Vienna Blood (Liebermann Papers, Vol. 2)

In the grip of winter in 1902, a serial killer in Vienna embarks upon a bizarre campaign of murder. Vicious mutilation, a penchant for arcane symbols, and a seemingly random choice of victim are his most distinctive peculiarities. Detective Inspector Rheinhardt summons a young disciple of Freud - his friend Dr. Max Liebermann - to assist him with the case. The investigation draws them into the sphere of Vienna's secret societies - a murky underworld of German literary scholars, race theorists and scientists. The killer's mind seems impenetrable - his cryptic clues impervious to psychoanalytic interpretation; however, gradually it becomes apparent that a shocking rationale underlies his actions. Against this backdrop of mystery and terror, Liebermann struggles with his own demons as his fascination with the enigmatic Amelia Lydgate raises doubts concerning the propriety of his imminent marriage. To resolve the dilemma, he must entertain the unthinkable - risking disgrace and accusations of cowardice.