Dollycas's Thoughts

Jane Wunderly and her beau Mr. Redvers arrive back in the States so Redvers can meet her father. But her archeologist father isn't home and hasn't been there for a while. Jane finds some concerning mail from their bank and after checking in with her father's housekeeper she learns he is off on one of his missions.

Jane and Redvers embark on another journey, this time to Istanbul formerly known as Constantinople to try to find her father and get some answers. They are met by Aunt Millie who tells them her father is on a quest to find a legendary relic from the Ottoman Empire - the lost heart of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. It is said to have mystical powers. She has no idea where he actually is but that he had left his belongings behind and didn't check out from the hotel.

Jane will do anything to find her father and after a little investigating, she learns her father probably was headed to Budapest. She, Redvers, Millie, Lord Hughes, and a couple of locals continue their journey boarding the Orient Express knowing they are probably being followed.

Will they survive the trip and find her father? or will they be too late?

_____

I really enjoy traveling the world with Jane and Redvers and we were treated to some very interesting destinations this time including a ride on the Orient Express. Ms. Neubauer always gives wonderful details to help her readers clearly envision each city and the sites that Jane visits. Since I will never actually travel to these far-off places this makes me very happy.

Jane and Redvers continue to grow closer but when they are tracking down Jane's father romance takes a backseat even though they are traveling as husband and wife. Something Aunt Millie isn't happy about but she tries to stay focused on finding her brother. I love that Lord Hughes truly loves Millie and knows how to handle her and keep her very happy. I found it interesting to get another peek into Redver's past when we met some "friends" he made the last time he was in that part of the world. The four of them "work" well together. I laughed at how Redvers and Jane came up with things for Millie to do, usually as far away from them as they could get. When we catch up with Henry, Jane's father, he is just what I expected and the interactions between him and his daughter are priceless.

This mystery is very well-plotted with a lot of moving parts. Others were trying to find the lost heart of Suleiman and were following Jane and Redvers most of the time. They did do their best to lose those tails but it never lasted long. The entire story was like a game of cat and mouse right up until the end. Jane did make an unwise move during their travels that I was surprised by after all the danger around their adventure. And I believe because the search was for her father was second-guessing herself a lot about everything.

Intrigue in Istanbul was a very entertaining mystery that kept me engaged from start to finish. I am very excited to travel again with Jane and Redvers in Secrets of a Scottish Isle which will be released March 26, 2024.

3 1/2 stars for this one. I honestly feel like this one was the weakest of the 4 Jane Wunderly books so far. I didn't like Millie and Lord Hughes being there, and the inclusion of Maral and Ekram Bey later gave the whole adventure the feel of a school field-trip. Maybe it's just me but I just didn't enjoy this book as well as I did the last one.

Jane Wunderly is a wonderful heroine. Enough baggage to make her real without coming across as whiny. Plenty of spunk for a woman of the 1920s. Her adventures with the mysterious Brit (she's American, living abroad) Redvers, are romantic and filled with danger. She proved herself resourceful and funny. This story, centers on a brief trip back to the states then a return to faraway places (Istanbul and Hungary), Jane seems to second guess everything she says, does, and her relationships seemed to get in the way of what could have been filled with the intrigue of the novel's title. Plenty of suspects, a good mystery. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

I have followed this series from the start, and I am not sure there is going to be another, but I think I am satisfied with the point at which this particular installment wraps up.
In the previous three books, we saw our leading lady find new hope in life as well as some dead bodies in each book. Her aunt finds a new lease on life, and although Jane hopes that that would mean they can go their separate ways, it does not necessarily work out that way.
Jane takes her new fiance to her father's to talk of their upcoming nuptials, but she finds him missing and in dire money issues. This search leads her to Istanbul and, from there, to a final discovery, amongst other things.
The adventure was interesting but not as engrossing as I expected it to be.
There is enough action in this, as well as chase scenes, to push this into a more active mystery category. I was just not as invested in the final reveal as I hoped to be. I like the author's writing style, and the time that the story is set in has some additional titbits about the ways of the world in the 1920s.
I would recommend this series to fans of historical mysteries with enterprising female leads.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Intrigue in Istanbul by Erica Ruth Neubauer is a thrilling historical mystery set in Istanbul in 1926. The story follows Jane and Mr. Redvers as they follow the footsteps of Jane’s archaeologist father, who has mysteriously disappeared while on a mission to find the lost heart of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. As they unravel clues and face danger along the way, Jane realizes she is being pursued by unknown individuals who will stop at nothing to prevent her from solving the mystery.

What starts as a straightforward investigation quickly becomes an international game of cat and mouse, with Jane encountering suspicious characters everywhere from Turkey to Hungary. Even her trusted friends may not be what they seem. With very few leads, Jane’s search for her father uncovers ancient secrets and reveals an unidentified enemy who poses a significant threat.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Firstly, I must mention that the cover is stunning and immediately captures your attention. This was my first experience with Erica Ruth Neubauer’s writing and the first book I have read in this series, but it worked well as a standalone novel. The writing style was superb, holding my interest throughout. The setting of 1920s Istanbul was vividly depicted and added depth to the story. The pacing was excellent, keeping me engaged from start to finish. The plot was gripping and full of twists that kept me guessing until the end.

The characters were likable and well-developed, making it easy to root for them as they faced various challenges. I particularly enjoyed Jane’s determination and resourcefulness in her quest to find her father. Mr. Redvers provided wholehearted support as a sidekick character.

Overall, Intrigue in Istanbul is an intriguing historical mystery that will keep readers captivated from beginning to end. I am looking forward to diving into the next book in this series and exploring more of Erica Ruth Neubauer’s work.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

Intrigue in Istanbul is a delightful cozy mystery that will take you on the Orient Express to Istanbul. The heroine, Jane Wunderley, is an older widow who is about to embark on a new life with her fiance, the debonair Redvers. However, when they arrive in Boston, where Jane intends to introduce her fiance to her father, they find him gone. Jane and Redvers track her father to Istanbul., and they soon find themselves caught up in a web of intrigue. There are shady characters everywhere they turn, and it seems like everyone has something to hide. Jane's increasing worry for her father's safety keep them on the trail. Intrigue in Istanbul is a well-written and engaging mystery. The characters are likable and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns. The setting is also beautifully described, and I felt like I was right there with Jane and Redvers as they traveled to each new city. I highly recommend Intrigue in Istanbul. It's a fun and heartwarming read that you won't want to put down.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This intriguing historical cozy mystery by Erica Ruth Neubauer brings the engaging Jane Wunderly back with her handsome Redvers to solve another mystery. This time, Jane's father is missing and they must find him before the family loses their home. I love all of the different settings for each of Jane's adventures and with all of the twists and turns I didn't figure out whodunnit until the very end. I can't wait to find out what Jane and Redvers will be up to in the next book!

It’s 1926, and in the fourth of the Jane Wunderly mysteries, Jane and fiancé Redvers have returned to America to tell Jane’s professor father of their engagement. But he’s not there and the resourceful pair discover he’s gone to Istanbul in search of the lost heart of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. This Ottoman Empire relic is supposed to have mystical powers, but it had disappeared into history.

Jane and Redvers head to Istanbul where they meet up with Jane’s Aunt Millie and her beloved…and the news Jane’s father has vanished, leaving behind his luggage and little clue to his whereabouts.

Jane and Redvers dig in and trace her father’s path, tracking him to Hungary. They follow on the Orient Express. But they aren’t the only people searching for Professor Wunderly and a dangerous showdown ensues.

Erica Ruth Neubauer takes you to the mid-1920s with great description and a clear affinity for the period. The author does not disappoint in this latest Jane Wunderly mystery and I look forward to the next in the series.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for honest feedback.

This series is a nice one to follow, with this book being book 4. I love the destinations Ms. Neubauer takes us on; the stories have good plots.

This book, set in Istanbul, had a good storyline, but I just found myself all over the place with it. Missing father, missing money, and the heart of Suleiman. All except the money are found.... but with the latter's discovery, the money is a nonissue. I did not expect the ending - I did not see it.

I wish I could have given the book 4 stars, but something was missing. Please give this book a try. It's a good read, just not the best in the series for me.

This was one of my favorite new series. I love Jane Waverly and Mr Redvers. I think Erica Ruth Neubauer writes a good historical mystery. However, I did not like this one. It seemed to be lacking some of the panache that the previous books had. While I loved the setting, Istanbul and then Budapest, I didn’t like the mystery of Jane’s missing father. I don’t know why this mystery didn’t work for me. The look into Turkey and Hungry in that time period (1926) was definitely the best part for me.
I will definitely read the next one when it comes out. I recommend this book for anyone who likes historical mysteries, especially with a travel element. I personally gave this book 3.5 stars. I will continue to recommend this series. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the free Advanced Reader’s Copy.

Historical mystery set in and around Istanbul in 1926.

Jane Wunderly and her new fiancé, Redvers, are on a mission to track down her father before their row house in the USA is repossessed by the bank. Her father is abroad, apparently determined to find an ancient Ottoman relic — the lost heart of Sultan Suleiman. Unfortunately, they can’t find Jane’s father and are being stalked and watched as they travel from Turkey to Hungary in search of Henry. Jane and Redvers are joined in their adventures by her Aunt Millie and Lord Hughes. Another surprise for Jane awaits along with danger on the Orient Express.

This was the 4th in series and the first I’ve read. I admit I wasn’t enamored with the characters and find Jane quite irritating for several reasons — mostly she seemed immature. I doubt I will go back to the beginning installment and not sure if I will read another in the future. The details about the places and such were interesting, but the story just was not that exciting or compelling and very predictable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Thanks to Kensignton & Net Galley for this ARC. The first in this series was great! The second was a let down, the third was a lot better but then this fourth novel seemed to be going goo d but the ending was such an anticlimax. Hoping if there is a book five its picks up and sticks all the way through.

Erica Ruth Neubauer involves Jane Wunderley in another hazardous adventure with her fiance Mr. Redvers. Her father has taken off for Istanbul in pursuit of the heart of Sulieman the Magnificent and loses all his savings. As Jane searches for her father and the missing funds she discovers he has absconded to Hungary. What could go wrong as they take the Orient Express to Budapest? Non stop adventure in 1926.

I was kind of looking forward to meeting Jane's father, Professor Henry Wunderly, and spending some time stateside in Boston. But quickly we learn that Henry is off on a long-time hunt for the Heart of the Sultan. Jane and Redvers follow, as Henry has left a note on the house almost expire as he attempted to fund his trip. Joined by Aunt Millie and Lord Hughes, the pair head directly to Istanbul, where secrets seem to be a way of life. The descriptions of the area are outstanding. I felt like the Cistern, the markets, even the Turkish coffee were pictorial rather than words. I loved the nod to Christie when they board the Orient Express to head to Budapest. This continues to be a great series; I recommend checking it out.

Intrigue in Istanbul by Erica Ruth Neubauer is the fourth book in A Jane Wunderly Mystery series.

What I really enjoy about this series is that the plot is set in different setting in every book. Readers always get to learn facts about particular places which makes the story more believable and doubles the pleasure of reading

As the name implies it is set in Istanbul which was particularly interesting to me as I could compare my own impression with the authors.

The story is well presented and laid out.
Characters constantly grow and develop and some of side persons reapear in each installment. They are likeable and interesting, intelligent and pleasure to read about.
It is steady paced and easy to read, Chapters are not too long.
The mystery is satisfactorily resolved and explained.

It made me wish I could go back to Istanbul! It's another well plotted and entertaining mystery. I was glad to catch up with the characteres and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Fun, fascinating, and fast-paced historical mystery. The words just flowed on the page - which kept me entranced from the first page until the last. I adore Jane and Redvers and their adventures. And the authors' descriptions of the people and places our sleuthing couple visited were so well-written, I could easily picture the scenes and imagine myself there.
I eagerly await the next book in this series. Oh! I also need to mention how much I LOVE the book covers. They are so eye-catching and well done.

Many thanks to Kensigton Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Jane Wunderly is back in America, anxious to let her father know that she is engaged to be married. Too bad Henry isn't home. Especially startling, he's taken out a large sum of money against the family home and then left the country. Jane and Redvers take off after him as soon as possible, heading to Istanbul. Her aunt Millie and Millie's fiancee travel overseas as well.
Once in Instanbul, Jane meets several people who know her father, some of them very unexpected and one of whom ends up dead. It will be up to Jane to figure out why her father left, what he's looking for, and who among the people calling themselves his friends can be trusted.
This seemed a little more serious than I remembered but an enjoyable book overall.

Four stars
This book comes out March 28, 2023
Follows Danger on the Atlantic
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Absolutely delightful read! It is a perfect edition to the series. The setting and characters are interesting and exciting. I can't wait for the next one!

The fourth installment of the series takes place in 1926, traveling from Boston to Istanbul to Hungary. Jane is worried when she arrives in Boston with her fiancée, Redvers, and her father is missing. Since her father has traveled extensively as a professor, she soon discovers he went to Istanbul. I really enjoyed Redvers and Jane’s relationship in the earlier books, but felt it was a bit too toned down in this one. I liked it but hope the next one revives the fun and nuance in that relationship. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.