Rating: 
Summary: A Classy and Intelligent Letdown
Review: I usually loathe mysteries but I love Vienna and The Fig Eater seemed to be something special so I decided to give it a chance.This very detailed and classy book has obviously been meticulously researched. Although some readers might find all the detail of police procedure, Vienna, Viennese life and Hungarian folklore just "too much," I adored it and thought it added much to the story's atmosphere. The author almost created a "gem" with the character of Erszebet. I say "almost" because Shields really doesn't let us get to know Erszebet, she never makes us privy to her deepest thoughts and emotions and so we're kept at arm's length. I really wanted to get to know this fascinating woman (the best thing about this book), but Shields just wouldn't let me. Although the character development left a little to be desired, plot is where this book really falls short. It is very slow-paced, but that, in itself, didn't bother me one bit. What did, was the fact that we're often led in one direction without ever knowing why in the world we're headed there...or why we change course when we do. The ending of the book is a complete letdown. The identity of the killer was obvious almost from the beginning of the book, but even this wouldn't have been so bad had Shields not set us up for something she never delivers, then left so many loose threads dangling. While The Fig Eater is a classy and intelligent narrarive (hence, my four-stars), the author's superb prose style simply can't make up for her less-than-satisfying storytelling skills. Jody Shields is a wonderful writer, however, and I wouldn't hesitate to give her one more try, especially if she creates a book with the fascinating Erszebet as the central character. This book was entertaining even if it did, in the final analysis, fail to satisfy completely.
Rating: 
Summary: Clever Concept-Disappointing Result
Review: This book's cover along with its catchy title enticed me to buy and read it. The unusual portrait on the front and the intriguing summary on the back raised my expectations. The writer's source of inspiration was revealed to be a historical figure, one of Freud's patients. By virtue of her association with this most famous psychiatrist, Dora's personal life and problems were destined to become forever famous. I was curious to know more about her. Unfortunately, most of the pages inside those book covers proved disappointing. Starting this unique suspense novel with no further knowledge of the real Dora, I finished it wondering why the misleading reference to Freud- who never makes an appearance in this novel- was so emphasized (to sell the book?). Although I found the well researched descriptions of life in Vienna interesting and the characters unusual, the book lacked cohesiveness. The novel's plot development, as with many other mystery stories, let me down in the usual manner. Most of the well developed details turned out ultimately to be false leads . Even clues such as the unusual title and bizarre episodes including a posthumous corpse mutilation which seemed very significant proved ultimately to have little relevance in solving the " who done it " mystery. They together with so many other clues were trips down blind alleys...I had so very much wanted all those tantalizing puzzle tidbits the author threw out to finally fit together . I couldn't make that happen but unfortunately, neither could the author.
This book contrasts the rational mystery solving approach of a very systematic and cerebral investigator with the intuitive approach of the detective's wife, Erszebet. . As she plays amateur detective she proves to be a silent rival, intent on outsmarting her spouse at his chosen profession . Erszebet's thought processes are dominated by many obsessive and despite their colorful origins-boring superstitions. These subsequently determine the course of her actions.. I will leave it to you to guess whether reason or superstition resolves this murder mystery. The ending seemed simplistic and highly disappointing after all the buildup. The poetic justice achieved in the concluding act appeared to be just too neatly contrived. That final fantasy scene failed to even render the reader the usual satisfaction one feels when good triumphs over evil. Questions were raised during that last episode which cast doubts as to whether this even was a murder case after all! (How can you gloat if it really was an accident? )
This book with its visually interesting graphic images has great potential for adaptation as a screenplay. It could make a colorful, interesting, and very watchable television mystery period piece. As great literature it falls far short.
Rating: 
Summary: SUPERSTITION,MURDER AND VIENNA IN 1910
Review: A MESMERIZING AND ENGROSSING NOVEL OF THE VANISHED AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN CAPITAL CITY. METHODICAL PROTO MODERN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION BY"THE INSPECTOR"WHILE UNBEKNOWNST TO HIM HIS HUNGARIAN WIFE ALSO RACES TO SOLVE THE MURDER OF A YOUNG WOMAN IN THIS FASCINATING GILDED METROPOLIS. HIS WIFE HAS THE ADVANTAGE WITH HER BACKGOUND IN THE OCCULT FROM HER CHILDHOOD AND KNOWLEDGE OF GYPSY LORE. AN ALTOGETHER THOUGHT PROVOKING ENTERTAINMENT
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I thought the premise of this book sounded very interesting. I was really disappointed. The constant shifting of verb tense was distracting and the plot points never really came together. I forced myself to finish the book because I wanted to find out what happened. Unfortunately, the ending is quite a let down; it resolves very few of the questions and issues introduced throughout the book.
Rating:
Summary: Very interesting
Review: Perhaps if you've read "The Alienist" and then every single copycat that came out after it, you'd find this story a bit dull, but if you haven't, this is a very intriguing mystery. I particularly enjoyed the fact that we see both traditional detective work, performed by the nameless Inspector, and the more amateur investigations of his wife, Erszebet. The only thing that keeps me from giving this novel 5 stars is that it leaves a few loose ends. We find out who-dunit, but not other details that are also very interesting.
Rating:
Summary: Index Cards
Review: Ms Shields packed this book full of odd facts, however, she forgot to develope her characters so the reader would care about any of them. After reading this novel in a book group, it was generally agreed that Jody had done her Masters Thesis on Viennese KafeHauses. Things happened for no apparent reason other than she an index card with a fascinating fact that just had to get in the book. All the male characters had major character flaws, or where maimed. The real Dora must have had a brother, and Jodie felt compelled to put him in the story but didn't work to hard at it. Ms Shields being an editor for DETAILS mag I foolishly thought she might have given fashion of the day more than a glossing over. Gloss is an excellent word to describe this book. I believe it would have been a better book if the editor had been stronger that the author and made her do the work.
Rating:
Summary: S---L----O----W
Review: It starts out intriguingly but then goes nowhere so slowly.....It has lots of nice historical touches, but none of the suspense and pacing that a great mystery requires. I think this was her first novel, and it shows.
Rating:
Summary: unzufrieden
Review: I was intrigued until the end. I thought, `I have no idea who did it,' only to discover, neither did the author!
Rating:
Summary: Hated It....
Review: This is one of the very few books I absolutely could not get through (a rarity for me). By the time I had reached the middle, enough was enough and I put it aside. Though I will admit to peeking at the end to find out "whodunnit", I can't say I was particularly surprised at the outcome (seemed predictable to me; I had my suspicions of that character at the outset). What did bother me was the continual references to the occult, witchcraft, etc. Erzebet seemed to change from sweet to evil; but the characters in general were too flat to be bothered with. Overall, the narrative description was well-researched but, ultimately boring. I have no intention of finishing this book and wish I hadn't paid the money for it. A true example of not being able to judge a book by its cover.
Rating:
Summary: A slow and painful read
Review: I just finished reading this book today after weeks of forcing myself to make it to the end and I must say that I was very, very sorry that I wasted my time. I closed the book thinking "maybe I just didn't get it". But after reading other people's comments about it, I realized I was not alone in my confusion or disappointment. I will agree with most and say that the book does offer an interesting and captivating look into historical Vienna and early criminal investigative techniques. Shields is also very skilled at painting a picture of people and places with her detailed descriptions. However, I also have to agree with the majority who expressed dismay at the sometimes overly descriptive nature of her work and the major let down that is the end of the book and resolution of the mystery. Another source of annoyance was the author's habit of dropping foreign words (I'm fairly sure they were Italian) into the text and not following them up with a translation. I found this to be extremely frustrating because I don't speak Italian, no one I know speaks Italian and quite frankly I don't think that I should have to carry around an Italian-English dictionary just to get through a book. So, all in all, I would not recommend this novel.
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