Mozart's Last Aria - Review

The news arrives in a letter to his sister, Nannerl, in December 1791. But the message carries more than word of Nannerl’s brother’s demise. Two months earlier, Mozart confided to his wife that his life was rapidly drawing to a close . . . and that he knew he had been poisoned.

In Vienna to pay her final respects, Nannerl soon finds herself ensnared in a web of suspicion and intrigue—as the actions of jealous lovers, sinister creditors, rival composers, and Mozart’s Masonic brothers suggest that dark secrets hastened the genius to his grave. As Nannerl digs deeper into the mystery surrounding her brother’s passing, Mozart’s black fate threatens to overtake her as well.

Transporting readers to the salons and concert halls of eighteenth-century Austria, Mozart’s Last Aria is a magnificent historical mystery that pulls back the curtain on a world of soaring music, burning passion, and powerful secrets.

Matt Rees is an award-winning crime novelist and foreign correspondent. He is the author of the internationally acclaimed Omar Yussef crime series, including The Collaborator of Bethlehem. He is also the author of Cain’s Field, a nonfiction account of Israeli and Palestinian society. Matt lives in Jerusalem.

You can Matt at his website, www.mattrees.net, read his blog, and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

My Thoughts

Not only has Matt Rees written a well developed mystery novel but he explores the relationship between Mozart and his sister Nannerl. As much of a child prodigy as her brother Nannerl was taken out of the limelight long ago. She is living with her husband and children in a small village when she learns of her brothers death. Although they had been out of touch for several years she feels compelled to go to Vienna to pay her respects. Once there she gets caught up in the mystery surrounding his death.

I really like the character of Nannerl, she is determined to find the truth. What she finds along the way is intrigue, deceit, infidelity and a possible love interest. All of this kept the story moving and definitely held my interest. The possible involvement of the Freemasons really deepens the mystery. And then, or so it seems, the mystery is solved. Or was it? There is a twist of a twist to the ending.

If you love a good mystery then Mozart's Last Aria is a must read. I recommend this book to everyone.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated for my review, all opinions are my own.