Review: The Mozart Code

Title: The Mozart Code

Author: Rachel McMillan

Publisher: 15th March 2022 by Thomas Nelson

Pages: 336 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction, historical fiction, romance

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

Lady Sophia Huntington Villiers is no stranger to intrigue, as her work with Alan Turing’s Bombe Machines at Bletchley Park during the war attests. Now, as part of Simon Barre’s covert team in postwar Vienna, she uses her inimitable charm and code name Starling to uncover a lethal double agent immersed in the world of relics—including the death mask of Mozart. 

Simon Barrington, eighth earl of Camden, is determined to end the Cold War before it becomes as devastating as the war Britain has just won. He has been in love with Sophie Villiers since the moment he met her. A marriage of convenience to save Simon's estate brings them closer until a mission in Prague drives Sophie to a decision that will brand her not only a traitor to her country but also to her new husband.

With Sophie’s allegiance in question, Simon is torn between his duty to the crown and saving the woman who might have betrayed his cause and his heart.

My Thoughts

Rachel McMillan has done it again! Much like The London Restoration, her latest offering, The Mozart Code, is an incredibly well written book - so rich in history with clever tales of espionage, combined with a wonderfully moving romance. 

‘I often wonder if men do not revel in the carnage of war because it allows them to rebuild the world to suit whatever utopia they imagine. They can ascribe their own traits and philosophies in the reconstruction of devastation. They can compose, as it were.’

Although a standalone novel set in post World War II entering into the Cold War, it does commence shortly after The London Restoration. This time around Rachel gives her readers the story of Simon Barre and Sophie Villiers, who are both now working as operatives in Vienna after World War II. I adored The London Restoration and believe reading this first book would be beneficial to the overall backstory of this world Rachel has so meticulously presented, giving readers a deeper appreciation and immersion. 

‘As if each city had chosen human portals through which to whisper their secrets … in a city of spies, shadows met every corner and crept over every wall.’

The Mozart Code tells the tale of spies in Vienna after WWII due to the seeming threat of communism. This is a well crafted mystery highlighting the division and corruption in both Vienna and Prague combined with the much sought after recovery of relics and treasures thought to have perhaps been lost during the war. Rachel tells the story of a sinister underworld and the incredible danger faced in trying to find answers. 

It is also a romance with the chemistry between Simon and Sophie simmering away over many years and circumstances, they now find themselves bringing it to the boil. Although in a marriage of convenience, their history dictates a far deeper relationship. Just like the spy saga, their relationship is complex and unpredictable but similarly proving to be a rich and rewarding read. 

“We’ve been like a string of dynamite burning for years and it’s finally reached the end of its fuse.”

Although some readers claim to get a little lost in both the depth and breadth of detail, I have nothing but praise for Rachel’s writing talent. Her use of language is sublime with everything from the vibrant imagery of the darkened Vienna streets to the smouldering tension and unspoken words between Simon and Sophie. 

Much like The London Restoration oozed Rachel’s love of all things British, The Mozart Code is like a companion love story to both Vienna and Prague with the addition of Mozart and music. If you love quality European historical fiction, spy stories, romantic thrillers then look no further. 

“You’re not in love with me, you know.” Simon straightened. “I don’t recall telling you I was in love with you.” He had long since determined that the word would send her far from his orbit. “Just a look there. You got all misty and far away. We’ll make it a rule. Never say it to me and I won’t say it to you.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.