This book had intrigue and hints of romance. It did leave some unanswered questions but overall an interesting book.
Based in Vienna, Lady Sophia is part of a covert team to infiltrate relics. She is commissioned by various men to locate the death mask of Mozart. Her colleague, Simon , heir of Suxxex's oldest estate (also her husband in name only) uses his high breeding to gain access to all of the allied quarters. He truly loves Sophia and he is torn between his heart and loyalty to his cause. They find out that their involvement in the wars is based on a lie and they struggle to find the truth. Along the way, Sophia finally opens her heart to Simon and they take their place in high society again. ( )

Engaging story of espionage, romance, and music! This is the first book I’ve read by Rachel McMillan and it certainly won’t be the last. Like an intense game of chess, this book takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions as danger mounts and the romantic tension between the two main players increases.

The story takes place in Vienna after WWII with several factions vying for control. Spies and intrigue abound as each of the Allied forces tries to gain dominance. Mozart plays a key role where his music and the search for his death mask are underlying pawns in a new subtle Cold War.

Juxtaposed with the political intrigue is the tension filled romance between Simon and Sophie. Simon is the secret illegitimate son of Lady Barrington who fell in love over a chess game. He is resented by his “stepfather” who allowed Simon to take his name to prevent scandal. His brilliant mind and knack for chess earned him a role at Bletchley Park and Simon continues his covert work to further British interests after the war. His longtime friend Sophie whom he has secretly loved since their first meeting is also in Vienna, but her newest assignment has him questioning her loyalty and their relationship.

Lady Sophia Huntington from the time she was little was told love is a weakness. She holds close her grandmother’s pearls as a reminder. Playing the piano, especially Mozart. is near to her heart and she uses it as a shield. Her past war experience now has her working with Simon in a new role as Starling, a dealer and acquirer of rare relics. Her charge in Vienna is to acquire Mozart’s death mask. However, as she gets closer to finding the mask, she encounters men on all political sides who would kill to obtain it.

Sophie’s and Simon’s relationship is complicated to say the least. The story switches back and forth from their first meetings to their present day relationship. Both are crippled by their pasts. They agreed to a secret marriage of convenience to save Simon’s estate, but neither one is willing to admit there might be more to it. At times, I was frustrated with Sophie and her inability to express her feelings. The tension between these two is palpable and it’s obvious that they love each other.

In the end, I grew to appreciate their strong friendship/relationship that built into more. The villains were especially ruthless. I enjoyed the symbolism in the story and the suspense. To be honest, it took me awhile to get used to the style of writing. I received an advanced copy from NetGalley, but because of time constraints, I obtained the Audible audiobook version. I absolutely loved the audiobook! The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing each of the characters to life and I feel like this book especially was meant for audiobook listeners. It flowed so much better for me. I was not required to provide a positive review and am leaving this voluntarily. Content: closed door romance with some foreplay between a married couple, violence, torture. ( )

4.5 Stars

If you asked me to name one author who is an avid reader and encourages and promotes other authors, my answer would come without much thought. Rachel McMillan is a self-proclaimed book gusher. She is also an author—one that I’ve followed since her first Herringford and Watts series book—who is an auto-buy for me.

In The Mozart Code, McMillan combines the world of espionage, artifacts, romance (including a marriage of convenience), Vienna and Prague while taking readers on Sophie and Simon’s journey of uncovering their true feelings for each other.

There are a lot of World War II stories but not many, at least that I’ve read, dealing with life after the war. McMillan gives us snapshots of pre-war and post-war life for her characters (and by the way, readers will enjoy some more time with Brent and Diana from The London Restoration) as well.

My favorite parts of this book are the romance built on friendship and the familial relationships both Sophie and Simon have with their families—different in several respects, but both strain against the expectations of their circumstances.

McMillan’s detailed descriptions put me right in the cities with her characters, the action scenes had me on the edge of my seat, and the romance (my favorite part of any book) was everything I expected it to be. In short, The Mozart Code was worth the wait.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Wow, what a powerful story, filled with strong, larger-than-life characters. I enjoyed the backdrop of Vienna and Prague, as the author whisks readers back to a time of rebuilding and all the uneasiness of making sure the most precious works of art get into the right hands, and countries. The author takes her time in showing the reader snippets of history and the world around the main characters as they work to uncover, espionage, mysteries, and real love along the way.

The author has Brent and Diane (from her previous novel) pop in and out of this story filled with twists and turns, as they fight the war on and off the field. Sophie and Simon are walking a fine line with their secrets, trying to keep each other safe and still do their jobs. Sometimes it was just impossible. What would they do for their country? For the one they loved? One wrong move and everyone dies.

It was interesting and fun to see how the author incorporated her love of Mozart into this story. The author’s love of his music shines throughout this novel. It was delightfully tied together, as Sophie adores Mozart’s music so much it plays in her head and helps in her work situations.

Readers are thrown all which ways as Simon and Sophie dance around their feelings and try to respect one another along the way. This is a standalone novel with memorable characters you won’t want to miss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )

Epic novel. This is one to savor and experience Vienna and Prague vicariously. I love spy stories. This one is stunning and cerebral.
Set in Prague and Vienna post WWII, this novel was all about the cold war and espionage. It is easy to see why Ms. McMillan loves these beautiful cities from her vivid descriptions of them. I have always loved spy stories and this author does spy to a T. Set partially in Vienna, the city of spies, this story drew me in with its complex plot and exemplary characters. A marriage of convenience between old English gentry was crafted with a poignant romance.
Sophie is a capable, strong heroine but is vulnerable where Simon is concerned. Simon is an exceptional agent and is still working for England in the aftermath of war. The old friends support each other but they both have secrets, one of which is their growing fondness for one another. A key point in this intriguing story is Mozart, his history and his music. It is wonderfully tied together. Sophie adores his music so much that it plays in her head and her fingers execute the pieces of music seemingly of their own volition.
A memorable story for fans of Historical Fiction with tie-ins to espionage and beautiful Prague and Vienna.
* I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* ( )