heart of Sultan Sulelman the Magnificent. It is said to have spiritual powers and worth a fortune. Jane is concerned that her father seems to have left no details as to who he is with and his exact location. Also, he hasn't taken his luggage and her Aunt Millie is worried that something more suspicious has taken place. When Jane discovers that her father is in financial trouble and in danger of losing her childhood home as well, the couple decides they must travel to Istanbul, Turkey to see if they can locate the Professor and get to the bottom of things. Their journey will take them from Turkey to Hungary and involve murder and shady characters all of whom seem to be suspects. 

Jane must navigate her new relationship along with her exasperating Aunt who turns up in Turkey at the hotel, insisting that she be involved in the search. Two women also appear as interested parties, one of whom has a romantic interest in Jane's father, shocking Jane's image of him as utterly devoted to her deceased mother. She has a hard time trusting anyone, including a local man who seems to be trying to help but appears suspicious as well. As the couple continues with clues to Jane's father's whereabouts, they sense they are being followed. When they deicde to ride the Orient Express train to Hungary and a murder occurs they are frightened and realize Jane's father could be in real danger. They must find him quickly.

While I enjoyed the location of the novel it did have very thin details making it authentic in setting. It started off strong, describing the people, food, clothes, etc. but I was disappointed when it switched abruptly to Hungary. I just didn't feel it fit with the story. It seemed like the author was tired of where they were and wanted to also include a tidbit from a Christie novel with the train. 

Jane is not my favorite character. She has a backstory that is very serious and for me just doesn't fit with this type of cozy mystery. I am not sure I want to have it added to this series as it seems to be marketed for a more light-hearted audience.

While I did enjoy the mystery and history in the book I am not sure if I will continue with this series. There are so many cozies to choose from. But it is still entertaining and maybe there will be another one down the road that I will try just to see what Jane and Redvers are up to.