Franz Theodor Csokor's 'Schuß in's Geschäft' introduces us to Detective Otto Eißler. The story begins with a jarring discovery: a successful businessman is found murdered in his private office. The window is shut, and the door was locked from the inside. It's the perfect puzzle—a crime that shouldn't have been possible.

The Story

Eißler isn't a flashy detective. He's methodical, observing the small details others miss. His investigation takes him into the heart of Viennese business life. He interviews the victim's nervous partner, a grieving family with hidden tensions, and employees who might know more than they say. Every person has a secret, and every secret could be a motive. The locked room is the central problem, and Eißler must piece together a timeline and a method that makes sense, all while the pressure to solve the case mounts.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't just a clever puzzle. Csokor, writing in the 1920s, captures a world on the brink of change. The formal manners, the rigid class structures, the importance of reputation—it all feels real. Eißler has to work within this social framework, understanding that a business ledger can be as revealing as a bloodstain. The pleasure comes from watching him quietly connect the dots. The solution is satisfying because it relies on human psychology and the specific setting, not on gimmicks.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who love classic, plot-driven mysteries and have an interest in historical fiction. If you enjoy the logical deductions of early detectives and appreciate a strong, atmospheric setting, you'll feel right at home with Otto Eißler. It's a short, focused novel that proves a good mystery is timeless. Think of it as a sophisticated escape into another time, with a puzzle that will keep you guessing until the end.