Book Review: A Citizen of the Country

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

A Citizen of the Country     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Sarah Smith
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Baron Alexander von Reisden # 3
Ballantine, Aug 2000, $24.95, 432 pp.

There is a dark foreboding of change is in the air, leaving a state of uneasiness settling throughout Europe in 1911. To restrain Germany, France and Russia have formed an alliance. However, Germany will go to any length to destroy that pact. The enigmatic Baron Alexander Von Reisden owns the very advanced mental institution, Jouvet. Though Alexander is running from his own past, his patient files contains information that would shatter the Franco-Russian agreement.

As valuable as that data seems, the Germans seek something else at this moment. At Montfort Manor in Northeast France, the owner, a war hero, is doing extensive remodeling. The Germans want to know what secrets are being concealed beneath the walls of the chatelaine. They try to blackmail Alex into obtaining the buried “treasures”. Alex will do whatever he needs to do to fulfill his role in destiny.

Although A CITIZEN OF THE COUNTRY is the final volume of a historical fiction trilogy (see THE VANISHED CHILD and KNOWLEDGE OF WATER), the novel remains an excellent stand-alone tale. The story line combines suspense, character analysis, and drama into an exciting thriller. Cast members from the previous stories return as more of their personal histories are revealed and the author provides hints as to their futures. As with her first two novels, Sarah Smith has written a notable book that will provide her much acclaim.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner