The Case of Princess Schwarzenberg 1757: Part Two (The Archduchess Investigates Book 2)
Some time ago, I had the pleasure of meeting the Archduchess Maria Anna—Marianne to her family—in Ms. Grenze’s first book about her, The Case of Princess Schwarzenberg 1757, Part One.
Now, I’ve had the opportunity of deepening my acquaintance, this through the second book about this intelligent and likeable archduchess. Marianne is the eldest surviving child of Empress Maria Theresa. Maria Theresa has never forgiven Marianne for being born a girl when the entire Austrian court wished for a male heir, and things are not improved by Marianne’s recurring health problems. Our archduchess is presently recovering from a serious illness at the palace of Hetzendorf, while the rest of the imperial family is spending the summer at Schönbrunn.
By 1757, Maria Theresa has a major headache in the shape of Frederik the Great, who is besieging the imperial troops in Prague. The historical events are elegantly woven into the narrative, even if Marianne’s focus lies further back in time; she is investigating the tragic death of Prince Schwarzenberg in 1732.
I have no idea how many days, weeks, months, Ms. Grenze has invested on researching the 18th-century Austrian Hapsburgs and their world, but to judge from her novel, it has paid off. A large cast of characters dance around our Marianne, all of them with distinctive features and backstories that are elegantly alluded to. Relevant facts are inserted casually, as are exquisite little details such as Sèvres porcelain now being available in pink. Pink!
Ms. Grenze delivers a delight of a novel with an absolutely wonderful protagonist. Yes, it is very much a part two and should be read after part one, but for those who have a fondness for the 18th century, this is an absolute treat. Most warmly recommended.
