THE GIRL AND THE GRAVEDIGGER (The Gravedigger #2) by Oliver Pötzsch and translated by Lisa Reinhardt will be released on February 24, 2026, by HarperVia.
Inspector Leopold von Herzfeldt teams up with gravedigger Augustin Rothmayer following the discovery of a mummified Egyptologist Alfons Strössner at Vienna’s Museum of Art History. Some people believe that Strössner and his former (also deceased) colleagues are the victims of an Egyptian curse. Meanwhile, Leopold’s boss demands he give up the investigation into the death since the Archduke Rainer Ferdinand may be indirectly involved. Instead, Leopold is supposed to focus on a serial killer who is murdering male prostitutes and leaving dismembered their body parts across Vienna. His girlfriend, Julia Wolf—who works as a police photographer—is more concerned with the violent death of a zookeeper. An African chief who is on display in the zoo’s 'ethnic' exhibit has been charged with the murder, but Julia is convinced the man is innocent.
THE GIRL AND THE GRAVEDIGGER is a great follow up to THE GRAVEDIGGER’S ALMANAC. While the pacing is slow and there is a lack of emotional depth, it is a very interesting story. The different investigations weave together into a compelling story. The personal lives of Leopold, Julie, and Augustin also add to the narrative. I especially enjoyed all the facts about ancient Egypt and mummification.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.